Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

The Ordeal of Colonel Johns   By: (1922-1996)

The Ordeal of Colonel Johns by George H. Smith

The Ordeal of Colonel Johns by George H. Smith is a gripping and thought-provoking account of one man's journey through the crucible of war. Set during the Civil War, this historical fiction novel explores the harrowing experiences of Colonel Johns, a Union officer tasked with leading his troops into battle.

Smith's meticulous attention to detail shines through the pages, painting a vivid and immersive picture of the realities of war. From the chaos and violence of the battlefield to the struggles and camaraderie within the ranks, the author skillfully captures the essence of war, its moral dilemmas, and its impact on individuals.

Colonel Johns' character development is, without a doubt, one of the novel's most notable aspects. As we follow his journey, we witness his transformation from an idealistic and patriotic officer to a man grappling with the true costs of war. Smith delves deep into Johns' psyche, presenting a complex and multifaceted portrayal of a man torn between duty and compassion.

Moreover, the supporting cast of characters adds layers of depth and realism to the narrative. Be it the fiercely loyal Sergeant Davis or the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Confederate officer Captain Morgan, each character brings a unique perspective to the story, thereby enriching the overall reading experience.

Smith's writing style is elegant and poignant, capturing the essence of the era while remaining accessible to readers. The prose is descriptive yet never overburdened with unnecessary detail. The author effectively balances action-packed battle scenes with introspective moments, creating a compelling rhythm that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

One of the novel's strongest points is its portrayal of the moral dilemmas faced by Colonel Johns and his comrades. The reader is forced to confront the brutal realities of war, challenging long-held beliefs about honor, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity. Smith masterfully delves into the intricacies of war, exploring themes of loyalty, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

If there is one criticism to be made, it is that the pacing can be occasionally slow, particularly in certain sections where the internal struggle of Colonel Johns takes center stage. However, these moments contribute to the overall depth and nuance of the story, allowing readers to truly understand the psychological toll of war.

In conclusion, The Ordeal of Colonel Johns is a powerful and compelling account of war and its consequences. George H. Smith's meticulous research, captivating characters, and skillful storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in exploring the human experience in times of great adversity.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction June 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

[Illustration]

The Ordeal of COLONEL JOHNS

By George H. Smith

Illustrated by Rudolph Palais

Colonel Johns, that famous Revolutionary War hero, had the unique and painful experience of meeting his great great great great granddaughter. Now maybe you can't change history, but what's there to prevent a soldier from changing his mind about the gal he is going to marry?

Clark Decker winced and scrounged still lower in his seat as Mrs. Appleby Simpkin rested her enormous bosom on the front of the podium and smiled down on the Patriot Daughters of America in convention assembled as she announced: "And now, my dears, I will read you one more short quotation from Major Wicks' fascinating book 'The Minor Tactics of The American Revolution.' When I am finished, I know that you will all agree that Rebecca Johns Hayes will be a more than fitting successor to myself as your President... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books