War 1812: Remember the Raisin

War of 1812 #1

by Michael Aye

It’s the War of 1812. The early days of the war are met with one failure after another. General Hull has surrendered an entire army to the British without inflicting a single casualty. After discussing the lack of Army leadership with the Secretary of War, President Madison decides he needs someone to be a mover and shaker. Jonah Lee fits that description. Once a trusted scout for General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Jonah is a man of action. His first assignment as an agent for the President is to ensure the Northern American army under General William Harrison takes the fight to the British, pushing them back into Canada. And -if possible- do it before the winter sets in. The United States cannot afford a long protracted engagement. Follow Jonah and his lifelong companion Moses as they take you from the massacre at the River Raisin, to Commodore Perry’s great defeat of the British on the Great Lakes and end with the overwhelming British defeat at the battle of the Thames. Experience the hardships of war, smell the battle smoke as cannons roar and feel the sensation of a beautiful woman in your arms.

Genres: Historical Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believable and likeable fictional characters interact with historical figures and events

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This review is from: War 1812: Remember the Raisin (Kindle Edition)

A very good historical novel set in America's Northwest frontier during the War of 1812, an area of that war which has not been much used for fiction. Most people who remember that war at all, think of Jackson, Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans, but American actions in the Northwest were critical for the survival of the nation. This well written and researched book covers both the land and naval fighting in the area of the Great Lakes with a little journey south to Fort Mims. Some may object to the portrayal of the "red devils" and their "hellish ways" but at this time in American history the conflict between Indians and whites was brutal with little in finer feelings on either side. The novel features pretty accurate portrayals of historical figures such as Richard Mentor Johnson, William Henry Harrison, Tecumseh and Oliver Hazard Perry. Believable and likeable fictional characters interact with them and flesh out the story. I will continue reading the volumes in this series.

SPOILER
Despite "Rumpsey dumpsey, rumpsey dumpsey, Colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh.". It is by no means certain that he did. This novel postulates both a different scenario and a reason for the real killer not objecting to Johnson being given the credit. Johnson rode the fame of being known as the man who killed Tecumseh to greater political power than that which he had already achieved . If, when you first read the rumpsey dumpsey slogan you didn't think it rhymed, you, like me, didn't know that Tecumseh was pronounced as both Tecumsaa and Tecumsee. Both apparently being correct.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done first book of a proposed trilogy about the War of 1812. Michael Aye successfully deviates from his usual nautical fiction to turn his hand to ground battles.

[Kellyt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would give it a 2.5 out of 5. A bit of a slog with little character development. Though the review of the battles in Ohio and in and around the Great Lakes was helpful in remembering my history lessons.