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Books of B Company #1
Gettysburg: A Tale of the Second War for Pennsylvanian Independence
“Chris Pourteau has taken the world of Pennsylvania and given it the life, texture, and action of the best war epics, while filling that world with humanity, humor, and vivid characters you'll never forget. As good or better than the original.” — Michael Bunker, author of Pennsylvania Omnibus and Brother, Frankenstein
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In Michael Bunker’s Pennsylvania, Jedidiah Troyer becomes the hero of TRACE’s fight against the Transport Authority. But even before Jed’s adventure begins, the Second War for Pennsylvanian Independence has raged for a generation. Gettysburg is one tale of that long and bitter struggle.
When we join them in their fight, the forces of TRACE are running out of time. Severely outmanned and outgunned, they know that if they can’t find a way to level the playing field with Transport—and soon—defeat is inevitable. Fate presents them a chance to turn the tide of war. A large supply of Transport’s okcillium—the all-important material powering laser weapons and other military technology—sits largely unguarded in a small town between the AZ and the City. That town’s name is Gettysburg.
But fortune rarely allows history to be made so easily. Tactics, heroics, and bloody slaughter are once again the order of the day as Bestimmung Company sets out to seize their prize. In this small town with a famous name, the soldiers of B Company are about to discover that history has a way of repeating itself.
____________________________________________
In Michael Bunker’s Pennsylvania, Jedidiah Troyer becomes the hero of TRACE’s fight against the Transport Authority. But even before Jed’s adventure begins, the Second War for Pennsylvanian Independence has raged for a generation. Gettysburg is one tale of that long and bitter struggle.
When we join them in their fight, the forces of TRACE are running out of time. Severely outmanned and outgunned, they know that if they can’t find a way to level the playing field with Transport—and soon—defeat is inevitable. Fate presents them a chance to turn the tide of war. A large supply of Transport’s okcillium—the all-important material powering laser weapons and other military technology—sits largely unguarded in a small town between the AZ and the City. That town’s name is Gettysburg.
But fortune rarely allows history to be made so easily. Tactics, heroics, and bloody slaughter are once again the order of the day as Bestimmung Company sets out to seize their prize. In this small town with a famous name, the soldiers of B Company are about to discover that history has a way of repeating itself.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2014
5 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Chris Pourteau
47 books63 followersChris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded.
His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum. Chris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded. His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum.
When he’s not writing, editing, or working the dayjob, Chris loves exercising regularly, watching shows like Star Trek and Stranger Things, and reading his favorite authors. Those include Bernard Cornwell, Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Max Collins. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and two dogs. (He’s a HUGE dog person, by the way.)
Find out more about Chris and his writing through his newsletter. Sign up and get free stuff at https://chrispourteau.com/newsletter.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded.
His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum. Chris Pourteau is the bestselling author of the sci-fi thriller novels of the SynCorp Saga (co-authored with David Bruns), the post-apocalyptic Serenity Strain novels, and the military sci-fi collection Tales of B-Company. His first novel, Shadows Burned In, earned the 2015 eLit Book Awards Gold Medal for Literary Fiction. The Lazarus Protocol, the first novel in the SynCorp Saga, placed in the Top Ten in Read Freely's 2018 50 Best Indie Book of the Year contest; it was the highest-rated Sci-Fi novel in the contest.
He’s also edited and curated bestselling short story collections including the two animal-centric collections Tails of the Apocalypse and Tails of Dystopia (with Samuel Peralta), as well as Bridge Across the Stars, a collection of Sci-Fi stories from indie and traditionally published authors published by Sci-Fi Bridge, which Chris co-founded. His dayjob is editor-in-chief for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which researches cutting-edge technologies across the transportation spectrum.
When he’s not writing, editing, or working the dayjob, Chris loves exercising regularly, watching shows like Star Trek and Stranger Things, and reading his favorite authors. Those include Bernard Cornwell, Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Max Collins. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and two dogs. (He’s a HUGE dog person, by the way.)
Find out more about Chris and his writing through his newsletter. Sign up and get free stuff at https://chrispourteau.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 12, 2014
When a book is as good as Michael Bunker’s Pennsylvania, you don’t want the story to end. You turn to fan-fiction
.
Chris Porteau’s Gettysburg is an exciting AZ story. A battle zone that echoes another long ago. This time it is the gain access to the much needed okcilium. With the warehouses lightly guarded it seems too easy, and Mary Brenneman finds this unsettling.
An action packed story, with rich and strong characters. I found it to be edgy, at times humorous and written true to the Amish Zone. I look forward to reading more of Mary Brenneman.
.
Chris Porteau’s Gettysburg is an exciting AZ story. A battle zone that echoes another long ago. This time it is the gain access to the much needed okcilium. With the warehouses lightly guarded it seems too easy, and Mary Brenneman finds this unsettling.
An action packed story, with rich and strong characters. I found it to be edgy, at times humorous and written true to the Amish Zone. I look forward to reading more of Mary Brenneman.
September 12, 2014
A fast-paced and gripping battle story from the universe of Michael Bunker's Pennsylvania. I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. It was very well written and the characters came to life. If you enjoyed Bunker's Pennsylvania series, you will certainly enjoy this addition to its universe. Pourteau has a dynamic writing style and made me laugh out loud a couple of times while reading my ARC of this wonderful story. I'm going to have to check out his other work, for sure.
September 16, 2014
Chris Pourteau has drawn on the historic Battle of Gettysburg to create an intimate military science fiction tale set in the world of Michael Bunker's Pennsylvania. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this and read it in a single sitting.
Like an orange with two skins or a really small onion, the story really has three layers.
At its core it's a military science fiction story of two armies battling for resources. Think the Battle of Serenity if you're a Firefly fan.
Wrapped around that core you have the Pennsylvania mythos. I read Pennsylvania before reading Gettysburg but I don't think that's necessary, it's a standalone story and doesn't assume prior knowledge. But, if you have read Pennsylvania, it adds an extra dimension to the story.
Finally, Pourteau has woven elements of the historic Battle of Gettysburg into the story as Easter Eggs for anyone who is familiar with that part of American history.
I really enjoyed reading this. It's fast paced, tense and a worthy addition to the Pennsylvania universe.
Definitely recommended.
Like an orange with two skins or a really small onion, the story really has three layers.
At its core it's a military science fiction story of two armies battling for resources. Think the Battle of Serenity if you're a Firefly fan.
Wrapped around that core you have the Pennsylvania mythos. I read Pennsylvania before reading Gettysburg but I don't think that's necessary, it's a standalone story and doesn't assume prior knowledge. But, if you have read Pennsylvania, it adds an extra dimension to the story.
Finally, Pourteau has woven elements of the historic Battle of Gettysburg into the story as Easter Eggs for anyone who is familiar with that part of American history.
I really enjoyed reading this. It's fast paced, tense and a worthy addition to the Pennsylvania universe.
Definitely recommended.
September 16, 2014
This book is action packed. It has enough info to be enjoyed without having read the original Pennsylvania by Michael Bunker (of which it's fanfiction), of course having read Pennsylvania would be better but anyway… I liked how the author has been able to describe the relation between characters in such a short story.
Now I want to know Mary's past story... and a sequel too :)
Now I want to know Mary's past story... and a sequel too :)
September 28, 2014
If you read and enjoyed the Amish sci-fi best-seller PENNSYLVANIA by Michael Bunker, you should definitely pick up a copy of GETTYSBURG. Set in the same world as PENN, Gettysburg is the best kind of fan fiction, the kind that explores the elements of the original story by adding color, depth and new characters to the canvas.
Author Pourteau takes the story one step further by mirroring the actual events of the real Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. It's clear that the author is both a history buff and a sci-fi lover. I'm looking fwd to the next installment.
Author Pourteau takes the story one step further by mirroring the actual events of the real Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. It's clear that the author is both a history buff and a sci-fi lover. I'm looking fwd to the next installment.
September 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this novella. Gettysburg is very well written with careful attention paid to character development, pacing, and showing not telling. The characters are fun (despite their challenging circumstances) and the banter among them, even in trying situations, was what made this book so great. There were times I wondered if there would be quite so much joking and sarcasm in the midst of preparing for a battle, but in reflecting on how I have seen professionals who handle bad situations for a living interact, it seems pretty true to life.
The names of the characters are also fantastic and really make the characters, and the situation, feel real. There as also enough of an emotional arc between the QB and Hatch to carry those readers who are not just interested in battle scenes. There were occasions when I was not sure if either side was applying the most logical military strategies :-), but I suppose that is partly the point, and a reflection of many actual operations. I also particularly liked Pourteau's handling of his female characters--making them equal and critical members of the Bestimmung Company.
I loved the QB and can't wait to see more of her (and Hatch) in other stories. Well done. A perfect new addition to the already awesome Pennsylvania universe.
The names of the characters are also fantastic and really make the characters, and the situation, feel real. There as also enough of an emotional arc between the QB and Hatch to carry those readers who are not just interested in battle scenes. There were occasions when I was not sure if either side was applying the most logical military strategies :-), but I suppose that is partly the point, and a reflection of many actual operations. I also particularly liked Pourteau's handling of his female characters--making them equal and critical members of the Bestimmung Company.
I loved the QB and can't wait to see more of her (and Hatch) in other stories. Well done. A perfect new addition to the already awesome Pennsylvania universe.
October 1, 2014
If you’ve read Michael Bunker’s sensational science fiction novel, Pennsylvania Omnibus, then Chris Pourteau’s related novella, Gettysburg: A Tale of the Second War for Pennsylvanian Independence, is not to be missed.
With parallels to the original three day battle of Gettysburg over a hundred years ago, this thrilling military sci-fi adventure puts you back in Bunker’s world from the perspective of TRACE soldiers in their fight for freedom. It is a fast-paced adventure that pulls you right into the battlefield.
Do yourself a favor and read the original novel, and then read Pourteau’s novella. You’re going to love it, and you will be thrilled to find out Pourteau, Bunker, and others have a Pennsylvania anthology coming out in November.
With parallels to the original three day battle of Gettysburg over a hundred years ago, this thrilling military sci-fi adventure puts you back in Bunker’s world from the perspective of TRACE soldiers in their fight for freedom. It is a fast-paced adventure that pulls you right into the battlefield.
Do yourself a favor and read the original novel, and then read Pourteau’s novella. You’re going to love it, and you will be thrilled to find out Pourteau, Bunker, and others have a Pennsylvania anthology coming out in November.
September 15, 2014
An Epic Battle Reimagined.
I am a history buff and have studied the American Civil War and it’s numerous battles. The Battle at Gettysburg is probably the most famous. Author Chris Pourteau has written a thrilling reimagining of this historic battle set in the futuristic world of Michael Bunker's “Pennsylvania”.
The story focuses on the battle between Transport and the TRACE rebels, infusing drama and humor seamlessly. My favorite character is Sergeant Stug. He's huge in stature, loud, funny, and loyal.
This quote describes him perfectly, “Stug charged, a bull moose with his head down and screaming a war whoop better suited to charging a hill somewhere in history.”
I am a history buff and have studied the American Civil War and it’s numerous battles. The Battle at Gettysburg is probably the most famous. Author Chris Pourteau has written a thrilling reimagining of this historic battle set in the futuristic world of Michael Bunker's “Pennsylvania”.
The story focuses on the battle between Transport and the TRACE rebels, infusing drama and humor seamlessly. My favorite character is Sergeant Stug. He's huge in stature, loud, funny, and loyal.
This quote describes him perfectly, “Stug charged, a bull moose with his head down and screaming a war whoop better suited to charging a hill somewhere in history.”
September 17, 2014
Powerful prose, an excellent story and a book that is beautiful and not just for the custom commissioned illustrations, it's nice to see the other side of New Pennsylvania, where the war is raging.
May 25, 2022
wontlookwednesday🙈🙈🙈
#cookiereads Gettysburg by Chris Pourteau 🌳
In the world of Michael Bunker’s Pennsylvania, this book tells the story of B company. This tells of an army operation to obtain the okcillium, material used for the military technology. What will happen? Can B company accomplish their mission? 🌳
Furiends this short story takes off immediately!! I can feel the bond with the members of B company and their struggle to accomplish their mission. 🌳
Two out of four paws #militarysciencefiction #bookastagram #bookaddict #corgisofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
#cookiereads Gettysburg by Chris Pourteau 🌳
In the world of Michael Bunker’s Pennsylvania, this book tells the story of B company. This tells of an army operation to obtain the okcillium, material used for the military technology. What will happen? Can B company accomplish their mission? 🌳
Furiends this short story takes off immediately!! I can feel the bond with the members of B company and their struggle to accomplish their mission. 🌳
Two out of four paws #militarysciencefiction #bookastagram #bookaddict #corgisofinstagram #corgilife #bluemerlecorgi
January 24, 2015
An important building block in the whole Pennsylvania World & exciting stuff to boot. Michael Bunker must be so proud & it's interesting that Chris was given the responsibility for the first Pennsylvania Anthology after the two B-Company books were released.
For said Anthology, Chris also wrote GELASSENHEIT, which explains the past of QB, the main character in this book.
Looking forward to the second book from B- Company!
For said Anthology, Chris also wrote GELASSENHEIT, which explains the past of QB, the main character in this book.
Looking forward to the second book from B- Company!
September 16, 2014
If you read PENNSYLVANIA by Michael Bunker, you will especially enjoy this story set in the PENNSYLVANIA world. Action packed, fast paced, it grabs you right away and doesn't let go. A wonderful ride! As a native Gettysburgian, the historical correlations were an added delight. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to more from Mr. Pourteau.
February 19, 2015
Great addition to Michael Bunker's Pennsylvania story line. Mostly new cast of characters w/ reference to some originals, tied it together nicely. Enjoyed the historical reference, strategy, and definition of tactical movements taking place within. Recommend.
May 1, 2015
Wow
I admit to being surprised at how much this captured me. My husband is a Marine, and I love to read. I'm not really a history buffed, but I do like movies. And tv :) This reminded me of Firefly, and I will read whatever Chris writes. On to book 2. Or the short story.
I admit to being surprised at how much this captured me. My husband is a Marine, and I love to read. I'm not really a history buffed, but I do like movies. And tv :) This reminded me of Firefly, and I will read whatever Chris writes. On to book 2. Or the short story.
August 11, 2015
Felt like I was reading something from an experienced service member. Characters weren't too deep, but still felt very real and human. Enjoyed the mixed-results ending; as I was reading had no idea which way the author was going whether they would suffer total defeat or pull off some success.
February 26, 2015
This bis a very good story!! Highly recommend.
March 28, 2015
I loved the world created in Pennsylvania. This is before that book, set I. the same world. I loved the idea, the battle is great, well done. Too short, which to me is a sign of good book.
May 1, 2015
Loved it, fast moving, want to see more
August 9, 2015
Exc
What a clever story concept. Well written characters and clever scripting. The only sad thing is that it ended,I would have liked more of the QB.
What a clever story concept. Well written characters and clever scripting. The only sad thing is that it ended,I would have liked more of the QB.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews