Thunder of Guns (The Long Fuse)
This is book seven in The Long Fuse series. In 1758, Pennsylvanian Ephraim Weber, 22, is an ensign in the British colonial army during the French and Indian War. Weber has only recently been made an officer, so part of the story is about his having to make the adjustment from common soldier to one who must command other men. His superior, Colonel Bradstreet, is worried about the safety of French members of his family in the Fortress of Louisbourg, in what today is Nova Scotia. Weber is sent to join the British forces besieging the fort held by the French with a secret mission to try to rescue Bradstreet’s relatives, including the young and beautiful Fraise Jolie, so named for her strawberry red hair.
This is a refreshing period and setting, one that has not been overdone, and Weber is a likeable character. Real historical figures besides Bradstreet interact with Weber; he discusses battle tactics with General James Wolfe (of Plains of Abraham fame), about how tactics used in the old world do not work in the new; fights the French officer Boishébert hand-to-hand, and runs afoul of Abbé Le Loutre, champion of the Acadians living in the area, whom Weber views as evil. Readers who dislike gore be warned: Born’s battle segments do not shy away from vivid descriptions. Four maps and a “historical remarks” section help to place events in context for readers who know little about the era or location. For maximum enjoyment, read the other volumes in the series first. Recommended to war story enthusiasts and those interested in the North American colonial era.
