Five Star Review for “Into the Cauldron”

Five Star Review for “Into the Cauldron”

Readers' Favorite Five Stars  Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review for “Into the Cauldron”

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers’ Favorite

“Into the Cauldron” by Glenn Starkey is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the American Civil War, with Trooper Jonah Gustafson caught in a whirlwind of conflict, loss, and survival. After enlisting in the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, Jonah’s trek takes him beyond the traditional battlefields into the wetlands of Kansas and Missouri, besieged by relentless guerrilla fighters and clashes with Native American tribes. But the novel is more than just a battlefield account. It reflects on the tragedy of war, not just for soldiers but for civilians and entire nations. Through Jonah’s eyes, the novel explores the genocide of Native American tribes, the blurred morality of war, and one man’s desperate search for meaning in the wreckage of his life. With its deep focus on personal redemption, the story is as emotional as it is immersive.

The novel does not glorify war; instead, it starkly reveals it for what it is: starvation, disease, betrayal, and living under the specter of death. Glenn Starkey not only writes a story, he makes readers live and experience it. The structure is solid, moving seamlessly from Jonah’s struggles to the broader horrors of war, making it feel immersive yet deeply personal. The writing is raw, packed with punchy, unforgettable lines that cut through the narrative. The dialogue is sharp, realistic, and often laced with dark humor. The descriptions are nothing short of cinematic. You don’t just see the setting; you feel the evocative descriptions. The characters, especially Jonah, are fleshed out with such depth that their pain feels personal, and their victories, though rare, are hard-earned. The novel also does a remarkable job of balancing perspectives. While the pacing occasionally slows due to historical detail, the narrative never loses its grip. “Into the Cauldron” by Glenn Starkey is for readers who appreciate military stories with depth and realism.

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“Into the Cauldron” Silver Medal Winner

“Into the Cauldron” Silver Medal Winner

My Civil War based novel “Into the Cauldron” was awarded a Silver Medal at the 2022 Military Writers Society of America Conference in New Orleans. I’m truly excited about this award, as I am with all awards I’ve won for my writings. 

After four cruel years, the Civil War still raged without peace in sight. The Union Army’s manpower was stretched to its limits fighting on two fronts; one on the eastern battlefields against the Confederacy, the other to protect the Santa Fe Trail and western expansion of citizens from marauding Indian tribes and vicious Confederate guerrillas.

Jonah Gustafson’s family was dead, leaving him to aimlessly wander. Rather than wait for the coming draft, he joined the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, expecting to be sent east into the war between the states. Instead, his regiment went west to ‘Bleeding’ Kansas and war-torn Missouri. There, along the Santa Fe Trail, they fought every major Indian tribe and Quantrill’s Raiders, a roaming, bloodthirsty guerrilla unit. Horrid weather and deplorable living conditions were the lonely troopers’ constant companions. Death always lurked near whether from disease, a bullet, or an arrow. But the cavalry of the frontier fulfilled its duties against all odds.

“Into the Cauldron” is the life of Trooper Jonah Gustafson based upon true events written in the pages of a Civil War diary by a Wisconsin cavalryman that served on the frontier. It is a novel to enjoy and learn from; one that will carry you back in time to feel the joys, heartaches and anguish of those days.

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Into-the-Cauldron

 

 

Book Excellence Award to “Into the Cauldron”

Book Excellence Award to “Into the Cauldron”

“Into the Cauldron” received its first award from the Book Excellence Literary contest !!!

1864. After four cruel years, the Civil War still raged without peace in sight. The Union Army’s manpower was stretched to its limits fighting on two fronts; one on the eastern battlefields against the Confederacy, the other to protect the Santa Fe Trail and western expansion of citizens from marauding Indian tribes and vicious Confederate guerrillas.

Jonah Gustafson’s family was dead, leaving him to aimlessly wander. Rather than wait for the coming draft, he joined the 3rd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, expecting to be sent east into the war between the states. Instead, his regiment went west to ‘Bleeding’ Kansas and war-torn Missouri. There, along the Santa Fe Trail, they fought every major Indian tribe and Quantrill’s Raiders, a roaming, bloodthirsty guerrilla unit. Horrid weather and deplorable living conditions were the lonely troopers’ constant companions. Death always lurked near whether from disease, a bullet, or an arrow. But the cavalry of the frontier fulfilled its duties against all odds.

“Into the Cauldron” is the life of Trooper Jonah Gustafson based upon true events written in the pages of a Civil War diary by a Wisconsin cavalryman that served on the frontier. It is a novel to enjoy and learn from; one that will carry you back in time to feel the joys, heartaches and anguish of those days.

Available in eBook and print at all major online booksellers.

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