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Bane of the Innocent
"There's no reason for them to shoot us; we ain't anyone" - Sammy, Bane of the Innocent. Two young boys become unlikely companions during the fall of Atlanta. Sammy and Ben somehow find themselves, and each other, in the rapidly changing and chaotic environment of the war torn Georgia City. As the siege ends and the fall begins in late August and early September of 1864, the Confederate troops begin to move out and Union forces cautiously move into the city. Ben and Sammy simply struggle to survive, but in the process they develop a friendship that will prove more important than either one could imagine.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
106 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2014
About the author
Oliver Phipps
20 books1,531 followersOliver served as a Paratrooper in the United States Army and studied at MSC. In the late 1980s through mid 90s Oliver pursued his love of music. He enjoyed traveling, playing percussion and writing lyrics for popular bands. During this time Oliver also began writing short stories and articles.
After playing for thousands through the fall and winter of 1996 Oliver's band abruptly disbanded. In early spring of 1997 Oliver along with a good friend who was a guitarist got together with the intention to form a new group. But rather than form a new band the two put together an expedition plan for traveling to Northern Canada and Alaska in order to prospect for gold.
Leaving in April of 1997 Oliver and company traveled up the historic AL-CAN highway. After exploring the Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada as well as the Arctic Circle the team traveled over the Top of the World highway to Alaska.
1999-2000 Oliver traveled through Asia, visiting Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan among other countries.
In 2004 Oliver published his first book and continues to write books, articles and short stories. Currently Oliver and family reside happily in the U.S.
After playing for thousands through the fall and winter of 1996 Oliver's band abruptly disbanded. In early spring of 1997 Oliver along with a good friend who was a guitarist got together with the intention to form a new group. But rather than form a new band the two put together an expedition plan for traveling to Northern Canada and Alaska in order to prospect for gold.
Leaving in April of 1997 Oliver and company traveled up the historic AL-CAN highway. After exploring the Yukon and Northwest territories of Canada as well as the Arctic Circle the team traveled over the Top of the World highway to Alaska.
1999-2000 Oliver traveled through Asia, visiting Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan among other countries.
In 2004 Oliver published his first book and continues to write books, articles and short stories. Currently Oliver and family reside happily in the U.S.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 3, 2015
see full review @ Katie's Corner
Today I am reviewing yet another great book by Oliver Phipps. It is a short story around 4-5 chapters long, but the weight that is left while reading and after finishing the book is immense. I think I have already mentioned this in my reviews, but the way Mr. Phipps writes is fascinating. His writings suck you in the book and do not want to let you go after finishing the book. All of his books are different, I guess, he was trying himself in different genres. This one is a historical fiction.
The story takes place during Civil War in Atlanta. For me as soon as I read words Civil War and Atlanta, the first thing that comes to mind is “Gone with the Wind”. As it was one of the first books I read on Civil War or at least part of it. But let me get back to this story. The story follows a young boy – Sammy. He lives under the house, his mother doesn’t remember him and he has no idea as to who his father is. Every day it’s a battle with hunger for him, as his mother’s “Boss” threw him out of the house. Mostly he’s a character that makes you want to pity him, no, that’s not the correct word, you want to make that child happy. I was amazed at how Phipps could make 7-year olds so apathetic. The way they use words, the way they take in reality for me it is too strange, I was okay with Sammy’s apathy, however Ben made me think: “What is wrong with this kid? Shouldn’t he be crying or something?”
This story is like a snapshot from the past. It shows a different side of the story in whole. As we see some cruel moments, however, they were justified with words: “It was war!” The ending is open. We do see that the boys found a good family to live with, however, that is not the ending. I guess the author leaves it up to us to think how their story ended. I hope you have an hour or so to spare to read this fantastic story. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
Today I am reviewing yet another great book by Oliver Phipps. It is a short story around 4-5 chapters long, but the weight that is left while reading and after finishing the book is immense. I think I have already mentioned this in my reviews, but the way Mr. Phipps writes is fascinating. His writings suck you in the book and do not want to let you go after finishing the book. All of his books are different, I guess, he was trying himself in different genres. This one is a historical fiction.
The story takes place during Civil War in Atlanta. For me as soon as I read words Civil War and Atlanta, the first thing that comes to mind is “Gone with the Wind”. As it was one of the first books I read on Civil War or at least part of it. But let me get back to this story. The story follows a young boy – Sammy. He lives under the house, his mother doesn’t remember him and he has no idea as to who his father is. Every day it’s a battle with hunger for him, as his mother’s “Boss” threw him out of the house. Mostly he’s a character that makes you want to pity him, no, that’s not the correct word, you want to make that child happy. I was amazed at how Phipps could make 7-year olds so apathetic. The way they use words, the way they take in reality for me it is too strange, I was okay with Sammy’s apathy, however Ben made me think: “What is wrong with this kid? Shouldn’t he be crying or something?”
This story is like a snapshot from the past. It shows a different side of the story in whole. As we see some cruel moments, however, they were justified with words: “It was war!” The ending is open. We do see that the boys found a good family to live with, however, that is not the ending. I guess the author leaves it up to us to think how their story ended. I hope you have an hour or so to spare to read this fantastic story. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!
XOXO
Katie
April 24, 2017
Although the first attempts to capture Atlanta started in July, the consequent siege resulted in Union troops entering the city on September 2, 1864. The Confederate troops (Army of Tennessee) put up a valiant fight, the outcome was inevitable, as the army lacked, munitions, supplies, and food to carry on the struggle. The Southern army wasn’t the only ones to suffer during the siege. The civilian population, like in many conquered cities in the south, suffered from a lack of food, medicine, and basic life essentials.
This is a short story about two little boys, Sammy and Ben. One was white and the other was black but they shared a common bond. Both boys were semi-orphans, they were desperately hungry, and they were both society outcasts; Sammy was a bastard and Ben a slave. In a time of danger, confusion, and tragic loss, these two boys depended on each other to stay alive. Like new blades of grass that appear on a forest floor after a devastating fire, these two boys emerged from the devastation of the homes and families, eventually growing stronger.
The characters are strong and vivid. They seem to jump off the pages and their plight is a constant pull on your heartstrings. The author has packed a lot of action, tragedy, and emotion in a short story. Like works of Mozart, this story has a perfect balance and just enough words to convey a tale of hope. This book is my introduction to Oliver Phipps, the writer, and I dare say that it won’t be the last.
I highly recommend it to all.
This is a short story about two little boys, Sammy and Ben. One was white and the other was black but they shared a common bond. Both boys were semi-orphans, they were desperately hungry, and they were both society outcasts; Sammy was a bastard and Ben a slave. In a time of danger, confusion, and tragic loss, these two boys depended on each other to stay alive. Like new blades of grass that appear on a forest floor after a devastating fire, these two boys emerged from the devastation of the homes and families, eventually growing stronger.
The characters are strong and vivid. They seem to jump off the pages and their plight is a constant pull on your heartstrings. The author has packed a lot of action, tragedy, and emotion in a short story. Like works of Mozart, this story has a perfect balance and just enough words to convey a tale of hope. This book is my introduction to Oliver Phipps, the writer, and I dare say that it won’t be the last.
I highly recommend it to all.
September 9, 2015
Bane of the innocent is a book about friendship in hard times. It makes me feel/sense hope and sunshine even war is at door.
As the cover tells, there is a rough time in Atlanta. War is near and life meets many struggles to stay alive even people are as innocent as snow.
I love the way author has breaded in his style war disaster and the light of friendship.
I am a sensitive person and I liked it very much.
This is a book that touches your heart in many ways.
As the cover tells, there is a rough time in Atlanta. War is near and life meets many struggles to stay alive even people are as innocent as snow.
I love the way author has breaded in his style war disaster and the light of friendship.
I am a sensitive person and I liked it very much.
This is a book that touches your heart in many ways.
September 4, 2014
Another excellent book by Oliver Phipps. This was a bit different from his other books that I've read in that it is not a ghost story. The book has the typical editing errors, but if you get past that, its a really great story about two unlikely friends during the Civil War. Oliver Phipps is quickly becoming my favorite short story author.
September 7, 2014
A short story about two small boys caught up in he Civil War in 1864. A very good story, the characters were well described, easy to follow. Perfect to read when you have only short time to read, I really enjoyed it.
June 11, 2015
At 76 pages long - a very short story. Although it was a quick read, I actually enjoyed it. Very touching story of two little boys, how they meet and deal with the tragedies that encompass and are their lives. I was happy with the ending. The story of Sammy and Ben is worth your time.
October 29, 2015
Very touching story. I loved it.
November 1, 2017
Great short story about the sadness and destruction war can cause. The focus is on two unfortunate boys, caught up in events that are much greater than they can understand. They do the best they can and find true friendship, regardless of the odds and obstacles that stand against them.
November 15, 2015
I liked this story but it was kinda sad. Not real sad but I felt sorry for Ben and Sammy. The only reason I gave four star.
November 4, 2015
A very heartfelt story of two boys who are in middle of a war and struggle to survive. I cried for them. I recommend.
January 9, 2020
Ebook
It’s the Civil war but a two small boys are just trying to live. One is the son of a whore and the other the son of a slave. Both are hungry and unaware of the Union army approaching until they almost get killed. Their parents are dead, but a couple of camp followers adopt them.
It’s the Civil war but a two small boys are just trying to live. One is the son of a whore and the other the son of a slave. Both are hungry and unaware of the Union army approaching until they almost get killed. Their parents are dead, but a couple of camp followers adopt them.
November 24, 2015
Wonderful story. I really liked it.
July 6, 2019
Enthralling and Simple
Huge moment in history through the eyes of two children too young to grasp the adult import. Could benefit from a little more proof-reading.
Huge moment in history through the eyes of two children too young to grasp the adult import. Could benefit from a little more proof-reading.
July 6, 2024
Lots of twists and turns. Keeps ya on your toes. Love this series so much! Excited for the next one.
October 8, 2025
Nice read for history buffs or adventure enthusiasts
This book by Oliver Phipps was a very pleasant surprise. I am not what you would consider a history buff yet when I started reading this one, I realized it was not the boring history I thought it was but rather a touching story of two young boys caught up in the horrors and ravages of the American Civil War.
Great twist on history by the author. I have yet to be disappointed with Oliver’s work.
This book by Oliver Phipps was a very pleasant surprise. I am not what you would consider a history buff yet when I started reading this one, I realized it was not the boring history I thought it was but rather a touching story of two young boys caught up in the horrors and ravages of the American Civil War.
Great twist on history by the author. I have yet to be disappointed with Oliver’s work.
August 5, 2023
Sorry, this one just didn't measure up to Oliver Phipps standards. Maybe I was expecting a novel ( my mistake) when I bought the book. Anyway, the book had only gotten started and finished introducing us to the characters and story, and then it was over. So I was just disappointed. I wouldn't recommend
November 17, 2023
I thought I knew, but things changed, all through the story. As with all of his books, it is so skillfully written and compelling, enough to make one believe what they were sure of, and yet we're surprised by. The dialogue is perfect and courtroom scenes give the read a seat at the railing.
July 27, 2026
Sad civil war story
This is a story about a young boy Sammy and what he went through during the civil war in Atlanta. Very sad and very interesting to see what it would have been like.
This is a story about a young boy Sammy and what he went through during the civil war in Atlanta. Very sad and very interesting to see what it would have been like.
March 30, 2021
I love this book. Kept my interest. I literally could not put it down. 5 out of 5.
April 16, 2021
Great story! Fast paced. Well formed characters. Kept me guessing. Really enjoyed this one!
May 1, 2021
This story keeps you so involved I couldn't stop reading it. I know you'll love the book and I think it's a book you won't soon forget!
May 17, 2021
This book keeps you wondering what will happen next. I like the character development and can’t wait to start next book from Oliver Phipps.
June 2, 2021
I hated to reach the end of this book. I loved all the characters. Was truly delightful...
June 18, 2021
A decent story that remained interesting. Good writing. Decent character development. Worth your time to give it a try. Thanks.
August 29, 2021
I have read several books by Oliver Phipps and have enjoyed them all.
September 28, 2021
I just finished reading this book and I will recommend it to my friends and wait for them to finish it so we may talk about it.
May 17, 2022
Excellent read! Couldn't put it down! Once you start it you won't be able to stop until you're done! Loved it!
June 1, 2022
I loved the writing and would happily read more by Oliver Phipps.
June 1, 2022
Amazing, truly amazing and thank you for bringing that fire in me back!
June 2, 2022
There was almost no skipping or faster reading, it was worthy of a slow delightful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews