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Trail of Glory #1
1812: The Rivers of War
In this alternate history of the American frontier and the Jacksonian era, a small change takes place in the Battle of the Horseshoe Bend during the War of 1812. What results is a cascade of new developments that becomes an avalanche. In our world, Ensign Sam Houston, just turned 21, led the charge on the creek barricade in that battle and almost died from a terrible wound that took him a year to recover from. In this world, his wound is minor, so he is able to continue fighting the British—and develop his close relationship with Andrew Jackson much sooner.
Along with a radical Scots-Irish immigrant in the U.S. Army, Patrick Driscoll—one of “the Men of ’98”—Houston organizes a defense of the U.S. Capitol that prevents the British from destroying it and makes him a national hero. He and Driscoll then play a central role in the defense of New Orleans under Jackson’s command. They change the course of that battle in ways that will, over time, transform the relationship between the United States, the Indian tribes of the south, and the slaves brought over from Africa.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
About 1635: A Parcel of Rogues:
“The 20th volume in this popular, fast-paced alternative history series follows close on the heels of the events in The Baltic War, picking up with the protagonists in London, including sharpshooter Julie Sims. This time the 20th-century transplants are determined to prevent the rise of Oliver Cromwell and even have the support of King Charles.”—Library Journal
About 1634: The Galileo Affair:
“A rich, complex alternate history with great characters and vivid action. A great read and an excellent book.”—David Drake
“Gripping . . . depicted with power!”—Publishers Weekly
About Eric Flint's Ring of Fire
“This alternate history series is . . . a landmark.”—Booklist
“[Eric] Flint's 1632 universe seems to be inspiring a whole new crop of gifted alternate historians.”—Booklist
“ . . . reads like a technothriller set in the age of the Medicis . . .”—Publishers Weekly
Eric Flint is a modern master of alternate history fiction, with 3 million books in print. He’s the author/creator of the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, starting with first novel 1632. With David Drake he has written six popular novels in the “Belisarius” alternate Roman history series, and with David Weber, he has collaborated on 1633 and 1634: The Baltic War, as well as four novels in Weber’s Honorverse series. Flint was for many years a labor union activist. He lives near Chicago, Illinois.
Along with a radical Scots-Irish immigrant in the U.S. Army, Patrick Driscoll—one of “the Men of ’98”—Houston organizes a defense of the U.S. Capitol that prevents the British from destroying it and makes him a national hero. He and Driscoll then play a central role in the defense of New Orleans under Jackson’s command. They change the course of that battle in ways that will, over time, transform the relationship between the United States, the Indian tribes of the south, and the slaves brought over from Africa.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
About 1635: A Parcel of Rogues:
“The 20th volume in this popular, fast-paced alternative history series follows close on the heels of the events in The Baltic War, picking up with the protagonists in London, including sharpshooter Julie Sims. This time the 20th-century transplants are determined to prevent the rise of Oliver Cromwell and even have the support of King Charles.”—Library Journal
About 1634: The Galileo Affair:
“A rich, complex alternate history with great characters and vivid action. A great read and an excellent book.”—David Drake
“Gripping . . . depicted with power!”—Publishers Weekly
About Eric Flint's Ring of Fire
“This alternate history series is . . . a landmark.”—Booklist
“[Eric] Flint's 1632 universe seems to be inspiring a whole new crop of gifted alternate historians.”—Booklist
“ . . . reads like a technothriller set in the age of the Medicis . . .”—Publishers Weekly
Eric Flint is a modern master of alternate history fiction, with 3 million books in print. He’s the author/creator of the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, starting with first novel 1632. With David Drake he has written six popular novels in the “Belisarius” alternate Roman history series, and with David Weber, he has collaborated on 1633 and 1634: The Baltic War, as well as four novels in Weber’s Honorverse series. Flint was for many years a labor union activist. He lives near Chicago, Illinois.
557 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2005
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About the author
Eric Flint
250 books873 followersEric Flint was a New York Times bestselling American author, editor, and e-publisher. The majority of his main works were alternate history science fiction, but he also wrote humorous fantasy adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 4, 2022
A splendid novel of alternate history
Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Rivers of War (The Trail of Glory) (Hardcover)
Unlike most of Eric Flint's novels, this book is strictly alternate history, no science fiction at all. This is a splendid novel for those of us interested in the War of 1812 (sometimes called the Second American War of Independence), the Creek War and the events which led to the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears. Things go much better for both the Indians and black slaves in this alternate world even though the Creeks still lose at Horseshoe Bend. The tipping point which alters history is minor. Sam Houston receives a superficial wound at Horseshoe Bend instead of the life threatening one he actually received.
In addition to Indian affairs, the novel also deals with the conflicts which eventually led to civil war. Mr. Flint paints Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, as one of the villains of the piece rather than as a great statesman. The Clay in this book is portrayed as John Randolph is commonly thought to have said of him, "He is a man of splendid abilities but utterly corrupt. He shines and stinks, like a rotten mackerel by moonlight." If you have no interest in American history, this novel may not appeal to you despite plot twists and vivid action.
If this subject is of interest to you, you may also want to try Michael Aye who has written a very good historical novel concerning the War of 1812 in the south. THE BATTLE AT HORSESHOE BEND skillfully blends historical figures with Mr. Aye's pair of fictional main characters from whose point of view the story is told. This novel, Aye's novel of the Northwestern campaign, WAR 1812 REMEMBER THE RAISIN, and the third in the series, THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS are all recommended and available from Amazon.
Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Rivers of War (The Trail of Glory) (Hardcover)
Unlike most of Eric Flint's novels, this book is strictly alternate history, no science fiction at all. This is a splendid novel for those of us interested in the War of 1812 (sometimes called the Second American War of Independence), the Creek War and the events which led to the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears. Things go much better for both the Indians and black slaves in this alternate world even though the Creeks still lose at Horseshoe Bend. The tipping point which alters history is minor. Sam Houston receives a superficial wound at Horseshoe Bend instead of the life threatening one he actually received.
In addition to Indian affairs, the novel also deals with the conflicts which eventually led to civil war. Mr. Flint paints Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, as one of the villains of the piece rather than as a great statesman. The Clay in this book is portrayed as John Randolph is commonly thought to have said of him, "He is a man of splendid abilities but utterly corrupt. He shines and stinks, like a rotten mackerel by moonlight." If you have no interest in American history, this novel may not appeal to you despite plot twists and vivid action.
If this subject is of interest to you, you may also want to try Michael Aye who has written a very good historical novel concerning the War of 1812 in the south. THE BATTLE AT HORSESHOE BEND skillfully blends historical figures with Mr. Aye's pair of fictional main characters from whose point of view the story is told. This novel, Aye's novel of the Northwestern campaign, WAR 1812 REMEMBER THE RAISIN, and the third in the series, THE BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS are all recommended and available from Amazon.
April 26, 2010
I'm pretty impressed with the two books in this alternate history (1812 and 1824). They are eminently readable - the pages fly by. As a Texan, I enjoy the Sam Houston character as much as any of them, but they're all terrific.
I was unaware, until I finished this book, that only one of the characters was a fiction. Being used to Neal Stephenson's 50-50 mix, I guess I brought an assumption with me that I didn't realize. If I never heard of them before, I assumed they were fictional. Don't you be like me.
The early 19th century is portrayed as a clash of 4 cultures: the northern, the southern, the slaves, and the native americans. Flint is quick to point out that there was no single "indian" culture - but that the european immigrants often thought of it as such, reflecting their simplistic approach to mentally modeling the new world. In reality, many natives were separated by huge cultural and linguistic barriers.
Flint doesn't spend too much time on the soapbox here, according to my tastes, but the book is fundamentally about the prejudices of white americans for the other cultures that shared the continent. The sweep and leverage of the story is about a thought-provoking alternative outcome to the pressures created by the clash of these cultures.
And I don't think it's a spoiler to say, they not only clash, but they intermarry just like people really did. In Flint's 1632 series, as in these books, love helps some people get over the stereotypes and gives them the motivation to understand the other guys. You read Flint long enough, you're going to find a relationship between a man and his favorite jello (with 17 pieces of pineapple).
It could happen.
I was unaware, until I finished this book, that only one of the characters was a fiction. Being used to Neal Stephenson's 50-50 mix, I guess I brought an assumption with me that I didn't realize. If I never heard of them before, I assumed they were fictional. Don't you be like me.
The early 19th century is portrayed as a clash of 4 cultures: the northern, the southern, the slaves, and the native americans. Flint is quick to point out that there was no single "indian" culture - but that the european immigrants often thought of it as such, reflecting their simplistic approach to mentally modeling the new world. In reality, many natives were separated by huge cultural and linguistic barriers.
Flint doesn't spend too much time on the soapbox here, according to my tastes, but the book is fundamentally about the prejudices of white americans for the other cultures that shared the continent. The sweep and leverage of the story is about a thought-provoking alternative outcome to the pressures created by the clash of these cultures.
And I don't think it's a spoiler to say, they not only clash, but they intermarry just like people really did. In Flint's 1632 series, as in these books, love helps some people get over the stereotypes and gives them the motivation to understand the other guys. You read Flint long enough, you're going to find a relationship between a man and his favorite jello (with 17 pieces of pineapple).
It could happen.
July 10, 2012
What happens if Sam Houston is only mildly wounded at Horseshoe Bend instead of taking major injuries and missing the rest of the War of 1812? This alternative history book gives one possibility of the major changes it creates.
This alternate history does not depend on some science fiction element to get started. Just the slip of a foot on a wooden wall. The characters are well written and seem to stay true to what we know of them. Most of the characters did exist and the few that didn't were based on stories of people that lived at that time.
I found the book to be quite interesting and hard to put down. It may challenge the preconceptions of some readers about certain characters but seems to have a solid basis behind it which makes it all the more interesting.
The action is well mixed with other elements of story telling so the reader shouldn't get bored. Everything was well written and the author seems to know the time period and the equipment that would have been used by the people then.
I look forward to the next book.
This alternate history does not depend on some science fiction element to get started. Just the slip of a foot on a wooden wall. The characters are well written and seem to stay true to what we know of them. Most of the characters did exist and the few that didn't were based on stories of people that lived at that time.
I found the book to be quite interesting and hard to put down. It may challenge the preconceptions of some readers about certain characters but seems to have a solid basis behind it which makes it all the more interesting.
The action is well mixed with other elements of story telling so the reader shouldn't get bored. Everything was well written and the author seems to know the time period and the equipment that would have been used by the people then.
I look forward to the next book.
August 5, 2025
My original 2005 review: "In 1814, we took a little trip..." This old Johnny Horton tune was about all I remembered about the War of 1812. And the British burned the White House.... You may be certain that you'll know a good deal more about this chapter of American history after you've read Eric Flint's latest, The Rivers of War. And be very well-entertained en route.
Flint's aim in this first of a new series is to construct a plausible Native Nation on America's western frontier, from the Cherokees and the other four Civilized Tribes who were dumped into Indian Territory (now eastern Oklahoma) in the first half of the 19th century, with unhappy results in our timeline (though they're doing OK now). Flint makes it clear that, with the number of European immigrants pouring into the Southeast, the tribes were going to lose their land, one way or another. He's trying for a less-horrible eviction than the Trail of Tears. What if the Tribes moved 'voluntarily,' with their cultures more or less intact, and developed a hybrid culture that would affect America for the good? I'll be following the progress of this what-might-have-been saga with interest -- particularly since my Scots-Irish ancestors helped make this history, and picked up a little Cherokee blood en route.
I came away from The Rivers of War with a more three-dimensional mental portrait of Andrew Jackson, a major character here, and whom I'd previously filed under "boorish rabble-rouser." He looks much better (or at least more complex) in Flint's portrayal. Most of his characters were historical figures (including Sam Houston, a protagonist), though Flint cheerfully admits to fleshing-out the less well-known ones to fit his story. His battle scenes are unflinching, and may be too graphic for some. But Flint seems to have an unusually good understanding of the principles of warfare. And you won't be surprised to learn that Flint was once a candidate for a Ph.D. in history.
Now, this is alternate history, but I don't think I'll spoil your fun by letting on that Flint has stuck pretty close to real history, so far anyway. And he's dished up an excellent historical novel here -- entertaining, informative, fast-moving, action-packed. Lots of blood and gore (fair warning). I read it in two sittings and liked it a lot. The Rivers of War is Flint's best novel to date -- he's gotten better in the craft of writing, characterization, depth of research -- heck, all the writerly virtues I can think of. Most importantly, he's a helluva storyteller. Highly recommended.
2023 reread notes: I picked this one off the shelf, not realizing until I finished that this was my third reread. So this one is a certified comfort read, and remains a 4+ star book for me. Eric Flint described it as a pure alternate history, where he made one single change in recorded history: Sam Houston escaped serious injury at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Substantial and speculative changes followed. This time I skimmed some of the blood and gore....
Eric Flint is gone now. This remains a favorite book for me. He's missed.
Flint's aim in this first of a new series is to construct a plausible Native Nation on America's western frontier, from the Cherokees and the other four Civilized Tribes who were dumped into Indian Territory (now eastern Oklahoma) in the first half of the 19th century, with unhappy results in our timeline (though they're doing OK now). Flint makes it clear that, with the number of European immigrants pouring into the Southeast, the tribes were going to lose their land, one way or another. He's trying for a less-horrible eviction than the Trail of Tears. What if the Tribes moved 'voluntarily,' with their cultures more or less intact, and developed a hybrid culture that would affect America for the good? I'll be following the progress of this what-might-have-been saga with interest -- particularly since my Scots-Irish ancestors helped make this history, and picked up a little Cherokee blood en route.
I came away from The Rivers of War with a more three-dimensional mental portrait of Andrew Jackson, a major character here, and whom I'd previously filed under "boorish rabble-rouser." He looks much better (or at least more complex) in Flint's portrayal. Most of his characters were historical figures (including Sam Houston, a protagonist), though Flint cheerfully admits to fleshing-out the less well-known ones to fit his story. His battle scenes are unflinching, and may be too graphic for some. But Flint seems to have an unusually good understanding of the principles of warfare. And you won't be surprised to learn that Flint was once a candidate for a Ph.D. in history.
Now, this is alternate history, but I don't think I'll spoil your fun by letting on that Flint has stuck pretty close to real history, so far anyway. And he's dished up an excellent historical novel here -- entertaining, informative, fast-moving, action-packed. Lots of blood and gore (fair warning). I read it in two sittings and liked it a lot. The Rivers of War is Flint's best novel to date -- he's gotten better in the craft of writing, characterization, depth of research -- heck, all the writerly virtues I can think of. Most importantly, he's a helluva storyteller. Highly recommended.
2023 reread notes: I picked this one off the shelf, not realizing until I finished that this was my third reread. So this one is a certified comfort read, and remains a 4+ star book for me. Eric Flint described it as a pure alternate history, where he made one single change in recorded history: Sam Houston escaped serious injury at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Substantial and speculative changes followed. This time I skimmed some of the blood and gore....
Eric Flint is gone now. This remains a favorite book for me. He's missed.
February 19, 2016
Alternate history is usually considered science fiction. I am not sure it should be, but it is. This book is an alternate history novel and it most certainly does not read like science fiction. It reads like a straight historical novel. It is a novel of the American frontier. It has characters like Sam Houston and Andrew Jackson. It is a novel of the War of 1812. It is not the War of 1812 as we know it from our history books, but it is still a novel of the War of 1812 and it reads like it. This is not the kind of book I would ordinarily read. So, Why did I read it? I read it because it is billed as a science fiction novel and I am a fan of science fiction. I also know the author as a very good science fiction writer. I also have a particular interest in the author because I met him years ago when he was a political activist long before he became an author. At that time both he and I were sf fans, but we did not know that about each other. If we had known we would have had more to talk about than politics. It is interesting that I knew of him as a top science fiction writer before I found out that he was the same Eric Flint that I used to know. Now, I know that these are somewhat specious reasons to read a book that I would not ordinarily have read. So, am I sorry that I read it? No, I am not. If I had not read it just because it is a historical novel I would have really missed something. It is a ripping good yarn.
January 7, 2009
nicely done alternate history, reads as straight historical fiction. the divergence was suprisingly hard to detect and it's ramifications should prove interesting in future books of the series
April 1, 2018
Eric Flint doesn't do his alternative history by half measures. His research into the history informs his writing. The afterword speaks to how he took liberties and how stayed true to the personalities of his main characters.
As with everything I've read by Flint he is an excellent storyteller. An engaging tale with characters you care about. The thrust of the overall series is to reshape American History in such a way as to avoid the Trail of Tears. The first volume starts things rolling with a straight-forward historical deviation. What if the young Sam Houston wasn't seriously wounded at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend? He could then be a more effective player in the War of 1812, and the ripples of change would cascade from that point.
It was a good read, as I would expect from Flint, but straight-forward alternate histories are not my usual thing. I like to have a science fiction or fantasy element as a trigger. No fault to the author, I think I'll drop out after this first volume although I enjoyed the insights I gained into a period of American History I didn't know much about, beyond what was taught in school.
As with everything I've read by Flint he is an excellent storyteller. An engaging tale with characters you care about. The thrust of the overall series is to reshape American History in such a way as to avoid the Trail of Tears. The first volume starts things rolling with a straight-forward historical deviation. What if the young Sam Houston wasn't seriously wounded at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend? He could then be a more effective player in the War of 1812, and the ripples of change would cascade from that point.
It was a good read, as I would expect from Flint, but straight-forward alternate histories are not my usual thing. I like to have a science fiction or fantasy element as a trigger. No fault to the author, I think I'll drop out after this first volume although I enjoyed the insights I gained into a period of American History I didn't know much about, beyond what was taught in school.
May 17, 2011
Another alternate history novel from Flint and technically an Assiti Shards novel even if removed from the main thrust of that series. This one, the first of a new series, rewrites the War of 1812. Instead of being wounded in the groin at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, Sam Houston is only grazed in the arm. And so he can participate in the defense of Washington against a British raid. Flint spins an interesting tale of how influential (American) Indians, whites and blacks begin to form strong bonds and plan for the future. It helps if you know some of the history, but even if you don’t, Flint is pretty good at filling in the blanks.
I enjoyed the book mildly, but it is by no means perfect. Flint has a great sense of humor and the book is a page turner. However, he is a bit too in love with his characters, and the smugness with which he describes them is often grating. Having said that, if you liked 1632 and so forth you might enjoy this.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=730
I enjoyed the book mildly, but it is by no means perfect. Flint has a great sense of humor and the book is a page turner. However, he is a bit too in love with his characters, and the smugness with which he describes them is often grating. Having said that, if you liked 1632 and so forth you might enjoy this.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=730
December 23, 2022
Eric Flint has written an alternate history of the War of 1812 in which Arkansas becomes an independent country that is established as an anti-slavery state that includes Native Americans as full-fledged citizens. The Cherokee people are convinced to move by choice to what is now Arkansas with their civilization intact and guaranteed by an army trained and equipped by the former U.S. Army soldiers responsible for the recent victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
June 19, 2018
This is an alternate-universe version of the War of 1812, with Cherokee and other Indians playing bigger parts. I found it interesting how it depicted Andrew Jackson, with today's view of him being much less favorable than fiction from the past. It showed people from various sides as real people. (some of whom were people in our universe). Well developed characters.
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November 21, 2023I really enjoyed this book. It is an alternative history book with one critical change (no spoilers) and the book follows the logical ramifications of that change.
The characters are vivid and diverse, and their decisions are consistent with someone from that time. The story follows multiple characters as their plots and lives intertwine and unravel together. The consequences of their decisions are also consistent for the time period. I particularly liked the inclusion of First Nations characters and the impacts of the War of 1812 on them.
The writing is engaging, and the plot moves along nicely.
Great read.
The characters are vivid and diverse, and their decisions are consistent with someone from that time. The story follows multiple characters as their plots and lives intertwine and unravel together. The consequences of their decisions are also consistent for the time period. I particularly liked the inclusion of First Nations characters and the impacts of the War of 1812 on them.
The writing is engaging, and the plot moves along nicely.
Great read.
September 21, 2013
I will start off by saying I am generally a fan of all of Flints works, he writes the happiest war stories you will find. His writing tends to be fairly up-beat, he loves over the top characters, and he enjoys not only showing the action and drama beats of his stories but also exploring the larger political and cultural landscapes of the worlds he creates. This last trait of Flint’s is both a blessing and a curse.
Because he writes so much alternate history there are a lot of interesting points to examine however he also tends to get a bit “wander” in his writing. Long tangents, dead end story treads, and convoluted setups that don’t really apply to the main story of the book can happen.
That being said while this book is very typically Flint the flow and pacing is much better then in some of his other series, the Ring of Fire jumps instantly to mind. A big factor in this reigning in can be attributed to the smaller cast in this book with only a dozen characters to track rather than the thirty to forty characters in some of his other titles. And the characters you do get are more likely to be integral to the plot limiting the unimportant tangents that can happen. The plot itself is also less convoluted and straighter forward, which is both good and bad. The story is easy to follow but he has some trouble pulling off subtlety.
See Entire Review
Because he writes so much alternate history there are a lot of interesting points to examine however he also tends to get a bit “wander” in his writing. Long tangents, dead end story treads, and convoluted setups that don’t really apply to the main story of the book can happen.
That being said while this book is very typically Flint the flow and pacing is much better then in some of his other series, the Ring of Fire jumps instantly to mind. A big factor in this reigning in can be attributed to the smaller cast in this book with only a dozen characters to track rather than the thirty to forty characters in some of his other titles. And the characters you do get are more likely to be integral to the plot limiting the unimportant tangents that can happen. The plot itself is also less convoluted and straighter forward, which is both good and bad. The story is easy to follow but he has some trouble pulling off subtlety.
See Entire Review
March 26, 2013
This alternate history starts with the premise that Sam Houston is not badly injuried at the battle of Horseshoe bend and is therefore available to defend the capital from the British and fight a smaller battle of New Orleans instead. It was suppose to be a series but I can't find a sequal. Available in Baen Free Library.
May 13, 2018
Interesting book. A bit slow moving. Too good to stop reading but I wasn’t excited about picking it up after putting it down. Some characters are quite colorful though, like Sam Huston and Sargent Driscoll.
November 6, 2012
A very good and entertaining alterative history about the War of 1812
August 25, 2023
I actually purchased this as waiting room material, as I had to kill time while out shopping. But it really is a book worth checking out. Mr. Flint spins a tale where Sam Houston does not suffer an incapacitating injury during the War of 1812 and is instead around to help bring together a groups of freedmen and Cherokee warriors to fight in the battle of New Orleans in 1814. The relationships built during the course of these events set the foundation for the planting of a Cherokee nation that avoids the Trail of Tears scenario that exists in our history. But for that bit we'll have to get the sequel.
The book didn't grab my interest at first--much like that era in American history. But the story slowly grew on me as the characters and plot developed. As one might expect, the story has a military bent, with a lot of battle scenes. Come to think of it, that's probably why it was a slow starter for me, as the story comes out fighting, so to speak.
The book didn't grab my interest at first--much like that era in American history. But the story slowly grew on me as the characters and plot developed. As one might expect, the story has a military bent, with a lot of battle scenes. Come to think of it, that's probably why it was a slow starter for me, as the story comes out fighting, so to speak.
May 20, 2020
At the start of this book, it was a well written story which could be plucked from history books. But as the book continued, it started to tell a new story of what might have happened, IF. By the end of this book I really wanted to know what might happen next. A brilliant book I will definitely read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2017
Delightful; alt-history of 1814 and the Cherokees.
June 14, 2019
Great Alternate History!
November 17, 2022
Alternative history of War of 1812
Sam Houston was part of Jackson's army in the war of 1812. As a man adopted by the Cherokee, he thought native Americans had fights too.
Sam Houston was part of Jackson's army in the war of 1812. As a man adopted by the Cherokee, he thought native Americans had fights too.
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February 25, 2024an alternate history all in one volume
February 11, 2025
One of the best alternate history books that I've ever read: well-written story, interesting characters and a plausible plot.
June 20, 2023
Flint's witty, tightly written alternative history presents a subtly revised version of events in the final year of the War of 1812. In March 1814, in the Mississippi Territory, Gen. Andrew Jackson's Tennessee Militia and Cherokee warriors fight a decisive battle against the elite Red Stick warriors of the Creeks at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. The author details what might have happened if those tribes had not fallen to internal bickering but had, instead, picked up allies from the fledgling United States. In August, a young Sam Houston, the adopted son of a Cherokee chief, arrives in Washington in time to help invalided Sgt. Driscol, some black US naval gunners & some teenage volunteer cavalry defend the Capitol building from invading British troops. The British fail to reach Fort McHenry, but they do get to New Orleans, where they adopt a slightly more intelligent plan of attack than in reality. The Cherokee, together with the black US Naval gunners led by Napoleonic veteran Driscol, and Sam Houston leading volunteer frontiersmen, defeat the British regulars lead by General Pakenham (the Duke of Wellington's brother-in-law. Readers are treated to thorough scholarship in Napoleonic-era warfare; and strong, credible women who help lead the foundation of an independent Native American nation in the former Arkansas territory. I was incredibly disappointed that the author died before completing the final 2 volumes in the series.
October 7, 2015
The reader as a student of history might get distracted while reading this very interesting work of historical fiction. Such a reader might dwell on the real history of Sam Houston, James Monroe, Alexander Hamilton, the blustering General Jackson, James Madison, and the plethora of factually based characters, to include those of the Indian Nation (proposed). I think that would be a waste of time because there is so much entertaining, interesting information presented about the nitty-gritty routines of everyday survival (and death). I never previously considered that the body of a high ranking British General would be preserved in a barrel of rum for repatriation and burial in a home country. The details on the construction and use of different weapons, to include their use in different tactical situations, was fascinating. The relationships between races and classes of people was not surprising until the discussions of how black people divided themselves into classes, such as slave, freedman, creole, trades people, and wealthy black slave owners. The way the various Indian tribes on one hand and whites on the other viewed EACH of these groups, provided thoughtful commentary on class consciousness and social justice. This was an entertaining, but not lighthearted alternative look at history.
November 1, 2008
Eric Flint takes a look at how the War of 1812 could have unfolded had Sam Huston not taken a major injury at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend and was able to participate fully in the war. In the Afterward of the book he mentions that the 'Big Idea' for this one was creating an environment where the Cherokee could have migrated across the Mississippi in a manner of their choosing, rather than at gun-point by the US government. This book sets that up.
The book itself is a very good read. The story telling is gripping, including the battles which are eye wateringly bloody in this age of smooth bore muzzle-loading muskets. What's more, he still manages to educate the reader into why the tactics of the British of the time (stand in a line, perform volley fire upon your foes), really did work; something that is generally missed in US History classes.
And finally, this book really brought to my attention how little I know about the War of 1812. Something I need to remedy with some supplemental reading.
The book itself is a very good read. The story telling is gripping, including the battles which are eye wateringly bloody in this age of smooth bore muzzle-loading muskets. What's more, he still manages to educate the reader into why the tactics of the British of the time (stand in a line, perform volley fire upon your foes), really did work; something that is generally missed in US History classes.
And finally, this book really brought to my attention how little I know about the War of 1812. Something I need to remedy with some supplemental reading.
July 13, 2012
My knowledge of this period of American history is somewhat limited: as a Brit, I've always been more focused on what was happening in Europe than on the minor battles in America. As a result, this felt to me like reading a straightforward historical military story like Sharpe: I couldn't tell until I reached the Appendix where the point of divergence was, or where Flint's history differed from reality.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, though, and particularly liked the two non-historical characters Flint created; the tyrannical sergeant and the quaking soldier boy. It's also left me wanting to find out more about the historical characters and events - always a good sign when reading a historical novel.
The Kindle edition was irritatingly peppered with poor formatting: paragraphs inexplicably breaking in the middle, or even mid-sentence; hyphenation that shouldn't be there; and most annoyingly, the spacing to delineate sections breaks within chapters weren't there so the narrative confusingly switched POV with no warning.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, though, and particularly liked the two non-historical characters Flint created; the tyrannical sergeant and the quaking soldier boy. It's also left me wanting to find out more about the historical characters and events - always a good sign when reading a historical novel.
The Kindle edition was irritatingly peppered with poor formatting: paragraphs inexplicably breaking in the middle, or even mid-sentence; hyphenation that shouldn't be there; and most annoyingly, the spacing to delineate sections breaks within chapters weren't there so the narrative confusingly switched POV with no warning.
June 26, 2015
This is pretty decent book, but there are several things that irk me as a reader that prevent it from becoming a four or a five.
One thing that annoyed me was the way every character's stoic smile (most often used in times of stress) was called "thin". Compared to the wonderful writing that characterized most of the book, I was astounded at the repetitively dull "thin smiles".
Secondly, the typos present in this book (although there were not many of them) distracted me. Granted, at 500-some pages the book is long, and the small type makes it even longer than it seems at first glance, making it understandably difficult to edit.
I don't even really have a problem with the book being long, I just disliked that there were a few "gimmicks" that slowed the book down. Yeah, Francis Scott Key is in the book- and that's great, but if he's not connected to the plot in any meaningful way, do you really need him?
Overall, promising and compelling story hindered by several prominent factors
One thing that annoyed me was the way every character's stoic smile (most often used in times of stress) was called "thin". Compared to the wonderful writing that characterized most of the book, I was astounded at the repetitively dull "thin smiles".
Secondly, the typos present in this book (although there were not many of them) distracted me. Granted, at 500-some pages the book is long, and the small type makes it even longer than it seems at first glance, making it understandably difficult to edit.
I don't even really have a problem with the book being long, I just disliked that there were a few "gimmicks" that slowed the book down. Yeah, Francis Scott Key is in the book- and that's great, but if he's not connected to the plot in any meaningful way, do you really need him?
Overall, promising and compelling story hindered by several prominent factors
October 21, 2011
The first book in the Trail of Glory series, an alternate history Cherokee Trail of Tears does not occur. Flint's break point in history happens at a critical point during the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. In this reality Sam Houston suffers a minor wound and plays an important role in defeating the British during the War of 1812. In the background plans are made to initiate migration of the Cherokee and other Indian tribes west of the Mississippi and create a "Indian nation:. Many of Flint's major characters are actual historical figures and he does am excellent job of depicting a believable personality for each. Highly recommended reading for fans of American history and alternate history novels.
April 18, 2016
Great book now in addition to the paper edition I have the eBook as well.
What do you get when you cross one of the master's of alternate universe fiction with the question, how would the United States look if the relocation of the native american tribes in the eastern States occurred in a way that resulted in a that a strong independent nation containing Whites free Black's and united native tribes as a neighboring entity, west of the Mississippi river. Eric, as always combines marvelous characters with fast moving complex interwoven subplots, that leave you asking for more a the end of the book. My only real complaint was that there were only two books in the series, so far(hint hint).
What do you get when you cross one of the master's of alternate universe fiction with the question, how would the United States look if the relocation of the native american tribes in the eastern States occurred in a way that resulted in a that a strong independent nation containing Whites free Black's and united native tribes as a neighboring entity, west of the Mississippi river. Eric, as always combines marvelous characters with fast moving complex interwoven subplots, that leave you asking for more a the end of the book. My only real complaint was that there were only two books in the series, so far(hint hint).
June 23, 2008
I can't really rate a book like this higher than 3 stars, but it was a very well written fiction. If you are looking for an easy, entertaining summer read and enjoy history, this is a good one to take. Don't be fooled that it is alternate history, though. Because the subject is the War of 1812 (something most people don't know much about), its hard to see the departure from actual history at the end. Also, it is done in subtle ways throughout the story, rather than being one massive hard to believe change. I picked this up as a book to read to give my brain a rest, in between picking up more serious books. Definitely a good choice.
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