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O'Sullivan Chronicles #1
The Mule Soldiers
The Mule Soldiers is the true story - fictionalized - of Streight's Raid into Northern Alabama that took place from 19 April to 3 May 1863. A brigade of Federal infantry, led by Colonel Abel D. Streight, set out on a 220-mile ride to destroy the Western and Atlantic railroad at Rome, Georgia. The raid turned into a running battle between Streight's raiders and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The most fascinating thing about the raid is that Streight's brigade of four infantry regiments was mounted on mules, a huge problem in itself. Not only did he have almost 1,500 stubborn and wily animals to contend with, and the inimitable general Forrest, few of his men had ever ridden a horse, let alone a mule. For Streight, it was a long and tortuous journey across Northern Alabama. For Forrest, it was one defeat after another at the hands of the very "able" Abel Streight, even though he, Forrest, had the advantage of home territory and the sympathy and aid of the local populace . Streight's Raid took place at the same time as, and was loosely coordinated with, the more famous Grierson's Raid (the inspiration for the book, The Horse Soldiers by Harold Sinclair, and the movie of the same name starring John Wayne and William Holden). Although Streight was probably unaware of Grierson's Raid, it's certainly true that it caused a diversion that contributed to the success of Grierson's Raid, and much confusion among the Confederate pursuers of both raids. They say that truth is stranger than fiction. This amazing story proves the point, for the end of the story is... well, unbelievable.
324 pages, Paperback
First published December 13, 2014
322 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
287 books342 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 18, 2021
One of the best books of its kind I have read. Impressed that the Grierson raid was mentioned.
October 25, 2020
THE MULE SOLDIERS
A glimpse of the civil war.
Streight knew the territory was wild, rough, and with no horses available donkeys would be better. Not knowing the mules were unbroken, and many sickly, and not as many as he needed. He was trained for infantry not cavalry, as Forrest was. His goal was to destroy parts of Western and Atlantic railroad . Forrest, had the men, horses, and they were trained. He was on home territory and had the sympathy and support of the locals
What encountered was history.
This is written by Blair, full of details, funny, fact and fiction and keeps you reading. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
A glimpse of the civil war.
Streight knew the territory was wild, rough, and with no horses available donkeys would be better. Not knowing the mules were unbroken, and many sickly, and not as many as he needed. He was trained for infantry not cavalry, as Forrest was. His goal was to destroy parts of Western and Atlantic railroad . Forrest, had the men, horses, and they were trained. He was on home territory and had the sympathy and support of the locals
What encountered was history.
This is written by Blair, full of details, funny, fact and fiction and keeps you reading. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
July 19, 2018
"Boots And Saddles Takes On A New Meaning"
This creative story written by a great author is based on actual historical facts which take place during the American Civil War. In April 1863, Union Colonel Abel D. Streight is head of the brigade of federal infantry, setting out on a 220-mile ride to Rome, Georgia to destroy the Western and Atlantic Railroad. They will not be mostly mounted on horses, but on cantankerous mules. This is a bittersweet story with plenty of action and suspense, along with hilarious moments involving the mules and riders. It's an awesome told story of real events which helped bring America great as one nation. As an added note I read this eBook version. The best page is number 11! VBG!
This creative story written by a great author is based on actual historical facts which take place during the American Civil War. In April 1863, Union Colonel Abel D. Streight is head of the brigade of federal infantry, setting out on a 220-mile ride to Rome, Georgia to destroy the Western and Atlantic Railroad. They will not be mostly mounted on horses, but on cantankerous mules. This is a bittersweet story with plenty of action and suspense, along with hilarious moments involving the mules and riders. It's an awesome told story of real events which helped bring America great as one nation. As an added note I read this eBook version. The best page is number 11! VBG!
December 11, 2017
The Mule Soldiers: a Novel of the American Civil War
Fictionalized novel about two commanders in the civil war. General Forrest, CSA, and brevet Colonel Strairght, Union Army who waged battle after battle between their respective soldiers while traveling through Northern Alabama and ending just 40 miles from Rome, Georgia. One mounted on mules and horses, the other on Calvary horses with both having artillery cannon. The mission was possible with good horseflesh under the soldiers, but with mules, a slim possibility of success. The action is swift, the events are true, and all is part of history.
Fictionalized novel about two commanders in the civil war. General Forrest, CSA, and brevet Colonel Strairght, Union Army who waged battle after battle between their respective soldiers while traveling through Northern Alabama and ending just 40 miles from Rome, Georgia. One mounted on mules and horses, the other on Calvary horses with both having artillery cannon. The mission was possible with good horseflesh under the soldiers, but with mules, a slim possibility of success. The action is swift, the events are true, and all is part of history.
October 17, 2022
My great grandfather Pvt. Horace Gordinier served with the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiment that was featured in this book. He wasn't one of the Mule Soldiers since he was laid up in camp with the measles along with 50 other sick and wounded guys. I already knew part of the story. Mr. Howard included a lot of detail on the movements and battles. Of course I enjoyed the book; it's a different Civil War story.
My father told me about Horace in old age. He would sit on his front porch in Kansas in his rocking chair, stamping his cane on the floor, and cussing Johnny Reb. He was still mad at them.
My father told me about Horace in old age. He would sit on his front porch in Kansas in his rocking chair, stamping his cane on the floor, and cussing Johnny Reb. He was still mad at them.
June 15, 2020
The Mule Soldiers is an exciting Civil War adventure based on the true story about a bunch of Northern soldiers riding on a secret mission mounted on mules. For anyone who enjoys Civil War stories, this is a great one.
The narrator of the audiobook does a terrific job bringing the story to life. He is very good at giving the characters unique voices.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The narrator of the audiobook does a terrific job bringing the story to life. He is very good at giving the characters unique voices.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
October 17, 2025
Having followed along some of the trail of the "Lightning Brigade" and visited the site of the Days Gap battlefield (2005) thought this novel would be a good read.
Wasn't bad but I could have done without the BAM, KABAM, BAMBAM, etc. I thought I was watching an old episode of the Batman TV series! And the author confuses his characters and historical personalities from time to time. But otherwise, an interesting take on a little known episode of the CivIl War.
Wasn't bad but I could have done without the BAM, KABAM, BAMBAM, etc. I thought I was watching an old episode of the Batman TV series! And the author confuses his characters and historical personalities from time to time. But otherwise, an interesting take on a little known episode of the CivIl War.
November 22, 2020
These books tell the story of the Civil War in a manner which is easy to read and understand even for those of us that are not experts in this subject. They are a great representation of historical facts while still telling the story in an exciting, "what's going to happen next" way. Recommend for anyone that wants to learn more about this period of US history.
January 9, 2018
More Than I Expected
I enjoyed this book very much. Living in the south, I am familiar with the route in this book. I liked the characters in the Union and Confederate armies. I believe this an accurate description of what it was like during this time.
I enjoyed this book very much. Living in the south, I am familiar with the route in this book. I liked the characters in the Union and Confederate armies. I believe this an accurate description of what it was like during this time.
January 30, 2020
This was a well written novel on an unknown, true campaign that happened during the American Civil War.
I'm a bit disappointed with how the book ended - the story was running towards a Union victory that never happened.
I would happily read this book again though.
I'm a bit disappointed with how the book ended - the story was running towards a Union victory that never happened.
I would happily read this book again though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2020
A believable story of history
Good quick read. Fast moving, good characters and action scenes. No unbelievable heroics or suddenly figuring out the solution. Would be a good movie. Only a few typos and wrong names use. I recommend it.
Good quick read. Fast moving, good characters and action scenes. No unbelievable heroics or suddenly figuring out the solution. Would be a good movie. Only a few typos and wrong names use. I recommend it.
June 20, 2022
Far too many names to keep up with; General this, Colonel that, Major somebody, and on and on. Had a hard time figuring out who was who, union or confederate. Disappointed, it didn't have as much history as I would have liked. I'm not inclined to continue with the series.
February 23, 2018
Great book!
Excellent interpretation of true events that give life to the conflict of the Civil War. I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommended.
Excellent interpretation of true events that give life to the conflict of the Civil War. I enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommended.
January 28, 2019
Very Excellent!
The author has assembled the accurate facts of this raid together with an engrossing story to make this a fantastic read. Well done!
The author has assembled the accurate facts of this raid together with an engrossing story to make this a fantastic read. Well done!
August 10, 2020
Very long read nothing interesting Same diolog throughout the story
November 17, 2015
Mr Howard is a literary genius! He has the ability to take a piece of history, add fictional dialog and turn it into such a spectacular work of art! He brings history to life, and in pages that you just refuse to put down. How many of us Americans have heard about Colonel Abel Streight and his plan to take Federal troops deep into enemy territory to try to blow up the Confederate railroad's main supply line if it weren't for this great author. He will allow new generations to become Civil War fans through his stories that come alive as vividly as these do. You must give this book a good try. In order to save horses for calvarymen, his General instead gives regular infantrymen mules to ride for over 200 miles. There are some wildly hilarious parts regarding the mules! There is suspense, white knuckle moments, and you may favor a certain character or two. This is a great book written by a brilliant author, Mr. Blair Howard.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book to read and give my honest review.
June 14, 2020
When I began to read this novel I started with an open mind. After a few chapters I felt like I was reading the script for "Horse Soldiers" a Civil War movie with John Wayne and William Holden. I know the descriptions are different and the characters do not match, but the comparison is hard to overlook. This is an excellent read for the genre. However, "Do not watch the movie "The Horse Soldiers" before you read the book. This novel is an excellent example of fiction written around historical fact.....DEHS
January 19, 2015
An informative and interesting take on a little known event that took place during the US Civil War. Good strong characterisation of the real historical figures, which really bring this book to life, and enjoyable fictional figures, which add an extra depth and warmth to the story. If you like factional history books, this is one to add to your library.
April 7, 2015
A wild tale
This is a cool story. The ending was disappointing but then so were the events on which this novel was based. Well done!
This is a cool story. The ending was disappointing but then so were the events on which this novel was based. Well done!
September 8, 2015
It's a very interesting read.
I enjoyed the read. I kind of alternated between cheering for one side then the other as the chase went on.
I enjoyed the read. I kind of alternated between cheering for one side then the other as the chase went on.
December 4, 2015
An excellent historical resconstruction.
June 20, 2020
A definite different aspect
If you are from a rural area you know how contrary a mile can be. Therefore an interesting story concept. The ending was weak.
If you are from a rural area you know how contrary a mile can be. Therefore an interesting story concept. The ending was weak.
April 5, 2017
Amazing
I am not a fan of war stories in general but this one fascinated me from beginning to end.
I applauded the in depth research and attention to detail. And I shudder to think what the soldiers then and our soldiers now endured and endure for the sake of our Country.
I am not a fan of war stories in general but this one fascinated me from beginning to end.
I applauded the in depth research and attention to detail. And I shudder to think what the soldiers then and our soldiers now endured and endure for the sake of our Country.
Read
December 18, 2018My first read from author Blair Howard & it won't be my last since I've already started Ths Chase. Well-written historical blend of fact and fiction.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews