The Blood of Heroes

The 13-Day Struggle for the Alamo - and the Sacrifice That Forged a Nation

By: James Donovan

Narrated by: James Donovan

Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The Blood of Heroes is the gripping and definitive chronicle of the iconic battle that inspired a nation - a sweeping saga of 200 brave Americans who stood tall against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican force.

On February 23, 1836, a Mexican army thousands of soldiers strong attacked a group of roughly 200 Americans holed up in an abandoned mission just east of San Antonio, Texas. For nearly two weeks, the massive force lay siege to the makeshift fort, spraying its occupants with unremitting waves of musket and cannon fire. Then, on March 6th, at 5:30 A.M., the Mexican troops unleashed a final devastating assault: divided into four columns, they rushed into the Alamo and commenced a deadly hand-to-hand fight. The Americans, despite being hugely outnumbered, fought valiantly - for themselves and for a division of an independent Texas. In the end, they were all slaughtered.

Drawing upon newly available primary sources, The Blood of Heroes is the definitive account of this epic battle. Populated by larger-than-life characters - including Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis - it is a dynamic story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption.

©2012 James Donovan (P)2012 Hachette

good account

good account but improper pronunciation of Cavalry. Calvary was where Jesus was crucified.

Details of Texas history

Donovan does a great job of researching both sides of this battle and puts together a very detailed account of what likely really happened at the Alamo.

Best Book on the Alamo and Texas Revolution

I loved this book. This is one of the best books that I have listened on the Texas Revolution. Definitely a must if you love Texas History or are interested in the Alamo and the Texas Revolution.

You are put back in time

I thought this was going to be another book with nothing new about the Alamo, boy was I wrong!
This book is written as if you are with the Texans inside the Alamo listening to Travis, Crockett and Bowie along with the other defenders. Next your inside the Mexican ranks, trying to survive the march to Bexar. Your suddenly put inside Santa Ana’s room, planning for the attack. You can visualize the battle, feel the emotion. You experience the battles for Bexar, Alamo, Goliad and San Jacinto and the aftermaths! I don’t need anymore books on the Alamo, this book should be on the top of your Alamo library!

Countering false history

In this time of wokeness and propagandizers attempting to re-write history we need more authors that stand up with the truth.

Great history!

Gives some great details from both sides concerning details of the battle. The best example is the author's detailed research concerning the story of Travis and the line in the sand. After hearing both sides, I am convinced some type of drawing a line was done by Travis and a choice given. Maybe not like the movies but something like that. VERY IMPRESSED with the research done. No bias as so many of the revisionist historians that love trying to just show the bad in historical figures so this is one of the greatest even handed books on the subject.

Superlative Treasure

Knowing my interest in Texas history a friend presented me with this book. I am indebted to her. Had I possessed "The Blood of Heroes" while still having the pleasure of giving young students an introduction to Texas history I could have shared more details, suitable for ten year olds, to pique and enhance their interest in the story of our state's bloody and glorious creation. It is a superlative treasure.

Very enjoyable to listen to.

I enjoyed this book immensely. Follows up in the end with source references about key and controversial elements of the story. Well written and well read.

A good Alamo history

I am a huge fan of most military history. I am not from Texas, and the only Texas revolution and Alamo history I knew were from a brief bit in high school history. This book gives a lead up history to the battle, and tells a bit about the personal history of some of the more famous participants. The book also tells what happened after the siege of the Alamo and how the revolution all worked out.
The authors writing is pretty good and fairly easy to get through, however he does repeat himself in at least 3 or 4 separate instances. I think the book could have went through a little more editing.
All in all, Blood of Heroes is a good Alamo history, and a fairly entertaining read.

David Crockett is a truly fascinating character, I wish we had politicians like him today.

A Revelation

I'm a born and raised Texan. I never knew some of the details surrounding Texas' independence. This is a well written and told historical book.