One Book at a Time

“Historian, teacher and master storyteller Stephen A. Carter takes readers across turbulent seas, through twisting, hidden passageways, and over the bloody historic battlefield of the siege of Fort Sumter in the first instalment of a series that will change the way readers think of the months leading up to the US Civil War.

“…BATTLEGROUNDS dives headfirst into the hidden motivations, betrayals and dubious morals behind the war. Carter portrays both the benevolence and the controversy behind figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Allan Pinkerton. More importantly, the book honors the unsung heroes from the period via protagonist Marcus Brown, a Black man who plays an important part in uncovering subsequent plots against the nation and his fellow men.”

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– Michael Ferry, author of Taking Two so She Can Too, The Legend of Vanessa Mann

 

“BATTLEGROUNDS, the first installment in a four-book series by Stephen A. Carter, offers readers an immersive and captivating tale set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The novel opens with John Saxton, heir to a prominent shipping company, setting sail with his mentor and friend, Marcus Brown, a former slave. Together, they uncover a horrifying atrocity while intercepting a slave ship, which compels John to become a fervent supporter of the abolitionist cause. As the Civil War erupts, John and Marcus find themselves pitted against the captain of the slave ship, who is now attempting to smuggle weapons into the Confederacy. This initial conflict leads to a web of political intrigue and espionage that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

“Carter masterfully blends historical accuracy with thrilling action scenes, creating a superb example of historical fiction. While the pacing of the novel can slow at times due to the inclusion of political intrigue and plotting, these elements contribute significantly to the story’s overall engagement, underscoring the high stakes and making each action sequence even more meaningful. The author’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic portrayal of characters and settings, lending a palpable sense of authenticity to the narrative. The numerous illustrations included in the book serve to aid the reader’s visualization of the characters and settings.

“Overall, BATTLEGROUNDS is a vividly imagined and captivating work of historical fiction. Carter expertly brings to life the dangerous and fascinating era of American history through engaging and fully fleshed-out characters, many of whom are based on real historical figures. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in thrilling stories of political intrigue and espionage set against the backdrop of the perilous time leading up to the Civil War.”

– Thomas Anderson, Editor, Literary Titan

 

“They don’t write men’s adventures any more. Well, so I thought. But I was wrong. Steve Carter has embarked on a series of adventures that bring to mind author H. Rider Haggard, as the style is old-fashioned, but highly readable, and laced with humor and poignancy.

“The first in the series, BATTLEGROUNDS, relates John Saxton’s coming of age. Sax is aided and abetted by his mentor, Marcus Brown – a Maasai warrior and friend of the family. This is the age of trade clippers and slavers, the early days before the Civil War, and it’s great to meet a young honorable man who fights for what is right and good against self-seeking and greedy men. Carter’s creation of Marcus Brown is a worthy successor to Umslopogaas.”

– Robin Moreton, aka Nik Morton,
author ofA Last Act of Charity, The Prague Papers,
No Prisoners and his latest, Rogue Prey

“BATTLEGROUND by S. A. Carter is a historical novel, the first in a series dealing with the political and other burgeoning problems that plagued the pre-Civil War period with special emphasis on that of slavery and the wide schism between the two sides. The story is one of many of the era, but can be an interesting addition. The settings are authentic, the equipment/armament correct, the general plot, or plots, are worthwhile, the characters empathetic, and the approach engaging.

“To summarize: BATTLEGROUNDS is a fascinating addition to the library of the American Civil War, and one that quite deftly describes the hypocrisy of those dealing with ‘the racial issue’, as well as providing interesting characters with whom the reader easily can empathize.”

– John H. Manhold, award winning fiction/non-fiction author

“Having read all four books of the MATARI series, I must say that Book One sets a standard of excellence for all historical/fiction writers who delve into the US Civil War and especially the role of Black Americans who were involved in it before, during and after the event.

“Book One, BATTLEGROUNDS, is a literary blockbuster of major proportions wherein characters both fictional and factual collide on a political and societal stage ever shifting and unpredictable. Mr. Carter’s extensive research provides realism of the first order. The essence of the times (1854-61) comes alive through the use of colloquial language and illustrations of the day.

“An unrelenting tension comes in many forms through conflicts not only evident in “white” but also in Black societal circles. Throughout there are pauses for comic relief that adds a welcome respite. Therefore, my overall impression as a female African American author is that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Book One, finding it to be an incredible page turner the likes of which compares favorably to ROOTS by Alex Haley.

Veronica Dale Owens, author of No Intermission