The Smoke at Dawn

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

New York Times Bestseller

Jeff Shaara returns to the Civil War terrain he knows so well, with the latest novel in the series that started with A Blaze of Glory and A Chain of Thunder. In The Smoke at Dawn, the last great push of the Army of the Cumberland sets the stage for a decisive confrontation at Chattanooga that could determine the outcome of the war.

Summer, 1863. The Federal triumph at Vicksburg has secured complete control of the Mississippi River from the Confederacy, cementing the reputation of Ulysses S. Grant. Farther east, the Federal army under the command of William Rosecrans captures the crucial rail hub at Chattanooga. But Rosecrans is careless, and while pursuing the Confederates, the Federal forces are routed in north Georgia at Chickamauga Creek. Retreating in a panic back to Chattanooga, Rosecrans is pursued by the Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg. Penned up, with their supply lines severed, the Federal army seems doomed to the same kind of defeat that plagued the Confederates at Vicksburg. But a disgusted Abraham Lincoln has seen enough of General Rosecrans. Ulysses Grant is elevated to command of the entire theater of the war, and immediately replaces Rosecrans with General George Thomas. Grant gathers an enormous force, including armies commanded by Joseph Hooker and Grant’s friend, William T. Sherman. Grant’s mission is clear: Break the Confederate siege and destroy Bragg’s army.

Meanwhile, Bragg wages war as much with his own subordinates as he does with the Federals, creating dissension and disharmony in the Southern ranks, erasing the Confederate army’s superiority at exactly the wrong time.

Blending evocative historical detail with searing depictions of battle, Jeff Shaara immerses listeners in the world of commanders and common soldiers, civilians and statesmen. From the Union side come the voices of Generals Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, and George Thomas—the vaunted “Rock of Chickamauga”—as well as the young private Fritz “Dutchie” Bauer. From the Rebel ranks come Generals Bragg, Patrick Cleburne, and James Longstreet, as well as the legendary cavalry commander, Nathan Bedford Forrest. A tale of history played out on a human scale in the grand Shaara tradition, The Smoke at Dawn vividly recreates the climactic months of the war in the West, when the fate of a divided nation truly hangs in the balance.

©2014 Jeff Shaara (P)2014 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Civil War history fiends will be riveted.”—Parade

“The Smoke at Dawn is a beautifully written novel about a battle usually ignored. The historical details and the personal examinations fuse perfectly—with the raw power of the battle meshed hand-in-hand with the inner struggle of the men who determine the fates of others and of nations. Shaara once again elevates history from mere rote fact to explosive and engaging drama.”—Bookreporter

“Shaara’s mastery of military tactics, his intimate grasp of history, and his ability to interweave several supporting narratives into a cohesive and digestible whole as he revisits a catastrophic period in U.S. history will appeal to a broad range of historical- and military-fiction fans.”—Booklist

Paul Michael at his best

The story is good as others have mentioned here. But the real star is Paul Michael who is wonderful bringing the story to live. It is simply fantastic to listen to him talk especially southern accent. It is a job very well done and it has been a true pleasure listening to the series.

Amazingly told.

Helps those of us who attempt to understand the devotion of those who fought to develop this great country. Both sides were devoted to their cause, both sides bled for those beliefs.

An excellent program!

The characters were brought to life by the story and performance. Knowing the ending did nothing to diminish the excitement. The how and why of the story was fascinating. We all know Lincoln had trouble finding the right generals what was interesting to learn was that Jefferson Davis was much worse at it due to his own character flaws.

Another knockout!

There has not been a book yet by Mr Shaara that has not disappointed me! The book is another masterpiece and Paul Michael's reading is superb as always. A revealing and in depth look at the campaign around Chattanooga, TN.

Thank you!

I have read many of the previous books by Jeff Shaara and enjoyed each one.

This purchase was more personal. For years I knew two great grandfathers, father and son, served in the Civil War. It wasn’t until the past year that I discovered particularly engagements their regiment were involved. I’ve wanted to gain insight into those battles.

This book did just that! The recollections from the Battle of Chickamauga to the triumphant charge on Missionary Ridge, this was thrilling to hear! The mention of “Wood" as one leading men into the late afternoon engagement on Missionary Ridge made reminder of the book intensely personal. I know my Great Grandfathers regiment was lead by “Wood” in this charge. I’ll likely never know for certain if they were personally on the field that day but I do know their regiment was and that’s good enough for me!

Thank you Jeff Shaara for writing about the western theatre of the Civil War!

Historical And Opinionated

Much of the color comes via the charistics of the main players. That is, however, according to what most historians say about each. Very interesting.

Good book and good history

I enjoyed the book and learning more about the history. It did, however, at times seem like that many of the characters were cookie-cutter -- smart, good guy; slightly crazy, dumb guy; etc. The author definitely has clear views of the historical figures involved.

Fantastic Novel from a Fantastic Writer

Telling the story of the Chattanooga campaign from a number of unique perspectives, Shaara captures what it was like as a common infantry soldier and a ranking Lt. General in one great novel, that gives fictional but historical and realistic first hand encounters of everything that surrounded Chattanooga going from union to confederate to union hands in a matter of months in 1863.

Civil War buffs rejoice

Fascinating narrative of the western campaign of the Civil War. I learned more by listening to this book than I did in a year long American history class.

A Reader's Comments

This is a fantastic book on the Western Theater of the war. It will teach you things and make you laugh at times.