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Artillerymen #2
Hell's March
Major Lewis Cayce will need to use every weapon in his arsenal to keep his stranded men alive on a deadly alternate Earth in this gripping new adventure set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Destroyermen series.
It is 1847, and almost a full year after being shipwrecked on another, far stranger and more dangerous Earth on their way to fight Santa Anna in the Mexican-American War, Lewis Cayce and his small group of artillerymen, infantrymen, and dragoons have made friends in the Yucatán, helped build an army, and repulsed the first efforts of the blood-drenched Holy Dominion to wipe their new friends out.
As an even more radical cult of Blood Priests arises and begins to pursue its own path to power, the Dominion can’t let its defeat stand. It must crush the heretics and expel them from the land it has claimed.
Fortunately, Lewis Cayce is a professional. He understands defense can only result in a stalemate at best, and a stalemate with the more populous Dominion will only lead to defeat in the end. The lucky few will be enslaved. The rest will be sacrificed in the most horrific way imaginable. The only hope his new allies have is to win—and to do that, his little army must attack the most powerful and diabolical enemy on the planet in its own territory. Achieving victory will take all Lewis’s imagination, the courage and trust of his soldiers—and all the round shot and canister his tiny band of artillerymen can slam out.
It is 1847, and almost a full year after being shipwrecked on another, far stranger and more dangerous Earth on their way to fight Santa Anna in the Mexican-American War, Lewis Cayce and his small group of artillerymen, infantrymen, and dragoons have made friends in the Yucatán, helped build an army, and repulsed the first efforts of the blood-drenched Holy Dominion to wipe their new friends out.
As an even more radical cult of Blood Priests arises and begins to pursue its own path to power, the Dominion can’t let its defeat stand. It must crush the heretics and expel them from the land it has claimed.
Fortunately, Lewis Cayce is a professional. He understands defense can only result in a stalemate at best, and a stalemate with the more populous Dominion will only lead to defeat in the end. The lucky few will be enslaved. The rest will be sacrificed in the most horrific way imaginable. The only hope his new allies have is to win—and to do that, his little army must attack the most powerful and diabolical enemy on the planet in its own territory. Achieving victory will take all Lewis’s imagination, the courage and trust of his soldiers—and all the round shot and canister his tiny band of artillerymen can slam out.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2023
81 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 24, 2022
In the second book of the Artillerymen series, Taylor Anderson brings amazing world-building and characterization to this action-packed and suspenseful novel. It’s 1847 and almost a year after four ships carrying Americans heading to Vera Cruz, Mexico were caught in a storm and shipwrecked on an alternative Earth. Instead of fighting in the Mexican-American war, they are fighting for their lives against both monster animals and humans. This series is set in the same world as the Destroyermen series.
Lewis Cayce and his group of artillerymen, infantrymen, and mounted riflemen have made friends in the Yucatan and built an army. This also repulsed the Holy Dominion army that was intent on killing their new allies. However, a more radical cult of Blood Priests has arisen. They pursue power and blood sacrifices. Cayce understands that the only option is offense, not defense. Outnumbered and less diabolical, can courage, trust, and imagination outwit and overcome the enemy?
The characters are complex and come to life through their words, actions, movements, thoughts, reactions, and mannerisms. There are many characters and it will help to read the first book in the series to have a handle on the core characters ahead of this novel. It was especially enjoyable to see the significant growth in both the main and several of the secondary characters.
The plot twists and turns with some unpredictable moments in the story. Beliefs, worldviews, and prejudices come under assault. Many live in fear of sacrifice. Ultimately, this is a fight between goodness, light, justice, tolerance, and equality versus evil, darkness, sacrifice, and a class system. Despite there being many battles in this novel, there is adequate time for great characterization and world-building.
The book is moving and suspenseful at times, and violent and disturbing at other times. As the tale unfolds, this reader became mentally and emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story itself. The stakes were high and made this vivid and memorable novel a true page-turner for me in. Additional themes woven into the story include protecting others, politics, power, greed, gender roles in war, and relationships of all types.
Overall, this story is engrossing, intense, and impactful. This book has a high level of tension and foreboding. The Epilogue sets up the next book in the series. Those that enjoy alternative history military thrillers or the Destroyermen series will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Taylor Anderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.52 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
Lewis Cayce and his group of artillerymen, infantrymen, and mounted riflemen have made friends in the Yucatan and built an army. This also repulsed the Holy Dominion army that was intent on killing their new allies. However, a more radical cult of Blood Priests has arisen. They pursue power and blood sacrifices. Cayce understands that the only option is offense, not defense. Outnumbered and less diabolical, can courage, trust, and imagination outwit and overcome the enemy?
The characters are complex and come to life through their words, actions, movements, thoughts, reactions, and mannerisms. There are many characters and it will help to read the first book in the series to have a handle on the core characters ahead of this novel. It was especially enjoyable to see the significant growth in both the main and several of the secondary characters.
The plot twists and turns with some unpredictable moments in the story. Beliefs, worldviews, and prejudices come under assault. Many live in fear of sacrifice. Ultimately, this is a fight between goodness, light, justice, tolerance, and equality versus evil, darkness, sacrifice, and a class system. Despite there being many battles in this novel, there is adequate time for great characterization and world-building.
The book is moving and suspenseful at times, and violent and disturbing at other times. As the tale unfolds, this reader became mentally and emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story itself. The stakes were high and made this vivid and memorable novel a true page-turner for me in. Additional themes woven into the story include protecting others, politics, power, greed, gender roles in war, and relationships of all types.
Overall, this story is engrossing, intense, and impactful. This book has a high level of tension and foreboding. The Epilogue sets up the next book in the series. Those that enjoy alternative history military thrillers or the Destroyermen series will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Taylor Anderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.52 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon.
December 3, 2023
Review to follow.
August 23, 2025
What can I say? Taylor Anderson does it again!
Gripping, well-written, entertaining. It is difficult to put down.
What more do you want in a book?
Gripping, well-written, entertaining. It is difficult to put down.
What more do you want in a book?
October 2, 2022
“Hell’s March” is the 2nd volume in Taylor Anderson’s new alternate history series, “The Artillerymen.” The previous volume, “Purgatory’s Shore,” set the baseline for the story: 4 ships carrying US troops and weapons to Vera Cruz, Mexico for Winfield Scott’s Mexico City campaign, in 1847, are snatched up by some monstrous metrological or electrical phenomenon and dropped in about the same place, but a very different “when.” Three of the ships are destroyed in the transfer. A surplused Royal Navy 50-gunner, carrying civilians out of Mexico, is also caught and moved.
The “when” the survivors find themselves in is still Yucatan, but one populated by refugees from our fossil record who were never visited with extinction. There are also a number of groups, or tribes, of humans in various stages of social development, and a very powerful, bloodthirsty lot called the “Holy Dominion.” Yes, readers of “The Destroyermen” will be familiar with some of the setting and the “Doms,” but don’t think this is a rehash of our beloved “D’men” in Mexican War kit. Taylor has used all of his literary craft and firepower to give us a new, if somewhat familiar, epic.
His story is filled with the multitude of little things we actually see around us and deal with every day, but either don’t notice or are so accustomed to we take them for granted. All these details give his writing what I call, for want of a better term, “Texture.” His descriptions of scenery and atmospherics are unmatched in color, depth, and realism. The smells of stagnant water, of dead and decaying animals, of the wind that comes on the leading edge of a squall that drives in off the ocean, of black powder smoke sweaty wool and leather…. Taylor doesn’t just give us the visuals; he gives us the entire sensory treatment – a load of canister for the senses.
His knowledge of muzzle-loading artillery pieces and their use is also without peer. Ever felt the overpressure from a field gun slapping your chest and running bristly little pipe cleaners of concussion into your sinuses to the corners of your eyes? Taylor has, and he gives us a feel for it. Ever walk 15 miles in hard-soled brogans, wearing wool from your ears to your ankles, carrying 60 pounds of kit? Taylor has, and through his writing we can fall slog along with him.
“Hell’s March” delves more deeply into some of the social and political issues of 1847, and informed readers will find many needle-sharp references that will bring to mind the news of today, for there really is nothing new under the sun. “Hell’s March” is a primer on political philosophy – individualism vs. statism, for his characters, more three- and even four-dimensional than almost any I have found in literature – are thinkers, and they butt heads with those who aren’t. He shows us that slavery has never been a strictly racial institution, and that it is far deeper and more subtle than the stereotyped models we are so often shown today. The same is true of gender equality, explored through the marvelously-developed, believable, and consistent characters of the women in the book, from a young tigress who was raised on the Texas frontier fighting Comanches and bandits, to an upper-class Englishwoman who packs a steel spine under her stylish bodice, and a splendid mind beneath her blonde curls, to a non-human female lemurian (Mi-Anaaka) warmaster with an exquisitely sarcastic, dry wit and the fire of a berserker in her heart.
“Hell’s March” is one hell of a ripping good yarn, filled with courage, treachery, sacrifice, the pure, stinky masculinity of soldiers on campaign, transfiguring love, plot twists, mind-churning moral themes, fixed bayonets, and double canister. It can be read and thoroughly enjoyed at any level, for any of those elements. Strap on your kits and see to you guns, because Taylor Anderson gives the “alternate history” genre a 6-pound dose of “Action, Front!”
The “when” the survivors find themselves in is still Yucatan, but one populated by refugees from our fossil record who were never visited with extinction. There are also a number of groups, or tribes, of humans in various stages of social development, and a very powerful, bloodthirsty lot called the “Holy Dominion.” Yes, readers of “The Destroyermen” will be familiar with some of the setting and the “Doms,” but don’t think this is a rehash of our beloved “D’men” in Mexican War kit. Taylor has used all of his literary craft and firepower to give us a new, if somewhat familiar, epic.
His story is filled with the multitude of little things we actually see around us and deal with every day, but either don’t notice or are so accustomed to we take them for granted. All these details give his writing what I call, for want of a better term, “Texture.” His descriptions of scenery and atmospherics are unmatched in color, depth, and realism. The smells of stagnant water, of dead and decaying animals, of the wind that comes on the leading edge of a squall that drives in off the ocean, of black powder smoke sweaty wool and leather…. Taylor doesn’t just give us the visuals; he gives us the entire sensory treatment – a load of canister for the senses.
His knowledge of muzzle-loading artillery pieces and their use is also without peer. Ever felt the overpressure from a field gun slapping your chest and running bristly little pipe cleaners of concussion into your sinuses to the corners of your eyes? Taylor has, and he gives us a feel for it. Ever walk 15 miles in hard-soled brogans, wearing wool from your ears to your ankles, carrying 60 pounds of kit? Taylor has, and through his writing we can fall slog along with him.
“Hell’s March” delves more deeply into some of the social and political issues of 1847, and informed readers will find many needle-sharp references that will bring to mind the news of today, for there really is nothing new under the sun. “Hell’s March” is a primer on political philosophy – individualism vs. statism, for his characters, more three- and even four-dimensional than almost any I have found in literature – are thinkers, and they butt heads with those who aren’t. He shows us that slavery has never been a strictly racial institution, and that it is far deeper and more subtle than the stereotyped models we are so often shown today. The same is true of gender equality, explored through the marvelously-developed, believable, and consistent characters of the women in the book, from a young tigress who was raised on the Texas frontier fighting Comanches and bandits, to an upper-class Englishwoman who packs a steel spine under her stylish bodice, and a splendid mind beneath her blonde curls, to a non-human female lemurian (Mi-Anaaka) warmaster with an exquisitely sarcastic, dry wit and the fire of a berserker in her heart.
“Hell’s March” is one hell of a ripping good yarn, filled with courage, treachery, sacrifice, the pure, stinky masculinity of soldiers on campaign, transfiguring love, plot twists, mind-churning moral themes, fixed bayonets, and double canister. It can be read and thoroughly enjoyed at any level, for any of those elements. Strap on your kits and see to you guns, because Taylor Anderson gives the “alternate history” genre a 6-pound dose of “Action, Front!”
July 29, 2024
Not as good as the first book but still a good read.
The concept has been done before of course, William Forsthen's much earlier The Lost Regiment series comes to mind as one of the best. That was based on a Civil War infantry regiment also tossed onto an alternate world and trying to recreate what they had left behind forever.
The differences of course are considerable BUT similar. Mr Anderson's human enemies are not that different technically, backwards a bit but not drastically. Both series face bloodthirsty non human enemies (dinosaurs on one & human eating Sasquatch types on the other) but the two sets of good guys are different technically. Anderson's are pre industrial era people of the late 1840s while Forstchen's are typical Federals of the 1860s; every type of skill set could be found in a volunteer infantry unit including locomotive foundry workers and telegraph operators.
For me that is the most interesting aspect of this series. How do you build up a nation based on a lower level of tech? I think Anderson gives his Yucatan allies far too elastic abilities to adjust to a pre industrial lash up from a late Medieval environment but it works.
Good enough so far and I'll keep on with this series to see where it goes
The concept has been done before of course, William Forsthen's much earlier The Lost Regiment series comes to mind as one of the best. That was based on a Civil War infantry regiment also tossed onto an alternate world and trying to recreate what they had left behind forever.
The differences of course are considerable BUT similar. Mr Anderson's human enemies are not that different technically, backwards a bit but not drastically. Both series face bloodthirsty non human enemies (dinosaurs on one & human eating Sasquatch types on the other) but the two sets of good guys are different technically. Anderson's are pre industrial era people of the late 1840s while Forstchen's are typical Federals of the 1860s; every type of skill set could be found in a volunteer infantry unit including locomotive foundry workers and telegraph operators.
For me that is the most interesting aspect of this series. How do you build up a nation based on a lower level of tech? I think Anderson gives his Yucatan allies far too elastic abilities to adjust to a pre industrial lash up from a late Medieval environment but it works.
Good enough so far and I'll keep on with this series to see where it goes
September 30, 2022
Hardcore and desperate campaigning
Anderson continues his saga of American soldiers (ca. 1848) battling the forces of a perverted amalgam of Roman Catholicism and Aztec beliefs and practices. War scenes are richly imagined and well conceived. Anderson is a bit like David Weber in his cast of characters; there are good guys, evil guys and then there are the characters who serve evil until enlightened by exposure to American values. A bit fantastic - reality being that most people seem to cling more fiercely to basic beliefs when challenged, even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Still, Anderson develops an engrossing story well populated with clearly defined characters engaged in a worthwhile crusade and faced with daunting challenges. Hell’s March was a cut or two above so many similar novels I’ve come across recently and I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Anderson continues his saga of American soldiers (ca. 1848) battling the forces of a perverted amalgam of Roman Catholicism and Aztec beliefs and practices. War scenes are richly imagined and well conceived. Anderson is a bit like David Weber in his cast of characters; there are good guys, evil guys and then there are the characters who serve evil until enlightened by exposure to American values. A bit fantastic - reality being that most people seem to cling more fiercely to basic beliefs when challenged, even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Still, Anderson develops an engrossing story well populated with clearly defined characters engaged in a worthwhile crusade and faced with daunting challenges. Hell’s March was a cut or two above so many similar novels I’ve come across recently and I look forward to the next installment in this series.
December 16, 2022
My, oh my!
The Destroyermen and Artillerymen series are awfully hard to beat. Alternative reality with WWII in the first series and the Mexican-American War in the second serues. American soldiers and a few others with all their equipment and whatever else is with them as they are being transported by ship are ripped from this reality and dropped in the Yucatan Peninsula where they face unimaginable monsters and are caught up in a battle between opposing forces fighting for survival. Animals reminiscent of dinosaurs and a few other intelligent species are represented as well. Military action abounds. A little romance and racial and religious issues of the mid 19th century are addressed as well. There are fifteen in the first series and Artillery men is off to a good start with this the second in the series. Great read for fans of alternate military history!
The Destroyermen and Artillerymen series are awfully hard to beat. Alternative reality with WWII in the first series and the Mexican-American War in the second serues. American soldiers and a few others with all their equipment and whatever else is with them as they are being transported by ship are ripped from this reality and dropped in the Yucatan Peninsula where they face unimaginable monsters and are caught up in a battle between opposing forces fighting for survival. Animals reminiscent of dinosaurs and a few other intelligent species are represented as well. Military action abounds. A little romance and racial and religious issues of the mid 19th century are addressed as well. There are fifteen in the first series and Artillery men is off to a good start with this the second in the series. Great read for fans of alternate military history!
November 22, 2022
A good second entry into this series. Part historical fiction, part sci-fi, this follows the Destroymen series set in an alternate universe of Earth. An artillery unit from the Mexican War is transported to this universe, where an empire called Dominion has combined the Inquisition era of Christianity with Aztec culture. Lots of fun and interesting characters, and the battle scenes are full of action. I'm enjoying this series so far.
April 7, 2023
The second Artillerymen book is definitely one I don't recommend reading without reading Purgatory's Shore first. It's just too much to dive into cold.
That being said, this takes over right after the first entry ends, Lewis and company feeling victorious but still realizing they have a huge fight on their hands.
Excellent world-building and the details leave nothing to be desired, the large scale battles bring to mind the mastery of Cornwell
That being said, this takes over right after the first entry ends, Lewis and company feeling victorious but still realizing they have a huge fight on their hands.
Excellent world-building and the details leave nothing to be desired, the large scale battles bring to mind the mastery of Cornwell
October 1, 2022
Another great book
This was another great book by Taylor Anderson he has a way of writing grand sweeping stories where every character gets their say and very informative on the type of weapons used in that era he certainly has done his research it adds a layer of realism to all of his stories keep up the good work looking forward to the next in the series
This was another great book by Taylor Anderson he has a way of writing grand sweeping stories where every character gets their say and very informative on the type of weapons used in that era he certainly has done his research it adds a layer of realism to all of his stories keep up the good work looking forward to the next in the series
January 15, 2025
Another good story, and more about how to fire a cannon than you'd probably ever want to know. Both this and his Destroyermen series have certainly given me a greater appreciation of battlefield tactics, and amaze me at how anyone can SEE everything that's going on when they're in the middle of only one part of the action.
September 21, 2022
A continuation of the chronicle of the tribulations and triumphs of people transported to a harsh alternate Earth, first told in The DestroyerMen series. Strong characters, amazing world-building. Highly recommended.
October 7, 2022
Anderson does it again
Once more Mr Anderson brings to life that alternate earth. Filling it with wonderful action and engaging characters. Absolutely love this world and the people who inhabit it.
Once more Mr Anderson brings to life that alternate earth. Filling it with wonderful action and engaging characters. Absolutely love this world and the people who inhabit it.
October 25, 2022
Excellent addition to the Universe
A good read and enjoyable. We learn more of the past. Interesting to see how this will turn out. Get this book and read it. Looking forward to the next book.
A good read and enjoyable. We learn more of the past. Interesting to see how this will turn out. Get this book and read it. Looking forward to the next book.
January 21, 2023
A strong entry into this series
It took a bit to get into this book, but once I did I fully enjoyed this book. Its a solid entry into this series and I will be reading the next book when it comes out.
It took a bit to get into this book, but once I did I fully enjoyed this book. Its a solid entry into this series and I will be reading the next book when it comes out.
February 3, 2023
Just as good as the first book, although all the warfare tactics had my eyes glazing over a few times, but good book all the same. I don't if there will be more in the series, I hope there will be!
Leonor my girl!: "I’ll always be with you, wherever you are.” swoon
Leonor my girl!: "I’ll always be with you, wherever you are.” swoon
March 30, 2023
Great story
Excellent read , of course that's to be expected. I have been a fan of Mr. Anderson for awhile.
This has been an excellent side story that answered many questions from the Destroyermen series. Please continue the story.
Excellent read , of course that's to be expected. I have been a fan of Mr. Anderson for awhile.
This has been an excellent side story that answered many questions from the Destroyermen series. Please continue the story.
July 30, 2023
Excellent tale
Great second book in this series. I enjoy the Alt History and the author's addition of history that I can go and look up online. Enjoy listening to the old music referenced in the book.
Great second book in this series. I enjoy the Alt History and the author's addition of history that I can go and look up online. Enjoy listening to the old music referenced in the book.
October 11, 2023
Military might in an alternate world
This is simply a well written book. The premise is excellent (1840s army thrown into alternate earth) meets Dinosaurs and El Diablo perversion of Christianity. In to book three
This is simply a well written book. The premise is excellent (1840s army thrown into alternate earth) meets Dinosaurs and El Diablo perversion of Christianity. In to book three
November 6, 2023
Some of the best alternative history fiction. Taylor Anderson's latest series, Artillerymen, follows his previous smash series, Destroyermen. Can't miss for alternate history and SclFi/Fantasy fans, or anyone that just likes a good tale.
December 15, 2023
Another fine installment from Taylor Anderson in his new series. I again thoroughly enjoyed this read, including the different dynamics of the characters from his earlier Destroyermen series (even though set in the same general universe. Looking forward to the next one.
October 3, 2022
Great tale
Taylor Anderson has done it again! Excellent plot development. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment!
Taylor Anderson has done it again! Excellent plot development. My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next installment!
October 5, 2022
well, and consistently written
Good plot and continual action.Holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. I just can’t wait for his next book to come out.
Good plot and continual action.Holds the reader’s attention from start to finish. I just can’t wait for his next book to come out.
October 27, 2022
great read
I wasn’t sure I would like his new series. I was wrong. As good as the first book in this series was. This one was better.
I wasn’t sure I would like his new series. I was wrong. As good as the first book in this series was. This one was better.
November 19, 2022
Another great series
November 28, 2022
Can't wait
FOR BOOK 3!!! Couldn't stop reading until I finished. Highly recommend I've read all of his destroyer man series. Hated when it ended
FOR BOOK 3!!! Couldn't stop reading until I finished. Highly recommend I've read all of his destroyer man series. Hated when it ended
February 15, 2023
Great read continuing the level of story from all the connected stories.
March 5, 2023
The 'lost' American army and its allies begin/continue their crusade against the genocidal Dominion.
March 9, 2023
This series doesn't have the same impact as the Destroyers series did, but it's still good fun.
May 11, 2023
Another great read! I've enjoyed this series a ton so far! And I'm so excited for the next book to come out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews