The Fateful Lightning

May 15, 2015
Shaara wraps up his outstanding Civil War series with Sherman's infamous March to the Sea. All the major players are present, but as with the author's previous volumes, some of the most fascinating characters are minor, but no less important, historical and fictional figures. Though legendary, the havoc and destruction wreaked on Georgia during Sherman's relentless assault is difficult to imagine. Shaara combines his extensive knowledge of military history with his consummate skill as a storyteller to vivify this type of Armageddon to great effect. In addition, the backstory and the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes are explored in great detail. The Union and the Confederate strategies, tactics, and points of view are both represented, providing a measure of balance and clarity to a campaign that is often viewed through a lopsided lens. By concentrating on the western theater throughout this series, Shaara has opened a welcome literary window to some of the less familiar Civil War battles and campaigns.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)