Rating: 
Summary: Another Shaara Must
Review: I am amazed that Jeff Shaara can continue off the same material as the other books. However, he has written another very good book about the lives of a few key figures, building off the material previously written from his other works. Primarily focused on Robert E. Lee, I poured through the book and enjoyed each chapter through the end. I was disappointed with the ending...because it ended.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so good
Review: Jeff Shaara seems to be riding his father's coatails here more than ever. The historical detail is fine and good, but he has no knack for dialogue. All the characters--from Lee to Santa Anna--sound exactly the same: unbelievable.
Rating:
Summary: A Missed Opportunity
Review: What a wonderful opportunity to write about a topic so unjustly ignored in our Nation's history. Unfortunaltely, Jeff Shaara misses the mark. While the premise of the book, and the attempted insight into the "young" characters was worthy, sadly, Jeff Shaara is just not a very good writer. God's and Generals was a tough read, but one could understand that it was a good effort for a first novel. The Last Full Measure was a much better read. So, it was with great anticipation that I sat down to read Gone for Soldiers. Unfortunately, Shaara has taken 3 steps backwards in this novel. The book is so poorly written as to be almost unreadable in many spots. If not for the sheer interest that many historical readers have in this period, it would be unfinishable. Shaara cannot write narrative history, which sadly, is the best part of this book. Most of the book is spent within the thoughts of the characters, and is told to us in 3 word phrases in run-on sentences. Almost every sentence is composed of 3 or 4 phrases, sometimes more, separated by endless commas and semi-colons. As for the dialogue, it is so undeveloped as to really explore only a few themes. General Scott hates his son-in-law, Robert E. Lee is in awe of General Scott, and General Scott is feuding with all his Generals. I would suggest "Agent of Destiny" a biography of Winfield Scott written by John S.D. Eisenhower as a principal resource for both Scott and the Mexican War. In the 150 pages on the Mexican War it told so much more than the 500 pages here. Perhaps if Shaara writes again, he should stick to one battle, like his dad. The skills required to write a an epic of a time or time period are beyond the talents of Jeff Shaara.
Rating: 
Summary: A great "non-fictional" story
Review: I am interested in the forgotten wars of this great country of ours... America. I saw this book, and had to read it. While you read this book, you feel like you are there with Lee. As he steps off the boat at Vera Cruz, scouts for alternate routes to outflank Santa Ana, deals with his superiors... It is a great story, and I am glad I came across this book. Suggestion for the author: Please write one involving the War of 1812!
Rating:
Summary: Another Shaara triumph!
Review: Jeff Shaara has done his father proud again, and written a top of the line historical novel. He succeeds in taking many of the familiar figures from his and his father's Civil War novels to their first taste of war, this time against Mexico. Thrilling battle descriptions, thoughtful analysis of the main characters views and personalities, and accurate depictions of the politics surrounding Manifest Destiny make this account shine. One of the best aspects is how he makes the neglected contributions of Winfield Scott alive once again with his compelling testimony. More on Santa Ana would have been nice, but seeing it is a prequel, the focus is understandably around the American side.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Novel on a Forgotten Conflict
Review: Having covered the Civil War, Shaara turns his attention to the mexican War. He views it, like most historians, as a training ground for the commanders of the future conflict. The book follows both Winfield Scott and RE Lee with chapters devoted to Longstreet, Jackson , and Grant. The portrait of Lee highlights and enhances the Lee of the author's (and his father's ) Civil War novels. This book is a must for both historical fiction fans and history fans alike.
Rating:
Summary: Where were the Mexicans?
Review: Jeff and Michael Shaara's prior Civil War novels gave us lots of blood, guts and glory. One of the best parts of the Shaara "method" was a clear vision of how each side viewed the conflict and each warrior's bird's eye view of the battles. But, this book gives us almost nothing of that color and contrast. Some fascinating history was ignored. I had to wonder if Mr. Shaara had ever gone to Chapultepec castle. What? the battle at the Halls of Montezuma without , "Los Ninos Heroes" the young cadets who plunged to their deaths rather than surrender the bandera de Mexico to those Gringos? Where was the complex Santa Anna? Shaara barely scratched the surface of the Napolean of the West. Call him dictator, but he was a fascinating man who was able to swindle his enemies over and over again. The Mexico-U.S. War is a favorite of my So. California self. If you want to read a dramatic and interesting book of this dirty little war, you would be better served to get yours hands on John S.D. Eisenhower's "So Far From God: The U.S. War with Mexico 1846-1848" a history that reads like a good novel.
Rating: 
Summary: Not enough
Review: Where this book brings to light many of the interesting relationships developed during the Mexican War it fails to capture the drama of this very important episode in our history. The battle scenes are strangely dry and without emotion. The story does not deal with the slavery issue at all. Yet we know this was a matter that was under considerable debate. All in all with the dearth of books on the Mexican War this novel does give an excellent background for future readings.
Rating:
Summary: Enlightning
Review: This novel is a refreshing new story with familiar characters. Those familiar with the American Civil War will enjoy reading about the military development of some of its players.The novel is centered around the relationship between Robert E. Lee and Winfield Scott. It also touches on some of the brief moments Lee had with future Civil War generals. While reading Gone For Soldiers, I couldn't help thinking of the story of Scott offering Lee the Union command written by Shaara in Gods and Generals. The reasons for Scott's disappointment is now much more evident. Many will be impressed with the research Shaara has done on these characters personalities. I personally would have wanted more on Grant, Longstreet, Picket, etal., but make no mistake. This book is about Robert E. Lee and I applaud Shaara for his portrayal of him.
Rating:
Summary: The pre-quel to the Shaara Civil War Series
Review: Jeff Shaara is a fine craftsman, as is reflected in this account of the Mexican War as seen by men who figured prominently in the Civil War. This work, while not strictly history, is valuable for the attention it brings to the Mexican-American War. That war is not often discussed and seems to be consistently misunderstood. My criticism of the book is stylistic, and is admittedly that of one who "criticizes" rather than "does:" the internal monologues of many of the characters have a sameness of tone and orientation. I found that Robert E. Lee sounds a lot like Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in later Shaara novels. The lack of differentiation in "voice" is the novel's most obvious flaw. On the plus side is any sort of insight into R.E. Lee before he became a mythic figure in American history. Shaara's view of Lee in his formative combat experience is well thought out, the problem of "voice" notwithstanding. Also appealing is the reminder and image of Lee fighting under the Stars and Stripes. Well-illustrated with battle maps, this is an easy and enjoyable read.
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