Reagan O'Neal

I'm a big fan of the Wheel of Time epic fantasy series, so I figured I should read some of the author's earlier work. This one is the second book in a historical fiction series following the Fallon family starting in the American Revolutionary era. I read the first book, The Fallon Blood, a few months ago and liked it okay - this one follows both the main character from that book and his son and the historical events involved are primarily the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812.

I found the book deeply unpleasant to read. I think it can be classified as some sort of masculine version of chick lit - almost every scene involved either battles, daring escapes, lurid sexual escapades, or some sort of historical event that our main characters play a critical but totally behind-the-scenes role in. I really didn't like any of the people, and not a lot of the events either (plenty of rape, incest, blackmail, murder, etc.). Most of the characters seemed to be driven by unquenchable lust or revenge (or both). The first book shared some of these issues, but it was dialed up to eleven in this one.

I know the author is capable of writing interesting and complex characters and excellent world-building, so I'm guessing this is a style he was going for, which is fine, it's just not up my alley. I wish there had been more history and less pulpiness, because the author clearly does love history and it came through. I probably won't be reading the third (and final) book any time soon.… (plus d'informations)