Vikki’s Musings
And this amazing story continues with the fourth book of The Bregdan Chronicles. Dark Chaos is filled with turmoil of the times as the north continues to wage war against the south. I must mention that even though these books are quite long, the pacing is so good that they read as a much shorter story.
This edition of this saga starts out on a happy note with Carrie at long last marrying Robert Borden. Unfortunately that does not last long. General Lee needs him to lead his men in the defense of, yet again, another assault on Richmond. The day after their wedding, Carrie has to kiss him goodbye and live in fear that he will not make it through the upcoming battle.
Dark Chaos covers the period from the spring of 1863 to the following spring. Up to this point the south has come out the victor in most of the battles, but the tide turns when Grant takes over the Army of the West with Joseph Hooker as the Commander of the Army of the Potomac.
After a decisive victory over Hooker at Chancellorsville, Lee marches his army north, while Robert is sent on a diplomatic mission to England. While he is disappointed when Carrie decides to stay in Richmond instead of joining him, he accepts her decision, knowing his strong-willed wife will not change her mind.
Robert is safe in England when Lee suffers a huge defeat at Gettysburg and Grant is victorious in his campaign to take Vicksburg, gaining control of the Mississippi, cutting the south in half. Unfortunately Carrie and Robert’s friend from Philadelphia, Matthew Justin, is not and ends up back in Libby prison.
While Dark Chaos has many dark moments, the love between the various couples grows stronger. We see Moses as a leader of the black soldiers, Matthew making a daring escape with Carrie and Robert’s help, Robert barely making it through the perilous crossing from England back to his wife’s waiting arms and Rose continuing in her effort to educate the children in the Contraband Camp.
What I love about these books is the chance to see a different perspective on the Civil War. One that shows the turmoil and chaos surrounding the issue of slavery, a story that shows how black and white fought for the freedom of slaves. Even though many in the north do not treat the blacks any better than the south does, men like Moses stay strong in their belief that at the end of this terrible war will be a new day.
At the close of this addition in this epic tale, Carrie is again facing the possibility of losing Robert forever, as once again Richmond is in danger. This is another story rich with history and filled with deep emotion. Now, I shall continue on with the next story in this outstanding series. Happy reading!