Redemption

by Joe Prentis

Washington, 1865: As the American Civil War drew to a close, military and government leaders realized they were facing grave dangers they had not anticipated. There were many who did not understand that it was easier to start a war than to end one. The Confederacy was crumbling rapidly, and Generals Nathan Bedford Forrest and Robert E. Lee were willing to surrender, provided they could do so with honor. Many government and military leaders did not agree with President Lincoln’s intention to grant a full pardon to anyone who would agree to the terms of surrender. And the most difficult thing of all was the radicals who were not willing to give up a lost cause, and were determined to stop the peace process regardless of the cost. This book is the prequel to The Renegade series.

141 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

I cannot remember a time when I was not reading. Books have always been an important part of my life, and I continue to be fascinated by the many wonderful things I discover each time I sit down in my favorite chair and open a book. When I was growing up, we moved frequently, living in cities, as well as in small towns, and on a working farm in a rural area. The sharp contrast of each of these places caused me to love and appreciate the busy and varied experience cities had to offer, but also the quiet life of being close to nature in the countryside. I was impressed early on by the vast differences between the geographic areas of the country, and the part ethnic background, social differences, and education played in the lives of people. Books about history, science, romance, mystery and suspense, have always presented an irresistible attraction to me. Writing is my way of introducing others to the things I have observed and experienced. I mostly read and write suspense novels, but cannot resist the temptation of Historical Fiction, or anything that deals with nature. I have just finished a suspense novel called ‘Innocent’ which will be out before the end of September, 2009. I am currently working on ‘The Relic,’ the second book in a series about the religious and political problems in the Middle East. I am doing research on a novel about the Colonial era.

Reviews

[Debra Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars and a “Grab Your Six-Shooter!” Shout Out!

This wonderfully crafted novel begins near the end of the Civil War. With so many historical fiction works on the shelves already, its a breath of fresh air to read this depiction of a time after the war, of rebuilding and of the culture and mindsets that developed in our nation as a result of the war. The author quickly brings the reader to a time and place made not so distant by his exceptional skill for weaving descriptive imagery. The politics of this event in American history was quite interesting and seemed very real as if the author had been a fly on the wall at many of the closed door meetings that certainly occurred between military and government leaders. The characters were fleshed out and realistic. The sights, sounds and smells you would expect to experience if you were actually there, jumped off the pages. Aids and bodyguards to General McClellan, Oakley and McCade are very believable, realistic characters that are clearly destined to continue as main characters in the Renegade series and thankfully so. I am anxious to read more and learn how these men will change and adjust as they put their war torn history behind them.

Overall the reader is destined to go through a range of emotions as they read through this seemingly very accurate depiction of what life at the end of the war must have been like. I was glad to know this was a prequel novel before I started reading or I would have been very disappointed in how “quickly” the book ended. As a prequel, the ending leaves the reader wanting and anxious for the first edition in the actual series as it should. The author could have trimmed the book by reducing the number of adjectives he used, significantly, and still given the reader’s imagination what it needed to follow along and bond with the characters. Joe Prentis has crafted a painstakingly researched, well written manuscript that clearly paves the way for his Renegade series.

4 out of 5 stars

- reviewed by Debra L Hartmann, Published Author and Professional Editor

[Mark Kasniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redemption by Joe Prentis is an absolutely fantastic Civil War era story! Taking place in Washington D.C. the story follows a Sergeant Oakley and his General (McClellan) as they investigate the actions of renegade Confederate sympathizers whom planned on derailing the peace process that would end to the war. As the story progresses Sergeant Oakley finds himself drawn into the protection of a young girl named Anna as his feelings for her develops over time. Anna finds herself caught up in a possible conspiracy against the union and her freedom along with her life become in a great parallel. Trust and suspicion are the two words that I would say then playout as you'll try to figure out which way this story is heading. Prentis does a wonderful job of making you feel as if you are in the Civil War era along with his characters. All the characters in this story were well-thought out and developed, each was unique and likeable if not lovable in their own way. Prentis writing style is quite smooth and steady throughout the book keeping the reader engage right to the very last page. Highly recommend Redemption, a fantastic feel-good war story if that's at all possible. A+

[Paul Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well told story set at the end of the Civil War. Prentis has done a nice job of research and his description of Washington D.C. at Wars' End is very visual and really puts you there. It is a time of suspicion and intrigue, where distrust is the rule of the day and nobody is certain of anybody's loyalty. Where even the slightest hint of suspicion or slip can lead to a hanging. Conspiracy is in the air and the Top Brass know it. We follow two of General McClellan's staff on a twisted and often violent course through those final days, and their trail leads them to romance, betrayal, and reprisal before they finally find the end of their journey. An enjoyable light read, Redemption is fun and satisfying, with a cast of Civil War era legends and down-to-earth people.