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The Civil War Battle Series #1
Manassas
Manassas, by James Reasoner, is the first novel in The Civil War Battles series based on the Brannon family of Culpeper County, Virginia. This initial volume describes the mood in the South prior to the outbreak of hostilities and follows one of the Brannon sons into the army and onto the scene of the first major battle of the war.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 5, 2022
I've been meaning to start this series and I'm glad I finally did so. Although it's not exactly what I expected, but I still enjoyed it and will be continuing it at a later date. I'll probably expand my review of it then too. Possibly after a reread of the physical book (I listened to the audio this time around).
The best part is undoubtedly the atmosphere, and how the time period comes alive as you're reading. Every character has a distinct voice, so it's easy to remember who's who. And I do love them all.
I'm looking forward to following this family through all the battles, it seems like it'll be an interesting journey.
The best part is undoubtedly the atmosphere, and how the time period comes alive as you're reading. Every character has a distinct voice, so it's easy to remember who's who. And I do love them all.
I'm looking forward to following this family through all the battles, it seems like it'll be an interesting journey.
April 29, 2011
The first of a ten book Civil War historical fiction series; concerning the fictional Culpepper, Virginia Brennan family. This is one of the few historical fictions concerning the Civil War which is told from a Southern perspective; allowing the reader to visualize the events of secession, battles and skirmishes from a differing view point.
In this first novel, the reader is introduced to the Brennan family. The now deceased father, John Brennan; lover of the arts, especially the plays of William Shakespear. A dreamer, a person who seemingly lived in a fantasy world refusing to live up to the responsibilties of a family. The widowed mother Abigail is a self-righteous, hyprocritical Christian; a hell bent Southern sympathizer eager for war, while turning out her eldest son after he kills a man in self-defense, because he had broken the fifth commandment: Thou Shalt not kill! William Brennan, Sherriff of Culpepper County and chief support of the Brennan family, who joins the Confederate Army after his mother forces him from the family home after he shoots a murder suspect in self-defense. Cory Brennan, the wanderer, who set out to see the world, leaving his family behind. Titus Brennan, the hot-tempered, irresponsible drunk who is infatuated by a near-by plantation owner's daughter. Easy going Henry, the youngest male Brennan, who seems to simply go along with whatever he's told to do. Finally, the only Brennan daughter and youngest Brennan child, Cordelia.
This tells the story of southern family and the Civil War in the Eastern Theater through the eyes of Will, who is presently under the command of 'Stonewall' Jackson.
In this first novel, the reader is introduced to the Brennan family. The now deceased father, John Brennan; lover of the arts, especially the plays of William Shakespear. A dreamer, a person who seemingly lived in a fantasy world refusing to live up to the responsibilties of a family. The widowed mother Abigail is a self-righteous, hyprocritical Christian; a hell bent Southern sympathizer eager for war, while turning out her eldest son after he kills a man in self-defense, because he had broken the fifth commandment: Thou Shalt not kill! William Brennan, Sherriff of Culpepper County and chief support of the Brennan family, who joins the Confederate Army after his mother forces him from the family home after he shoots a murder suspect in self-defense. Cory Brennan, the wanderer, who set out to see the world, leaving his family behind. Titus Brennan, the hot-tempered, irresponsible drunk who is infatuated by a near-by plantation owner's daughter. Easy going Henry, the youngest male Brennan, who seems to simply go along with whatever he's told to do. Finally, the only Brennan daughter and youngest Brennan child, Cordelia.
This tells the story of southern family and the Civil War in the Eastern Theater through the eyes of Will, who is presently under the command of 'Stonewall' Jackson.
May 10, 2011
Manassas is the introductory volume of an 8 part Civil War series, built around the Brannon family of Culpeper, VA. Their scion died several years earlier, leaving Will, the eldest of 4 brothers and a sister, to keep the farm running and the family prospering. Will is also the county sheriff, a position that his dour, Bible-toting-and-quoting mother, Abigail, abhors. Will has his hands full trying to stop the ne'er do well Fogarty clan from tearing up the county, and they've responded by inciting a blood feud against the Brannons. After they shoot younger brother Titus, Abigail holds Will accountable, a stance that her other children cannot understand. When war breaks out, Will chooses to enlist on the Southern side.
While the first half of the novel focuses on the Brannons' domestic life, the second part deals mostly with Will's experiences as new recruit who is quickly promoted to officer status. He gains firsthand knowledge of new General Thomas Jackson, before he became known as "Stonewall".
Manassas is an uneven novel. While the characters are likable, some of them, especially Abigail, are mere caricatures. Reasoner's writing is simplistic, repetitive, and, at times, banal. When the battle of Manassas finally is joined, he fails to illustrate the devastation that befell soldiers on both sides. But he handles well the generalized naivete and idealism that propelled the many thousands of young men who enlisted with the belief that they could readily beat the "damn Yankees". It will be interesting to read the next few volumes to see how those fantasies were dashed.
While the first half of the novel focuses on the Brannons' domestic life, the second part deals mostly with Will's experiences as new recruit who is quickly promoted to officer status. He gains firsthand knowledge of new General Thomas Jackson, before he became known as "Stonewall".
Manassas is an uneven novel. While the characters are likable, some of them, especially Abigail, are mere caricatures. Reasoner's writing is simplistic, repetitive, and, at times, banal. When the battle of Manassas finally is joined, he fails to illustrate the devastation that befell soldiers on both sides. But he handles well the generalized naivete and idealism that propelled the many thousands of young men who enlisted with the belief that they could readily beat the "damn Yankees". It will be interesting to read the next few volumes to see how those fantasies were dashed.
October 5, 2014
I have been researching my southern ancestors who all fought for the Confederates during the Civil War. I love how this book is bringing that time period 'alive' to me.
"Manassas" is the first book in this series and it sets the stage for the 10 book series. We meet the Brannons, a family living in Culpepper County, Virginia. Four sons and one daughter live with their mother, Abigail, as their father has passed away. Another son has already left the clan and is somewhere to the west. The eldest son, Will, serves as the sheriff.
The second book, "Shiloh", is particularly of interest to me as a brother of my great, great grandfather fought there! My great, great grandfather might have, too, but I'm still researching.
A very enjoyable book! I can't wait to read more!
"Manassas" is the first book in this series and it sets the stage for the 10 book series. We meet the Brannons, a family living in Culpepper County, Virginia. Four sons and one daughter live with their mother, Abigail, as their father has passed away. Another son has already left the clan and is somewhere to the west. The eldest son, Will, serves as the sheriff.
The second book, "Shiloh", is particularly of interest to me as a brother of my great, great grandfather fought there! My great, great grandfather might have, too, but I'm still researching.
A very enjoyable book! I can't wait to read more!
March 11, 2021
The beginning of Manassas is *very* slow. But if the reader stand his ground like Stonemason Jackson stood in front of the Union Army, he will be rewarded. I don't get much of some charicatural characters, like Abigail, Polly Ebersold or her father, they are pure cliché. But other than that, an interesting and historically-accurate book.
November 7, 2024
Glad I read it. Learned a bit. The stories and plots were a bit juvenile or one dimensional or like a long Dudley DoRight but I was entertained. I prefer when sequels conclude a little more than this first one with several soap opera type cliffhangers
July 6, 2015
The good thing about discovering a great series late in its life cycle, is not being forced to wait for the release of the remaining books. That is the justification I will hold on to in waiting 16 years to discover and read the talented James Reasoner. Given the recent collective resurgence of interest in Confederacy symbolism, secessionism, and some things Civil War-ish, there may be no better time to pick up this series.
Told from the perspective of a simple family of Southern farmers, "Manassas" is the first in a 10 book series that plumbs the impacts of the War of Northern Aggression on the men and women that witnessed it first hand. As all epics must, "Manassas" starts slowly. In fact, the first half of the book is written in a deceptively plain-spoken, simple goodness reflective of the Brannon family itself. Towards the end, Reasoner really ramps up the action. The last 50 pages had me spellbound, drawing hard on my cigar and flipping pages as quickly as I could; my hand trembled as I drained the last of the suds accompanying the pool-side conclusion of the first book of this series.
The search is on now as I begin the process of gathering up the remaining books in this series!
Told from the perspective of a simple family of Southern farmers, "Manassas" is the first in a 10 book series that plumbs the impacts of the War of Northern Aggression on the men and women that witnessed it first hand. As all epics must, "Manassas" starts slowly. In fact, the first half of the book is written in a deceptively plain-spoken, simple goodness reflective of the Brannon family itself. Towards the end, Reasoner really ramps up the action. The last 50 pages had me spellbound, drawing hard on my cigar and flipping pages as quickly as I could; my hand trembled as I drained the last of the suds accompanying the pool-side conclusion of the first book of this series.
The search is on now as I begin the process of gathering up the remaining books in this series!
July 17, 2024
This is very hard to rate. It is NOT a historical piece about the Battle of Manassas. It is also barely a historical fiction novel about the Battle of Manassas.
The first 75% of this book occurs in Culpeper County pre-War and follows a family's drama and day to day on a family farm. It felt juvenile and I'm surprised this isn't a YA book. I may give it to my 11 year old son to read since he has an interest in the Civil War...but the first half of 3/4 of this book is Good v. Evil, get the bad guys, etc.
Since this is the first of a 10 book series, I will read the next one to see how the Brannons fare during the actual war.
The first 75% of this book occurs in Culpeper County pre-War and follows a family's drama and day to day on a family farm. It felt juvenile and I'm surprised this isn't a YA book. I may give it to my 11 year old son to read since he has an interest in the Civil War...but the first half of 3/4 of this book is Good v. Evil, get the bad guys, etc.
Since this is the first of a 10 book series, I will read the next one to see how the Brannons fare during the actual war.
December 18, 2025
This was okay, not great by any means. I mostly found the story boring and the characters were fairly wooden. The book is named after the first major battle of the Civil War, yet that battle only takes place at the very end and isn't really conveyed well. This book felt mostly like a western, despite it being set in Virginia in 1861. I can't say I'm really disappointed in the book as I didn't really expect much. I won't be continuing on with the series however, I just didn't connect with the characters or the setting.
January 26, 2015
I don't know how I never heard of an author from Fort Worth who has written over 200 books but I'm glad I finally found out about him.
This is the first of ten novels tracing the history of a single family in the South during the civil war. The characters etc. are good enough
that I may listen to all ten of them. (I also discovered that he created the Walker Texas Ranger books which became a TV series.)
This is the first of ten novels tracing the history of a single family in the South during the civil war. The characters etc. are good enough
that I may listen to all ten of them. (I also discovered that he created the Walker Texas Ranger books which became a TV series.)
July 28, 2011
Listened to this on MP3 during the bus/metro commute. Had visited Manassas Battlefield this summer on a super hot/humid day. Felt what the soldiers would have felt and stood where they stood. Historical fiction but dates and events are all there to help with the details of the real thing.
June 7, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I like the fact that it is centered around a family during the war. I can hardly wait to read the next book.
December 15, 2024
"Manassas" is the first instalment in a ten-book American Civil War historical fiction series. Told through a distinctly Southern lens, the novel explores the rumblings of secession and the First Battle of Bull Run, interweaving themes of familial bonds, personal allegiance and moral dilemmas.
Reasoner weaves a textured tapestry of Civil War-era life, threading together the raw nerves of a society on the brink of fracture. His portrayal of Confederate volunteers pulses with an unvarnished energy, young men swept up in a romantic delusion of martial glory, their naivety etched in every line. Domestic scenes serve as a counterpoint, rooted in the gritty realities of households bracing for upheaval, where personal costs of conflict simmer beneath the surface of daily existence.
The novel stumbles where it should soar. Characters drift like pale sketches, never quite breaking through the page's membrane. Prose marches in lockstep, functional but bloodless, missing the nuanced tremors that could have illuminated this fractured moment in history. Despite the narrative's fertile ground, Reasoner seems content to skim the surface, side-stepping the deeper moral fault lines that could have transformed a merely competent book into something truly piercing.
That said, "Manassas" offers a readable and accessible narrative that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction. The battle itself emerges later in the story, but Reasoner's patient buildup may reward those who prefer their history served with a generous dose of familial drama and period detail.
"Manassas" is an interesting beginning to a lengthy series. While it doesn't quite deliver on the promise of its premise, it might still find its audience among those looking for an undemanding yet immersive foray into the Civil War's early days. Reasoner's saga could grow into something more ambitious, but as a standalone novel, this opening chapter struggles to rise above pedestrian.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
Reasoner weaves a textured tapestry of Civil War-era life, threading together the raw nerves of a society on the brink of fracture. His portrayal of Confederate volunteers pulses with an unvarnished energy, young men swept up in a romantic delusion of martial glory, their naivety etched in every line. Domestic scenes serve as a counterpoint, rooted in the gritty realities of households bracing for upheaval, where personal costs of conflict simmer beneath the surface of daily existence.
The novel stumbles where it should soar. Characters drift like pale sketches, never quite breaking through the page's membrane. Prose marches in lockstep, functional but bloodless, missing the nuanced tremors that could have illuminated this fractured moment in history. Despite the narrative's fertile ground, Reasoner seems content to skim the surface, side-stepping the deeper moral fault lines that could have transformed a merely competent book into something truly piercing.
That said, "Manassas" offers a readable and accessible narrative that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven historical fiction. The battle itself emerges later in the story, but Reasoner's patient buildup may reward those who prefer their history served with a generous dose of familial drama and period detail.
"Manassas" is an interesting beginning to a lengthy series. While it doesn't quite deliver on the promise of its premise, it might still find its audience among those looking for an undemanding yet immersive foray into the Civil War's early days. Reasoner's saga could grow into something more ambitious, but as a standalone novel, this opening chapter struggles to rise above pedestrian.
⭐ ⭐ 1/2
November 21, 2020
This is going to contain some spoilers for the book. I don't know how I'm going to get around it. I'll keep the main spoilers in the spoilers section, but, you know, fair warning.
When I started this book, it seemed quiet and good enough. It was about a white family in Culpepper County, Virginia, which is too close to Manassas for the community to be unaffected by the battle. There is a backdrop of looming war, but the main story is about the sheriff of a town shooting a man in self defense and, to assuage his southern mother's heart, joining the confederacy as penance. He has 3 brothers and 1 sister who live on the farm with their widowed mother, and they run around getting into social trouble and fostering ideas about horse races.
Extended sequences focused on a lone stallion that jumped fences back at the farm, luring away mares and running off when he was done. He was un-tamable, strong, free. One of the brothers dreamed of catching this wild horse.
After about half of the book focusing on this sheriff who unwillingly killed a man, this horse which refused to be caught, an upcoming horse race, and an impossible passel of corn pone and various pies, I asked the question:
Is this a cowboy book?
So I looked up the author. James Reasoner is one of those people who usually writes in the genre I call 'bad cowboy books.'
And that's genuinely what this book was.
To be honest, with a book named Manassas rather than Bull Run, I already went in worrying it was going to be a southern apologist story (battles are named after the nearest town/city in Southern histories, after the nearest river in Northern histories). A cowboy story isn't the worst thing that could have happened, but it's pretty darn close.
When I started this book, it seemed quiet and good enough. It was about a white family in Culpepper County, Virginia, which is too close to Manassas for the community to be unaffected by the battle. There is a backdrop of looming war, but the main story is about the sheriff of a town shooting a man in self defense and, to assuage his southern mother's heart, joining the confederacy as penance. He has 3 brothers and 1 sister who live on the farm with their widowed mother, and they run around getting into social trouble and fostering ideas about horse races.
Extended sequences focused on a lone stallion that jumped fences back at the farm, luring away mares and running off when he was done. He was un-tamable, strong, free. One of the brothers dreamed of catching this wild horse.
After about half of the book focusing on this sheriff who unwillingly killed a man, this horse which refused to be caught, an upcoming horse race, and an impossible passel of corn pone and various pies, I asked the question:
Is this a cowboy book?
So I looked up the author. James Reasoner is one of those people who usually writes in the genre I call 'bad cowboy books.'
And that's genuinely what this book was.
To be honest, with a book named Manassas rather than Bull Run, I already went in worrying it was going to be a southern apologist story (battles are named after the nearest town/city in Southern histories, after the nearest river in Northern histories). A cowboy story isn't the worst thing that could have happened, but it's pretty darn close.
May 10, 2018
Reasoner’s prose flows like slurpies in a suburban 7-11. It’s sugary, abundant, tasty, and yet really underwhelming in value and payoff. That’s not to suggest the story is disposable and belongs in the unread trashbin. Actually the read is pleasantly informative of base history, providing a reliable overview of Bull Run, including the major players involved. Do not expect detailed replays of the battle, this is not in Shara or Cornwell league. It’s a Simple read and an ideal slump buster for those looking to ease back into a reading rhythm before tackling more challenging work. The enveloped fictional family of the Brannon’s is the glue AND the fuel that drives the story . And yet the weakness of this prose is on full display by the tawdry and cheap character development of these people. Ma is ridiculous and Henry’s smitten virginity are the tip of the absurd stereotypes Reasoner employs. Again, I read it in 3 days making this as easy a read since my prepubescent Edgar rice Burroughs days of yore. When I’m in a read rut I will snag book 2 of this series.
October 6, 2020
I knew when I picked this book up it was a historical fiction, but I was hoping for more historical information on the battle of bull run and the beginning of the Civil War. I enjoyed getting to know the Brannon family and some of the trials and tribulations the endured before one of the brothers decides to enlist in the Confederate army to go battle against the Yankees. This is a well written story set in 1861 and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 1, 2022
3.5 is more accurate. Since I’d read #8 in the series first, I knew where things introduced in this first book were going as far as characters’ fates. Therefore, certain dramatic moments were not as compelling so I cannot fault the author for that. The strength of this was the solid introduction of the Brannons and their assorted foes in their Virginia farmland in the early months of 1861 as the country moves closer to Civil War.
July 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, especially being such a huge history buff. The fictional stories of the Brannon family are woven into the beginning of the Civil War pretty well. I do feel like the family’s back story took a little long to get through. 80-90% of the book is the backstory with no real war. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 29, 2024
This work is so full of lost cause narrative I was unable to finish. Further complications lie in the characters themselves who seem to embody the idealistic white southern who didn't own slaves and fought for states rights that the lost cause narrative exemplifies. Would definitely recommend that future readers pass on this work and the series.
August 15, 2020
Civil War story told from a nonslave-owning Southern family. Actually, most of the book is a lead-up to the first big battle and the war is just part of the background. Because it’s the first in a series and I liked the characters, I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt with four stars.
November 18, 2020
The book starts out with the Brannon family who owns a farm in Culpeper County, Virginia. It also introduces the atmosphere of the South prior to the start of the Civil War. Will the oldest in the family is the Sheriff of the county and along with his Deputy are bent on brining the Fogarty clan to justice. In this endeavor the Deputy is killed and will nearly joins him. However, he survives and goes to confront Joe Fogarty that ends in a shootout that kills Joe. The aftermath of this encounter leads to Will joining the Confederate Army to keep his family safe from the revenge of the Fogarty clan. The book then ends in the battle of Manassas along with the Fogarty brothers attempting to get revenge on Will for the death of their brother.
James Reasoner does a fantastic job at creating the atmosphere of the South prior to and during the Civil War. The book quickly hooked me in by the fantastic detail of the characters.
The only criticism I have of the book is there was not a lot of detail in the Battle and more detail went to character development.
James Reasoner does a fantastic job at creating the atmosphere of the South prior to and during the Civil War. The book quickly hooked me in by the fantastic detail of the characters.
The only criticism I have of the book is there was not a lot of detail in the Battle and more detail went to character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
So initially, I started on book 2, because I thought it was just a historical account of Shiloh. This series of books are overall pretty good stories that take place during the American Civil War. All kinds of stuff happens in them. =)
July 21, 2023
A badly written book with a deeply flawed historical setting. “If it weren’t for those abolitionist ruffians who just hate Southerners there didn’t need to be a war” is the story it wants you to believe. Trash.
February 4, 2018
See if it gets any better…
February 28, 2018
A great start to a civil war tale and it's very realistic in how things might go for one family in the south.
March 30, 2018
Not quite what I was expecting, more of a drama than a war novel. Still, a good read if you like the time period.
January 30, 2022
It was an enjoyable read. I wish a little more time and detail was spent on the battle of Manassas.
April 26, 2022
Excellent, saga book. I can’t wait to read more
October 30, 2022
Great Pre-Civil War story. I thought there’d be more about the battles but the plot was still captivating. Great read!
August 28, 2023
I loved this book. Interesting perspective with making the start of the American Civil War a historical fiction of people who are not the main players of the war.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews