Jeff Shaara introduces a new Civil War trilogy with "A Blaze of Glory." Having read his World War I trilogy, I was excited to see him working with the tragedy of the American Civil War.

Shaara makes sure the reader understands the minds of the generals and the other officers. Although the primary generals were Grant for the North and Johnston for the South, we are introduced to the quirks of behavior and thinking in an array of other generals. In addition, Shaara brings in the common man, the infantry grunts who slog through the miserable rain and mud and know little of being in the army.

This is historical fiction. Shaara gives each man time to ruminate about his family, his thoughts of the death of thousands of soldiers, the pain of a small wound turning gangrenous.

The ARC of this novel leaves places for maps to be inserted. These maps will be very helpful. The momentum of battle, whether used for pushing outnumbered troops ahead or allowing a belief that the day is won to override all other thoughts, brings out the poignant and bloody ending.

Set in Tennessee, the Battle of Shiloh is one of three pivotal battles of "the West." Civil War buffs and lay readers should find the chess match chances taken and the role of the weather a compelling new look into this horrific battle.