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Asunder: A Novel of the Civil War
Thrust into the middle of Civil War battle, with both Union and Rebel protagonists and antagonists, Asunder, the first in the Trilogy, is a story of love and loss and of families torn apart. Thoroughly researched, the novel presents numerous complex, memorable characters struggling against incredible odds in an epic spanning from Texas to New York. The story begins in frigid February, long after the battle. Cyntha Favor, an abolitionist and ardent believer in Spiritualism, searches the battlefield in hopes of finding her husband's grave. Having received erroneous reports of his death, she hopes to free his tormented soul. During the Civil War, it is estimated that at least one-fifth of the population wholeheartedly believed in Spiritualism. Mary Lincoln held séances in the White House with President Lincoln in attendance. Sara Reeder, initially naïve and an ardent supporter of the Southern cause, is thrust into the battle maelstrom. An excellent horse-woman, she rides to warn the army of a surprise attack, but is too late. With battle all around, she aids wounded Union soldiers, and her zeal for the war changes forever. In early 1861, both armies wore an assortment of uniforms. The Union had not adopted the standard blue uniform. Cyntha's husband, a Union soldier, Iowa Grays volunteer, Joseph Favor, is found unconscious by Sara. Nursed to health by Sara and her father, Lucas, he awakens with no memory, unable to recall even the battle. The Reeders perceive him, since he is dressed in gray, to be a Confederate. Dred Workman, a conniving Iowan comrade and deserter to the Rebels, falsely identifies Joseph as a Cavalryman in the Third Texas. The Reeder home is turned into a hospital. Soon, they are left to care for numerous wounded with no help from the army. Lucas blames Lincoln for the war. Based on an actual event, he holds a grudge against the president for something that happened before the war when Lincoln was a lawyer. Lucas and his slave have become friends, no longer slave and master.Sara and Joseph are romantically drawn to each other, but Joseph is haunted by fleeting images of his past. Joseph is called to join the cavalry. Will this parting keep them from being together? Joined by her freeman employee and confidant, Josiah Reynolds, Cyntha's headstrong manner lands her in confinement by the Union army. She meets a dubious Spiritualist who convinces her that Joseph's soul is indeed tormented. Learning her brother is accused of robbery, and aided by a quirky Rebel supporter, Constance Carver, she plans escape. Her brother has problems of his own when the steamboat he is a passenger on sinks in a storm. The survivors are attacked by River Pirates. With Missouri marauder gangs closing in on the Reeder farm, the Spiritualist Fox sisters holding séances, and devastating battles, Asunder drives towards a devastating climax. Like curtlocklearauthor.com on Facebook, visit the website curtlocklearauthor.com and follow @CurtLock on Twitter
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2016
99 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Curt Locklear
10 books88 followersCurt Locklear is an award-winning author, historian, teacher, education consultant, and public speaker. He has presented talks from Texas to Louisiana to Mississippi to Georgia to Minnesota. He generally plays his guitar and banjo at his speaking engagements and enlivens the presentation with songs, stories and jokes.
His second novel, Splintered, won the International Laramie Award for Civil War and Western fiction.
His banjo picking is featured at the beginning of the hit PBS TV show, “The Daytripper.”
He is a historian of elements of the Civil War west of the Mississippi – the Trans-Mississippi. He has presented to thousands.
He is related to the first wing-walker, Ormer Locklear. His father, Jack Locklear, trained a horse in the Kentucky Derby. His mother was a librarian. His heritage is Southern and Northern.
His second novel, Splintered, won the International Laramie Award for Civil War and Western fiction.
His banjo picking is featured at the beginning of the hit PBS TV show, “The Daytripper.”
He is a historian of elements of the Civil War west of the Mississippi – the Trans-Mississippi. He has presented to thousands.
He is related to the first wing-walker, Ormer Locklear. His father, Jack Locklear, trained a horse in the Kentucky Derby. His mother was a librarian. His heritage is Southern and Northern.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews
March 26, 2018
I have studied the Civil War for decades and this book is an accurate portrayal of that time period. The author really brings to life the world of the 1860's Missouri. The characters of Joe, Cyntha, Sara, Lucas and Dred amongst others are very well crafted and quickly a reader finds himself caring for what will happen to each character. The story runs in relatively three distinct plot lines that are deeply interwoven. The author very accurately portrays not only that war is killing and death but he also amazingly brings to light the fog of war. I have rarely seen anything outside of unit battle diaries that offer such a succinct feel for that key aspect of war. I really enjoyed Joseph in the army and Sara and her family not to mention Cyntha and her protector Josiah.
It was not clear to me as a reader that this was part one of three until late in the book. Further, I was more than disrupted by the constant flash backs and flash forwards. It was extremely confusing at times to go from six months ahead to five months back to three days later to six months back, etc. Had this book been crafted in a smooth chronological order, it would have been 5 stars.
I personally found the portrayal of the river pirates and the Jayhawks to be too realistic and offensive. Fans of Games of Thrones/Walking Dead/Vikings will appreciate the lawlessness and disgusting behavior. I could do with much less of it. There is enough in the basis of the story with the war and all the turmoil and drama without the extra aspects.
A worthy read and now I must read part two to see what happens to Cyntha as she tries to find her brother.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
It was not clear to me as a reader that this was part one of three until late in the book. Further, I was more than disrupted by the constant flash backs and flash forwards. It was extremely confusing at times to go from six months ahead to five months back to three days later to six months back, etc. Had this book been crafted in a smooth chronological order, it would have been 5 stars.
I personally found the portrayal of the river pirates and the Jayhawks to be too realistic and offensive. Fans of Games of Thrones/Walking Dead/Vikings will appreciate the lawlessness and disgusting behavior. I could do with much less of it. There is enough in the basis of the story with the war and all the turmoil and drama without the extra aspects.
A worthy read and now I must read part two to see what happens to Cyntha as she tries to find her brother.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
June 24, 2016
Capturing the reader's attention from the start, Curt Locklear offers a different sort of historical fiction. While the battle preparations and conflicts are detailed and enthralling, the feeling within the soldiers and families is what is important here.
The passion of convictions is clear and respectfully portrayed for the time period. The plot is intricate, with many layers that reveal themselves a little bit at a time. It is well written, and the author's attention to detail will transport you in time. I'm looking forward to reading more from Curt Locklear in the future.
The passion of convictions is clear and respectfully portrayed for the time period. The plot is intricate, with many layers that reveal themselves a little bit at a time. It is well written, and the author's attention to detail will transport you in time. I'm looking forward to reading more from Curt Locklear in the future.
May 7, 2017
Asunder is a riveting tale of the damage the Civil War inflicted on ordinary folks. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy the storytelling skills of the author. His battle scenes are fluid and easy to imagine without dominating the narrative. The early chaos of the conflict tears families apart and the fractures create interesting storylines. I’m eager to read the second installment of this trilogy.
March 27, 2017
Rich with detail, Asunder is an intriguing book about the Civil War with an unusual twist of the paranormal. I rated it four stars instead of five because of the awkward pace of jumping time-lines. A bit too much back-and-forth for my tastes, pulling me out of an otherwise delightful story.
Overall, well written and well worth the read.
Overall, well written and well worth the read.
January 21, 2023
First. Know that Book 1 of this trilogy is part 1 of a continuing story. Plan on reading all three books if you read Asunder. Second. The author brings a wealth of Civil War knowledge to the story, which adds immensely to the reading. I felt as if I was experiencing what the characters in the book were experiencing. Third. This is an engaging story that weaves together a diverse group of individuals and loyalties. Now I am on to Splintered.
September 20, 2016
I am hooked! I can't wait for part two! This is one book you will not want to put down. Highly recommend!
February 4, 2019
This is a well researched historical novel surrounding the Civil War. The author uses a vernacular dialect that sets the mood. Jam packed with detail, history buffs especially will enjoy this novel.
Read
June 23, 2018In this Civil War novel, Locklear immerses the reader in the environment by focusing on the details of each scene, whether it’s the sound and feel of being caught in the heart of a battle, the smell of the makeshift hospital, or the image of soldiers recovering from the shock of the war. If you are reader who likes it when the author paints a detailed picture of the scene for you, then this author’s style will be right up your ally. The story follows a couple of different characters, both on the side of the North and the South, giving you a chance to see some of the beliefs and issues each side struggled with, particularly when it comes to slavery. The story is well-researched and it shows in Locklear’s ability to bring these characters to life. A great read for those interested in the Civil War era!
Content to be aware of:
Language: a few uses of variations of d***
Sexual: A man touches a woman’s breast, then they have sex. Brief and not explicit
A woman is raped. Her attacker’s lack of clothing and motion during the attack are briefly mentioned.
A few references to women’s breasts. Non-explicit.
Violence: Many scenes of war are described in detail, as well as dead bodies, amputations, wounds, etc.
Content to be aware of:
Language: a few uses of variations of d***
Sexual: A man touches a woman’s breast, then they have sex. Brief and not explicit
A woman is raped. Her attacker’s lack of clothing and motion during the attack are briefly mentioned.
A few references to women’s breasts. Non-explicit.
Violence: Many scenes of war are described in detail, as well as dead bodies, amputations, wounds, etc.
March 9, 2019
Felt Like I Was There
This Civil War story pulled me in from the start and I felt like I was there with the soldiers through the battle that took place. This has the start of a romantic triangle with a widow seeking to know where her husband is buried and a soldier who suffers amnesia from a head wound. Well-written and with a lot of action, but a lot of loose ends. It appears the author intends the reader to read all three books to get the whole story.
This Civil War story pulled me in from the start and I felt like I was there with the soldiers through the battle that took place. This has the start of a romantic triangle with a widow seeking to know where her husband is buried and a soldier who suffers amnesia from a head wound. Well-written and with a lot of action, but a lot of loose ends. It appears the author intends the reader to read all three books to get the whole story.
April 16, 2021
I am not an expert on the Civil War and have only read a few books on it, but this novel surely was interesting with good historical information mixed with an impelling story of some of the hard things that happened during the 4 years of an event that still lingers in our country. The first book ends and you really want to find out what happens, so on to 2 and 3. The author visited our book group on a Zoom and was dynamic and entertaining. Book 4 is in the works. So for those men and women who love history and especially focus on the war between the states, these books are a must read. It also inspired me to read more about my Great Grandfather, who fought for the Union and later became a PA Senator.
September 18, 2018
This is an interesting novel about the civil war which centers on one woman trying to find the grave of her husband, one young woman living on a farm which ends up being in the middle of a battle and the subject of spiritualism.
The Fox Sisters are shown in the novel to be total frauds. There's piracy on the river, a guy that blames Lincoln for the war, a former slave and a lot of blood and gore during the battle.
The Fox Sisters are shown in the novel to be total frauds. There's piracy on the river, a guy that blames Lincoln for the war, a former slave and a lot of blood and gore during the battle.
July 18, 2016
I really got into this historical fiction, and loved it. The intertwining of the story lines got me hooked.
April 17, 2024
The last book I remember reading about the Civil War was “Gone With the Wind”. I’m not really interested in wars. A new friend, Curt Locklear, writes fiction books about the Civil War so I did the obligatory read. Imagine my surprise when I was captivated by the story! The preface had facts that helped set the stage. I quickly met a strong-headed young woman who I began to care about.
One of the most amazing parts of this novel is the way that Curt takes you back in time with language so true to the era that it was unfamiliar to me; vocabulary, food, medical treatments, basic daily living. The research he has done is superlative.
Even if stories of war aren’t your cup of tea, I highly suggest you read one of Curt’s many novels and get a taste of what it was really like to live through the tragedy that we call the Civil War.
One of the most amazing parts of this novel is the way that Curt takes you back in time with language so true to the era that it was unfamiliar to me; vocabulary, food, medical treatments, basic daily living. The research he has done is superlative.
Even if stories of war aren’t your cup of tea, I highly suggest you read one of Curt’s many novels and get a taste of what it was really like to live through the tragedy that we call the Civil War.
September 17, 2017
I didn't read much of this book. As soon as the main character (or at least one of the main characters) started reminiscing about the first time she and her husband-to-be had sex, I quit reading.
From what I read, I thought there was too much description and too many main characters. I really didn't need to know the steps in loading a rifle.
From what I read, I thought there was too much description and too many main characters. I really didn't need to know the steps in loading a rifle.
March 10, 2020
It is obvious that much research went into this book. It is also obvious that it is not meant to stand alone. It doesn't end; it leaves you hanging for the next book.
There are many threads to the storyline. I suspect the end result will not become apparent until the end of the last book.
There are too many to cover in a short review. If I try, it may be as long as the book!
There are many threads to the storyline. I suspect the end result will not become apparent until the end of the last book.
There are too many to cover in a short review. If I try, it may be as long as the book!
December 26, 2024
So many time lines and characters. Hoping they'll all come together in the next 2 books.
November 10, 2016
I have studied the Civil War for decades and this book is an accurate portrayal of that time period. The author really brings to life the world of the 1860’s Missouri. The characters of Joe, Cyntha, Sara, Lucas and Dred, amongst others are very well crafted and quickly a reader finds himself caring for what will happen to each character. The story runs in relatively three distinct plot lines that are deeply interwoven. The author very accurately portrays not only that war is killing and death but he also amazingly brings to light the fog of war. I have rarely seen anything outside of unit battle diaries that offer such a succinct feel for that key aspect of war. I really enjoyed Joseph in the army and Sara and her family not to mention Cyntha and her protector Josiah.
It was not clear to me as a reader that this was part one of three until late in the book. Further, I was more than disrupted by the constant flash backs and flash forwards. It was extremely confusing at times to go from six months ahead to five months back to three days later to six months back, etc. Had this book been crafted in a smooth chronological order, it would have been 5 stars.
I personally found the portrayal of the river pirates and the Jayhawks to be too realistic and offensive. Fans of Games of Thrones/Walking Dead/Vikings will appreciate the lawlessness and disgusting behavior. I could do with much less of it. There is enough in the basis of the story with the war and all the turmoil and drama without the extra aspects.
A worthy read and now I must read part two to see what happens to Cyntha as she tries to find her brother.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
It was not clear to me as a reader that this was part one of three until late in the book. Further, I was more than disrupted by the constant flash backs and flash forwards. It was extremely confusing at times to go from six months ahead to five months back to three days later to six months back, etc. Had this book been crafted in a smooth chronological order, it would have been 5 stars.
I personally found the portrayal of the river pirates and the Jayhawks to be too realistic and offensive. Fans of Games of Thrones/Walking Dead/Vikings will appreciate the lawlessness and disgusting behavior. I could do with much less of it. There is enough in the basis of the story with the war and all the turmoil and drama without the extra aspects.
A worthy read and now I must read part two to see what happens to Cyntha as she tries to find her brother.
My Rating: 4 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
September 22, 2018
One of the most thrilling historical novels available, the first of the trilogy. This book inspire, leaves the reader breathless at times with highly accurate description of action. The romance is complicated with two women who loves one man who has amnesia. Another man plots to kill President Lincoln.
Set in the part of the Civil War rarely told, the area west of the Mississippi. The second of the trilogy is Splintered.
OMG! I love this book is what many say.
Set in the part of the Civil War rarely told, the area west of the Mississippi. The second of the trilogy is Splintered.
OMG! I love this book is what many say.
December 5, 2016
Good historical information and descriptions (I was in Missouri when I read this so I could picture it perfectly), however, I just didn't like the story with all the seance stuff thrown in.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews