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Title: The Blood of Heroes

Subtitle: The 13-Day Struggle for the Alamo - and the Sacrifice That Forged a Nation

Author: James Donovan

Narrator: James Donovan

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-15-12

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 117 votes

Genres: History, American

Publisher's Summary:

The Blood of Heroes is the gripping and definitive chronicle of the iconic battle that inspired a nation - a sweeping saga of 200 brave Americans who stood tall against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican force.

On February 23, 1836, a Mexican army thousands of soldiers strong attacked a group of roughly 200 Americans holed up in an abandoned mission just east of San Antonio, Texas. For nearly two weeks, the massive force lay siege to the makeshift fort, spraying its occupants with unremitting waves of musket and cannon fire. Then, on March 6th, at 5:30 A.M., the Mexican troops unleashed a final devastating assault: divided into four columns, they rushed into the Alamo and commenced a deadly hand-to-hand fight. The Americans, despite being hugely outnumbered, fought valiantly - for themselves and for a division of an independent Texas. In the end, they were all slaughtered.

Drawing upon newly available primary sources, The Blood of Heroes is the definitive account of this epic battle. Populated by larger-than-life characters - including Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis - it is a dynamic story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption.

Members Reviews:

Blood and History Runs Off Every Page

I am a Texan and carry all of that tradition which my birthright entails. I also thought that T. R. Fehrenbachs Texas History (Lone Star: A History of Texas and the Texans) was the best book I had read on the states history (or the history of The Republic more accurately). Those things remain true, but James Donovans The Blood of Heroes: The 13-Day Struggle for the Alamo and the Sacrifice that Forged a Nation is a great addition to the literature. On February 23, 1836 Santa Anna laid siege to the Alamo. Davy Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis made their stand with about 175 others. This book first reminded me of the stories supporting Wilders Bridge of San Luis Rey. Donovan presents the lives of Crockett, Bowie, and Travis along with the forces that brought them to the Alamo and their fates. Then he details the battle. The Mexican perspective takes some prominence here since everyone contained in the Alamo ultimately died during the battle of the Alamo. Certain questions remaining from those fateful days are entertained by Donovan. Did Travis draw a line in the dust? Did Crocket really go down fighting? Was there, indeed, one member of the Alamos residents who escaped? Donovan presents the evidence as it is currently available. Fehrenbach is still my favorite historian, but Donovan also makes me appreciate the historians task and talent. After reading this volume you will want to visit Bastrop and Nacogdoches for sure. If you are a Texan, dont miss this book. If you arent a Texan you might understand us a little better if you read it. The author reads his own work and does a great job.

Remember...

I wasn't born in Texas, so I never knew much about the Alamo or any of the Texas heroes. After reading Donovan's outstanding book, that is no longer the case.

First of all, this book shockingly well researched, from both the Texas and Mexican sides. Second, Donovan writes this like a novel, which adds more character and excitement than one typically finds in a history book. Also, I'm a big fan of authors reading their own works, especially when they are this good.