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Trooper Hansel
The Saga of Willard Hansel - #1
A Brief Description:
Set in and around the battlefields of Lexington, Missouri, this is the mostly-true story of Willard ‘Bud’ Hansel and Zeke ‘Junebug’ Jamison. It tells the very real story of the grim realities of the downright hatred and vengeance that shaped the lives of those who found themselves caught up in the tragedy that was the U. S. Civil War.
With the 1st Illinois Cavalry having been nearly wiped out on an obscure hillside, somewhere near Lake Of The Ozarks, in Missouri, Bud regains consciousness amid the protection of the branches of a fallen tree. With the sounds of the raging battle continuing to mark its location farther down the hillside, he wonders what fate has befallen his best friend, Junebug.
With Junebug having been taken prisoner by a rag-tag squad of Johnny Rebs, it falls on Bud to find and free him. He manages to get it done, but not before Junebug suffers ruthless abuse at the hands of one of the Rebs, a low-life no-account who goes by the name of Akers.
With the battle lines now having now been drawn, Bud and Junebug set out to find Akers and get their payback. However, what has now become their mission in life gets seriously sidetracked when they are both taken prisoner by the Union Army at William Jacks Ferry.
This fact-filled historical story is packed with abuse, vengeance and the high-risks that are a part of spying on the enemy, as well as the levity that having a devoted friend can bring to the otherwise unthinkable hardships and chaos that was the Civil War.
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A Few Reader Reviews:
4.0 out of 5 stars: Relationships and Emotions in Battle
By Raymond H. Mullen on Feb. 25, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I really liked this one. The characters were well developed and believable, if just a little (off center) at times. Throughout history and all its wars, if there is one common denominator it is the fact that Officers and Enlisted men just don't mingle on a social level. It's taboo for many reasons such as discipline, respect, secrecy and somewhat of a 'class' separation.
The two main characters here cross that line and become fast friends. As the story develops and the war rages on the author introduces us to other soldiers and their comrades.
He shows us the fears, loves, kindness and ruthlessness of the men in battle.
This is not the average Civil War book. If you are looking for specific battles, dates, troop movements and general statistics, find another book, but if you want to get into the mind of men that live with death on an hour to hour basis this one's for you. It also deals with the Christian revival that showed up during the war. This book has a light, almost comical theme at times while other times it is dark beyond measure. It's quite a trip and I know you'll enjoy being a part of it.
The only reason I rated it 4 stars is that I'm stingy with 5 stars, but this one was really, really close.
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3.0 out of 5 stars: If you like a book about the fighting of the Civil War; you should enjoy this one.
By S. Ford on Nov 28, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
This book is well written; a good story; interesting and likeable characters.....but all about fighting the Civil War; which is just not my cup of tea.....but wanted to read the 2nd book of the series and felt like I had to read the first book to get a basis for the 2nd. I want to say that I have enjoyed most all of the other books written by Mr. Rogers and hope my review does not detract from the book......I think that most men and some women would probably enjoy the story....but war is just not my thing. That being said; if you like the actual fighting of the Civil War period; give the book a try; you should like it.
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4.0 out of 5 stars: Good Civil War Era Reading
By Amazon Customer on May 15, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This is the second series I have started to read from r. William Rogers. It is a good clean book with good drama and a good thesis. It is about some soldiers who were discharged from the Union army during the civil war trying to make it. I would reccomend it for anyone who wants to read a good clean western with Christian leanings.
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5.0 out of 5 stars: Trooper Hansel
By William Ward on July 17, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Great story and good writing, an interesting book of the civil war and two friends who were with God. Recommend everyone read this book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars: Winner!!
By akhawk on June 2, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I hope that Mr. Rogers continues to write his books about the west and the people he brings to life in them.
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