Shiloh (Civil War Battles Series/James Reasoner, Bk 2)

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Summary: Reasoner's Civil War soap opera continues on the Mississippi
Review: "Shiloh," the second book in James Reasoner's "Civil War Battle Series," focuses primarily on Cory Brannon, the only member of the family we did not meet in the first volume. Cory is working as a wharf rat in New Madrid, Missouri when he becomes involved with Captain Zeke Farrell of the riverboat "Missouri Zephyr" and his lovely young daughter Lucille. Fleeing from abolitionist agitators and common thugs, the boat ends up in harm's way as Grant's Union forces move on the Confederate forts on the Tennessee River and then fight the book's title battle. Meanwhile, there are a few brief visits back east as Mac Brannon finally captures that stallion while the rest of the clan waits for the next novel.

Reasoner's Civil War soap opera is supposed to show the impact of the war on one family, the Brannons of Culpeper County, Virginia. The series title does these books a grave disservice because each "battle" pops up only briefly at the end, servicing as a backdrop for the personal problems and concerns of the book's characters. The main thrust of "Shiloh" is not the battle but Cory's adventures upon the river. You will not even find any tension regarding his love for Lucille, who simply loves him because that is simply the way this novel is written. Certainly Cory does not have any where near the problems of brother Titus back home. These books are easy reads and at this point in the series will not overly impress Civil War buffs.

Rating:
Summary: Shiloh by James Raesoner
Review: I enjoyed the book. (also the first in the series, Manassas) However I found the level of writing somewhat more suited for a " young adult" rather than an adult. Very weak on battle details, however I don't think the intent was to teach about the civil war, just entertain. Also a fairly predictable story line with obivious plot development.

Rating:
Summary: The Brannon Saga Continues
Review: In SHILOH, we meet Corey Brannon, the prodigal son of the clan, who has wandered westward to make his fortune. Instead, he is living hand-to-mouth on the Mississippi River docks of New Madrid, Missouri. However, his life is soon to change, as fate thrusts him into the politics and intrigues of abolitionists and secessionists.

Meantime, in Culpepper, Titus continues his pursuit of Polly Ebersole, daughter of the wealthiest planter in the county. Will is off with the Confederate Army, while Mac, the second eldest, will also soon, along with the mysterious wild stallion he's tamed, be fighting for the cause of the South.

As is the preceding volume in James Reasoner's The Civil War Battle Series, SHILOH is a gripping, action-packed tale. the reader's interest is maintained throughout, and while the outcomes of the battles are, of course, never in doubt, the author maintains a high level of tension, keeping the reader guessing as to who will or will not survive.