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kiwifruitbat) wrote2008-02-10 12:12 pm
kiwifruitbat) wrote2008-02-10 12:12 pm
To Arms! To Arms in Dixie! - #3
To Arms is set in the tumultuous times following the American Civil war. Belle Boyd, once a loyal southern spy, now an equally loyal member of the US Secret Service is on the path of a band of men who would see the south be allowed to depart the Union. Through murder and intrigue and in some cases luck, she uncovers lead after lead. But the question that hangs over her head - has she stumbled upon her leads too late and worse yet, can she betray those whom she once served?
Written with a grace and flow, J.T. Edson has no qualms about casting a woman in the lead role in this series. Belle Boyd is capable, resourceful and determined. She takes advantages of men who dismiss her as 'just a woman', playing them to her advantage. It was a very enjoyable 2 hour read, a nice short book that gave a bit of insight as to what may have happened in those days.
The only major problem with it was also it's strength - references are made to other characters and past events that are in other books, yet in those references unnecessary detail has been omitted. it draws soley upon the information needed for the here and now. There is also a flashback that takes up half the story, but is used to explain why the characters do what they do.
Having come into the series half way through, I don't feel at all disadvantaged as enough insight is given to the main character that I was able to enjoy the book completely and note that the references drawn to the previous books would flesh out even the supporting cast should I so desire.
Excellent for a short read to whittle away an hour or three.
7.5/10
3 / 26 books. 12% done!
Written with a grace and flow, J.T. Edson has no qualms about casting a woman in the lead role in this series. Belle Boyd is capable, resourceful and determined. She takes advantages of men who dismiss her as 'just a woman', playing them to her advantage. It was a very enjoyable 2 hour read, a nice short book that gave a bit of insight as to what may have happened in those days.
The only major problem with it was also it's strength - references are made to other characters and past events that are in other books, yet in those references unnecessary detail has been omitted. it draws soley upon the information needed for the here and now. There is also a flashback that takes up half the story, but is used to explain why the characters do what they do.
Having come into the series half way through, I don't feel at all disadvantaged as enough insight is given to the main character that I was able to enjoy the book completely and note that the references drawn to the previous books would flesh out even the supporting cast should I so desire.
Excellent for a short read to whittle away an hour or three.
7.5/10