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A Fine Line: The Beginning
Take a winding, mystical journey with William Thomas Healthaway II, a Union Solider, as he tries to make it through the battle at Pickett's Mill alive. The battle was brutal and treacherous. But William and the friends he picks up along the way; would soon find out that the war was less complicated and demanding in comparison to what they were about to experience just by being themselves. The "Crew" come together to face the biggest mystery of their lives; who they really are and their history. The line between coincidence and fate is tested in this entrancing tale of the supernatural and unknown.
246 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2012
65 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Brennan
8 books334 followersJ.C. Brennan is a happy wife, a proud mother of three, a grandmother, an academic scholar, and a multi-award-winning dark fantasy and horror writer.
Though her education helped her step beyond her small-town roots, Brennan’s heart remains deeply connected to her hometown. Her chilling tales have earned multiple awards from New Apple, Readers' Favorite, Literary Titan, Independent Authors Network, and Pinnacle Book Achievement, proving her dedication to the craft. Beyond writing, she’s also an expert seamstress and a skilled painter.
Now, Brennan is hard at work on her next dark fantasy adventure, weaving more stories that are sure to entertain readers. With each tale, she pushes the limits of imagination, leaving her mark on the world of dark fiction.
Though her education helped her step beyond her small-town roots, Brennan’s heart remains deeply connected to her hometown. Her chilling tales have earned multiple awards from New Apple, Readers' Favorite, Literary Titan, Independent Authors Network, and Pinnacle Book Achievement, proving her dedication to the craft. Beyond writing, she’s also an expert seamstress and a skilled painter.
Now, Brennan is hard at work on her next dark fantasy adventure, weaving more stories that are sure to entertain readers. With each tale, she pushes the limits of imagination, leaving her mark on the world of dark fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 2, 2016
Whether you’re for war or against it, we can all agree on one thing about it; it’s hell. But for one Union solider from the Civil War, William Thomas Healthaway II, the hell that he faces isn’t that bad. If you follow my reviews on here or on YouTube, then you are aware that I read Janet Brennan’s “Fine Line” series out of order. Even though that all books in the series stand great on their own, I highly recommend that you read this book first before referring to my other reviews of the later books. Once again, all books are great on their own but it’s always best to read from the beginning and once you read the beginning first, a lot of what you will read in the other books will make more sense.
We learn that Healthaway’s roots are actually from the South and that his family was actually for uniting as one people and not by separation by the color of one’s skin. I wasn’t totally shocked by this, not just because I read the other books but because I remember learning from History classes that there were many southerners that were supportive of abolishing slavery. Years later while fighting in the war, he meets up with a woman named Caroline who has the ability to read people’s minds. They later get married and when he goes back to fighting, he gets seriously injured but is saved by Cecil and Tyrone who have supernatural healing powers. Healthaway allows them to live with him and Caroline. They later meet up with some of Healthaway’s war buddies who also have special abilities and that’s when they become known as “The Crew”. They soon become face to face with something more dangerous than war. That’s when their powers are exposed and revealed to the world.
I really enjoyed the supernatural side of these stories but after reading this book, I really admired the character of William Healthaway a lot more than I did before. You are able to read some of his background in the other books but this one goes into more detail because it’s the beginning of the whole series. It’s like reading the human side of a superhero. We see how and why Healthaway became a supporter of equal rights and why he chose to fight for the union. I also like how Janet Brennan presented the historical side of this story. You can of course read about the Civil War in history books but reading it here, you really feel like you are actually there. This is almost like a personally diary of someone who actually lived it. Going back to my statement of why Healthaway doesn’t see war as bad as hell; well, it’s because he finds his wife and great friends during the war. That and they come across a situation much more harmful than the war itself. If you like this book, then you’re in for a real treat because this is only book number one of a great series.
We learn that Healthaway’s roots are actually from the South and that his family was actually for uniting as one people and not by separation by the color of one’s skin. I wasn’t totally shocked by this, not just because I read the other books but because I remember learning from History classes that there were many southerners that were supportive of abolishing slavery. Years later while fighting in the war, he meets up with a woman named Caroline who has the ability to read people’s minds. They later get married and when he goes back to fighting, he gets seriously injured but is saved by Cecil and Tyrone who have supernatural healing powers. Healthaway allows them to live with him and Caroline. They later meet up with some of Healthaway’s war buddies who also have special abilities and that’s when they become known as “The Crew”. They soon become face to face with something more dangerous than war. That’s when their powers are exposed and revealed to the world.
I really enjoyed the supernatural side of these stories but after reading this book, I really admired the character of William Healthaway a lot more than I did before. You are able to read some of his background in the other books but this one goes into more detail because it’s the beginning of the whole series. It’s like reading the human side of a superhero. We see how and why Healthaway became a supporter of equal rights and why he chose to fight for the union. I also like how Janet Brennan presented the historical side of this story. You can of course read about the Civil War in history books but reading it here, you really feel like you are actually there. This is almost like a personally diary of someone who actually lived it. Going back to my statement of why Healthaway doesn’t see war as bad as hell; well, it’s because he finds his wife and great friends during the war. That and they come across a situation much more harmful than the war itself. If you like this book, then you’re in for a real treat because this is only book number one of a great series.
April 11, 2015
A Fine Line is a fantasy novel set in the midst of The Civil War. The story follows the life of soldier William Healthaway and his family as they deal with their newfound supernatural powers. William’s quest begins when he’s injured during battle and is nursed back to health by Cecil and Tyrone, who have healing powers. Grateful for their help, William invites them to come live with him and his wife Caroline. As they set out for their journey home, they meet up with Buckner, Brimmount, and Fillmore; William’s friends from the war who join in on the trip. Along the way the group runs into trouble and one by one their powers emerge, testing their beliefs.
The author does a good job of vividly describing the history of The Civil War; at times you’ll feel yourself transported back to that period. She goes into great detail with everything from the scenery of the plantations to the small towns to hardships of battle.
The story has several suspenseful moments as they crew finds themselves in dangerous situations. It’s at these moments where the fantasy aspects of the novel come into play and the group’s powers emerge. As the group struggles with their newfound powers, they realize they were all meant to come together.
I fell in love with all the characters; one of my favorites was Fillmore who provided plenty of humor throughout the book. I loved the bond the group formed as they set out on the journey, when they finally arrived home William and Caroline were warm and gracious by inviting the group to live with them. You could see how much they cared about each other based on their interactions and as it was pointed out in the story, they weren’t friends they were family.
There was a couple of grammar mistakes in the book, but because the story was so good I was able to look past them.
If you're looking for a fantasy novel with a dash of history, great characters, and heartwarming aspects, then this book is for you.
The author does a good job of vividly describing the history of The Civil War; at times you’ll feel yourself transported back to that period. She goes into great detail with everything from the scenery of the plantations to the small towns to hardships of battle.
The story has several suspenseful moments as they crew finds themselves in dangerous situations. It’s at these moments where the fantasy aspects of the novel come into play and the group’s powers emerge. As the group struggles with their newfound powers, they realize they were all meant to come together.
I fell in love with all the characters; one of my favorites was Fillmore who provided plenty of humor throughout the book. I loved the bond the group formed as they set out on the journey, when they finally arrived home William and Caroline were warm and gracious by inviting the group to live with them. You could see how much they cared about each other based on their interactions and as it was pointed out in the story, they weren’t friends they were family.
There was a couple of grammar mistakes in the book, but because the story was so good I was able to look past them.
If you're looking for a fantasy novel with a dash of history, great characters, and heartwarming aspects, then this book is for you.
November 12, 2014
A Fine Line: The Beginning by J.C. Brennan is a story that follows one very special family for several generations. The family in question is affectionately named “the Crew”. When the reader meets them, the members of the Crew do not know anything about their supernatural skills and abilities that defy even the most outrageous of imaginations. The reader and the Crew find out together through page-turning nail-biting experiences.
As the book progress, the Crew, a hodge-podge group of people from different economic and ethnic backgrounds become a close knit family held together by one man, William Thomas Healthaway II. Who’s William? He’s a normal guy from a well-to-do Southern family. We meet him during the Civil War and he’s on not on the Confederate side! This is our first nice shock when introduced to this book and its characters.
William learned early on from his father that one’s plantation should be run as an extended family no matter one’s color, or creed. This is just one of the many positive sub-themes of A Fine Line. In addition, this book touches on the wholesomeness and strength that a strong family shares with each other. Another well-developed sub-theme is that if one accepts the stunning beauty of the Unknown, you must trust yourself and those around you.
To go into more depth about the story itself would be a definite spoiler. Yet, I can say that if you enjoy American historical fiction coupled with magical realism this is the story for you! It is a feel-good story with an uplifting story theme sure to please as we head towards the end of year holiday season.
Lastly, as mentioned in a previous review on Amazon, I give this story 4 stars due to punctuation and grammar.
As the book progress, the Crew, a hodge-podge group of people from different economic and ethnic backgrounds become a close knit family held together by one man, William Thomas Healthaway II. Who’s William? He’s a normal guy from a well-to-do Southern family. We meet him during the Civil War and he’s on not on the Confederate side! This is our first nice shock when introduced to this book and its characters.
William learned early on from his father that one’s plantation should be run as an extended family no matter one’s color, or creed. This is just one of the many positive sub-themes of A Fine Line. In addition, this book touches on the wholesomeness and strength that a strong family shares with each other. Another well-developed sub-theme is that if one accepts the stunning beauty of the Unknown, you must trust yourself and those around you.
To go into more depth about the story itself would be a definite spoiler. Yet, I can say that if you enjoy American historical fiction coupled with magical realism this is the story for you! It is a feel-good story with an uplifting story theme sure to please as we head towards the end of year holiday season.
Lastly, as mentioned in a previous review on Amazon, I give this story 4 stars due to punctuation and grammar.
October 22, 2014
Clairvoyance, visions, good, evil, love, shape-shifters, death, birth, the carnage of The American Civil War … all this sounds like an incongruous combination, no? Stir it all up, with much, much more, and you’ll have a rich stew that is A Fine Line, by J. C. Brennan. This is a terrific break-out novel, the first in a series. Maybe a bit of a spoiler, but not much: This book ends with ‘to be continued’. You’ll be anxious for the sequel; I am!
A Fine Line begins with the accounting of Caroline’s gifts, her inexplicable ability to get into someone’s head, talk to them … and in the process wins the heart of William T. Healthaway II, the main character. From this point forward, continue to suspend your beliefs and enjoy the world J. C. Brennan has created. It’s a fun ride.
There is only one reason I can’t go 5 stars with this story, and that is punctuation. But … as Steven King has said, “story trumps all”, and in that sense, A Fine Line is a winner. Enjoyed!
A Fine Line begins with the accounting of Caroline’s gifts, her inexplicable ability to get into someone’s head, talk to them … and in the process wins the heart of William T. Healthaway II, the main character. From this point forward, continue to suspend your beliefs and enjoy the world J. C. Brennan has created. It’s a fun ride.
There is only one reason I can’t go 5 stars with this story, and that is punctuation. But … as Steven King has said, “story trumps all”, and in that sense, A Fine Line is a winner. Enjoyed!
April 15, 2015
A Fine Line is great historical fiction with a twist. If you are ready for an imaginative and vivid story, pick up this one by J.C. Brennan. You will find yourself being enchanted by the setting and drawn into the story. The mood of the story is hopeful and positive, and the characters are easy to feel and see. There's a great secret that runs throughout the book which I found really interesting. I'm ready to read another one!
August 20, 2016
Good story
I enjoyed reading the book.and the story line..I disliked all typographical errors if it was proofread it was a poor job done.
I enjoyed reading the book.and the story line..I disliked all typographical errors if it was proofread it was a poor job done.
June 13, 2016
Despite being in the middle of the Civil War, William Healthaway gathers new friends. There is a natural bond between them all, and they come to terms with why they have been brought together, and just what they are capable of.
This is a very pleasant read, set in America in the late 1800's, it follows William as he fights one of the last battles of the Civil War. It gently builds to fill in the histories of his best friend, Buckner; the escaped slaves that save his life; the surviving men of his unit.
The first half is a nice historical novel, exploring the end of the war and William's return home, and the adventures he and his friends have along the way, with only the smallest hints of what is about to happen.
After they have all awakened and experienced their inborn gifts, their world becomes bigger, and their hidden history much more interesting.
It's hard to explain - I think both the strength and the weakness of this book is that there is no fixed plot.
Sure, it's loosely connected to the Civil War, and the awakening of their powers. It established the Damned as the threat, and the history of the Ancients; but there's no climactic scene, just the building of the family. It feels less like an adventure in itself, and more of a foundation for something to come.
Near the end, it is mentioned that the characters take the time to write their histories down - I wouldn't be surprised if "A Fine Line" is the result.
Another downside for me was the timeline in the second half of the book. This is a long book at nearly 400 pages, but the second half still felt somewhat rushed.
After Billy and Autumn are born, it suddenly jumps forward 10 years. I understand that these children are important, and the story had to progress to the stage where they were old enough to have their own awakening, but... that was just it, the story didn't progress. Billy and Autumn were ten years older, but their parents, friends and community hadn't changed. They hadn't learnt anything new, made any progress with trusting the newest members of the family, or developed any relationships. They haven't even realised they're not ageing.
Then it does, and it is satisfying developments, but it's all bundled in together and I confess I was quite lost. I wasn't confident that the timeline was always moving forward, it felt like it was jumping forward to when the kids were useful, because the plot needed it; then back to cover the romances and weddings, because the story needed it.
There are parts that are glossed over quite quickly. For example, when Autumn is kidnapped by the Damned, and Zachariah rescues her - was that it? A paragraph with no details on how? The exciting stuff cut out?
Overall, this is an enjoyable story that focusses on the importance of the family you have, and the one you chose. It has a real feeling of community, of being able to do anything together.
I felt this book could have been expanded to be a whole series, instead of a brief glimpse into the lives of these special people.
This is a very pleasant read, set in America in the late 1800's, it follows William as he fights one of the last battles of the Civil War. It gently builds to fill in the histories of his best friend, Buckner; the escaped slaves that save his life; the surviving men of his unit.
The first half is a nice historical novel, exploring the end of the war and William's return home, and the adventures he and his friends have along the way, with only the smallest hints of what is about to happen.
After they have all awakened and experienced their inborn gifts, their world becomes bigger, and their hidden history much more interesting.
It's hard to explain - I think both the strength and the weakness of this book is that there is no fixed plot.
Sure, it's loosely connected to the Civil War, and the awakening of their powers. It established the Damned as the threat, and the history of the Ancients; but there's no climactic scene, just the building of the family. It feels less like an adventure in itself, and more of a foundation for something to come.
Near the end, it is mentioned that the characters take the time to write their histories down - I wouldn't be surprised if "A Fine Line" is the result.
Another downside for me was the timeline in the second half of the book. This is a long book at nearly 400 pages, but the second half still felt somewhat rushed.
After Billy and Autumn are born, it suddenly jumps forward 10 years. I understand that these children are important, and the story had to progress to the stage where they were old enough to have their own awakening, but... that was just it, the story didn't progress. Billy and Autumn were ten years older, but their parents, friends and community hadn't changed. They hadn't learnt anything new, made any progress with trusting the newest members of the family, or developed any relationships. They haven't even realised they're not ageing.
Then it does, and it is satisfying developments, but it's all bundled in together and I confess I was quite lost. I wasn't confident that the timeline was always moving forward, it felt like it was jumping forward to when the kids were useful, because the plot needed it; then back to cover the romances and weddings, because the story needed it.
There are parts that are glossed over quite quickly. For example, when Autumn is kidnapped by the Damned, and Zachariah rescues her - was that it? A paragraph with no details on how? The exciting stuff cut out?
Overall, this is an enjoyable story that focusses on the importance of the family you have, and the one you chose. It has a real feeling of community, of being able to do anything together.
I felt this book could have been expanded to be a whole series, instead of a brief glimpse into the lives of these special people.
February 23, 2016
The contest of good versus evil is an enduring parable in storytelling. And in a paranormal sea of vampires, werewolves, and zombies, Brennan deftly navigates treacherous literary waters to create something quite original. In this unique story, A Fine Line: The Beginning firmly establishes the groundwork for the entire series to come.
The central character of William Healthaway II, a union soldier badly wounded and left for dead on a Georgia battlefield, becomes the “beacon” drawing his unlikely “Crew” together. This Crew is essentially made up of William’s union soldier buddies and two slaves, an educated pregnant black woman named Cecil (a clairvoyant) and her tall, solidly built husband named Tyrone (who can heal with his touch), who used their “powers” to save William’s life. The Crew slowly find each other and discover their powers over the course of their return from the Georgia battlefield to William’s Missouri homestead, where his wife, Caroline awaits them.
Good by nature and drawn to one another by what they believed to be fate, the Crew slowly come to understand the crucial role William plays to hold this group together, especially after his shocking “awakening” happened right in front of them.
Each remaining Crew member appears normal until their “power” suddenly manifests in their own awakening. Though some of these awesome powers can be frightening, their use can only be used to advance the cause of good, not hate or greed. If the genesis of the use of an awakened power was due to hate or greed, that person is punished by being transformed into the physical representation of an enlarged mutated wolf, forever cursed to remain among the pack of the Damned. And though not immortal, these awakened and Damned beings are long-lived.
Complex relationships are well thought-out and drive the story to the inevitable discussion of the powerful “Ancients” who came before them, who occupy the Crew’s dreams, especially the beacon of the Crew, William.
A New Apple Award for Excellence and a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winning author, J.C. Brennan’s A Fine Line series is a must read for the paranormal enthusiast.
The central character of William Healthaway II, a union soldier badly wounded and left for dead on a Georgia battlefield, becomes the “beacon” drawing his unlikely “Crew” together. This Crew is essentially made up of William’s union soldier buddies and two slaves, an educated pregnant black woman named Cecil (a clairvoyant) and her tall, solidly built husband named Tyrone (who can heal with his touch), who used their “powers” to save William’s life. The Crew slowly find each other and discover their powers over the course of their return from the Georgia battlefield to William’s Missouri homestead, where his wife, Caroline awaits them.
Good by nature and drawn to one another by what they believed to be fate, the Crew slowly come to understand the crucial role William plays to hold this group together, especially after his shocking “awakening” happened right in front of them.
Each remaining Crew member appears normal until their “power” suddenly manifests in their own awakening. Though some of these awesome powers can be frightening, their use can only be used to advance the cause of good, not hate or greed. If the genesis of the use of an awakened power was due to hate or greed, that person is punished by being transformed into the physical representation of an enlarged mutated wolf, forever cursed to remain among the pack of the Damned. And though not immortal, these awakened and Damned beings are long-lived.
Complex relationships are well thought-out and drive the story to the inevitable discussion of the powerful “Ancients” who came before them, who occupy the Crew’s dreams, especially the beacon of the Crew, William.
A New Apple Award for Excellence and a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winning author, J.C. Brennan’s A Fine Line series is a must read for the paranormal enthusiast.
February 6, 2017
I was looking for something different to read and A Fine Line: The Beginning showed up in my recommendations. Not normally a fan of Civil War era novels, I wanted to read this one as the blurb and the cover intrigued me. Read on for my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author): This historical fantasy will take you on mystical journey with William T. Healthaway and the Crew one you won't soon forget. William T. Healthaway, a Union soldier, fights in the battle of Pickett’s Mill. The battle is brutal and treacherous. However, however, William will soon learn that surviving this battle is only the beginning of his adventure. He is about to be thrown him into a whirlwind of preternatural happenstance and danger he and the rest of the Crew could never have dreamed possible.
The war awaiting them after their homecoming is one which has been raging for centuries; a war that will lead them into a world they never dreamed might exist. Unknowingly, the family will be plunged into a world of mystery, encountering intrigue, deception, death, temptation, and powers not of their world. With every miraculous power revealed will come a sinister evil. William and his Crew will find themselves in a world which defies every reality.
What I liked: A Fine Line: The Beginning drew me in from the start. The battle scene, William’s injury, his vision of Caroline, and his rescue by Tyrone and Cecil, set the stage for the book. Add to it the powers Tyrone and Cecil possess, and the reunion of William’s war compatriots and all the elements are in place for this historical fantasy! The elements of good versus evil, temptation, redemption, and sacrifice all play important roles as the story unfolds. All told, a good read!
What I didn’t like: At times the introduction of the character’s powers seemed forced. In addition, for a historical fiction piece, much of the interaction among the characters was more modern than the time setting would dictate.
Overall Impression: A Fine Line: The Beginning was an intriguing and interesting read. Good characters, an ancient lineage, awakening powers, and the battle between good and evil kept my attention. I read this one quickly and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis (from the author): This historical fantasy will take you on mystical journey with William T. Healthaway and the Crew one you won't soon forget. William T. Healthaway, a Union soldier, fights in the battle of Pickett’s Mill. The battle is brutal and treacherous. However, however, William will soon learn that surviving this battle is only the beginning of his adventure. He is about to be thrown him into a whirlwind of preternatural happenstance and danger he and the rest of the Crew could never have dreamed possible.
The war awaiting them after their homecoming is one which has been raging for centuries; a war that will lead them into a world they never dreamed might exist. Unknowingly, the family will be plunged into a world of mystery, encountering intrigue, deception, death, temptation, and powers not of their world. With every miraculous power revealed will come a sinister evil. William and his Crew will find themselves in a world which defies every reality.
What I liked: A Fine Line: The Beginning drew me in from the start. The battle scene, William’s injury, his vision of Caroline, and his rescue by Tyrone and Cecil, set the stage for the book. Add to it the powers Tyrone and Cecil possess, and the reunion of William’s war compatriots and all the elements are in place for this historical fantasy! The elements of good versus evil, temptation, redemption, and sacrifice all play important roles as the story unfolds. All told, a good read!
What I didn’t like: At times the introduction of the character’s powers seemed forced. In addition, for a historical fiction piece, much of the interaction among the characters was more modern than the time setting would dictate.
Overall Impression: A Fine Line: The Beginning was an intriguing and interesting read. Good characters, an ancient lineage, awakening powers, and the battle between good and evil kept my attention. I read this one quickly and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My rating: 4 Stars
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