I enjoy historical fiction and recently had the opportunity to read and review a couple of novels from the Road to the Breaking series by Chris Bennett. Read my review of the first novel--and check back later this week for my thoughts on the second book too!
Book Title: Road to the Breaking
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +) , 345 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: CPB Publishing, LLC
Release date: January 2021
Content Rating: PG-13. Cursing, violence and war scenes, etc.
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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.
My Review
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!
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Enjoy Book 2 in The Road to the Breaking series:
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +) , 514 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: CPB Publishing, LLC
Release date: February 2021
Format available for review: print - softback, e-book ( mobi file (for Kindle), ePub, PDF)
Will send print books out: USA
Content Rating: PG-13. Cursing, violence and war scenes, etc.
About the Book
“How can I call myself a man of good conscience, when I myself am no better than a slaver?”
It’s summer 1860, and former army Captain Nathan Chambers has returned home to Virginia to claim his inheritance: a large plantation with more than one hundred slaves. Nathan wants no part of slavery and intends to sell the farm and all its slaves. But even as he arrives home, enduring fearful and downcast stares from despondent black faces, he knows what he must do … and the price he must pay for doing it.
As Nathan works to carry out his ambitious plans, he is troubled by rumors of succession and war, even as a villainous neighbor plots a violent end to their decades-long family feud.
And then Evelyn arrives … strikingly beautiful, spirited, and intriguing, she is the daughter of an old family friend. But the more Nathan is drawn in by her charms, the harder she pushes him away …
The Road to the Breaking Series is an epic tale of a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of a deadly precipice: the American Civil War. In Book 2 of the series, Nathan Chambers has returned from the violent army life out West, only to face a heart wrenching Enigma at home.
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A ROAD TO BREAKING Book Tour Giveaway
Sounds like a good review
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this awesome book rec!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angela, for featuring my book and for the very thoughtful review. Glad you enjoyed it! - Chris
ReplyDelete