krisjackson
Status: Dr. Seuss
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Gender: 
North Grafton, MA
Posts: 10
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« on: June 29, 2009, 11:32:06 AM » |
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Alice Wakefield gave my novel Above the Fray a four-star review on
Amazon. This is the first review I have received which was not from a
relative or friend, so I'm all wiggly.
Way above average!
First, a word about my rating system. I strive to keep the ratings
meaningful and use them sparingly. 5 stars are reserved for works from
Steinbeck, David McCullough, Mark Twain, etc. 4 stars from me very high
praise, meaning outstanding & highly recommended. 3 stars means I
enjoyed the book and recommend it, with some reservations.
That said, this 304 (print) page-turner from new author Kris Jackson has
it all, including several appearances by President Lincoln. As a history
buff and historical fiction fan, I was intrigued by the Civil War
setting and the utilization of ballooning, an aspect I'm not sure has
been covered before.
The title 'Above The Fray' can be taken both literally and figuratively.
This private venture was subcontracted by the Union Army and headed up
by a Professor Lowe. None of his young Balloon Corps crew seem terribly
political, but they all share a sense of adventure and fascination with
flying.
Nathaniel Curry, a 15 year old Virginia boy and ace telegraph operator,
travels to Washington to see Lowe's balloon. Pressed into service, he
finds himself aboard the first military recon mission and unwittingly
helps the Union's successful attack upon a Virginia armaments camp. When
word gets out, he has to flee his Richmond home for his life. Since
Professor Lowe has offered him twice his telegrapher wages to join his
fledgling Balloon Corps, off to Washington he goes, leaving his family
and sweetheart Amanda behind.
>From the first paragraph I was hooked:
"For Nathaniel Curry the war did not begin with the secession of South
Carolina nor the assault upon Fort Sumter but with his brother Melrose
reaching across the supper table and punching him in the mouth."
Anyone interested in history, historical fiction, action & adventure,
the Civil War, ballooning, aviation, espionage, military history, or
just a good story will love this well-researched book. Be aware that
it's a two-part series, however, and this review covers Part One. I'm
looking forward to reading the conclusion.
Kindle note: The formatting and editing appears meticulous and
professional.
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