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The Bregdan Chronicles #4
Dark Chaos: 1863-1864
Dark Chaos is the fourth book in the Bregdan Chronicles historical fiction series. As of today, there are 10 books in the series. Make sure you start reading with # 1 – Storm Clouds Rolling In. It's readers like you who have turned the series into a world-wide best-seller. Thank you!
Book Description: Dark clouds and chaos descend lower upon America as the war rages around them; threatening all they hold dear.
Carrie and Robert are once more pulled apart, and Carrie finds herself the target of a hostile group of men determined to stop her from providing medical care of black residents of Richmond. How long can she continue to save other people's lives at the risk of her own?
Aunt Abby is sucked into a violent riot in the North, while Matthew faces the greatest challenge of his life.
Rose welcomes new life, while Moses risks everything as a Northern spy.
The ultimate test comes as the people of a once-promising nation must hold on to their faith and dreams as everything around them crumbles.
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This fourth book of The Bregdan Chronicles historical fiction series will pull you in and never let you go. You'll experience the Civil War era (and all the years to come) through the eyes of both White and Black, free & slave, Southern & Northern - and you'll fall in love with every character.
How many books will be in the Bregdan Chronicles? No one knows yet… Ginny intends to write these character's stories, one year at a time, for as long as she is able to write. She is passionate about bringing history to life through historical fiction. Since she is amazingly healthy, that could be for a very long time! She doesn’t like stories to end any more than you do. This one won't end for a very long time!
Review: This is the 4th book in a series of 9 books on the lives of people caught up in the Civil war. I thoroughly enjoy all these books. I have learned a lot about the beginnings of the Civil war. This is also a book of romance which gets torn by the war. I never realized how horrible the war was and how the conditions in the field hospitals were unimaginable. Be sure and start with the first book. I know you will get lost in the Bregdan Chronicles by Ginny Dye. I must add that Ginny Dye is an excellent writer and she researched her material thoroughly. You will never be bored.
Review: Another amazing read in an amazing series! I could tell you the research is accurate and that does help make these books excellent and authentic. I could tell you the characters are so wonderfully written that you cheer them on and scold them at the same time. I could tell you that you become so engrossed in every facet of these books that your imagination allows you to "feel" everything the author is trying to convey. I could tell you that you lose all track of time while reading these books. It's "one more chapter" until about 3 am! I could tell you all this and so much more. However, the most important thing I should tell you is to buy this series of books. You won't be sorry!!!
Review: Book 4 finished and I can't wait to get started on number 5! I LOVE historical fiction and this one is loaded with history. Ginny makes me feel like I am living through this part of history with the characters that I have grown to love. So much better than a History book! The Bregdan Chronicles have also challenged me to think about humanity more compassionately and with more understanding. I have encouraged numerous friends to take the challenge and read these books and see if their eyes are opened.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
2592 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
July 8, 2016
I honestly don't know how our country recovered from the civil war. We are still paying the price for slavery and not treating others as equals.
May 5, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
And this amazing story continues with the fourth book of The Bregdan Chronicles. Dark Chaos is filled with turmoil of the times as the north continues to wage war against the south. I must mention that even though these books are quite long, the pacing is so good that they read as a much shorter story.
This edition of this saga starts out on a happy note with Carrie at long last marrying Robert Borden. Unfortunately that does not last long. General Lee needs him to lead his men in the defense of, yet again, another assault on Richmond. The day after their wedding, Carrie has to kiss him goodbye and live in fear that he will not make it through the upcoming battle.
Dark Chaos covers the period from the spring of 1863 to the following spring. Up to this point the south has come out the victor in most of the battles, but the tide turns when Grant takes over the Army of the West with Joseph Hooker as the Commander of the Army of the Potomac.
After a decisive victory over Hooker at Chancellorsville, Lee marches his army north, while Robert is sent on a diplomatic mission to England. While he is disappointed when Carrie decides to stay in Richmond instead of joining him, he accepts her decision, knowing his strong-willed wife will not change her mind.
Robert is safe in England when Lee suffers a huge defeat at Gettysburg and Grant is victorious in his campaign to take Vicksburg, gaining control of the Mississippi, cutting the south in half. Unfortunately Carrie and Robert’s friend from Philadelphia, Matthew Justin, is not and ends up back in Libby prison.
While Dark Chaos has many dark moments, the love between the various couples grows stronger. We see Moses as a leader of the black soldiers, Matthew making a daring escape with Carrie and Robert’s help, Robert barely making it through the perilous crossing from England back to his wife’s waiting arms and Rose continuing in her effort to educate the children in the Contraband Camp.
What I love about these books is the chance to see a different perspective on the Civil War. One that shows the turmoil and chaos surrounding the issue of slavery, a story that shows how black and white fought for the freedom of slaves. Even though many in the north do not treat the blacks any better than the south does, men like Moses stay strong in their belief that at the end of this terrible war will be a new day.
At the close of this addition in this epic tale, Carrie is again facing the possibility of losing Robert forever, as once again Richmond is in danger. This is another story rich with history and filled with deep emotion. Now, I shall continue on with the next story in this outstanding series. Happy reading!
And this amazing story continues with the fourth book of The Bregdan Chronicles. Dark Chaos is filled with turmoil of the times as the north continues to wage war against the south. I must mention that even though these books are quite long, the pacing is so good that they read as a much shorter story.
This edition of this saga starts out on a happy note with Carrie at long last marrying Robert Borden. Unfortunately that does not last long. General Lee needs him to lead his men in the defense of, yet again, another assault on Richmond. The day after their wedding, Carrie has to kiss him goodbye and live in fear that he will not make it through the upcoming battle.
Dark Chaos covers the period from the spring of 1863 to the following spring. Up to this point the south has come out the victor in most of the battles, but the tide turns when Grant takes over the Army of the West with Joseph Hooker as the Commander of the Army of the Potomac.
After a decisive victory over Hooker at Chancellorsville, Lee marches his army north, while Robert is sent on a diplomatic mission to England. While he is disappointed when Carrie decides to stay in Richmond instead of joining him, he accepts her decision, knowing his strong-willed wife will not change her mind.
Robert is safe in England when Lee suffers a huge defeat at Gettysburg and Grant is victorious in his campaign to take Vicksburg, gaining control of the Mississippi, cutting the south in half. Unfortunately Carrie and Robert’s friend from Philadelphia, Matthew Justin, is not and ends up back in Libby prison.
While Dark Chaos has many dark moments, the love between the various couples grows stronger. We see Moses as a leader of the black soldiers, Matthew making a daring escape with Carrie and Robert’s help, Robert barely making it through the perilous crossing from England back to his wife’s waiting arms and Rose continuing in her effort to educate the children in the Contraband Camp.
What I love about these books is the chance to see a different perspective on the Civil War. One that shows the turmoil and chaos surrounding the issue of slavery, a story that shows how black and white fought for the freedom of slaves. Even though many in the north do not treat the blacks any better than the south does, men like Moses stay strong in their belief that at the end of this terrible war will be a new day.
At the close of this addition in this epic tale, Carrie is again facing the possibility of losing Robert forever, as once again Richmond is in danger. This is another story rich with history and filled with deep emotion. Now, I shall continue on with the next story in this outstanding series. Happy reading!
November 25, 2015
This is the fourth book in the Bregdan Chronicles and once again, Ms. Dye does write a wonderful saga about the year of 1863 during the Civil War. All the major battles of this year are touched on in some fashion. Also, the important happenings in both the North and South are highlighted, from the Draft riots in New York City to the attempt by the North to free the northern POW’s at Belle Island and Libby Prisons. The author even includes the little known story of the drowning of a Southern spy as they try to return to the South by running the blockade.
All the characters from Book 3 have returned and continue to evolve. You learn more about their lives and loves and what makes them tick. Thought provoking situations are presented that offer plausible opportunities for individual growth and also reflective quotes that add flavor to the story. You will be thinking about these quotes long after you turn the last page.
Again, you can read this book by itself and still enjoy it but I highly recommend the series for anyone who loves historical fiction about the Civil War Era. Ms. Dye includes a superb mix of fact and fiction that keeps the reader turning pages but does not inundate or bore with too many details. This series is great for these cold winter nights coming on!!
All the characters from Book 3 have returned and continue to evolve. You learn more about their lives and loves and what makes them tick. Thought provoking situations are presented that offer plausible opportunities for individual growth and also reflective quotes that add flavor to the story. You will be thinking about these quotes long after you turn the last page.
Again, you can read this book by itself and still enjoy it but I highly recommend the series for anyone who loves historical fiction about the Civil War Era. Ms. Dye includes a superb mix of fact and fiction that keeps the reader turning pages but does not inundate or bore with too many details. This series is great for these cold winter nights coming on!!
June 23, 2016
Interesting
These books have great historical context but would be better served without the constant pandering to God and the relentless psychic flashes that tell every character exactly who they can trust. Hopefully the writing style will mature as the story progresses.
These books have great historical context but would be better served without the constant pandering to God and the relentless psychic flashes that tell every character exactly who they can trust. Hopefully the writing style will mature as the story progresses.
February 9, 2018
Gets better and better with every book! I'm interested in reading the reactions of the people to Lincoln's assassination in the next book....
March 31, 2017
Carrie Cromwell marries the man of her dreams, not at the Cromwell Planation as she planned but in Richmond. Abiding by her wish not to mix the war with their marriage, Robert was dressed in a dark blue suit instead of his Confederate gray uniform. Carrie's dress was a plain dress, not the fancy one she would have chosen if there was not a war going on. Robert was leaving the next day to join other Confederate soldiers.
Carrie continues to tend the wounded soldiers from all sides of the war-North & South, Black & White. How long can she save other people's lives at the risk of her own? But she knows she cannot stop.
Riots and violence erupt in the North, putting her beloved mentor, Aunt Abby in grave danger. Matthew, imprisoned once again, fights to find hope to keep going and then hatches a daring escape plan.
Ultimate test comes as the people of a once-promising nation must hold on to their faith and dreams as everything around them crumbles during the third year of the American Civil War.
Carrie continues to tend the wounded soldiers from all sides of the war-North & South, Black & White. How long can she save other people's lives at the risk of her own? But she knows she cannot stop.
Riots and violence erupt in the North, putting her beloved mentor, Aunt Abby in grave danger. Matthew, imprisoned once again, fights to find hope to keep going and then hatches a daring escape plan.
Ultimate test comes as the people of a once-promising nation must hold on to their faith and dreams as everything around them crumbles during the third year of the American Civil War.
August 3, 2025
Still learning so much about life in America during the Civil War. Such a terrible time! Not enough food in the South was getting through. People were hungry. Richmond, VA was the capitol of the Confederacy. The Union spent a lot of their time trying to halt all supplies; food and medical, from getting there. They also spent a lot of time trying to capture Richmond. I was shocked to read about the conditions in the Southern prison camps the Northern prisoners were kept in. I’m sure the Northern prison camps were just as awful. Just such a dreadful time in American history.
May 13, 2017
Looking forward to #5
November 6, 2018
Still loving this series!
February 10, 2017
I just love these books. I am glad that Cromwell is still standing and everyone there is fine. I am off to the next book, I am taking it on vacation with me. Can't wait.
February 28, 2023
fabulous
You will love this story. Carrie and Robert will become you best friends. You will be dying to read the next.
You will love this story. Carrie and Robert will become you best friends. You will be dying to read the next.
May 28, 2017
Civil War fiction at its best.
Ginny Dye expertly weaves her characters thru history in the Brendan Chronicles. Read the series- you won't be disappointed. Enjoy.
Ginny Dye expertly weaves her characters thru history in the Brendan Chronicles. Read the series- you won't be disappointed. Enjoy.
June 28, 2017
Carrie and Robert get married and the war goes on
September 4, 2015
Dark Reading
This book Dark Chaos has been the longest reading of the horrible atrocities that the North and South inflicted on one another I have ever read. The history is interesting but so depressing. It seems the men rarely get to be with their women and sadness, hunger and medical nightmares prevail throughout. There is over whelming feeling of hopelessness therefore I am not going on to book 5 even though I would like to know what happens with such interesting and complex characters. I have read nearly 2400 pages and feel I will never see a happily ever after with any of the couples developed in the first 4 books. I fear I will,read 4 more and have the same result.
This book Dark Chaos has been the longest reading of the horrible atrocities that the North and South inflicted on one another I have ever read. The history is interesting but so depressing. It seems the men rarely get to be with their women and sadness, hunger and medical nightmares prevail throughout. There is over whelming feeling of hopelessness therefore I am not going on to book 5 even though I would like to know what happens with such interesting and complex characters. I have read nearly 2400 pages and feel I will never see a happily ever after with any of the couples developed in the first 4 books. I fear I will,read 4 more and have the same result.
June 26, 2016
Another historically jammed packed book of information about the Civil War with all the enjoyment of a romance novel. The horrors of this war put in writing is a must read for all to appreciate what sacrifices our fore fathers experienced for our freedoms that we enjoy today. I love every character more and more and hope for their future happiness as I read. I anxiously await for book five to arrive at my library! Thank you Ms. Dye for an excellent series! I have recommended this series my mom and aunt. They are ordering the books to start their journey with me!
November 4, 2014
Another super book in the series - many more interesting details about the Civil War and the continuing story of the lives of all the characters I have come to know so well. I had been pretty aware of the horrible conditions at Andersonville, but this book gave the details on Libby Prison in Richmond. The more I read, the more I am amazed at what Americans endured during this terrible war. I am on to the next book today.
August 24, 2015
It Just Keeps Getting Better
This series is just going better and better. I cry with Carrie and Rose. I catch myself wishing I could talk to them and give each of them a hug and help them. I laugh out loud at some of Carrie's adventures. I can see the Union officer's face as he watched her clear the fence on Granite, dressed in her father's clothes! The book was hard to put down and get some work done.
I can't wait to get the next one.
This series is just going better and better. I cry with Carrie and Rose. I catch myself wishing I could talk to them and give each of them a hug and help them. I laugh out loud at some of Carrie's adventures. I can see the Union officer's face as he watched her clear the fence on Granite, dressed in her father's clothes! The book was hard to put down and get some work done.
I can't wait to get the next one.
August 19, 2016
This fourth book in The Bregdan Chronicles continues the story of our nation's fight, brother against brother, cruelties unimaginable. Carrie Cromwell is wed to Robert Borden. Other story characters face hardship, joys, uncertainties and triumphs as the North and South continue to battle into 1864. Ms. Dye provides the reader with descriptive details, historical accuracy and breath taking suspense as the reader effortlessly turns the pages. Well worth reading and looking forward to book #5.
August 28, 2015
I know I really like a book when I get to the end and say, "Oh no! It can't be over. I want more!" That's what's happened with me the Bregnan Chronicals, Dark Chaos. Reading about Carrie, her work at the hospital and helping slaves to freedom during the Civil War is facinating. I'm even incidentally learning history!
February 15, 2016
I had a hard time getting into this book but because I love the historic time period of the civil war, I kept reading and in the end I enjoyed it. It was such a terrible war that took so many young men's lives and affected hundreds of thousands of families. There were horrors committed on from both sides, north and south towards their prisoners and also to innocent people.
January 25, 2016
Have read all 4 books, waiting for the 5th one to come out. The name of it is The long last night by Ginny Dye. It ended with Matthew free back in the Union lines, Moses in the Union Army, Roberts just going back to War in the Spring of 1864. Rose had a baby and lives with June, Carrie still in Richmond.
July 15, 2016
The books keep getting better as the author goes into greater detail with the different characters. I have found myself wanting to learn and visit some of the locations and battlegrounds in the series. It is also amazing how our country recovered with so many killed on both sides. I would have liked to see Miss Palmer survive.
July 30, 2016
DARK CHAOS SO APTLY TELLS US ABOUT THE DISMAL DAYS OF STARVATION AND HORROR DURING THE LAST MONTHS OF THE CIVIL WAR
Once again, I am fascinated by the Civil War epic spun by Ginny Dye. It is impossible to put her books down and I can't wait to begin reading the fifth book about Carrie and all the other colorful characters in these wonderful books.
Once again, I am fascinated by the Civil War epic spun by Ginny Dye. It is impossible to put her books down and I can't wait to begin reading the fifth book about Carrie and all the other colorful characters in these wonderful books.
March 6, 2017
Another outstanding book by Ginny! It amazes me how so many of the American people have not gotten passed their prejudices. Reading the Bregdan Chronicles puts you in the black person's shoes for awhile. The Chronicles also teach you valuable lessons revolving around the Golden Rule. They also keep you spiritually minded. I absolutely love this series!!!
October 4, 2014
So addicted to this series!
Carrie Cromwell is living in Richmond during the Civil war. She is doing her best to help the injured soldiers. Meanwhile never giving up on her dream of becoming a doctor.
Carrie Cromwell is living in Richmond during the Civil war. She is doing her best to help the injured soldiers. Meanwhile never giving up on her dream of becoming a doctor.
January 17, 2015
Once again Ginny Dye captivates me.
The fight between the north and south continues on. Ginny Dye shows the struggle for survival. Poor Mathew he loves Carrie and once again he ends up in the Libby prison, but this time he escapes. I love the story of the Cromwell people.
The fight between the north and south continues on. Ginny Dye shows the struggle for survival. Poor Mathew he loves Carrie and once again he ends up in the Libby prison, but this time he escapes. I love the story of the Cromwell people.
August 21, 2015
Another Great Book from Ginny Dye
This is yet another book concerning the Civil War that presents aspects I had not considered, such as prison camps, Union resentment of the slaves, and the raid on Richmond. I love how the people are flawed but work at being better.
This is yet another book concerning the Civil War that presents aspects I had not considered, such as prison camps, Union resentment of the slaves, and the raid on Richmond. I love how the people are flawed but work at being better.
Read
February 8, 2016I am thoroughly enjoying this book series. I am big fan of historical fiction and the author has done a great job of intertwining history along with building the characters in such a way that you are truly interested in their lives. Glad I have more to read!
July 17, 2016
Love the stories
I'm really enjoying the series. I have a difficult time putting them down. I'm engrossed in all the lives and hardships the characters endure. However, throughout it all God is overseeing each step.
I'm really enjoying the series. I have a difficult time putting them down. I'm engrossed in all the lives and hardships the characters endure. However, throughout it all God is overseeing each step.
August 29, 2016
Great continuation
This author continues to keep my interest in this story and the characters involved. Also makes me want to study the actual battles and history books of that time period.
This author continues to keep my interest in this story and the characters involved. Also makes me want to study the actual battles and history books of that time period.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews