Ashley Pearson Riley

Southern Patriots Ashley Pearson Riley

Southern Patriots is a double edged sword. First, is the story of James Hall. The setting for this story comes right out of the annals of history. The protagonist is an officer for the Confederacy in the American Civil War. With the Siege of Vicksburg as a backdrop, the story unfolds giving the reader a good insight as to the makeup and character of the brute of a man named James Hall. It is his inner strength which holds a war torn world together not only for himself, but also for everyone in his shadow. Unfortunately, James's shadow is cast over a world of irony. Even though this story portrays the historical events surrounding the North's conquest for the sleepy river port town of Vicksburg, it is not only one of war. It also allows the reader a peek inside the inner thoughts of a battle hardened warrior. Second, is the continuing saga of Cole Damon. As usual, Cole is besieged with an assortment of problems. Most of these problems are caused by a plethora of odd ball characters which are either his family or friends. Of course, some of the situations Cole finds himself mired up in are brought on by his own antics. Whether these problems come from his defending himself from his family and friends or just attempting a few Good Samaritan acts on his own, the story is how Cole attempts to solve these problems while still maintaining some semblance of balance in his life. Together, these two stories merge providing a good accounting of the tempered mettle such as true southern gentlemen are made of. These stories also define a new element of patriotism. This definition eclipses the time honored idea of a patriot being a defender of ones nationality or flag.