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The book "1812: The Rivers of War" by Eric Flint is too long, with lots of repetitions, predictable characters and events. Its plot is weak (almost nonexistent), there is no suspense - we know in advance that invincible Americans would beat the crap out of British (Hooo! Hooray). However, Eric Flint is a master teller when it comes to depicting fighting scenes and some dramatic actions such as the deadly pistol duel between the Tennessee General Charles Dickinson and General Andrew Jackson in the opening pages of the book. Another memorable scene of the book is the mock execution of an American army deserter (Anthony McParland) by Patric Driscoll, a ferocious Scot-Irish, former warrior in Napoleon army and now a US Army Sergeant ( Part 2 - Chapter 11).

This is an alternate history where the main protagonists of the book - Patric Driscoll, Captain Sam Houston, General Jackson, Tiana Rogers (a sixteen-year-old Cherokee woman) all look the same - strong, ferocious, decisive, and most importantly - patriotic and true Americans.

"1812: The Rivers of War" is glorification of the war. We see either battles or preparations for battles , careful description of weapons, soldiers and military tactics. Although the book indicates in its title the year 1812, the military campaigns against British forces go beyond 1812.
Eric Flint, historian himself, made impossible - possible. He united in his novel diverse social/racial groups (whites, blacks, and Indians), all fighting for America. In fact, it was British and Indian alliance in Canada which defeated American invading forces (the Battle of Stoney Creek in 1812). Also, in the following military campaigns, the British burned the American capital (including the White House), contrary to the events described in the book.

In short, the book would be more valuable if the historical events were presented as they happened. ( )

This was my first Eric Flint novel. I enjoy alternative history immensely when it s clever and thought provoking. While Flint's action scenes are well crafted, his character development is stilted and contrived and his plot line poorly crafted. His attempt at an inner look into the Cherokee nation is insipid at best and his alternative biography of Sam Houston (ie. placing him at battles in which he was not present)weak. Part of the problem I feel was Flint's inability to decide who his main protagonist should be, Driscoll or Houston.
I would not recommend this book. one would be better off reading an actual biography of Sam Houston or DG Graves excellent series of books on the War of 1812. ( )

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