An intriguing read on the irregular forces on both sides in the Civil war. The stories and heroism are inspirational. These men (and some women) were true patriots to their causes. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

DNF at 30%. If you go into this book already interested in special forces, you'll probably like it. However, if like me, you need a compelling narrative in order to get into the story, it'll be more challenging. I would've preferred if the author focused on a few people or had a clearer structure. Also, way too many direct quotes.

From the beginning of the Civil War, the Confederacy knew that they were going to be outnumbered by the North. Though many in the Confederate Army believed in fighting an honorable war, some thought it would be better to continue the use of guerilla tactics like those used during the Revolutionary War. Using hit and run attacks would allow the South to use unorthodox warfare as a force multiplier.

Though General Robert E Lee didn’t like this type of warfare, as the war continued using up the quantity and quality of those who volunteered for the military, something had to be done to offset the North’s ability to keep full armies in the field even after major losses of Troops.

The Confederacy would need to create their own “Secret Service” to spy on the North and to cause as much discord and chaos as they could. In addition to spying on the North and creating double agents and getting assistance from supporters who stayed at their jobs in the US government, they would need specialized military units that could disrupt communications, railways and supply lines.

What we now think of as units who can operated behind enemy lines, were first created in each of the contending Armies. That’s the story that told in this book and explains how much of today’s special units use tactics that were first used by these special units.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for an advance copy of this history books that looks at the role of irregular warfare in the American Civil War, and how this legacy still influences modern military planning.

War is hell, but civil wars seem to bring out something in combatants that makes hell seem pleasant in comparison. Brother fighting brother, neighbor fighting neighbor, north against south, the violence seems more visceral, more personal. Atrocities are not random, civilians are made to suffer, and rules are tossed out the window, along with the people living in the room, then the room is blown up to be sure. Maybe it is the fact that civil war is based on one side being sure of something, the other side being equally sure that is wrong. Humans hate to be proven wrong, as our modern politics show. Many will keep digging other than suffer they truth that there convictions are not just misplaced, but even evil. The popular meme showing a man dressed as a Nazi asking "Are we the bad guys?' comes to mind. The American Civil War changed much in the way war was fought, and even in the thinking of who could be considered combatants. The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations by writer and historian, Patrick K. O'Donnell is a look at how modern war was starting to come of age, and the lessons that still frame much of how war is still fought today.

Two signs pointing out to different events in Virginia were the well spring for this book. One sign detailing where a Union scout Jack Sterry gave his last words, and another pointing out where a mountain howitzer used by Mosby's Rangers to destroy a union train was placed. As a writer of history, especially detailing the history of special forces operations in warfare, these signs were hints of a much bigger story. Many of the ideas that started to form in the Civil War, working deep in enemy territory, causing disruptions and confusion among military leaders and civilians alike, had an effect on the Office of Strategic Operations during World War II. Especially the idea that units could work outside of the military hierarchy, which at the time was a pretty entrenched system. O'Donnell looks at both sides from the North's Jessie Scouts who worked deep in enemy territory, learning as they went about war in the woods. And the previously mentioned Mosby's Rangers, the Grey Ghosts who hindered Union war efforts until the end of the battles. There is also a discussion on the Confederate Secret Service, who were based in Canada and seemed to be an early OSS group, with a lot of grandiose plans, but few results.

An interesting look at the Civil War from an almost uncivil view. O'Donnell has a lot of experience writing about this subject, and seeing the early days of this kind of thinking is interesting to watch come to be. O'Donnell covers both sides, and there is a lot of history here, but the chapters are short and written well, so one doesn't become overwhelmed. There is a mix of boy's own adventuring, along with a lot of wow that was beyond cruel actions on both sides. There is also a lot of "what if?" moments too. This plan was crazy and couldn't have worked, but if it had, or hmm that could have worked if they just left a day early, or later. A different way of looking at the battle in the shadows, that made up much of the Civil War.

Recommended for fans of the writer, and Civil War fans. And also for military history fans, including role players and game designers. This would be an excellent resource for quite a few different adventures, especially for fans of alternative history.

Patrick K. O'Donnell does a great job in creating a nonfiction book about something that I never really knew before. It was a new topic from Lincoln’s era that I was engaged with learning about. It was written well and left me wanting to know more.

I usually find that when a good writer puts out an underwhelming book, it's because of a scope problem. Unfortunately, Patrick O'Donnell's The Unvanquished falls into this trap. The book looks at the special operators of the Civil War like John Singleton Mosby's Confederate Rangers or Philip Sheridan's Scouts. In fact, I think if O'Donnell focused entirely on just these two men then this would have a been a fantastic read.

Instead, O'Donnell tries to tackle what seems like every single unit on each side of the Civil War and their actions. This leads to two extremely distracting problems. The first is the abundance of names. I am a history nerd and am used to being dropped into a story with a lot of characters. This is too much. It also means there is a lot of repetition. I didn't count, but I'd venture to say O'Donnell reiterates that getting caught in enemy uniforms was an automatic death sentence at least a dozen times.

That said, there is still a lot to like and learn about in this narrative. O'Donnell is an excellent writer (I highly recommend his book, The Unknowns) and his skill shows through when he focuses on a specific story or action. His in-depth research is on display and his passion for the topic can't be faulted. I just wish he was a bit more focused when it comes to this subject.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Grove Atlantic.)

This is a well-researched and written account of "special forces" in the Civil War's Eastern Theater.

Specialized units in the Civil War are difficult to uncover. Either they existed for a battle or were shrouded in so much myth that historians do not bother to unpack their stories. Luckily Patrick K. O’Donnell has done a great job chronicling Jessie’s Scouts and the impact a unit like this had on the war.

Full disclosure, I live in the UK and due to visits to NH, have a developing interest in North American History. Of course, I know the basics, but wanted to go beyond the most famous moments in history and dive deeper.

Patrick O'Dennell is a phenomenal writer, bringing history alove with a colourful narrative and raw authenticity. He is clearly a master of his subject (and I will certainly be putting his other book, 'The Indispensables' on my History TBR)

Most of us know about the Gettysburg address, the reasons for the war between North and South (lets not sugar the pill here, it was about abolishing slavery and those who wanted to keep it, power and control) This book goes beyond the battles we know about, to those who went undercover, the Jessie Scouts who were commissioned by Lincoln to go after Mosby's Confederate Rangers. The tactics and subterfuge detailed at a time where people were just learning about this new country they were inhabiting are truly fascinating

One fact I certainly did not know was the plot to kidnap Lincoln by Mosby's Rangers to bring an end to the war. How different the United States would be if they had succeeded

This book is utterly fascinating, intriguing and so very well written. A must for lovers of North American history and Military History. Even readers of general fiction, because the story is outstanding and written like your favourite thriller

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Grove Atlantic and author Patrick K O'Donnell for this outstanding account of a little known part of history that changed the course of the conflict. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

A revealing dive into the special forces that operated during the U.S Civil War, this action-packed book gives readers unique insight into the risks the rangers on both sides took and the significant impact they had on the outcome of the war. Civil War buffs will enjoy learning about this “shadow war” that happened in conjunction with the historic battles.

Previously not knowing about the heroics and exploits of Blazer, Young, and Mosby, I would certainly not want to miss their stories that O’Donnell colorfully presents in this book. It was a fun read and I learned a lot about the underground players of the Civil War.

The Unvanquished provided a new insight into the emergence of special forces troops during the Civil War. These groups became the foundation for future special forces like the Green Berets. I had no prior knowledge of this aspect of history and really enjoyed delving into it. O'Donnell uses detailed historic accounts to develop the characters of many courageous individuals. The reason I don't rate this book higher is that the stories felt episodic, as if the book should have either been shorter or had a stronger central line that pulled it together a bit more cohesively. For anyone interested in military history generally or the Civil War, I think you'll enjoy this immensely.

Fascinating account of the Special Operations forces on both sides during the American Civil War. Great new title for Civil War history fans. Will be ordering for my library.