1812

The Rivers of War (Trail of Glory, Book 1)

By: Eric Flint

Narrated by: Franklin Pierson

Length: 22 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

MASTER OF ALTERNATE HISTORY ERIC FLINT TAKES ON JACKSONIAN AMERICA

In this alternate history of the American frontier and the Jacksonian era, a small change takes place in the Battle of the Horseshoe Bend during the War of 1812. What results is a cascade of new developments that becomes an avalanche. In our world, Ensign Sam Houston, just turned 21, led the charge on the creek barricade in that battle and almost died from a terrible wound that took him a year to recover from. In this world, his wound is minor, so he is able to continue fighting the British—and develop his close relationship with Andrew Jackson much sooner.

Along with a radical Scots-Irish immigrant in the U.S. army, Patrick Driscoll—one of “the Men of ’98”—Houston organizes a defense of the U.S. Capitol that prevents the British from destroying it and makes him a national hero. He and Driscoll then play a central role in the defense of New Orleans under Jackson's command. They change the course of that battle in ways that will, over time, transform the relationship between the United States, the Indian tribes of the south, and the slaves brought over from Africa.

©2022 Eric Flint (P)2022 Recorded Books

Too heavy on discussion of prejudices

I found this book interesting. I listened to Flint's book one in the Ring of Fire series and really enjoyed that. This book was a little different. The characters were great. I'm a bit of a history nut, so I kept trying to see where the "alternate" history was included. I did see at the end where it was headed, so OK. Personally, I prefer seeing the event that changed everything then watching to see the consequences.
The characters were great. The were interesting and very well developed, although I kept getting confused between the male Cheyenne characters as to which was which.
The issue raised by Flint regarding how the different races see one another and how different people treat different groups of people are important issues to consider. My biggest issue with this story is that Flint kept pounding away on those issues. While important, so was the story.

At the end, Flint was talking about being unable to create an alternate history where the Native Americans changed their history. I think that could be done and in a semi-believable way. Remember that we are willing to go with the premise as long as a "logical" (not necessarily possible) change in history were to occur. I would be difficult, simply because of the numbers involved, but it could still be an interesting story.

An excellent start to a new Series

Eric Flint has once again struck gold. Unlike his 1632 series, there is no time travel in this alt history. Just the severity of an Arrow wound and how it changed history.
I love how accurate the research is on each of the characters in the story was. Their odd character flaws and contradictions of beliefs are on full display along with their great achievements.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

A fully engaging telling of a well thought out story which feels authentic. Highly recommended.

Terrific !

This series is one of my favorites . I read this when it first came out . Now I get to listen to it and it’s a little better than I remembered . I admit being able to listen to this all in one day is incredible . It’s worth the cost and the time .