Rebel Empire: A Novel of the Spanish Confederate War

by Billy Bennett

North America—1895: Decades after defeating the Union, the Confederate States of America, the last slaveholding nation in the New World, has become a major power in the western hemisphere. To the north, a disheartened, defeated, and isolationist United States stands alone. Seeking to expand its sphere of influence, the Confederacy has set its eyes on the island of Cuba, the prize possession of the Spanish Empire. When the CSS Mississippi is mysteriously destroyed in Havana, the Confederate States of America declare war against the Kingdom of Spain. While Confederate and Spanish battleships fight battles on the high seas, and the Confederate Army prepares for an invasion of Cuba, events elsewhere threaten to expand the conflict into a world war of epic proportions.Across the Atlantic, the British Empire, opposing Confederate expansionism as nothing but an extension of slavery, threatens the Confederacy with economic disaster. In the United States, an embittered millionaire raises a mercenary army to fight for the Spanish. And within the Confederacy itself, an aging Stonewall Jackson leads a desperate uphill battle to end slavery once and for all before the fires of servile insurrection spread across the South.In this epic sequel to By Force of Arms, Billy Bennett weaves an exciting tale of love and war, freedom and tyranny, and tragedy and triumph.

Genres: Alternate History, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Ronald Tobin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, it was rather off putting to receive a novel that had a banner of "The New Master of Alternate History." Especially when I know the author has not written many books. It set a high bar, and, to be blunt, he failed to meet it. Sigh...

Bennett in this novel postulates a Confederacy in 1895 that still had slavery as a going concern. On the ropes due to a rapidly changing economic system and the clear disdain of the rest of the civilized world, but still there. An elderly Stonewall Jackson is going around the CSA promoting an end to slavery, an activity that draws a lot of vitriol. Mainly this novel is the first part of a story in which the CSA invades Cuba after the CSS Mississippi blows up in Havana harbor under mysterious circumstances. Bennett does write about the suffering the Cuban people were undergoing from the Spanish during that time. During this the USA is staying officially neutral though they are allowing a wealthy businessman to raise and train a mercenary force to help the Spanish. Yes, diplomatic double dealing does abound, but for the most part it is expected.

Some of the characters are very well developed with intriguing sub plots of their own. It is, overall, an entertaining story with some very definite moral questions studied.

However, it is clear to me that Bennett must not have used an editor. If he did, he should demand a full refund, because they failed him. No book comes through perfect, but, wow. Just as an example, "allowed" was used many times when the word "aloud" was what was called for. There were many other examples, and they oftentimes jarred me out of the story.

I suggest Mr. Bennett refrain from putting out the second half until he does find a competent editor. He has some very intriguing ideas and he knows how to construct believable characters and situations. Spend some time on the mechanics, please?

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

I have really enjoyed this series. it did seem like this one was too short and cut off too soon. Just as the Cuban invasion starts the book ends. It may be due to me being so wrapped up in the story but it seemed like a sudden stop. Bennett does a great job of character development and captures historical figures in believable timelines. I love reading about Patton and can't wait to see where he ends. up.

[James Walters · Rating 1 out of 5]

What I find so incredible about this book is how forgiving people are of it. Bennett can't distinguish between threw and through, except and accept, steak and stake, and allowed and aloud. Bennett writes like a struggling middle schooler, and yet even the people who recognize that fact consider the book merely average.

It boggles the mind, truly it does.

[Mark Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant love this series, this author is definitely on my must read list, can't wait for book 3 and the new books arriving next year