Battlegrounds By Stephen A. Carter

“Historian, teacher and master storyteller Stephen A. Carter takes readers across turbulent seas, through twisting, hidden passageways, and over the bloody historic battlefield of the siege of Fort Sumter in the first instalment of a series that will change the way readers think of the months leading up to the US Civil War.

“…BATTLEGROUNDS dives headfirst into the hidden motivations, betrayals and dubious morals behind the war. Carter portrays both the benevolence and the controversy behind figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Allan Pinkerton. More importantly, the book honors the unsung heroes from the period via protagonist Marcus Brown, a Black man who plays an important part in uncovering subsequent plots against the nation and his fellow men.”

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– Michael Ferry, author of Taking Two so She Can Too, The Legend of Vanessa Mann

“BATTLEGROUNDS, the first installment in a four-book series by Stephen A. Carter, offers readers an immersive and captivating tale set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The novel opens with John Saxton, heir to a prominent shipping company, setting sail with his mentor and friend, Marcus Brown, a former slave. Together, they uncover a horrifying atrocity while intercepting a slave ship, which compels John to become a fervent supporter of the abolitionist cause. As the Civil War erupts, John and Marcus find themselves pitted against the captain of the slave ship, who is now attempting to smuggle weapons into the Confederacy. This initial conflict leads to a web of political intrigue and espionage that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

“Carter masterfully blends historical accuracy with thrilling action scenes, creating a superb example of historical fiction. While the pacing of the novel can slow at times due to the inclusion of political intrigue and plotting, these elements contribute significantly to the story’s overall engagement, underscoring the high stakes and making each action sequence even more meaningful. The author’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic portrayal of characters and settings, lending a palpable sense of authenticity to the narrative. The numerous illustrations included in the book serve to aid the reader’s visualization of the characters and settings.

“Overall, BATTLEGROUNDS is a vividly imagined and captivating work of historical fiction. Carter expertly brings to life the dangerous and fascinating era of American history through engaging and fully fleshed-out characters, many of whom are based on real historical figures.