This Scorched Earth

A Novel of the Civil War

By: William Gear

Narrated by: Alex Hyde-White

This Scorched Earth is an amazing tour de force depicting a family’s journey from near-devastation in the Civil War to their rebirth in the American West, from New York Times bestselling author William Gear.

The Civil War tore at the very roots of our nation and destroyed most of a generation.

In rural Arkansas, the Hancocks were devastated by that war. They not only lost everything, but experienced an unimaginable hell.

How does a traumatized human being put themselves back together? Where does a person begin to heal his or her broken mind…and does one choose damnation or redemption? For the Hancock siblings: Doc, Sarah, Butler, and Billy, the American frontier becomes a metaphor for the wilderness within—raw, and capable of being shaped. Self-salvation, however, always comes with a price.

Their journey is a testament to the power of love…and the American spirit.

This is their story. And ours.

©2018 W. Michael Gear (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Gear’s This Scorched Earth is a sprawling but thoroughly engaging journey of a family from the Civil War to the opening of the American West. The word “epic” is overused—but this time it fits.”—C. J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“More than an epic novel of the Civil War; it is a thrilling and haunting experience; you will never think of the Civil War in the same way again.”—Margaret Coel, New York Times bestselling author

“Not for the faint-hearted, This Scorched Earth will keep you reading till the last page is turned.”—Kat Martin, New York Times bestselling author

Tough book but worth the hardship

This is not a feel good story in the slightest, but think it gives a true depiction of life during the civil war and the aftermath. Had to put it down multiple times, as it cuts no corners and spares no pain or agony one would have endured. It was worth the time and the reader did a great job.

Beautifully written. The author is so discriptive.

The author makes you feel you are actually there, living each experience along side the characters.

Exceptional

One of the best civil war novels I have read! I agree with some of the reviewers, it is many times graphic but I believe that is true to the setting. I felt as though I were there, living in that moment. Excellent writing and narration!! A beautiful and tragic story, depicting what so many families endured during that horrible moment in our history.

Would Have Given More Stars if Possible!!!

Loved this book. It's the best we've listened to in years and didn't want it to end. My husband and I listen to books as we travel and this one was amazing and made our travel most enjoyable. The story was amazing, the author must have done some fantastic research. The characters were so believable. The Narrator was perfect. I hope Audible lists other books from William Gear.

Civil War from those who suffered from it

Well written story of the perils of civil war as seen by a single family. How it changes, destroys, and remakes us as people so that family are strangers and strangers are family. The narration is excellent and the plot has twists and turns that will surprise you.

Visual and Visceral

A book that doesn't sugar coat or romanticize the Civil War. This is the real deal and is a reminder of the atrocities of war both physical and emotional. The characters range from the typical to the unique and all are probable. You become engaged with each character and are on the edge of your seat waiting to know what will happen next. There is a lot of tragedy, as there should be, considering the time and place. Life was hard and the author capitalizes on the trauma, failures and redemption of the characters. This book is not for the faint-of-heart, it is not a happy romantic novel. But if you want real people, places, and a realistic picture of the history of the war and western expansion, you will be caught up in the story which will stay with you for a long time to come.

Hmmm...the title is apt

In the beginning I thought I was gonnna have to quit....just TOO graphic. But, I hung in there, got hooked into the REST of the story. Felt very invested after that, hoping for the best for all the characters. Good story. I would recommend it.

Best read ever!!

This was a great story. Honestly, one of the best I’ve ever read. The story is convoluted and hard to take at some points in the book but this author sure knows how to make the story real. Highly recommend. Not for the squeamish though.

The Scorched Earth

I enjoyed this story. Looking at the Civil War from a different perspective was enlightening and enjoyable.

Excellent story of the effects of the Civil War …

Excellent! This story tells in graphic detail how the Civil War affected people who really had no say in whether or not it should take place. It change lives, most of it, not for the better. How foolish, from the perspective of both sides, to think that this war was going to be over quickly. So much unnecessary mayhem and suffering of innocent people. Well worth the credit.