Road to The Breaking

Road to the Breaking #1

by Chris Bennett

Nothing survived “The Breaking” unchanged; lives and fortunes, love and hate, freedom and slavery …


It’s early 1860, and war hero Captain Nathaniel Chambers, commander U.S. Army Fort Davis in the west Texas wilderness, has received shocking news – his father is dead. He must return home to Virginia and claim his inheritance before a maniacal neighbor can murder his widowed mother and seize the family plantation.


But he’s torn by a terrible dilemma – to stay in the army and turn his back on his fortune, his mother and his beloved childhood home, or become the thing he despises; a slave master! Is there no other choice?


An epic journey across a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of an unimaginable disaster; the American Civil War. Nathan Chambers has left the violent army life behind in Texas, never imaging he’s on the very Road to The Breaking.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Amazon, Historical

346 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2021

About the author

Chris A. Bennett grew up on the shores of Klamath Lake in southeastern Oregon. For a young boy it was a dream world of water, hills, forests, and abundant wildlife. His love for action and adventure morphed into a lifelong love for books when his Mom read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to the family on a long road trip.

It was routine and normal for the family dinner table discussions to involve history, politics, and anything interesting going on in the world. So, when he attended the University of Oregon it seemed perfectly natural (and easy) to study history and political science. But everyone said you couldn't make a living in those fields, so he decided to try his hand at Computer Science. He's been writing professionally, in the software development business for more than 35 years now.

However, Chris's thirst for adventure never faded and he began to live out his love of history onto the pages of his first book, Road to the Breaking. Once he started writing he just couldn't stop and the result is The Road to the Breaking series; an epic journey across a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of an unimaginable disaster: the American Civil War.

Chris currently lives near Seattle with his wife Patricia. His three adult children Nick, Rachel, and Josh also live in the Puget Sound area.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve developed a love for historical fiction over the last year or so. Road to Breaking by Chris Bennett is an excellent example of why. Honestly, this story is exceptional and deserves five stars.

This is book one, so I’m excited to see what happens next. I loved the writing. I was drawn in easily. This is set in Pre-Civil War times, and was really an interesting read.

This story is told by bouncing around to different time points. It sounds like it could be confusing, but it’s actually easy to follow and really let me learn the characters.

I really enjoyed Road to Breaking and am looking forward to more!

*I received a free copy of this book from R&R Book Tours to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Road to the Breaking" by Chris Bennett is a captivating novel that intricately weaves together elements of suspense, mystery, and human emotion.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It really defines what historical fiction should be all about. In this case, it was filled with lots of historical tidbits. I take my hat off to the author for that.

[Tanishq Rajmani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of this book is designed really well. It made me curious to read this book. The title is really intriguing and is apt for the book. The outer apperance of the book is really good.

This is the first book in the series
Coming to the plot,
The story is set in 1860's. Nathaniel Chambers is commander of the United States Army Fort Davis. He receives a shocking news of his father's death and is forced to return to his home in Virginia.
He wants to return to army to serve his duty but also has the responsibility to take care of his mother. He gets confused and had doubts if he should stay in the army or help his family. To know what happens next, you need to read the book!

Overall this is a very really interesting book which keeps you gripped even when it's a long read. The writing style of the author is really great with smooth narration. The pace is maintained really well. The language is not too hard to understand and the charecters are developed really well. I loved reading this one and can't wait to read the next.
Highly recommended from my side without any doubt.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Captain Nathaniel Chambers, commander United States Army Fort Davis has difficult decisions to make, mainly on that would take him back to Virginia to his mom and the inheritance he has at home. Road to the Breaking takes readers on a journey that will not be forgotten.

I really enjoyed this book very much. Author Chris Bennett creates a cast of characters that develop perfectly as the story unfolds and the journey continues. I read a ecopy of this book and I couldn’t put my kindle down for long because I wanted to see what was coming next. And I wasn’t disappointed. This book is chunked full off exciting adventure and often hard times but good times as well. I highly recommend Road to the Breaking to all of you history buffs out there! This one a Five Stars for me! 

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I typically really like stories set in this time period, and I really wanted to like this one. But for me the plot was too slow, with a lot of extra details that didn't really seem pertinent. Maybe those details became important later, but I couldn't wade through the book any longer. I wasn't enjoying it. I made it 60 pages in before I called it quits.

[sniksnak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Road to the Breaking, the first book in the series of the same name, follows US Army Captain Nathaniel Chambers, a war hero stationed at Fort Davis, Texas in 1860.
After learning of his father’s death, he abandons the violent frontier life and returns to Virginia to safeguard his widowed mother and protect the family plantation from a ruthless neighbor who intends to seize it and exploit her.
Amidst rising national tensions fueled by sectional strife, slavery debates and the looming threat of civil war, Nathan faces challenging moral dilemmas, grapples with the weight of family legacy and is torn between the demands of military duty and the pull of home.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This first book is about a Virginia native leaving home as a young man and joining the United States Army and being posted out west. He rises to the rank of Captain but he has a hidden temper that could get him into trouble. His father dies and he resigns from the army and his officers and some of his men also resign and foll him on his trip back to Virginia.

[Pearl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best historical fiction books I have read so far. So much depth in this book! Road to The Breaking written by Chris Bennett has that kind of plot that is so unique from the historical fiction novels I have read before. I particularly loved and admired the main hero Captain Nathaniel Chambers. The challenge he had to go through to decide which fate to take was truly notable.

I can say that the writing was spectacular. I connected well to the story as well as the characters. The setting of the book was also great. I have been a fan of the West and the cowboy-dominated parts in the U.S. and reading a book with this setting makes it even more worth it. I enjoyed the plot of Road to The Breaking. The main character experienced ups and downs but he certainly had an undeniable strength in him that makes him a worthy character to read to.

[Debra H. Wruble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!

Well written start to this series, looking forward to reading more. Great story about an Army Captain who leaves the service to return home to help his mother run their farm after his father dies. Lots of adventure!

[Angela Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to the Breaking launches the perfect series for history lovers. Through a very well-researched and well-developed novel, the author takes readers to another time and place. The setting and characters tell the story in such a realistic manner that it feels like an actual, historical account of a challenging time in our nation's history. As readers learn more about the world of Captain Chambers through various characters and the stories unfold--the novel pulls readers into the conflicts of the time and the soul-searching of the main character as he tries to find his path in life.



The author builds a lot for readers in this novel. The writing style was a little difficult for me to settle into as the author moves about in time between characters as he provides readers varied perspectives and individual stories. While the movement required some focus from time to time--the insights and views add so much to the development of the series overall.


Plan to read the series. This first novel sets the stage for future novels--but doesn't tie many loose ends for readers. I was glad that I already had a copy of the second book to continue Nathan's story. If you prefer stand-alone novels that bring closure with hints of things to come in the future--this one is not that type of book. If you are ready to invest yourself in a historical series--this one needs to be on your reading list.


Would I recommend Road to the Breaking by Chris Bennett? If you enjoy realistic, historical fiction--I would certainly recommend this book. You will need to read the novels in order as a series. I was definitely invested in the characters and the stories--and enjoyed the book. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't much resolution to this novel--but I readily picked up the 2nd book to continue!

I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinion are my own.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Road to the Breaking, we are introduced to Captain Nathaniel Chambers – a stubborn man with quite the past who also struggles with his own demons and keeping them at bay.

Nathaniel struggled with an anger inside of him most of his life – when he allowed his anger to get the best of him, he could not hold it back. But he wasn’t a mean person – this was always in retaliating to others bullying or hurting him or others around him. He never appeared to get along with his Father or have much of a relationship with him (keeping in mind that this was during a time period when those relationships were not strong, instead children were taught more to fear a parent). His Mother sensed this and sent him away to boarding school and from here he never returned home to a place that he felt he does not belong. His Father had a successful family farm but this success came on the backs of slaves, something Nathaniel despises.

Near the beginning of the story, Nathaniel receives a telegram from his Mother notifying him of the death of his Father. It is followed up by two more telegrams requesting him to return home with what appears to be secret messages contained within that something is not quite right at home. Is his Mother being taken advantage of being a widow on a farm all on her own? As Nathaniel sets on his journey to return home after choosing his family over the army, we are introduced to a bit of his history through a series of flashbacks to various stages.

This is a well written story following the story of a young man during a very troubling time. The story jumps through several time periods but it did not make it hard to follow as the story flowed well. It covers a time period in American history that was marked with slavery, plantations, war and the fight for freedom and what is right. A great read from start to finish.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to the Breaking begins the exciting series, Road to the Breaking series by Chris Bennett. I have to admit that I did judge a book by its cover and I was fascinated by this one. I could not wait to find out if the pages within were just as good. I was far from disappointed. I enjoyed meeting Captain Nathaniel Chambers, commander United States Army Fort Davis, just before the Civil War. He suddenly finds himself torn between staying in the United States Army or staying in Virginia to claim his inheritance after the death of this father. The whole book is full of drama, adventure and history. I thought the author did a fantastic job capturing the era. The writing style is unique and refreshing. Even though the plot covers some difficult times, it easily flowed and I had a hard time putting it down until I was completely finished. It is one of my favorite reads of the year to date.

Road to the Breaking is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the second installment from the Road to the Breaking series, Enigma to see what will happen next. I have no doubt, it will be as great. This one should not be missed and definitely worth a read.

I received a paperback copy of Road to the Breaking from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Book Dragons TBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite movies ever is Free State Of Jones. To me this book had some similarities to that - the time era and the conflict. I thought this story was phenomenal. The scene is Pre-Civil War where slavery is the thing people are doing, but one practice that some despise.

Nathanial Chambers is a U.S. Army Captain who is serving in Texas when he gets some bad news. His father, who he was never close with, suddenly dies, and his mother wants him to come home and take care of the plantation. There's a major dilemma though, Nathanial hates slavery. You take an emotionally taxing journey with Nathanial as he decides what he wants to do with his life.

The story jumps back in forth to different time periods, laying down the story without just dumping it on you at once. The back and forth is seamless and easy to follow. The pacing of this story was even - not too fast but not slow either. The characters are really well thought out, you can tell the author makes great connections with each of them. Overall, I think it's a great historical fiction. With a bit of a cliffhanger I can't wait to see which way the story moves in.

I received this book as a gift in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Jkane · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the end of the first novel, he still has not yet arrived in Virginia. This is probably a 4 star book, but the description was so misleading that it qualifies as a bait and switch, and thus, I docked it a point. I am more than halfway through book 2, and it is exactly what I was expecting when I read the synopsis to book 1.

In book 1, he traverses through the U.S., but never makes it to Virginia. However, Book 2 begins in Virginia. Book 1 is interesting and engaging, but it’s not what was promised. A more apt description would be this:

A celebrated Army Captain, forged from battles on the western front of Texas, decides to resign his commission in the army when his father dies, and his mother requests his return to Virginia. Due to his strong leadership commanding his men, several of his soldiers, including a native American scout, a Russian brawler, his sergeant, and others decide to join him on his journey back to Virginia given how hazardous it could be for a lone traveler. On their way to Virginia, they travel east through Texas, onto New Orleans and through Mississippi, encountering speed bumps along the way. Through flashbacks, we also learn of the Captain's experiences years earlier when he invaded Mexico, and was labeled El Diablo Blanco. His reputation is well-earned, making our Captain more than enough to meet all of the challenges along the way.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Nathaniel Chambers is a captain in the army stationed at Fort Davis in Texas. When he receives a telegram from his mom that his father has passed away, he decides it’s his duty to return to Virginia to take over the farm. Several of his men resign to follow him and to help out as needed.

As they move across the south, the men encounter several challenges and Nathan feels like he can’t keep moving on until he takes care of each one. He is a good and moral man, but he struggles with anger issues. It tore at my heartstrings when he lost control or when someone he cared about was killed.

The characters are well developed, and the author’s writing flows well. There is a lot of action and a quite a lot of description – a little more than I like, but that’s a personal preference. I like to get to the meat of the action!

This is the first book in the series, and I’m getting ready to start the second book, Enigma. I’m glad I have it because Road to the Breaking did not have closure.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Chris Bennett takes readers to 1860 where they meet Nathaniel Chambers, a captain in the U.S. Army. While serving in Texas, he receives word that his father has suddenly died. He must then take the long journey home to Virginia to claim the inheritance before someone else does.

However, along the way, Chambers starts to have doubts. Should he stay in the army or should he help his family, but end up doing things he despises. You’ll be taken through a tumultuous self-growth journey as Chambers tries to figure out what he wants to do with his life.

This historical-fiction story is perfect for those who enjoy learning about the olden days or who are just looking for a well-written read. Bennett writes with a captivating style that will make putting this book down hard to do. At 261 pages, it might take some time to read, but the investment is definitely worth it.

[Linda Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

LG

I really enjoyed this book. Nathaniel Chambers was somewhat of a bully in his younger years before he grew up and went to West Point. After graduation he was ranked as an army Captain at Ft. Davis, Texas. He enjoyed this frontier life chasing Indians and outlaws. But when his father died unexpectedly, his mother sent him a telegram to come home and run the family business, a cotton plantation in West Virginia. The bulk of the rest of this first book was the dangers and endurance required to go from West Texas to his home in West Virginia. I'm looking forward to reading the continuing saga in book 2

[Mbsuther · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Road to the Breaking

This series had great reviews on Amazon. The writing is strong and the story line very well done. However, I am not a fan of the book going right up to a very serious part of the story and then... "Buy the next one to find out what is going to happen ". The author should have made each part of the series a standalone story with hooks to the next one. Therefore, I rate the story as a 4.7, but the way the1st book ended as a 3. Overall, a 4 out of 5 rating.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the synopsis, and wasn't really sure how Bennett was going to pull off everything promised. But what a read! I felt myself transported back to 1860, and this isn't a happy ending, light conflict type of novel. There's some real grit mixed into a captivating story, You'll get everything in the blurb and more once you dive in. If you like stories that are full of drama, tension, and a bit of action, you're going to love this historical family saga.

[Bob Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to Breaking (Book 1)

A different kind of historical Western fiction. Also different from the type of reading I normally read, I enjoyed the change. The characters were developed quickly and complimented each other. The trip from Texas to Western Virginia was described in realistic terms of time and distance where as many authors would have briefly described it and moved on.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Carolyn McCorquodale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to the Breaking (series)

I highly recommend this series of books. The author does a great job bringing the Civil War history to life. He does an awesome job with accurate accounts to battles and the generals who lead them. I read all 9 books in a week's time. If you love history, especially Civil War, you will love this series. Can not wait till 2025 when the 10th and final book is released.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Road to the Breaking was a great read that took place during the civil war time period. Captain Nathaniel Chambers, commander U.S. Army Fort Davis in the west Texas wilderness was faced with a very tough choice when his father passed away. His decision in the face of it set him on a truly remarkable journey that kept my interest.

[Judy Longo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story!

I found the characters interesting and believable in a historical
context. Being familiar with Virginia and its history having explored all 93 Counties when I lived there made reading this book
A richer experience for me. I did not appreciate being left hanging
when the book suddenly ends!

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking

I have enjoyed the book so far. It’s filled with adventure and excitement, but I didn’t realize this was a serial book. Either way many books to follow, therefore leaving a cliffhanger. No end to the story. Had I known there were ten books total, I probably would not have started reading it.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the covers on this series, and I mostly enjoyed this book. The introductions of new characters often felt random and too frequent, though. Much is left resolved for the later books in the series. I'd continue if more were in audio. In addition, it's certainly a male POV. Female characters exist mostly to suffer and affect the hero.

[Bill Leingang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story being told in first person

The author seems.connected to Nathan, and devolves his inner thoughts. Exciting, fast paced and easily by mid book makes you wish you already owned the second book. Great descriptive scenes is a talent of this author Read and enjoy!.

[teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking of whom?

An excellent pre civil war novel of southern hospitality and hostility. When Nathan 's father dies he must return to the p!plantation he left as a boy. The journey there takes a few detours. His mother suffers a few incidents as she waits for him.

[Sandra Niemann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This "book" has no ending.

This book ends with no resolution whatsoever. I intensely dislike reading a book that is nothing more than a portion of a story. I will not be reading any more by this author.

[Debbie]

Most Interesting Western I Have Read Since Lonesome Dove!

Great characterizations, descriptive settings, and plenty of action. I recommend this book to all Western fans. I look forward to more books!

[Kelly Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I love historical fiction and am interested in the dynamic of a man who opposing slavery inheriting a slave plantation. Can't wait to read more. The voice of the story is very easy to follow and a lovely read.