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tarmstrong112's review
4.0
Another enjoyable addition to The Starbuck Chronicles, although I enjoyed this book less than the previous two. It was just missing something that made the first two books incredible examples of Civil War fiction. That being said, this was still a good book with a solid story and I am interested in the character development that has taken place. Looking forward to the next book.
usbsticky's review against another edition
2.0
I liked Cornwell's Sharpe and Grail Quest series and that's why I started this one. Spoilers ahead: The setting of this series is the American Civil War and follows a Northerner who fights for the South due to his friendship with a Southerner and that he's also estranged from his family.
The things that Cornwell do are great job of is all here: the setting, the history and the action scenes. He usually inserts his characters into history so we can follow along from a boots on the ground point of view. He also does a great job of writing a sympathetic character and supporting cast that I love to follow.
The things I don't like are elements of conflicts and villains who put the protagonist into a bad situation which the then has to crawl out of.
Another thing I noticed like that from the Sailing series is that the plot line usually not what I think it would be.
I'm halfway through the 3rd book in the series now and I decided not to finish it. I decided to do this because Cornwell has inserted 2 other point of view narrations into this book. I dislike that because it's like reading 3 different books. I follow one story and next chapter I have to switch mental gears and follow another story. And I have to read two more plot lines before getting into the one I like. I also dislike the addition of another villain because I never liked them in the first place.
It's just more characters and plots to confuse an originally fairly linear story. I found myself fast reading and then skipping one of the plot lines because I wasn't vested in it and also because it tries to advance the historical narrative through dialog, which is the most painful and unnatural way to do it, i.e. people speaking to each other to describe a historical event.
Overall I've found Cornwell to be one of the most versatile and best authors I've found but I'm going to give him a break and read something else.
The things that Cornwell do are great job of is all here: the setting, the history and the action scenes. He usually inserts his characters into history so we can follow along from a boots on the ground point of view. He also does a great job of writing a sympathetic character and supporting cast that I love to follow.
The things I don't like are elements of conflicts and villains who put the protagonist into a bad situation which the then has to crawl out of.
Another thing I noticed like that from the Sailing series is that the plot line usually not what I think it would be.
I'm halfway through the 3rd book in the series now and I decided not to finish it. I decided to do this because Cornwell has inserted 2 other point of view narrations into this book. I dislike that because it's like reading 3 different books. I follow one story and next chapter I have to switch mental gears and follow another story. And I have to read two more plot lines before getting into the one I like. I also dislike the addition of another villain because I never liked them in the first place.
It's just more characters and plots to confuse an originally fairly linear story. I found myself fast reading and then skipping one of the plot lines because I wasn't vested in it and also because it tries to advance the historical narrative through dialog, which is the most painful and unnatural way to do it, i.e. people speaking to each other to describe a historical event.
Overall I've found Cornwell to be one of the most versatile and best authors I've found but I'm going to give him a break and read something else.
alexctelander's review against another edition
3.0
In this third book of the Nathaniel Starbuck series by bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, our hero has recently been made a captain in the confederate army, after the successful victory at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. But this brigade commander from Rebel, General Washington Falconer, returns to cause problems for Starbuck. While battles rage with Confederates against Yankees, a new battle begins between two long-standing enemies, making one of the most decisive battle of the American Civil War, the Second Battle of Manassas, all the more vehement.
Originally published on November 4th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Originally published on November 4th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
beejai's review against another edition
2.0
The series is starting to lag.
I am not a fan of the addition of the character "Lucifer". While I like him, I have to shut my brain off to accept the circumstances of his appearance and continued role with the legion.
The same is true with Rev. Starbuck. He worked much better as a background character and the more prominent role he plays here forces me to suspend disbelief. Beyond that, Bernard Cornwell's anti-Christian bias comes more to the fore and the religious views of pretty much every character are neither fair nor realistic. He simply plays to stereotypes and tropes.
I love much of BC's work but this book is a disappointment. If this were the first book in the series I would not have bothered to finish. Hopefully, the final book will finish stronger than this weak contribution to the series.
I am not a fan of the addition of the character "Lucifer". While I like him, I have to shut my brain off to accept the circumstances of his appearance and continued role with the legion.
The same is true with Rev. Starbuck. He worked much better as a background character and the more prominent role he plays here forces me to suspend disbelief. Beyond that, Bernard Cornwell's anti-Christian bias comes more to the fore and the religious views of pretty much every character are neither fair nor realistic. He simply plays to stereotypes and tropes.
I love much of BC's work but this book is a disappointment. If this were the first book in the series I would not have bothered to finish. Hopefully, the final book will finish stronger than this weak contribution to the series.
tamaranr's review against another edition
5.0
Great read about the Second Manassas. Starbuck is a fun, educational read and rivals Michael Shaara.
alexctelander's review
3.0
In this third book of the Nathaniel Starbuck series by bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, our hero has recently been made a captain in the confederate army, after the successful victory at the Battle of Cedar Mountain. But this brigade commander from Rebel, General Washington Falconer, returns to cause problems for Starbuck. While battles rage with Confederates against Yankees, a new battle begins between two long-standing enemies, making one of the most decisive battle of the American Civil War, the Second Battle of Manassas, all the more vehement.
Originally published on November 4th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Originally published on November 4th, 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
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