I am a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell, and actually began enjoying his novels with the Starbuck series then the Sharpe books. A few years ago I listene..Show More »d to this book and was hooked immediately. It seems to me some writers struggle with creating a fictional story in a historical setting and remain accurate to the period. These writers can create good characters, but not describe historical events correctly or with correct props. For example the description of weapons, when a person inaccurately describes equipment used by the soldiers it takes me out of the story. On the other hand someone may be spot on with the historical descriptions, but may be lacking in character or story development. Cornwell does not suffer from either of these problems. The fact that he has done his research and based his writings off of historical data makes this book seem like it Starbuck was really alive and this was his biography.

I do have one problem with this version of the story, the reader. I have listened to the other version with the different narrator (this version can be found on Audible), and he gave the characters unique and individual voices. This narrator was not able to change his accent all that much and many of the characters sounded the same. It was just not as good as I remembered, and the only reason I bought this version was because it was on sale. I would recommend the other version and will be sure to get the rest of the series with that narrator.


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I am impressed with Bernard Cornwell's Civil War Novel. He has created a wonderful set of characters: lost seminary student Nate, eccentric Thaddeus ..Show More »Bird, war-torn, confused Adam and many other compelling people. Even though I knew the end of the story -- big spoiler: the North wins! -- I was still listening intently to find out the fate of these characters that Cornwell had made so real for me.
Tom Parker reads the story with great tones, emphasis and emotion. The excitement, sorrow or glory of the scenes are personified by Parker's reading.
The battle scenes are very detailed, vivid, the text teeming with realism. You can feel the texture of the cannons and hear the sounds of the rifles with Cornwell's words.
From what I've read, Cornwell is very accurate in his chronology and descriptions of the events. There is a lot to be learned from the book while it is still enjoyable listening. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good read (or listen!).

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A great listen! I've become a great fan of Bernard Cornwell. He has a wonderful ability to create believable characters and weave them into a fascinat..Show More »ing story, while making the history of the event come alive. His battlefield descriptions are brutally real. He vividly shows what war does to those involved - the raw fear, the incredible bravery and the trembling cowardice. I will listen to all of his books, and hope he keeps on writing for a long time.

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This is a great series from start to finish, fast paced and entertaining, great narration, fiction surrounded by history.

This entire series is a must read for anyone who enjoys a great novel and/or enjoys the civil war. Great writing and narration. Enjoy the entire serie..Show More »s.

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