Characters in the TCOTU Series

Posted on September 28, 2015 by BR

When I was young and watching Star Trek, I learned early on that Kirk, Spock, and all the rest were never really in jeopardy. I think, everyone did. Now, I certainly enjoyed growing up watching the franchise but I never really worried that a main character would die.

Later in life, I started watching TV shows from the BBC and, unlike American television, those shows were willing to kill off a main character (even very popular ones). It really changed the tension level for me and I enjoyed that uncertainty a lot.

I promised myself that if I wrote a sci-fi series, I would do my best to keep the readers uncertain on the outcomes of the main characters.  Recently I saw a very gratifying post on Facebook, right after Last Measure of Devotion was released.  A reader had just bought the book but it was late and she needed to go to sleep. The post ended with:

“Garrett, I’ll see you tomorrow and please don’t die…”

That simple (and humorous) post was such a compliment to me!

Well, the TCOTU series is over and it’s been a fairly tough series on the opening characters.  Just over half of the main characters in Book 1 survived. No Way to Start a War was especially hard on them but then again, that was the book that most covered the Brevic-Hollaran war.

With the series complete, the survivors can enjoy some down time and age a little. But, as some reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble have requested, it’s highly likely that at least some of these characters could see action in the future. For now, they deserve some rest and relaxation.

On a final note, I want to thank each of you again for reading the series. Your very kind reviews mean a great deal to me!

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Privateers – What’s in a Name?

Posted on September 10, 2015 by BR

A number of the privateer outfits used by the corporate systems to augment their forces in Last Measure of Devotion have historical significance.

Iron Brigade of the West (In Book 5, just “The Iron Brigade”)

Also known as the Black Hat Brigade and primarily consisting of Wisconsin volunteers, this American Civil War brigade was designated as 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps. They were also first in casualties suffered (proportionally).  The designation “Iron Brigade” is said to have originated during the brigade’s action at Turners Gap, during the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, commanding I Corps, approached Army of the Potomac commander Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, seeking orders. As the Western men advanced up the National Road, forcing the Confederate line all the way back to the gap, McClellan asked, “What troops are those fighting in the Pike?” Hooker replied, “General Gibbon’s brigade of Western men.” McClellan stated, “They must be made of iron.”  Hooker said that the brigade had performed even more superbly at Second Bull Run; to this, McClellan said that the brigade consisted of the “best troops in the world.” Hooker supposedly was elated and rode off without his orders. They wore Hardee hats, making their appearance rather distinct:

Hardee Hat

Hardee Hat

Gamble’s Videttes (shown on the orders of battle in the Book 5 Notes)

The name references the outfit commanded by Brigadier General William Gamble during the American Civil War. At the time, Colonel Gamble’s brigade fell under Gen Buford’s cavalry. The actual videttes were led by Major John Beveridge who was raised in Northern Illinois and spent much of his childhood in DeKalb (home to the university I received my law degree from). In the opening day of the Gettysburg campaign, Gamble’s Videttes (along with all of Buford’s calvary) played key roles in slowing down the Army of Northern Virginia’s advance and bought precious time for Union divisions to arrive at the battlefield.

Varagian Guard (also on the orders of battle)

Actually, called Varangian Guard in history, this was a Byzantine Army composed mostly of Scandinavian peoples in the 10th through 14th centuries. The guard was reserved for use in only the most critical moments of a battle and were legendary berserkers.

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Last Measure of Devotion – Published!

Posted on September 7, 2015 by BR

I’m very happy to announce that Last Measure of Devotion, Book 5 and the series finale, has been uploaded on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Sometime overnight (Chicago time, that is) we should see it available for purchase!  Createspace is a little slower but the print version is also on its way.

It’s been a fun and wild ride to write the series, and I hope you enjoy the conclusion. Over the coming weeks, I’ll blog more about what novel will be next, although I also mention this at the end of LMOD, after the Epilogue. As usual, there will also be a story or two about scene inspirations for Book 5, and other thoughts.

Once again, I apologize to my readers who have been waiting since last week to read how Heskan’s journey concludes. Thank you for your patience and your loyalty. I hope you enjoy the book!

TCOTU5-bookcover-front-02

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