Reviews

Gods and Generals, by Jeff Shaara

choatestorey's review against another edition

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4.0

humanity

What I enjoyed most about this book was the humanity of those involved. The politics took a backseat and the reader was able to see the human beings involved in this political event. They were real men who were fathers and husbands. They loved God and they loved one another. Each was doing what he thought he had to do for his home and/or country. Who are we to judge them for the side that they were on?

bkbailey8521's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

mahonp92's review against another edition

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5.0

I now understand the praise for this series. Incredible writing makes you feel the emotion of these historic events.

stephen_angliss's review against another edition

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4.0

What a profound book. Such winsome characters... trapped within such tragic times. There are moments in this story that give you no other choice but to pause and look up. For me, it was Thomas Jackson reading 2 Cor 5:1 to his beloved wife before leaving for duty. A house divided cannot stand, but God's House will stand eternal. Man what a beautiful reminder...

"For we know that if this earthy tent is destroyed, we have a House of God, a house not made with human hands."

zena_ryder's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy... but not enough that I'm reading it right away.

hskey's review against another edition

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3.0

Mostly good. The battles are well described, the inner thoughts of the major characters make sense and you feel for everyone involved. I found the pacing a bit slow and the last third definitely lost me a bit and felt repetitive. Weaving in real tactics from the battles was very cool. As I'm reading more historical fiction, I realize I should do more research prior to reading so I have a better fundamental understanding of the goings on. Was surprised the author chose to highlight both sides and not really have a set protagonist antagonist and not mention slavery that much but I suppose the Civil War was about more than that? Not sure, a bit confused about that. I guess history isn't always as clean cut as good vs bad so this probably was a good decision by the author. Following in his father's footsteps is super cool, looking forward to the Killer Angels.

faiththompson416's review against another edition

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2.0

Meh. Didn't do much for me- Killer Angels is much better. Jeff also just doesn't have the voice his father did. And there's no Longstreet in this book :(
But two stars because you know. Civil War buff and unashamed. :)

jaclynday's review against another edition

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5.0

I'll read anything by a Shaara. Some of the best historical fiction you can find.

caitlin_89's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was so great. I really didn't know a thing about the Civil War. I have a much better idea now. Shaara brings to life the real people behind the war heroes.