King's Mountain by G. Clifton Wisler

(reviewed by Karen Payne)

G. Clifton Wisler's historical novel, King's Mountain, is an exciting adventure story set during the American Revolution. It gives the reader an honest perspective, as well as an often times chilling account, of life in the deep south in the late 1700's. Faced with conflict, division of loyalties, family values, and survival, King's Mountain depicts the harsh life of young Francis Livingstone. Francis, a young boy, is the first to admit that he is not yet ready to fight to kill. However, when family members are threatened and in danger from advancing troops, he demonstrates a fierce loyalty and maturity beyond his years.

This novel, written for children ages 10 and up, engages the reader with honest detail and historical fact that is truly representative of this era in American history. The Revolutionary War was a period in American history that divided and destroyed families, strongholds, Native Americans, and European influences, and, as such, understanding of this tumultuous period is often misconstrued and misunderstood. G. Clifton Wisler holds a doctorate in Civil War history and as such depicts an honest, and intensely real, scenario of life in the mid to late 1700's. Written to represent the feelings and emotions of a young pre-teen growing up in a war divided nation, it is truly an eye-opener to all who live today in a society of far less conflict and fewer direct wartime influences. This historical novel is an eye-opener to America's past.