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Without Warning: The Saga of Gettysburg, A Reluctant Union Hero, and the Men He Inspired
Between plans and their execution rage the winds of war. The winds of chance. The winds of choice. The winds of political ambition and human error—and human schemes.
The winds of war grow dark around General George Meade, appointed to command the Army of the Potomac just three days before a brewing battle against Robert E. Lee, charismatic leader of the Confederate forces. No one—not even the outgoing commander—seems to know where Lee’s army is, except that they are somewhere on Northern soil, possibly pushing toward a decisive battle deep in the heart of the Union.
Bound by duty to take a position he did not seek and does not want, Meade reluctantly accepts Lincoln’s appointment, and overnight, the fate of nearly 100,000 Union soldiers is in his hands.
Meade is a planner—a quiet, capable engineer whose commitment to modesty and restraint is second only to his commitment to honor, duty, and country. While the winds of war swirl around him, he struggles to concoct a battle plan without even the most basic information, in order to defeat an enemy he cannot find, on ground he has not yet seen. Thwarted by insufficient military intelligence, and betrayed by the machinations of an unscrupulous general with dreams of glory, Meade knows it will take all his skill and the heroism of his troops to best the formidable and hitherto undefeated Lee. The fate of the Republic itself hangs in the balance.
Without Warning is the gripping saga of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union patriots who fought it, and the man who led them. It scrutinizes the role character plays in leadership and the challenge of the unexpected. Built firmly upon the annals of history, this epic historical novel brings to vivid life seven unforgettable days in the lives and trials of a Union general and his men as they brave the winds of war to save the United States of America.
The winds of war grow dark around General George Meade, appointed to command the Army of the Potomac just three days before a brewing battle against Robert E. Lee, charismatic leader of the Confederate forces. No one—not even the outgoing commander—seems to know where Lee’s army is, except that they are somewhere on Northern soil, possibly pushing toward a decisive battle deep in the heart of the Union.
Bound by duty to take a position he did not seek and does not want, Meade reluctantly accepts Lincoln’s appointment, and overnight, the fate of nearly 100,000 Union soldiers is in his hands.
Meade is a planner—a quiet, capable engineer whose commitment to modesty and restraint is second only to his commitment to honor, duty, and country. While the winds of war swirl around him, he struggles to concoct a battle plan without even the most basic information, in order to defeat an enemy he cannot find, on ground he has not yet seen. Thwarted by insufficient military intelligence, and betrayed by the machinations of an unscrupulous general with dreams of glory, Meade knows it will take all his skill and the heroism of his troops to best the formidable and hitherto undefeated Lee. The fate of the Republic itself hangs in the balance.
Without Warning is the gripping saga of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union patriots who fought it, and the man who led them. It scrutinizes the role character plays in leadership and the challenge of the unexpected. Built firmly upon the annals of history, this epic historical novel brings to vivid life seven unforgettable days in the lives and trials of a Union general and his men as they brave the winds of war to save the United States of America.
762 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2020
45 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Terry C. Pierce
5 books9 followersTerry C. Pierce is a Captain, USN, retired. He commanded the USS Whidbey Island LSD-41 and was Chief of Staff, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet. He was the speechwriter for Admiral Mike Boorda, Chief of Naval Operations. He retired as the Director of the Center of Innovation at the United States Air Force Academy. He holds doctorate and master's degrees from Harvard. He is the author of Warfighting and Disruptive Technologies: Disguising Innovation (Frank Cass, 2004). He is the author of Without Warning: The Saga of Gettysburg, A Reluctant Union Hero, and the Men He Inspired (Heart Ally Books, June 2020).
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 20, 2023
Fascinating and incredibly well-researched novel about the battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of George Meade and his Union staff -- and Meade's ongoing and human angst about being put in charge of the Army only days before the pivotal battle. Terry C. Pierce is an immensely gifted storyteller, and history buffs will appreciate the sweep of the attacks -- as well as the strategies behind them.
January 23, 2023
I'd give this a 4.5
The book was very thorough and thoroughly researched. There times that there were so many General names thrown out that I was getting them confused.
The book was very thorough and thoroughly researched. There times that there were so many General names thrown out that I was getting them confused.
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November 1, 2021Reviewed for Virginia Living magazine.
www.virginialiving.com/culture/bookma...
A giant of a book (as big as the bible!), Without Warning reexamines the Battle of Gettysburg. Told from the point of view of General George Meade of the Army of the Potomac (i.e. the Union army), none of the facts have been changed, merely the position of the spyglass. The use of timestamps works marvelously and acts not only as readable breaks but keeps the reader aware of where the narrative is. With these types of books, one expects a more epistolary format—letters from one character or another. The book would have not suffered from this fact, though it would have been all the bigger for it. But the narrative voice is compelling and for history buffs, there will be immense pleasure in this chronicle of war, heroism, courage, and carnage. Terry C. Pierce brings to the forefront the Battle from the Union's perspective and broadens the history, rather than limiting it.
www.virginialiving.com/culture/bookma...
A giant of a book (as big as the bible!), Without Warning reexamines the Battle of Gettysburg. Told from the point of view of General George Meade of the Army of the Potomac (i.e. the Union army), none of the facts have been changed, merely the position of the spyglass. The use of timestamps works marvelously and acts not only as readable breaks but keeps the reader aware of where the narrative is. With these types of books, one expects a more epistolary format—letters from one character or another. The book would have not suffered from this fact, though it would have been all the bigger for it. But the narrative voice is compelling and for history buffs, there will be immense pleasure in this chronicle of war, heroism, courage, and carnage. Terry C. Pierce brings to the forefront the Battle from the Union's perspective and broadens the history, rather than limiting it.
February 6, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. For the most part, it stayed pretty close to the facts. It presented an interesting contrast to the many books I’ve read that glorified the Southern Commanders and troops. It provides a realistic feel for what being in battle in the Civil War was like. I highly recommend this book for all Civil War buffs.
November 12, 2020
A great read...the rest of the story
Shaara's Killer Angels was good but the story of the humble yet better commander General George Meade is the real story of Gettysburg. Pierce tells the story from the Union Commander's viewpoint and the many valient heroes of the Union - the victors are described in detail. More than once I wanted to weep along with those brave survivors as the looked upon the carnage with tear stained faces. Harrowing scenes of good young men dying for this great nation will be forever etched on my memory. The tremendous pride in their flag and love for their fellow warriors was the hallmark of a generation of Americans who sacrificed everything to preserve the Union of these United States of America. With over 50,000 dead and thousands more wounded, Lincoln was right to recognize how these men, living and dead hallowed the ground from Little Roundtop to Culps Hill, from Seminary Ridge to Cemetery Ridge. And though the fool General Sickles cost the lives of most of his Third Corp, they too, died valiantly to preserve the country they loved. Even now, we owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes for saving the Union and abolishing slavery. Thank you Terry Pierce for telling their story so well.
Shaara's Killer Angels was good but the story of the humble yet better commander General George Meade is the real story of Gettysburg. Pierce tells the story from the Union Commander's viewpoint and the many valient heroes of the Union - the victors are described in detail. More than once I wanted to weep along with those brave survivors as the looked upon the carnage with tear stained faces. Harrowing scenes of good young men dying for this great nation will be forever etched on my memory. The tremendous pride in their flag and love for their fellow warriors was the hallmark of a generation of Americans who sacrificed everything to preserve the Union of these United States of America. With over 50,000 dead and thousands more wounded, Lincoln was right to recognize how these men, living and dead hallowed the ground from Little Roundtop to Culps Hill, from Seminary Ridge to Cemetery Ridge. And though the fool General Sickles cost the lives of most of his Third Corp, they too, died valiantly to preserve the country they loved. Even now, we owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes for saving the Union and abolishing slavery. Thank you Terry Pierce for telling their story so well.
May 1, 2021
I will start by saying I really enjoyed the part of the book dealing with the second day of the battle. The author really conveyed the stress and uncertainty involved.
However, this book is entirely too long. It's main character is completely unlikeable and the characters spend way too much time repeating themselves. I understand that Meade had a terrible temper in real life but the author seems only to focus on this aspect of his personality and it just makes him an asshole. I've read other novels with George Meade as a character and he comes off as a much more likeable character. I'm disappointed that this wasn't the case here.
This book needed an editor badly. There are long portions of this book that do not advance the plot. It does not earn it's enormous page count and at times bogs down into a slog of repetitive narrative.
All that being said, I did like it. It's a novel about Gettysburg and those are almost always fun. I have seen that the author intends in writing a direct sequel and I will check that out. I just hope it's a bit more succinct.
However, this book is entirely too long. It's main character is completely unlikeable and the characters spend way too much time repeating themselves. I understand that Meade had a terrible temper in real life but the author seems only to focus on this aspect of his personality and it just makes him an asshole. I've read other novels with George Meade as a character and he comes off as a much more likeable character. I'm disappointed that this wasn't the case here.
This book needed an editor badly. There are long portions of this book that do not advance the plot. It does not earn it's enormous page count and at times bogs down into a slog of repetitive narrative.
All that being said, I did like it. It's a novel about Gettysburg and those are almost always fun. I have seen that the author intends in writing a direct sequel and I will check that out. I just hope it's a bit more succinct.
July 30, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate, insightful, puts you right on the battlefield.
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2020
Without Warning, the Saga of Gettysburg,i a fantastic read. It focuses first on the buildup prior to the decisive battle between the Union and Confederate armies, and then takes you into battle as General Meade leads his troops against those of General Robert E. Lee. As one reads you can almost see and smell the smoke, hear the thunder of cannon fire and the screams of wounded soldiers. The author places the reader right on the battle field, and provides insight into not only the brutality of the war, but also the personalities involved in carrying out General Meade’s battle plan, or inadvertently sabotaging it, with nothing less than the survival of the Union at stake. This is a book that I truly did not want to put down. It is extremely well researched and written, highly recommended! BGB
August 23, 2020
In writing “Without Warning,” Dr. Terry Piece has proven himself to be a master storyteller. “Without Warning” is an easy-read, well-researched, detailed-description of the Battle of Gettysburg from the Union perspective. It provides the reader a clear understanding of General George Meade’s transition to command only days prior to the beginning of the epic battle, putting you in the middle of his planning processes and his interaction with staff members who supported and opposed President Lincoln’s decision. This novel tells of General Meade’s, and others’, dynamic leadership prior to and throughout the major battle.
The tremendous amount of research combined with the author’s outstanding narrative writing style, has given us a historical masterpiece. I enjoyed “Without Warning” thoroughly and can’t wait for Dr. Pierce’s next book. This is a must read for all military leaders.
The tremendous amount of research combined with the author’s outstanding narrative writing style, has given us a historical masterpiece. I enjoyed “Without Warning” thoroughly and can’t wait for Dr. Pierce’s next book. This is a must read for all military leaders.
April 11, 2022
This book is alright. The history is fantastic - Pierce chooses some great historical figures to tell his story through, and it is a stellar study of leadership in the Union Army at Gettysburg. The writing, however, leaves something to be desired - lots of exposition dumps and awkward mentions of unrelated historical trivia. The book, at over 700 pages, is simply too long. Pierce's writing does not carry a reader through that much work. That being said, the final 150 pages are by far the best in the novel - Pierce effectively weaves the personal experience of battle with tactical decisions and leadership lessons. If he writes a similar novel in the future, it would be better served if it were 200 pages shorter and he spent more time on his skills as a writer.
Overall, it's a fine book that civil war buffs will quite enjoy but fails to match up to The Killer Angels. And of course, screw Dan Sickles.
Overall, it's a fine book that civil war buffs will quite enjoy but fails to match up to The Killer Angels. And of course, screw Dan Sickles.
October 15, 2022
Without Warning: The Saga of Gettysburg. A Reluctant Union Hero, and the Men He Inspired is an outstanding example of historical fiction writing. Author Captain Terry C. Pierce, USN retired, is able to make the reader feel as if they are right there with General George Meade and his men during first three days of July 1863. He introduces both positive and negative examples how character determines leadership, and shapes decision making during unexpected events through his "Reluctant Union Hero" General George Meade and other important Union combatants. This Pulitzer Prize nominated book is the perfect companion to Michael Shaara's groundbreaking civil war novel, The Killer Angels. It tells the Union side of the battle, and allows readers of The Killer Angels to compare and contrast the character and leadership and decisions from both the Confederate and Union Generals and soldiers. I highly recommend, Without Warning.
August 1, 2020
This is absolutely one of the most fascinating books I've ever read! I wish it would have been available when I studied the Civil War as a young student. I was spellbound by Terry Pierce's vivid description of seven days that reshaped the outcome of the Civil War. I was drawn into every scene as though I was a spectator to incredible feats of heroism, unparalleled bravery of dedicated and inspiring leadership, political intrigue, and the ultimate sacrifice of so many soldiers on the battlefield. I confess that I had no knowledge of General Meade and the majority of soldiers surrounding him prior to this reading. I literally devoured this novel in a matter of days and now have such a vivid picture of the challenges Meade faced assuming command of the Army of the Potomac just three days before the Battle of Gettysburg. I hope Mr. Pierce will write a sequel soon!!
November 26, 2020
This was a very good novel with a different point of view, that being solely from the Union. The novel gave very good insights in General Meade and has made me want to learn more about this often forgotten general. It was great to see how the union worked and moved soldiers around during this battle and it seemed a lot more desperate of a battle from their side than seemed in other novels and movies. My one draw back of this novel was at times some of the narrative seemed rush and mush of the descriptive narrative was handled in conversation rather than just in the narrative itself.
All in all a really good novel and I look forward to future Civil War novels from Terry C. Pierce and will add him to my lists right along with Jeff Shaara and Ralph Peters.
All in all a really good novel and I look forward to future Civil War novels from Terry C. Pierce and will add him to my lists right along with Jeff Shaara and Ralph Peters.
July 21, 2020
Without Warning...Factual events, richly developed. Terry Pierce has written a captivating, powerful, factual novel of the Union Forces at Gettysburg. General Meade embarks on a journey of self-discovery with challenging, inspirational results that changed an entire country. The cast of characters are real, complex and controversial. I didn’t know what to expect from a historical Civil War novel - but found myself thoroughly engrossed in the heart wrenching and heart warming tale. The author has complete control of his story and his style. It is a book well worth your read...
August 1, 2020
If you are a lover of history, especially of events that have shaped this great nation, this book is a must read. Meticulously researched, it tells the story of Union General George Meade’s defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Gettysburg. This is NOT some dry, boring textbook rehash, but a brilliantly written historical novel that should be required reading in all high school and college American History classes. I couldn’t put it down. I hope Mr. Pierce graces us with more of the same in the future.
August 1, 2020
Skeptical at first by the length of this novel, I found myself barely able to put it down! Dr. Terry Pierce is a master at portraying the voices and character of the generals and soldiers in the Army of the Potomac, leading up to and during the Battle of Gettysburg. Pierce is able to take the historical data of this pivotal Civil War battle and weave together personal conversations, points of view and conflicts to produce a novel that leaves the reader with an intimate knowledge of the key Union fighters. Upon completion of the novel, I was left with an in depth knowledge of General Meade and his men. I can't wait to read the sequel!
September 7, 2020
Character Counts - Terry Pierce does a masterful job of telling the largely unknown story of General George Mead. Without Warning uses strong characterization to depict the unwanted promotion of General George Mead at a critical time for the Army of the Potomac just days before the Battle of Gettysburg, the challenges of an ever-changing battlefield, and the burden of command on the battlefield. This is a must read as the novel demonstrates the importance of character.
June 18, 2020
I couldn't stop reading after the first page! This book had me on the edge of my seat...pretty amazing for a book that covers history I thought I knew! Terry Pierce brought the characters to life. I felt that I had met them, and I cared about them, rejoicing in their bravery and heartbroken at the tragedies masked by the numbers in the history books.
March 13, 2021
Best Civil War Novel
Pierce has done a fantastic job of visualizing the Union high command at Gettysburg. Equaling, and even surpassing the Civil War works of the Shaaras,he has written one of the best Civil War books I’ve read. His characterizations of Meade and his corps commanders really brings the battle to life. It shows how close a victory was won over Lee’s veterans.
Pierce has done a fantastic job of visualizing the Union high command at Gettysburg. Equaling, and even surpassing the Civil War works of the Shaaras,he has written one of the best Civil War books I’ve read. His characterizations of Meade and his corps commanders really brings the battle to life. It shows how close a victory was won over Lee’s veterans.
July 26, 2020
An incredible book
Besides thoroughly entertaining, I now have a much greater appreciation of the pressures of time and lack of military intelligence Meade was expected to overcome. Truly remarkable how duty saved the Union
Besides thoroughly entertaining, I now have a much greater appreciation of the pressures of time and lack of military intelligence Meade was expected to overcome. Truly remarkable how duty saved the Union
January 2, 2021
having read books written mostly from the confederate viewpoint i never realizes how close the union came to loosing the gettysburg battle- without warning is an outstanding book it will likely change your perspective on the battle - it is well written and an easy read
July 7, 2020
Very well written! I could have kept reading for another 700 pages! I benefitted from good coverage of the history in school and three or four trips to Gettysburg as a basis for this great read.
August 29, 2023
Great reading
Excellent book about the battle and Meades strategy during it. Highly recommend this for those who enjoy reading about the battle
Excellent book about the battle and Meades strategy during it. Highly recommend this for those who enjoy reading about the battle
May 18, 2021
This is a big, 725 page gift to readers. Terry Pierce does an incredible job for a beginning writer. I heard it compared with my first and all-time favorite fiction book “Killer Angels” and it is an apt comparison. This is George Gordon Meade’s story in all his angry, cussing personality and it’s a sympathetic but rich portrayal of the victor of Gettysburg. Meade has received very little attention in history books, in fact, many books make Meade’s presence an afterthought but in this book, the battle revolves around the irascible general.
I have never liked Sickles and Pierce paints that general just as I imagine him. I also loved that Gouv Warren gets to shine as he too is often overlooked. Kudos to Mr. Pierce. Don’t allow the size of this powerful fiction book put you off, its worth every minute. Readers will find this compelling reading as they are pulled into the madness, and maelstrom of battle. I already knew the ending but it didn’t matter I was swept up in this story. I am so glad I read this book and you will be as well.
I have never liked Sickles and Pierce paints that general just as I imagine him. I also loved that Gouv Warren gets to shine as he too is often overlooked. Kudos to Mr. Pierce. Don’t allow the size of this powerful fiction book put you off, its worth every minute. Readers will find this compelling reading as they are pulled into the madness, and maelstrom of battle. I already knew the ending but it didn’t matter I was swept up in this story. I am so glad I read this book and you will be as well.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews