Backlash: A War of 1812 Novel

by Mike Klaassen

Award-winning a BRAG Medallion honoree.

A miscalculation that nearly ripped the new nation apart. Five young Americans in the fight of their life. The War of 1812 as never before told--a thriller. 
 With questionable justification and inadequate preparation, the newly united States of America declared war on Great Britain, the most powerful nation on earth. From Canada to New Orleans, sixteen-year-old backwoodsman Lemuel Wyckliffe seeks revenge for the massacre of his family. Silas Shackleton, a soldier in the American army, reluctantly fights in battles from the Niagara River to Lake Champlain. Recruited by Tecumseh, Muskogee warrior Hadjo fights to drive the whites back into the sea. Canadian-born infantry-lieutenant George Sherbourne spies on the government of President James Madison. In Washington City, Rachel Thurston helps her Federalist father plot to break the northeastern states away and realign with the British.  Whether you're looking for a thrilling story or an entertaining means of learning more about a turning point in history, you'll enjoy Mike Klaassen's third action-packed novel. Rediscover the War of 1812 by ordering  Backlash  today!

Genres: Historical Fiction

466 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2016

About the author

Mike Klaassen writes thought-provoking and action-filled narratives about young protagonists confronting significant challenges. His works, including The Brute, Cracks, and Backlash: A War of 1812 Novel, display dynamic storytelling and compelling character development.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning and research, Mike delved into the art of storytelling, producing a series of insightful books about the craft of writing fiction. These books offer practical guidance for aspiring writers and illuminate the processes behind compelling storytelling.

Fusing his love for folklore with his skill in fiction, Mike initiated "Klaassen's Classic Folktales," a collection that retells ancient stories as novellas. Through this series, he breathes new life into time-honored tales, offering readers of all ages a fresh perspective on these enduring stories.

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

1811-1815. US & Canada Wars, Navy Battles, Indian Wars & even a little romance.

History & PS were 2 of my several undergrad degrees.

I would say you did your research & you properly listed your references.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written 19th. Century historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 19th. Century historical fiction movie, or a mini TV series. It was a little long & not as blood/gory as I like them, that said I will still rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free Story Cartel; Bookbaby; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[George Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Backlash and was totally blown away with the story.
The way the author combined facts into the story was totally believable it made it almost like you were there. For anyone who loves a good story and history will love this book.

[Richard M Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

well structured book that reflected the many viewpoints of the participants in the war


well structured book that communicates the many different viewpoints of the participants . author detail research added to the story
well done

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that BACKLASH: A WAR OF 1812 NOVEL by Mike Klaassen is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[J.E. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The War of 1812 is one of my favorite periods in US history. I thought the book did a great job bringing numerous wide points of view into an enjoyable read.

[Terry]

Good Book. Helps the reader discover the war of 1812 between England and the US. I found it interesting.

[Barbara Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the cover design very effective in drawing potential readers to the story. The author was effective in using fictional characters from different walks of life in that period to deliver different perspectives on the war and how it impacted their lives. More familiar historical figures are integrated into the plot. Klaassen keeps the plot moving with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. A hint of romance portrays the reality of everyday life as part of the implications that the war has placed on willing and unwilling participants.

Historians will find little fault with the research; the editing is excellent and the novel is a well written piece. Recommended for young adult and adult audiences.

I received a complimentary copy from Story Cartel and voluntarily chose to read and give my honest opinions.

[Wendie Barney Boucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't know a great deal about the war of 1812 I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It provided a unique view of the war and the experiences people potentially faced during the war. The character development was very well done. I'm not normally a fan of book thgthgar bounces between multiple characters' point of views (this novel had five) but it worked very well with this novel.

[Jim Galford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent historical fiction sunk deep in factual information. It brings the events to life.

[L.D. Alford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Klassen is an author you can depend on to bring you action and adventure. He is the celebrated author of the young adult novels Cracks and The Brute. Mike has expanded his creativity into the War of 1812 with the novel Backlash. Backlash looks at the war from the historical viewpoints of an American soldier, a militia and frontiersman, an American Indian fighting with the British, a British spy, and a sophisticated debutant. Mike’s descriptions of the battles and players in this lessor known and little understood war will add to your overall knowledge of American history, and entertain you with an emersion into the events of the past. You will meet Dolly Madison, Washington Irving, Robert Fulton, and the many military and naval figures from this breathtaking period of history. You will stand on the battlefield and on the fighting ships of the War of 1812 and exult in victory and defeat as American soldiers and sailors fight for their new nation and liberty. This is definitely a novel worth reading for its sweeping depictions of the early States and the key period that forged the new Republic into the United States.

[Shirley Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to give this one 5 stars. If you are a fan of war novels which use real historical people and real places, this one is for you. It is graphic and visceral, but Mr. Klaassen's mix of actual historical characters and real battles are made much more realistic with the fictional characters that he has created. The novel follows four different people and outlines their experiences during the War of 1812 when the Americanswent to war in order to annex parts of what was known as Lower Canada and most of all to gain complete control of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. Since Canada was a British colony, this brought the British into the war in order to defend their colony. We saw the British perspective through the eyes of George Sherbourne, who is a young Canadian lieutenant who is asked by the British to spy on the Americans. Lemuel Wyckliffe is a young Kentucky backwoodsman who lost his mother and his sister during an Indian raid. He joins the American army to seek revenge, and becomes a very competent assassin and sniper. Silas Shakleton is a young man on the run from New York gangs, and reluctantly joins the Ameriacan army in order to escape the heat he had created back home. He becomes a scout for a high-ranking American general. Hadjo is a Muskogee warrior who was recruited by Tecumseh to fight with the English . We go back and forth among the four viewpoints, and we meet historical people like David Crockett, Techumseh, Daniel Boone, President James Madison and his wife Dolly, and many others. What a wonderful history lesson. It captivated me from beginning to end. Mr. Klaassen's prose is very well-done indeed. Hightly recommended.