The Boy Colonel: A Soldier without a Name (John J. Horn)

The Boy Colonel

A Soldier without A Name

Book 2 in The Men of Grit Series

“Edmund, do you understand, this is not what I want?  I was born for war, I have lived my life in war, and I will very likely die in war. But,” his voice lifted in the clear air, passion swelling his tones, “I do not intend it to be this war!”

The year is 1836. A mysterious young English soldier known as the ”Boy Colonel” commands a crack regiment in the snowy wastelands of Siberia. No one knows his history. No one knows his name. The Cossacks want him dead — but are they the only ones? It seems his worst enemy may wear an English uniform.

The Boy Colonel strives to perform his duty, but when that duty becomes mixed he must decide which sovereign is greater — the king of England, or the God of the Bible. Treachery, intimidation, and deceit block his path. His choice of allegiance may mean the difference between life and death. Is he prepared to risk all to protect his loved ones?

The Men of Grit Christian Fiction Series

The Men of Grit Christian Fiction Series is a clean, exciting adventure series for young adults of all ages. There is no foul language or sensuality, just good, old-fashioned excitement following the tradition of authors such as Douglas Bond, G.A. Henty, R.M. Ballantyne, Jules Verne, James Fenimore Cooper, and more. The Men of Grit Christian Fiction Series is loved by boys and girls around the world.

An introduction to the story by author John J. Horn:

Historical fiction is, by definition, a mixing of history and fiction. It is the author’s responsibility to faithfully combine the two, without misrepresenting the true facts of history. This has been my aim. The war described in the chapters of The Boy Colonel did not take place, so far as we know, but had it taken place, it would probably have been very similar in nature. The bravery portrayed has been equaled and surpassed many times in the true annals of war. Strange deeds are recounted, but stranger have occurred. With God, all things are possible. That you may enjoy the following story and profit from it is one of the greatest hopes of the author — John Horn, San Antonio, Texas

About author John J. Horn:

As the youngest child in a book-loving family, it took me a while to realize that there was such a thing as a boring book.

My special love has been the fiction of 19th-century authors such as G.A. Henty, R.M. Ballantyne, James Fenimore Cooper, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles Dickens, and more. Of course, these were imperfect men who wrote imperfect stories, but the themes they espoused, such as courage, diligence, mercy, protecting the weak, and fighting for the right has greatly influenced my writing. Although I don’t seek to replicate their styles, I do find inspiration in their tales of adventure, and seek to communicate that in fresh ways to a new generation.

The greatest influence in my life has been my faith in God. I am a firm Christian, no ‘buts,’ ‘excepts,’ or apologies. My goal with each book is to glorify God and encourage readers to be more Christlike, even as they enjoy the action and adventure of each story.