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The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Forged in Fire and Blood
USMC Camp Pendleton, 1951. Jackson Joseph MacKenzie, a seventeen-year-old with a calling, enlists in the US Army. He finds himself hip-deep in the muddy trenches, machine gun nests, human wave attacks, and artillery barrages in the Korean War. Does he have the resiliency to keep moving toward his dream after watching his friends die? Is he a leader or a follower? Will he fold under pressure? Or rise to the top? Questions he must answer before reaching for that coveted prize, an appointment to West Point.
161 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2021
2 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Angel Giacomo
26 books9 followersAfter a successful career in law enforcement as a field officer, explosives detection K-9 handler, and fatality traffic investigator, Angel Giacomo gravitated toward writing. She holds a degree in Political Science and History. A strong believer in helping veterans, Angel supports several veteran organizations. Her first book, a military thriller titled The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: In the Eye of the Storm, was published in 2020.
Angel has had many different careers. Her life has been a learning experience spanning more than 50 years. Examples of her experience include handling a bomb-sniffing dog, loading cargo planes, entering data at a computer, playing the trombone, washing dishes at a restaurant, and sacking groceries.
She has attended FEMA classes on Terrorism, Suicide Bombers, and Nuclear/Biological, handled explosives, and shot various weapons, from the M1 Garand to the AR-15, as well as many different pistols.
A jack of many trades and a master of none. Or maybe a few.
Angel has had many different careers. Her life has been a learning experience spanning more than 50 years. Examples of her experience include handling a bomb-sniffing dog, loading cargo planes, entering data at a computer, playing the trombone, washing dishes at a restaurant, and sacking groceries.
She has attended FEMA classes on Terrorism, Suicide Bombers, and Nuclear/Biological, handled explosives, and shot various weapons, from the M1 Garand to the AR-15, as well as many different pistols.
A jack of many trades and a master of none. Or maybe a few.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 30, 2023
Great book that starts with Jackson MacKenzie in later life. A tragic accident sends him to the hospital. Despite to escape the pain, he thinks back on his earlier life, regressing in dream to his teenage years, reliving his life during the Korean War and West Point - United States Military Academy. You stand right along with Jackson as he tries to accomplish his dream through triumph and tragedy. Great book with a lot of details not seen in today's novels. You can picture the Korean War and West Point through Jackson's eyes in the descriptive details written by the author, Angel Giacomo. Highly recommended to read this book.
January 27, 2022
Be Prepared
I am reading this series of books, "The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles", the third book in this saga is about a 17-year-old young man who after basic training in the army, takes part in the Korean War, his desire to serve his country it is as great as his courage.
The narrative is not limited only to the phases and wartime events of the War in Korea and also addresses the themes of a Young soldier who finds himself facing the hell of war, in his first baptism of fire and blood on the battlefield, and of his ethics as a soldier.
Serving Your Country with Honor and Courage. Be Prepared. The book addresses this theme at 360 degrees by describing the journey of this enterprising young man, deeply marked by what he experienced on his skin during his service in Korea, the boy will have to grow up quickly to face the difficulties and obstacles that will arise along his way.
The protagonist will be put to the test from an early age, the impact of the war in Korea has been devastating, life has not been kind to him ... snatching away his dearest affections ... A new challenge presents itself, and the young Jackson J MacKenzie, intelligent and with natural talents, will have to give all of himself to achieve his goals, with his determination and his courage.
Well written book, never heavy to read and with very precise events and dates, From Korea to Vietnam (in the near future), at West Point, many important topics are touched on ... which I find so current even today.
This book is able to grab attention and guide you through the chapters of the book by living between the lines of the pages ... while reading I have very often felt part of what my eyes were reading, great. It was like being there.
An excellent book that cannot be missing in the library, of those who, like me, have a passion for conflicts of that historical period.
You can read it all in one breath, don't miss it.
I can't wait to read this Author's next book.
I am reading this series of books, "The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles", the third book in this saga is about a 17-year-old young man who after basic training in the army, takes part in the Korean War, his desire to serve his country it is as great as his courage.
The narrative is not limited only to the phases and wartime events of the War in Korea and also addresses the themes of a Young soldier who finds himself facing the hell of war, in his first baptism of fire and blood on the battlefield, and of his ethics as a soldier.
Serving Your Country with Honor and Courage. Be Prepared. The book addresses this theme at 360 degrees by describing the journey of this enterprising young man, deeply marked by what he experienced on his skin during his service in Korea, the boy will have to grow up quickly to face the difficulties and obstacles that will arise along his way.
The protagonist will be put to the test from an early age, the impact of the war in Korea has been devastating, life has not been kind to him ... snatching away his dearest affections ... A new challenge presents itself, and the young Jackson J MacKenzie, intelligent and with natural talents, will have to give all of himself to achieve his goals, with his determination and his courage.
Well written book, never heavy to read and with very precise events and dates, From Korea to Vietnam (in the near future), at West Point, many important topics are touched on ... which I find so current even today.
This book is able to grab attention and guide you through the chapters of the book by living between the lines of the pages ... while reading I have very often felt part of what my eyes were reading, great. It was like being there.
An excellent book that cannot be missing in the library, of those who, like me, have a passion for conflicts of that historical period.
You can read it all in one breath, don't miss it.
I can't wait to read this Author's next book.
Read
February 15, 2022MWSA Review
The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Forged in Fire and Blood by Angel Giacomo is a gripping novel about seventeen-year-old Jackson MacKenzie, raised in a military family, who enlists in the Army in December 1951. However, the story begins on April 1, 1985, when Jackson is working on his godfather’s farm. Without giving away a crucial part of the drama, Jackson is severely injured and in his struggle for survival, has a flashback to that day in 1951 and the succeeding years of his life.
Readers will follow the resilient young man through his tour of duty in Korea, where he exhibits extraordinary intelligence and the ability to strategize and lead others. Jackson garners the attention of his superior officers, who recognize his unique talents and leadership abilities. Despite being wounded in combat and suffering deep personal losses, MacKenzie grows in maturity beyond his chronological years. He achieves rank increases as quickly as he qualifies for them and ultimately an appointment to West Point, one of his ultimate goals. What he faces at West Point is, in some aspects, similar to what he experienced in the army, except for the vindictive hazing. Jackson handles the power-crazed retaliation perpetrated against him with the same regimental bearing and steadfastness typical of great leaders.
In the words of General Douglas MacArthur, "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent."
Author Giacomo has the talent to insert the reader onto the battlefield and into the heart and mind of a young man as he faces unique challenges throughout his life both in service to his country and in civilian life. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book.
Review by Nancy Panko (February 2022)
The Jackson MacKenzie Chronicles: Forged in Fire and Blood by Angel Giacomo is a gripping novel about seventeen-year-old Jackson MacKenzie, raised in a military family, who enlists in the Army in December 1951. However, the story begins on April 1, 1985, when Jackson is working on his godfather’s farm. Without giving away a crucial part of the drama, Jackson is severely injured and in his struggle for survival, has a flashback to that day in 1951 and the succeeding years of his life.
Readers will follow the resilient young man through his tour of duty in Korea, where he exhibits extraordinary intelligence and the ability to strategize and lead others. Jackson garners the attention of his superior officers, who recognize his unique talents and leadership abilities. Despite being wounded in combat and suffering deep personal losses, MacKenzie grows in maturity beyond his chronological years. He achieves rank increases as quickly as he qualifies for them and ultimately an appointment to West Point, one of his ultimate goals. What he faces at West Point is, in some aspects, similar to what he experienced in the army, except for the vindictive hazing. Jackson handles the power-crazed retaliation perpetrated against him with the same regimental bearing and steadfastness typical of great leaders.
In the words of General Douglas MacArthur, "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent."
Author Giacomo has the talent to insert the reader onto the battlefield and into the heart and mind of a young man as he faces unique challenges throughout his life both in service to his country and in civilian life. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book.
Review by Nancy Panko (February 2022)
September 28, 2022
Great Read
Enlightening historic review of MacKenzie’s work through West Point. Well written. Looking forward to reading the next
Book in the series. Hoooah may be a term used by me in victory.
Enlightening historic review of MacKenzie’s work through West Point. Well written. Looking forward to reading the next
Book in the series. Hoooah may be a term used by me in victory.
November 15, 2022
a life to live
The ending blew my mind, but to get to the end,you have to start at the beginning To start at 17 years of age and fight to live from that early age
Is a remarkable feat. War is hell. Great book. You should read it!
The ending blew my mind, but to get to the end,you have to start at the beginning To start at 17 years of age and fight to live from that early age
Is a remarkable feat. War is hell. Great book. You should read it!
June 29, 2024
Experience an enthralling journey with Jackson MacKenzie as your guide, embarking on a poignant exploration of his life's intricate tapestry. It commences in the latter stages of Jackson's existence, a seasoned individual whose path is dramatically altered by a heart-wrenching accident, leading him to the confines of a hospital room. In his fervent quest to elude the grip of anguish, he delves deep into the recesses of memory, undertaking a mesmerizing odyssey back to his formative years.
In the internal realm of dreams, Jackson's consciousness regresses to his adolescent self, unveiling a vivid tableau of his experiences during the Korean War and his pivotal moments at the illustrious United States Military Academy, known as West Point. Readers are invited to stand beside Jackson as he navigates the terrain of his aspirations, braving both triumphs and trials in his relentless pursuit of dreams.
The pages of this exceptional book are adorned with a wealth of intricate details, a rarity in the landscape of contemporary literature. With the masterful prose of author Angel Giacomo as your guide, the Korean War and the hallowed halls of West Point are conjured to life with striking clarity. Giacomo's descriptive prowess paints a captivating panorama, inviting you to witness the harrowing struggles and triumphant victories through Jackson's discerning eyes.
Allow yourself to be transported into an immersive narrative that captivates the senses and stirs the emotions. A resounding recommendation resonates from those who have embarked upon this literary voyage – a tome that stands apart, a testament to the power of storytelling. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in the enchanting pages of this remarkable work; it is a reading experience that promises to linger long after the final words are savored.
In the internal realm of dreams, Jackson's consciousness regresses to his adolescent self, unveiling a vivid tableau of his experiences during the Korean War and his pivotal moments at the illustrious United States Military Academy, known as West Point. Readers are invited to stand beside Jackson as he navigates the terrain of his aspirations, braving both triumphs and trials in his relentless pursuit of dreams.
The pages of this exceptional book are adorned with a wealth of intricate details, a rarity in the landscape of contemporary literature. With the masterful prose of author Angel Giacomo as your guide, the Korean War and the hallowed halls of West Point are conjured to life with striking clarity. Giacomo's descriptive prowess paints a captivating panorama, inviting you to witness the harrowing struggles and triumphant victories through Jackson's discerning eyes.
Allow yourself to be transported into an immersive narrative that captivates the senses and stirs the emotions. A resounding recommendation resonates from those who have embarked upon this literary voyage – a tome that stands apart, a testament to the power of storytelling. Don't miss the opportunity to partake in the enchanting pages of this remarkable work; it is a reading experience that promises to linger long after the final words are savored.
September 19, 2025
"Forged in Fire and Blood" immerses the reader in the life of Jackson Joseph MacKenzie, a young soldier thrust into the chaos of the Korean War at just seventeen. Through Jackson's eyes, we experience the muddy trenches, fierce battles, and the personal toll of war, all while witnessing his struggle to realize his dream of attending West Point. The book is a vivid war story and a journey of growth, resilience, and the loss of innocence. Both the battlefields and the culture of military service come to life in this novel. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, filled with well-developed characters and emotionally charged scenes that linger long after the final page.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews