Title: Tennessee Thunder: A Tale of Two Armies
Author: Daniel F. Korn
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Turner
ISBN: 978-1955205269
Pages: 780
Genre: Teen & Young Adult / Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Pacific Book Review
One of the most pivotal moments in United States history had to be the Civil War. The war that literally tore a nation apart, splitting the Northern and Southern states in the 19th century as brother fought brother and father fought son. There were many important battles in this war, including the infamous Battle of Gettysburg. Yet not everyone knows the complete list of battles and fights that were fought amongst the various states of both armies, and understanding these battles is crucial to understanding the people who fought in them.
One such fight was the Battle of Chickamauga, which would become one of the gravest losses for the Union in the South, and the final major victory gained by the Confederacy in the West before the end of the war. In author Daniel F. Korn’s Tennessee Thunder: A Tale of Two Armies, the author explores this and many other battles leading up to Chickamauga, and the people who fought on both sides of the war. Exploring individuals both in the Union and Confederacy, the epic saga found within the book hopes to tell the story of the people who fueled the war effort, from the soldiers on the battlefields to the leaders of these armies and the civilians caught in the crossfire.
The author did an incredible job of shining a light on some of the lesser-known battles, and showcasing the impact the war had on people during this time. The character development of this narrative was dynamic, showing the complexities and intricacies of the minds of those who fought for either the Union or the Confederacy. There is a bit of dialogue in particular towards page 290, in which a Colonel Lewis is being yelled at by a General Hanson, and the intensity and emotional depth of the scene kind of highlights the message and tone of the narrative moving forward.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy fictional books, in particular those who enjoy historical fiction that is told to YA audiences who want to better understand American History. The dialogue, setting and atmosphere the author was able to bring to life felt significant, as it allowed readers to feel the true heart of life in this era. The significance of focusing on specific states and the ebb and flow of life there during the war was what helped elevate the stories these wide array of characters brought to life on the page, making this historical fiction novel feel so engaging.
