J. Scott Payne’s historical novel, A Corporal No More, gives a heart-wrenching account of one man’s journey through the labyrinth that was this country’s Civil War.
Payne, once a reporter, gives the reader a brutally frank and accurate picture of the life of a young corporal during this country’s most devastating war. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a page-turning narrative, make this debut novel an outstanding read.
I give it 5 stars! – Linda Watkins, author, Mateguas Island
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. . . an excellent read . . . It doesn’t bog down in military detail nor does it wander into history or politics . . . the battle descriptions are awesome, the sounds of mini-balls passing by his ears, hitting flesh, their effect on a soldier’s body are straightforward, nothing held back. Among the many interesting details . . . I liked the one about sticking your ramrod in the dirt to speed up reloading. That’s a battle-experienced soldier talking. We’re looking forward to the movie version when it comes out. — Jim Meeks, graduate, The Citadel
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Writing fiction based on a family history is a difficult task at best, the desire to embellish the not-so-exciting parts can lead to a parody, while in some circumstances the reality of the actual situation can push the truth beyond belief. J. Scott Payne melds the two seamlessly into a tale that will captivate the Historian and Fiction Lover as well.
Anyone who is entranced with this tumultuous period of American history will be pulled in by the authenticity of the characters and settings. Payne wraps an engaging story with his family’s legacy and we are left with our own tale to share. — H.William Ruback, author
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War is hell, and no one knows it better than the soldier on the front lines. J Scott Payne’s A Corporal No More takes you there through the eyes of Corporal Little, an idealistic young man who learned life’s bitter lessons and sweet victories and lived to tell his story of the Civil War. Real and entertaining. — Mary Timmer, author, A Hole In Time
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Historical fiction fans and Civil War buffs in particular will find an engaging tale filled with realism in J. Scott Payne’s novel, A Corporal No More. Payne’s knowledge of the era gives this novel the feel of a first-hand account. He brings the story to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. – Darlene Blasing, author
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History records the outcome of the 1860’s battles. J. Scott Payne charts the untold stories . . . real men who fought the war. Now these are soldiers! , , , one can actually feel the heat and dust as the men marched forward.
Ready, aim, fire and hit being the sole ambition of this squad, though prayers of the men continue with hopes of a better day than the one before. Dreaming of mother’s home cooking and the longing of loves left behind are put on the shelf in a corner of their hearts as the enemy lurks beyond the scope of their rifles. Unity, bravery, loyalty and new enlistees surround the plot, as well as, blood pools and killing fire while trying to keep the enemy at bay.
Five stars for resurrecting a wonderful piece of history that might otherwise go unnoticed! –Kittye Sharron
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