Asunder

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Curt Locklear

Narrated by: Cayla Borruano

Thrust into the middle of Civil War battle, with both Union and Rebel protagonists and antagonists, Asunder, the first in the trilogy, is a story of love and loss and of families torn apart. Thoroughly researched, the novel presents numerous complex, memorable characters struggling against incredible odds in an epic spanning from Texas to New York.

The story begins in frigid February, long after the battle. Cyntha Favor, an abolitionist and ardent believer in spiritualism, searches the battlefield in hopes of finding her husband's grave. Having received erroneous reports of his death, she hopes to free his tormented soul. During the Civil War, it is estimated that at least one-fifth of the population wholeheartedly believed in Spiritualism.

Sara Reeder, initially naive and an ardent supporter of the Southern cause, is thrust into the battle maelstrom. An excellent horse-woman, she rides to warn the army of a surprise attack but is too late. With battle all around, she aids wounded Union soldiers, and her zeal for the war changes forever. In early 1861, both armies wore an assortment of uniforms. The Union had not adopted the standard blue uniform. Cyntha's husband, a Union soldier, Iowa Grays volunteer, Joseph Favor, is found unconscious by Sara.

Nursed to health by Sara and her father, Lucas, he awakens with no memory, unable to recall even the battle. The Reeders perceive him to be a Confederate. Dred Workman, a conniving Iowan comrade and deserter to the Rebels, falsely identifies Joseph as a Cavalryman in the Third Texas.

The Reeder home is turned into a hospital. Soon, they are left to care for numerous wounded with no help from the army. Lucas blames Lincoln for the war. Based on an actual event, he holds a grudge against the president for something that happened before the war when Lincoln was a lawyer. Lucas and his slave have become friends, no longer slave and master.

Sara and Joseph are romantically drawn to each other, but Joseph is haunted by fleeting images of his past. Joseph is called to join the cavalry. Will this parting keep them from being together? Joined by her freeman employee and confidant, Josiah Reynolds, Cyntha's headstrong manner lands her in confinement by the Union army. She meets a dubious Spiritualist who convinces her that Joseph's soul is indeed tormented.

Learning her brother is accused of robbery, and aided by a quirky Rebel supporter, Constance Carver, she plans escape. Her brother has problems of his own when the steamboat he is a passenger on sinks in a storm. The survivors are attacked by River Pirates. With Missouri marauder gangs closing in on the Reeder farm, the Spiritualist Fox sisters holding séances, and devastating battles, Asunder drives towards a devastating climax.

©2016 Curt Locklear (P)2020 Curt Locklear

An attention-grabbing way to learn history!

I have to drive a lot for my work, so listening to Audible audiobooks makes perfect sense for me. I had met the author Curt at a civil war reenactment and enjoyed having a long conversation with him. I could really tell he has a love of History and wants everyone to be able to enjoy it at the same time.
I have just finished Asunder, the first book in this trilogy, and I'm anxious to start the second. There were times that I didn't want to get out of my car because it was an exciting moment and I wanted to know what happened next.
The reader Cayla was excellent at portraying different characters by changing the sound of her voice as well as the cadence. This made it easier for me to understand who is speaking and where the conversation was going.
The characters are full and well-developed, with great attention to detail and I could visualize them and their actions quite easily.
I highly recommend this audiobook (or the hardcover if that's your preference) to anyone interested in historical fiction books (faction).