Steve Malone's "Southing"
I just finished reading Steven Malone's new novel "Southing; Escape of the Rebels". Here is my review.
The Civil War is over. It has ended badly for the South. Facing the harsh realities of Reconstruction, and with the greater part of their livelihood destroyed, thousands of Confederates, both civilians and returning veterans have made a heart-wrenching decision. They will flee to Mexico or South America to attempt to rebuild their lives. Some are simply displaced members of a society that no longer exists. Others are alleged war criminals on the run from Federal troops. Against the background of this largely unreported chapter in American history, Steven Malone brings us his intriguing and action-filled novel Southing; Escape of the Rebels.
From diverse settings such as south-central Texas to New Orleans, Natchez, Galveston, and Matamoras, Mexico “fugitives” gather in an attempt to reunite their families and reach a ship that will help them to run the Yankee blockade. We again meet characters who first appeared in Malone’s earlier novel "Sideshow at Honey Creek" and are introduced to a new group of fleeing families.
The story is a bit difficult to follow in the beginning with the new characters and depiction of action in the various venues. Things, however, soon become much clearer as we become more familiar with the characters and their circumstances. Any early confusion quickly dissipates and the story is well-worth the journey as these diverse groups of characters begin to interact with each other. The action is hard-charging and does not let up.
As with Sideshow at Honey Creek, weather plays a key role – from soaking rain to the lung-choking heat and dust of Emperor Maximillian’s Mexico. So also do side characters such as Mexico’s rebel bands known as Jauristas, rogue bandits, and Maximillian’s occupying troops.
The story builds to a heart-pounding, and unexpected ending that will leave the reader both fulfilled and wanting more. I highly recommend this well-done sequel to "Sideshow at Honey Creek". It can be read as a stand-alone but I strongly recommend reading that novel first. I rate this book at solid, well-deserved four stars.
The Civil War is over. It has ended badly for the South. Facing the harsh realities of Reconstruction, and with the greater part of their livelihood destroyed, thousands of Confederates, both civilians and returning veterans have made a heart-wrenching decision. They will flee to Mexico or South America to attempt to rebuild their lives. Some are simply displaced members of a society that no longer exists. Others are alleged war criminals on the run from Federal troops. Against the background of this largely unreported chapter in American history, Steven Malone brings us his intriguing and action-filled novel Southing; Escape of the Rebels.
From diverse settings such as south-central Texas to New Orleans, Natchez, Galveston, and Matamoras, Mexico “fugitives” gather in an attempt to reunite their families and reach a ship that will help them to run the Yankee blockade. We again meet characters who first appeared in Malone’s earlier novel "Sideshow at Honey Creek" and are introduced to a new group of fleeing families.
The story is a bit difficult to follow in the beginning with the new characters and depiction of action in the various venues. Things, however, soon become much clearer as we become more familiar with the characters and their circumstances. Any early confusion quickly dissipates and the story is well-worth the journey as these diverse groups of characters begin to interact with each other. The action is hard-charging and does not let up.
As with Sideshow at Honey Creek, weather plays a key role – from soaking rain to the lung-choking heat and dust of Emperor Maximillian’s Mexico. So also do side characters such as Mexico’s rebel bands known as Jauristas, rogue bandits, and Maximillian’s occupying troops.
The story builds to a heart-pounding, and unexpected ending that will leave the reader both fulfilled and wanting more. I highly recommend this well-done sequel to "Sideshow at Honey Creek". It can be read as a stand-alone but I strongly recommend reading that novel first. I rate this book at solid, well-deserved four stars.
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