The Confederacy of Fenians by James D. Nealon is a compelling historical fiction novel set in the 1800’s that offers an alternate take on the American civil war. This engaging book presents itself through a series of perspectives and narratives, each chapter from the view of one of the main characters. It explores what would have happened had the British intervened on the side of the Confederacy. The Confederacy is ready to break up the north but do Lincoln and the Union army have what it takes to stop them?

The well-conceived stories and lives of each of these characters overlap and interlock, creating twists at every corner. The author’s ability to connect the character’s accounts into a cohesive storyline is well done. Nealon does a great job illustrating the true complexity of the American Civil War and simultaneously allowing for an intricate fictional journey.

This elaborate story is written from a different point of view in each chapter. It may be a little bit difficult to track who each of the characters is at first, but as readers get further along, they are able to build the complete picture. I felt this made it hard to keep up with the development of the plot at times. However, the consistency with which the characters told their versions of the stories allowed readers a better understanding of the plot and how each story connects.

I loved how this novel gave the physical perspectives of the characters as well as metaphorical perspectives that stemmed from their actions. Being privy to each character’s thoughts and narrative gave this novel strength. There are also three strong female characters in this novel, showcasing how despite living in a time when women were seen and not heard, they fought for what they believed in and strived to make a difference.

Confederacy of Fenians is an alternate reality historical fiction novel with mixed science fiction elements. This is a solid novel with exciting and shocking twists and page-turning chapters that perfectly enraptures a war within a war and what one will do for the survival of their people.

Pages: 320 | ASIN : B09MR86R58

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/06/confederacy-of-fenians/