Long book. Most epics are it's kind of the definition of the genre. BUT worth the read.
1914 saw the start of World War I, the supposed "war to end all wars" (until the next one occurred). A lot of countries were involved, some immediately, some later. Charles B. Smith gives us a glimpse into the title of year through the eyes of the French, the English, the Germans, and one of the first Americans to cross over to the fighting.
I admit that I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, being totally unfamiliar with the author (other than realizing that he took on an incredible challenge for his first published novel). BUT ... Mr. Smith managed to balance the historical facts and morals of the era against characters that we were bound to come to respect, admire, and even love (and in a few intentional cases, loathe).
At the end of the book, Mr. Smith offers up a sequel if the interest is there this reader / reviewer definitely votes "YES!"
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars. The author caught and kept my interest AND left me with some things that I will remember long after I've put it down to read other books.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. A prompt and honest (and hopefully favorable) review was probably desired, but no such commitment was sought nor given. And since I've had the book for around 2 years before finishing it, that's probably a good thing.
1914 saw the start of World War I, the supposed "war to end all wars" (until the next one occurred). A lot of countries were involved, some immediately, some later. Charles B. Smith gives us a glimpse into the title of year through the eyes of the French, the English, the Germans, and one of the first Americans to cross over to the fighting.
I admit that I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, being totally unfamiliar with the author (other than realizing that he took on an incredible challenge for his first published novel). BUT ... Mr. Smith managed to balance the historical facts and morals of the era against characters that we were bound to come to respect, admire, and even love (and in a few intentional cases, loathe).
At the end of the book, Mr. Smith offers up a sequel if the interest is there this reader / reviewer definitely votes "YES!"
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars. The author caught and kept my interest AND left me with some things that I will remember long after I've put it down to read other books.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book in a random draw. A prompt and honest (and hopefully favorable) review was probably desired, but no such commitment was sought nor given. And since I've had the book for around 2 years before finishing it, that's probably a good thing.
