Of Blood and Brothers

Of Blood and Brothers #1

by E.Michael Helms

In the spring of 1927, ambitious cub reporter Calvin Hogue covers a family reunion in the Florida Panhandle. He learns two Malburn brothers fought on opposing sides during the Civil War, and encourages them to tell their stories. Before the night is over, Calvin realizes he has a far greater story than a run-of-the-mill family reunion.

Thus begins the first of many sessions with the Malburn brothers. The saga unfolds in their own words with wit, wisdom and sometimes, sadness. Before long the brothers are confronting troubled pasts and conjuring up ghosts laid buried throughout the long post-war years. Calvin is swept along by the harrowing eyewitness account of our nation’s most trying era, through bloody battles, personal trials and losses, and the mutual love of a beautiful young woman.

Book One follows the exploits of Daniel Malburn and the 6th FL Infantry through the battles of Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain/Missionary Ridge. While working at the salt works along St. Andrew Bay, Elijah is taken prisoner by Union forces. Faced with imprisonment, he reluctantly chooses to join the 2nd US FL Cavalry as a scout, only to learn he must lead a destructive raid on the Econfina Valley—his lifelong home.

Book Two, the sequel to Of Blood and Brothers, will be released in March of 2014. The story of the Malburn brothers, Daniel and Elijah, picks up where Book One in the series ends. The South surrenders, but the peace is far from won. Trouble stalks the Malburns in post-war Florida. Amid the violent days of Reconstruction, Daniel and Elijah face continuing conflict, family turmoil and heart-wrenching tragedy as they struggle toward a hard-earned and costly reconciliation.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

269 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Maybe I should start by saying a few months ago (early 2022) I went up to the pearly gates of heaven.

And now I’d like to say how much I’ve enjoyed, and tormented on some, writing my books. The Proud Bastards and The Private War of Corporal Henson took some real gut-wrenching facing my feelings from the Vietnam War. As an 18-year-old in the Marine Corps I saw and did things that that no one should have to. After being traumatically wounded and returning home, the Vietnam War followed me. It remained with me all my life. And as I grew older, the memories, nightmarish scenes of carnage, flashbacks, and PTSD seemed to increase.

Having an interest in history, my next books, Of Blood and Brothers, Book 1 and 2, based on a true story of two brothers serving on opposites sides in the War Between the States, was a challenge to write because of all the research and time it took to make it as authentic as I could. And I was very pleased and satisfied with the result.

After those four books, I wanted to try writing something lighter. I lit upon the Mac McClellan mystery series. Set in Florida near where I grew up, Mac, a recently retired Marine, happens to become a private investigator. And all kinds of things just seem to happen to him, or he becomes involved with. Starting with Deadly Catch, then Deadly Ruse, Deadly Dunes, and lastly Deadly Sprits, it was a series I had fun writing. The next in the series, Deadly Verse, was left half written.

Along the way I was also busy writing blogs, mentoring inspiring writers, and critiquing and editing for others. I enjoyed all of it as writing was one of my passions. And I so much appreciated my wife, Karen, for all of her support, encouragement, and love.

And that is where the stories end dear friends and readers.

***********
I was born in Georgia way back in the last century but grew up and lived most of my life in Panama City, Florida. In 2004 my wife and I moved to the Upstate region of South Carolina in the shadows of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a land of stunning vistas, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and numerous grand waterfalls.

I’ve been traditionally published since 1990 when my Vietnam War memoir, The Proud Bastards, was published. It’s about my time as a combat U.S. Marine in 1967-68. It’s still in print after all these years, currently with Simon & Schuster/Pocket. I’ve since written a few novels in different genres. I’m currently writing the Mac McClellan Mystery series which is set along the coast of the Florida Panhandle where I grew up.

Reviews

[Larry B Gray]

Of Blood and Brothers by E. Michael Helms is one of the best historical fiction books I have read and that is saying a lot. The book tells the story of two brothers life during the Civil War fighting on different sides.

Part of what made the book so remarkable was the “feelings” and “emotions” the author wrote into the story. I actually felt the pain and fear during the battles. You could smell the smoke and gunpowder and hear the horror around them. The author did a great job developing the storyline while sticking to the historical facts of the various battles.

Having been to the various battlefields in the story, such as Chickamauga, and toured the hollowed grounds it made the story come alive to me. I found myself getting caught up and lost in the story.

E. Michael Helms did a great job of developing the characters. Each with their different personalities became real and believable in the story. It was easy to identify with them and become involved with their story.

The only problem I had with the book was how it ended. That problem was that “it ended.” I can’t wait to read the second book of the series.

I really enjoyed reading Of Blood and Brothers by E. Michael Helms and I highly recommend this book to all ages.

[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]

[J.R. Wright]

Great Read. But then I expected it to be. Michael Helms is a writers writer. I learn from him with every book I read.

[Dianne]

The war between the North and the South tore families and friends apart, as political and personal beliefs became a thing to stand up for, to fight for, willingly or not. When two brothers find themselves fighting on opposite sides, they were carving out their won jagged piece of history, trying to survive, not realizing that many years later a young reporter would be assigned to capture their stories at a family reunion.

Of Blood and Brothers by E. Michael Helms is a journey back to one of the darkest times in American history, as seen through the eyes of Daniel and Elijah Malburn, two brothers with very different perspectives of that time. With great attention paid to detail, Mr. Helms has crafted brutally realistic scenes of war and its toll on humanity. The smell of gunpowder, the sounds of shots fired, the raw emotion of the moment is captured in his words. There was fear so real, it felt as if it had a life of its own, like another character in this tale. Honoring the factual side while weaving fiction around and throughout, I have to say this is one book that will stay with me for a long time to come, remembering the feelings of hurt, betrayal and love for country, family and the South. For history buffs, this is a must read!

I received a review copy as part of the E. Michael Helms OF BLOOD AND BROTHERS Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway stopping at Tome Tender December 21-22, 2013.

Series: Of Blood and Brothers, Book 1
Publication Date: August 1, 2013
Publisher: Koehler Books
ISBN: 1938467515
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 281
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

[Sheri]

Of Blood and Brothers: Book One (E.Michael Helms)


In 1927 Calvin Hogue, a new reporter is on assignment to cover the Malburn family reunion. There he learns two of the brothers fought on opposite sides of the civil war. He interviews both of the brothers Daniel and Elijah. The family is from the panhandle of Florida and after the war problems arise and brothers are divided.

He finds out that Elijah , while working the salt mines is taken prisoner and forced to work for the Union. It is not an easy task for him, since he has to invade territory that was once his home.

Well written, with graphic detail, told from three points of view, the reader gets the actual feel of what it was like during that era and in the war. Book one leaves off with the reader wanting to know more, and it does have Chapter one of Book two at the end. I look forward to reading more from E. Michael Helms.

[Karen Vetter]

Excellent! Helms masterfully crafts a tale of two southern brothers who fought on opposite sides during the Civil War. He brings them both to life with distinct voices and personalities. The dialect was easy to read and understand, and seemed realistic for the time period. I found them to be likeable characters, and was immediately drawn into their story.

The battle scenes are historically accurate and realistic without being excessive. The personal stories of the two brothers are told at times with charm, humor, wisdom, and sadness as they relate their memories of deep conflicting relationships, love, pain, and heartache.

Helms’s excellent writing drew me in from the first chapter, and kept me intrigued all the way through. He has a gift for showing the reader the scenes, and bringing the characters alive. His use of dialogue and narrative gave me a real sense of the South and the era. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and would highly recommend it. I’m looking forward to reading not only Book Two, but other books by Helms.

[Ashley]

Of Blood and Brothers is a captivating story of a family torn apart by the Civil War, a war that truly forced friend against friend, father against son and brother against brother. Initially mysterious and increasingly emotional, Of Blood and Brothers will immediately lure you in with the promise of exploring deeply conflicted family relationships and revealing the unfortunate circumstances that nearly tore a family asunder. This story never lets you down. E. Michael Helms, a combat veteran himself, beautifully scripts the story of the Malburn family and successfully evokes all of the pain and heartache you would expect to feel under such distressing circumstances.

This particular journey follows the lives of brothers Daniel and Elijah Malburn, beloved brothers who fought as enemies during one of America’s most trying times. Their story is uncovered when, in 1927, a young reporter named Calvin Hogue is assigned to cover the Malburn family reunion. Is there that the depth and heartache of the Malburn family history is revealed. After interviewing Daniel and Elijah, Hogue learns that Elijah became a prisoner of the Union army after he was captured while working in the salt mines. After his capture Elijah, facing imprisonment, reluctantly agrees to work as a Union scout and lead a raid on his hometown of Econfina Valley. It was a crushing yet inevitable decision. Elijah’s turmoil and guilt over his decision is portrayed perfectly by Helms and the reader connects with Elijah’s conflict on a deeply emotional level.

All aspects of this book are deeply emotional, historically accurate and southern without being cliché or offensive. Helms knowledge of the Civil War and the impact of war on the emotional and mental health of veterans is genuine and heartfelt. The details of the war are realistic without being overly dramatic. The emotional toll the war takes on both Daniel and Elijah is agonizing yet factual and honest. The brothers are broken men, not just by the Civil War but also by personal trials, betrayal and the mutual love of a beautiful woman. It appears as though these brothers are simply destined to oppose each other in battle in all things whether it be for country, for pride or for love.

It is challenging to pick a side in this war of brothers. Daniel and Elijah are well-developed characters both with admirable qualities and tragic flaws. They each have lived the life they were forced to live given the circumstances, regret mistakes made before, during and after the war and are quite complex despite their simple southern nature. Each brother seeks redemption and reconciliation but a tragic past stands in their way and continues to divide the family even after the war has ended. Can the past be overcome? It’s a question that lives on well beyond Book One of this southern historical novel.

A deeply complex story full of anguish, ambition and the desire for atonement, Of Blood and Brothers is a book worth reading. It is a remarkable journey through one of the most challenging times in America’s history. It is the story of a family divided by secrets and tragedy who are desperately seeking to be reunited. If Book One is any indication this is going to be a must-read series.

[E.Michael Helms]

NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS FROM DETRA FITCH OF HUNTRESS REVIEWS, posted by the author.


TITLE: Of Blood and Brothers
AUTHOR: E. Michael Helms
13 ISBN: 978-1-938467-51-6
10 ISBN: 1-938467-51-5
KINDLE: N/A
NOOK: N/A

5 STARS!

In May 1927, Calvin Hogue is assigned to cover a family reunion in the Florida Panhandle. Calvin is a reporter for the St. Andrew Pilot and expects this assignment to last no longer than one afternoon. Calvin’s job is to meet with the Malburn brothers, Daniel and Elijah, who had fought on opposing sides of the Civil War. Calvin is eager to hear how the brothers had conducted themselves when they faced one another at the first family reunion six decades past. That reunion, and all those following, was set on the date that Daniel Malburn completed his long journey home from a Yankee prison camp.

Calvin only meets one of the brothers that day. He spends the evening listening to Daniel rehashing old, painful, and very emotional events. Soon afterward, Calvin meets with Elijah, the brother who had become a Union man. Calvin is curious to learn how that had come about. In only a short time, Calvin comes to the conclusion that one article is not nearly enough space for this dramatic story to be told. His boss agrees and Calvin is granted permission to make the Malburns’ stories into a weekly series. What follows is a number of interviews where Calvin learns how the Civil War ravaged the land, pit brother-against-brother, and affected the lives of two brothers and their immediate families.

***** FIVE STARS! You do not need to be a historian in order to enjoy this piece of literature. After finishing this tale, I realized that Helms must write with a poisoned pen. The story starts out much as any businessman’s typical day, but the author’s words began to seep under my skin and into my blood. My real world faded away. Before I knew what was happening, I became infected. I simply had to know what would develop between these two brothers – and their loved ones by association. The only cure was for me to continue reading. Therefore, I read this entire novel in a single afternoon.

This novel only tells part of the story; however, Helms ends it in a very good spot. I do not feel as though this is a cliff-hanger ending. The next installment is due for release in early 2014. It will pick up where this one ends. I eagerly look forward to Calvin’s next interview with the Malburns. *****

HUNTRESS REVIEWS
Reviewed by Detra Fitch

[April Moran]

Loved this two volume series! The storyline just grabbed me and I literally could not put it down. I finished it in less than a week! Two brothers, both fighting for the South during the Civil War, one forced into circumstances beyond his control and despised for it. There were times I wanted to just jump into the story and explain things to everyone for the poor brother and the choices he had to make were heartbreaking and difficult. The writing is just beautiful...I felt like I was there. Could smell the cannon fire, the smoke, the green grass of open fields and the salty air of the coast. Could hear the screams of men and horses, dying or wounded, could see by Mr. Helm's descriptions, the blood and carnage left by war and its aftermath. I could feel the heartache of the characters as their family is torn apart and friendship turns to hatred.

I would love to see this as a movie---I believe there is something for everyone in this story. Love, betrayal, suspense, the difficulty in making a choice that is both good and bad and the struggle with the consequences of that choice. It made me wonder how my family would have handled such challenges, if forgiveness or hate would win out.

That's one of the best things you can say for a book, don't you agree? It made me wonder.

It made me think.

[InD'tale Magazine]

E. Michael Helms describes the horrors of the worst war the United States has ever been involved in with honesty and brutality.

Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Shellie (Layers of Thought)]

Original review by John posted at Layers of Thought.

John’s quick take: An interesting story about the American Civil War and brothers who ended up fighting on different sides.

John’s description: It’s 1927 and Calvin Hogue, a young reporter, is sent to cover a family reunion in the Florida panhandle. What makes the reunion different is that the two old Malburn brothers who will be there fought on different sides in the American Civil War. Hogue is nervous and not sure what to expect, but he is at least given a warm welcome by younger members of the Malburn family.

He is introduced to Daniel, the older of the two brothers, who at first seems like a rather irascible old man. But eventually, assisted by a glass or two of moonshine, the old man starts to tell Calvin his story, which then spreads over a few meetings between the two men. In particular Daniel tells all about his involvement as a Confederate soldier in the great battle of Chickamauga in Northern Georgia, when the Confederate army inflicted one of the worst defeats of the war on the Union army. The battle was savage and bloody, and Daniel Malburn spares no details.

Eventually Calvin is also introduced to Elijah, Daniel’s brother. The young Elijah did not sign up for the army alongside his older brother, but instead stayed at home to help run the family farm. After helping out at a salt works (salt was vital to the war effort) Elijah is captured by Union soldiers, and reluctantly chooses to join up as a Union scout rather than be sent to a prisoner of war camp. He figures that somehow he will be able to escape, but is horrified when his unit is sent to raid the countryside around where his family and friends live.

Calvin is totally drawn into the complex wartime stories of the two old men, which he turns into weekly episodes for the local newspaper. At the same time he becomes ever closer with the Malburn family.

John’s thoughts: This is an interesting and enjoyable account of the Civil War, when many families were torn apart and found themselves on different sides. In this case one of the brothers found himself on the opposing side almost by accident, but is nonetheless drawn into actions which will damage the lives of those he has grown up with.

Helms certainly does a good job of depicting the chaos and confusion of the Civil War – both on and off the battlefield. He pulls no punches in describing the gory details of battle, but also effectively describes the anxieties and actions of those not of the front line.

I think that Helms is at his best when writing about the battle scenes, and his account of Chickamauga were quite compelling. I really liked the way that he talked about the soldiers’ fears and emotions. I wasn’t quite as impressed with the story of Calvin Hogue, which is used as a framework for the Civil War storyline. Some of this is a little on the thin side – for example, it was never obvious to me why the two old brothers would suddenly open up to Hogue and tell him things they had never told anyone else.

However, I would recommend this to anyone interested in historical fiction generally or the American the Civil War specifically. A couple of words of caution – firstly, this is the first part of a two-book story so do not expect major story elements to come to a conclusion in this read; secondly, the tales of the two old Southern men are written the way that they speak, so that you have to cope with many odd phrases and colloquialisms. I’m sure that many people will find the speaking/writing style a bonus. For me it did occasionally get in the way just a bit.

Overall I’d rate this book 3.5 stars.

[Johanna]

In the midst of the Civil War, two brothers fight from opposite sides of the battlefield. . .

As a rookie reporter, Calvin Hogue has been given an assignment to cover the Malburn family reunion, but when he meets the aged Civil War veteran Daniel Malburn, he realizes that he has stumbled onto the story of a lifetime- a tale of two brothers fighting opposite sides of the civil war. He is determined to record their story for future generations before it is lost forever, meeting with the brothers separately, learning their stories and publishing them in weekly installments. Before long, his articles have gathered quite a following, but before he can finish the job, tragedy strikes, and he must return home- leaving behind an unfinished tale and the love of his life.

In this brilliantly written novel by E. Michael Helms, the reader is offered a glimpse into this dark period of American history, full of tragedy, hardships, and incredible loss of life. Helms' knowledge of the Civil War era and its battles is impressive as he leads the reader through the story, poignantly capturing the hopes, fears, and struggles of soldiers on the battlefield.

It's easy to fall in love with the quirky, well-developed characters in the story- from the moonshine-swilling Daniel Malburn, to the embodiment of southern hospitality, Alma Hutchins. This book is hard to put down, something not often said about historical fiction, and I am eagerly anticipating book two to find out what happens next. Any fan of historical fiction, American history (or even just a well-told story), would enjoy this book- highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book through the author in exchange for an honest review.

Check out this review on my blog:EpicBookQuest.com

[Douglas Lord]

This superbly enjoyable historical fiction features a simple and quite skilfully written story centered on family, the Civil War, and lost love. In 1927 Northern Florida, rookie reporter Calvin Hogue stumbles upon the two elderly Malburn brothers, who fought on opposite sides of the Civil War. It’s easy to get the two talking, but not together. Daniel, the older brother, and Elijah don’t speak to each other, but each tells Hogue his life’s story over the course of many meetings that the reporter dutifully transcribes into a weekly newspaper series. The two ended up on opposite sides inadvertently when young Elijah was captured and forced to work for the North as a scout. He eventually, and reluctantly, led a raid on his home valley of Econfina. The books chronicle seven intense years, from battles in Georgia to Reconstruction in Florida. The genuine, homespun voices Helms uses for the brothers (e.g., “Laying there under that hot sun I soon got powerful thirsty”) work perfectly as they potently recount harrowing battlefield experiences (e.g., “A yell went up like the bowels of Hell had busted open and ten thousand screaming demons was set loose”) and tell of sadnesses—including both falling for the same girl. The chronicle continues into the 1870s after Daniel returns home on foot from a Northern POW camp and Elijah is branded by some as a traitor. The young, excitable Hogue is also a well-drawn character; he coughs through sips of offered moonshine and obsesses about honoring the two brothers with the “whole story.” Helms’s steady intensity and pace keep the three narratives on track with little frittering away of precious pages. Both books are quick and pleasurable reads. VERDICT Helms’s (Proud Bastards) fiction carries the ring of truth.

Find this review and others at Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[Chris Torretta]

This really caught me off guard! I was really curious about the idea of the story being about two brothers on opposing sides. The fact that this is during a major war in the US didn't really appeal to me in thought but while reading I was struck with awe at how massively appalling and yet still totally appealing this was.

What I really liked: The realness to it. There is blood and guts everywhere! I don't know what I was imagining when I first heard of this but for some reason THIS was not it. E. Michael Helms is able to bring the war to your brain even when you're aware of blood and guts and read about zombies nearly every day, he was able to make this so much more real. The images came alive... and I'm here to tell you that some of them should stay buried! But it was a thrilling and very engaging read.

What I didn't love: The accent. I guess it is up to an author and what they really want the character to sound like and these boys are both southerners from over 100 years ago. They should sound like that but it sometimes made me pause in my reading. Or I would have to go backwards to understand something. Although I totally had no idea pshaw was really a word and they use it!

Not being a history buff I really thought I may not get into this but I'm so glad I did. Yes, it's about the war but more importantly it's about the men who fought in the war and why they did what they did... in short: thrilling and amazing. I hope I never have to go through what these men had to go through!

[Donna]

The spring of 1927, Calvin Hogue, a reporter for his uncle's newspaper, is given the job of covering a family reunion in the Florida Panhandle. The Malburn brothers, Daniel and Elijah, had fought in the Civil War on opposite sides. Calvin attends the reunion and has asked if the brothers would like to tell their story. The brothers agree and Calvin has set up times to come and talk with each of them separately.

The saga unfolds as to why the brothers fought on opposite sides. Daniel had enlisted in the Confederate army and Elijah opted to stay home and help around the farm. Elijah decided he needed to get a job to get more money for his family; so he goes and works at a salt mill with one of the slaves from the home place, Jefferson. Whilst bringing back supplies one day to the salt mill, Eli and Jefferson were waylaid by Union soldiers and arrested. Jefferson was conscripted to the Union's black army. Faced with imprisonment, Eli is offered or told to join up with the Union army as a scout. He chose just that, not only to stay out of the prison but also to keep an eye on Jeff.

Calvin is given accounts by both brothers of the nation's most awful war, the bloody battles, personal losses, and the love of a woman by both Eli and Daniel.

I received this book from Mr. Helms and cannot wait to read the sequel, which I already have begun.
I just love the book and it keeps you wanting to learn more and more.

[Caroline Wilson]

A brilliant, atmospheric rendering of how the Civil War tore families apart. The novel is told in flashbacks and from the perspectives of two brothers--Elijah and Daniel Malburn. Born and raised in the swampy panhandle of Florida, Daniel decides to enlist in the Confederate Army, while Elijah eventually sides with the Union. Presiding over these remembrances is Calvin Hogue, a newly graduated journalist looking for a complex human interest story.

Mr. Helms excels at differentiating his characters. Both Malburn brothers have robust and distinctive voices, a feat that author Michael Helms excels at. Calvin, though a Yankee, is young and thoughtful, but eager to sympathetically impart the devastating consequences of a family torn apart, not only by war but other more personal reasons.

The novel is extraordinarily well researched--even down to capturing the correct dialects and dialogue of time and place. While some may find the Malburns' dialect tiresome, it lends a charm and authenticity that cannot be captured by mere descriptions.

If you are a fan of the Civil War era and wonderful family sagas, then you cannot go wrong with "Of Blood and Brothers."

[Maryline M's Bookshelf]

Being European, the American Civil War is not something I know all that much about. Let's start by saying that Of Blood and Brothers definitely changed that. No boring textbook play-by-plays of the war and all its separate battles, but a very real account of how it actually was for people involved. Of Blood and Brothers is a story about war, but even more so about love, friendship and family.
Michael Helms tells the story of both Malburn brothers with such amazing detail you can almost feel the heath and the dust. Those long ago battles and memories are brought back to life thanks to his brilliant writing.
[Without giving too much away: I do have to say I liked reading Eli's account most.]
Book one definitely leaves you wanting more. You've gotten to know both brothers and Calvin and you'll be desperate to find out how the rest of their story continues. Michael Helms included some very exciting cliffhangers, so reading book two is a definite must!

This review was first published at M's Bookshelf as part of the Closed The Cover Book Tour -> http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be

[Andrea Renfrow]

I could easily turn this review into a political debate – there’s plenty to talk about, especially with me being from the south and having all sorts of views on the Confederacy. But that wouldn’t do Helms’ work justice.

Of Blood and Brothers is about people and homes being torn apart by circumstances outside of their control. It’s about being a soldier and not always being one because it’s what you believe in, but because it’s what saves your backside. It’s about protecting your loved ones and lamenting their departure from this world…

It’s a darn good book and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

Read my full review here: http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...

[Cindi]

This is an interesting story of how two brothers ended up fighting on different sides during the Civil War. All this is told over time to a newspaper reporter starting at the Malburn family reunion.

The author writes a powerful account with chilling detail of some of the battles fought during the war.

I did have a bit of trouble with the way the novel was written but came to believe the author intentionally used poor grammar and this writing style to authenticate the story from the two men.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to the next book in the series.

I won a copy of Of Blood and Brothers through a goodreads giveaway

[Moira Malone]

I really enjoyed this book. It taught me a lot about the Civil War that I did not know. It gives some very good descriptions of what it is like to be engaged in a battle - I felt like I was there - and it stirred deep compassion in me for soldiers that have to endure such things.

I recommend this book as a good read. I can't wait to read the second book in the series to see what happens to all the characters.

[Roger Henley]

This is a great book. This is only the first book of this, second book will not be out until March 2014. Great writing in details of a story within a story. Great book to read.

[M.J. Payne]

I will post a review after I finish "Of Blood and Brothers" Book two which I am beginning sometime this week. The two were meant to be read one after the other.

[Reading For Sanity]

For this review and more, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/l9sgyqf

[Ellyn Baker]

Of Blood and Brothers tells the Civil War story of two brother's experiences. The story begins as a reporting assignment in a small town in the Panhandle of Florida. Rookie reporter, Calvin Hogue ventures to a family reunion of the Malburn family to seek out two Civil war veterans. His assignment is to dispel the 62-year rumors that have floated through the county since the brothers returned from the war. Calvin and the reader are quickly wrapped up in the adventures of Confederate soldier Daniel and Union brother Elijah.

Helms does a remarkable job defining each character through their stories. The reader quickly becomes involved in the scenes as they are expertly described in vivid detail. Helms avoids the gory detail battle details to focus on the intimate details of the relationship between the friends fighting for the same cause. He reveals the human side of the war as each brother, in his own way, shows how the war no longer interests him and how they desire to return home to their loved ones.
Many aspects of the reality of war are revealed to the reader, but it never reads like a classroom textbook. Of Blood and Brothers reads as a glimpse of two brother's lives unraveling as life unravels for all of us. The decisions they make are for love, loyalty to friends and family and survival.
I recommend this book and his second novel to middle or high school classrooms. It reveals the reality of what our country went through to become one again. I give the story five stars because it is an easy read, the characters are well defined and this story tells the southern side of the Civil War. The book is about a family that could have been any one of our families. Thank you for the great read Michael.

[Debra Jeakins]

OF BLOOD AND BROTHERS BY E MICHAEL HELMS was one of the best historical fiction accounts of the Civil War I've read to date! Reading the books(I received book one and two) was like stepping back to the battlefield with the brothers and reliving the life and the death of their friends, their "pards" The author took the Civil War to a different level by telling it from first one brother then another from the side of the Union to the side of the Confederate, brother against brother family divided . I highly recommend OF BLOOD AND BROTHERS to anyone who either loves history, historical fiction or the Civil War

I received this book(s) from goodreads in exchange for a review

[Michael]

I received this book as part of the First Reads / free book giveaway. I enjoy historic fiction but seldom read Civil War novels. This book and its sequel (volume 2) are well written and really impart the drama and terror of battle as narrated by two enlisted soldiers who are brothers. One is Confederate and the other drafted into the Union army. Their stories are narrated to a cub reporter in 1929 who has set out to record their wartime experiences and what followed during Reconstruction. I found the books difficult to put down - a case of "I'll just read one more chapter" and then finding several hours have passed. Highly recommended.

[Ruthie Sellers]

I apologize profusely to E Michael Helms but I tried 3 different times to read this book and I just could not get into it! the one thing I did enjoy was the authors use of colloquial language. but the plot just couldn't hold my attention. I made it to page 77 and I had no interest in any of the characters.

As stated above, I tried 3 different times and started from the beginning each time.

Again, I am so sorry!