The Titans

Kent Family Chronicles #5

by John Jakes

Raging with the heartbreaks and tragedies of our nation's darkest hours, this passionate saga follows a dynamic generation of Kents through the hell of Civil War--from New York, where the Kent empire fears destruction...to Washington, where the family is drawn into the rank web of espionage...to the battlefields of the South, where the youngest Kents rally with pride and honor...along a thundering coast where heroes like Lincoln, Grant and Lee, and maniacal blackguards like John Wilkes Booth, touch the Kents--and change them forever.

As the story begins, the Kent dynasty has fallen into the hands of the late Amanda's opportunistic son, Louis...and Jephtha Kent has come North, leaving his three sons at home in the South. A nation torn asunder by holocaust and devastation...a family divided by hatred and greed. Where one battle ends, the other begins, in this turbulent, unforgettable, tale of THE TITANS.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Civil War, War, American History, Audiobook

560 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

John William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.

Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.

Reviews

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series makes me feel like I'm living the experience of the time-period the story revolves around, John Jakes must have that talent of writing!

The Titans opens up in the early days of the Civil War, and unlike the first 4 books, this one is divided among other members of the Kent Family. The Kent Dynasty has fallen into the hands of Louis, son of the late Amanda Kent, and Louis is running the Firm with an iron fist, much to the disagreement of Michael Boyle, (who has legally adopted Louis with Amanda's consent before her death). Louis is one of those characters you just love to hate, just a total prick.

The first half revolves mostly around Jephtha Kent, now separated from his wife who had completely different views and opinions than his on the future and state of the country. Jephtha formerly a pastor is now currently working as a reporter for the Kent Newspaper, and meets both sides of America, interacting with Historical figures, new President Abraham Lincoln, about his thoughts, and then to the other side of the divided country, to meet with Robert E. Lee.

Although having a life of his own, Jephtha has been completely shut out and pushed away by his now ex-wife Fan Tunworth, and their 3 children Gideon (who the second half of the story focuses on), Jerimiah, and Matthew, and Fan is newly married to actor Edward Lamont.

As I said up above, the second half of the story focuses on Gideon Kent, the oldest of the 3 children who have had no contact with Jephtha since Fan left him. Fan and Edward are supporters of the Confederate Union, and Gideon, now grown up, has left to join in the Civil War against the North. Gideon also falls in love with Southern belle Margaret Marble, who strongly disagrees and fears for Gideon fighting, where Gideon doesn't believe the war will last long seem to worried about the dangers and possibilities of not coming back, but he soon realizes that War is hell, and that there's never a guarantee of coming back.

Another great entry in the Kent Family Saga, and I loved the Civil War setting, and the couple appearances of Lincoln, and a very small appearance of John Wilkes Booth, at the time when he was still a stage actor, before he assassinated Lincoln.

[Christina Stroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Still a great series but my least favorite of the family tales.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda has died, Louis has grown up and married, Michael is worried about Louis' unlimited spending, Jephtha's wife has divorced him because of his stand against slavery, and he's now working for the Kent Union Newspaper (having been kicked out of his itinerant ministry because of his stand) out of Washington (D.C.), not having seen his 3 sons for 5 or 6 years now. Jephtha's ex has married an actor (a despicable calling in those days) and Lincoln is in office. Fort Sumter is fired on ... thus starting the Civil War. (I had my ipad beside me for this entire book. I, basically, had a history class (googled) of the Civil War. It was quite delightful and very insightful.) Jephtha's ex (Nan) has come to Washington with her new husband, Lamont. Lamont has strong southern political ambitions and, unbeknownst to Nan is conniving to kill Jephtha so the boys can recieve their inheritance from the California Gold mines, and he can persuade her to give the money to the Confederate Army (!!). Jephtha saves Lamont's life at a rally where Lamont would most likely have been killed, so Lamont uses this as an excuse (thank you, thank you!) to send Jephtha a piece of secret information. Jephtha falls for the trap and comes close to getting killed in Baltimore. Meanwhile, Gideon (son #1) has joined the Confederate Cavalry. After their Battle at Bull Run Gideon's horse is shot in the belly and he has to put him down. Since all the horses are personally owned, he has to take leave to go back to the city to find a new horse. Upon seeing his mother, and having been troubled by some things that had happened when his father had saved Lamont, he is troubled again by Lamont. They have found out that his father was injured and taken captive by the confederates. He feels an urgency to see that his father is ok, even tho Lamont says he's the enemy and should be left alone. Lamont is plotting to sneak in and kill Jephtha (who is unconscious in the Confed prison). Fortunately, Gideon's instincts are furiously guiding him to his father's side, just as Lamont is smothering Jephtha. In the ensuing struggle, Lamont dies, and Jephtha is paroled by Jefferson Davis (the new Confederate president). Lincoln says "A house divided against itself cannot stand," but Jephtha and Gideon (newly reunited), tho divided by politics, would like to see the Kent Family return to a united front after the war is over, provided they all survive.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous. If you don't want to read a rave review, stop reading now because this book played out like a symphony. The story was gritty and compelling with characters I loved or didn't (Edward Lamont, you snake!). I would give it more stars if I could.

The book gives us a front row seat as to what led up to the Civil War, the politicians and zealots behind it, the greed of companies and people whose only goal was to profit from it, like Louis Kent, who is a king of scumbags and needs his comeuppance, but it was also an exploration of human relationships: Jephta Kent with his sons, Jeptha with Molly Emerson, Jeptha with God...there's so much more, but after reading this I realized there's nothing sadder than a man who has lost his faith. My heart ached for him so many times. Fan, his ex-wife did him wrong and even after the end of the story, I'm not sure that it can be set aright. I know it's fiction, but Mr. Jakes did such a good job of creating all of the characters in all of the books that I felt like I knew them.

There were parts that made me bite my nails and had me on the edge of my seat while others had me crying and shouting "No!" The scenes were well written and I was drawn into battle with Gideon Kent to the point where I could almost hear the screams and wails of men and horses at Bull Run/Manasses, smell the smoke and death. It was chaotic, confusing, and so scary, but I didn't want to miss a word.

Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, JEB Stuart all came to life and interacted with the characters, making them more than just pictures in a book or people we learned about in history class. Jakes breathed air into them right down to President Lincoln fixing his son's toy train.

It was just an amazing read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I have to find out what happens next.

1. The Bastard
2. The Rebels
3. The Seekers
4. The Furies
5. The Titans
6. The Warriors is the next book on deck

*This is a series and the books should be read in order

[Tim Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable entry into The Kent Family Chronicles. This volume takes place over a few months at the start of 1861 and the turbulent beginning of the Civil War. The first half follows Jephtha Kent in Washington before the secession of Virginia. He is not working for his cousin Louis' newspaper the New York Union. The second half focuses on Jephtha's son, Gideon as he joins the Confederate cavalry and fights at the First Battle of Bull Run.

I enjoyed the first half more than the second. Gideon's story isn't bad, but it had a tendency to drag and I wish Jakes had used the page count to advance time more. This volume of the Kent Chronicles takes place over a period of about 8 months which is the smallest amount of time covered in these books so far and I think such a short scope hurt the narrative.

I was hoping to see more of Louis Kent and Michael Boyle, and while they were in the narrative, their stories were decidedly in third place. Still I look forward to the next volume that will see the Kent's through the Civil War and beyond.

[Debbie Drury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Kent Family Chronicles series. This book is surrounded by the beginning of the civil war. We follow along the Kent Family Jared, Gideon and Louis who do not see eye-to-eye on the issues that started the civil war.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting entry in this series. First we read about Jephta and then the story line switches to his son Gideon who wants to fight for the South while his father belongs to the North. The battle of Manassas is described in a vivid way.
Not to be missed this episode of the very beginning of the Civil War.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discontent spreads across the country that fought and won their independence a few short generations earlier. The fourth Kent generation lives and fights in the war that threatened to tear their country apart forever. Individual members of family dynasties often differ greatly in looks, intellect and morals. Amanda Kent was a strong but just woman. Unfortunately she past only the first of these traits to her son Louis and it will force long standing family friends to try to set him onto the path of honor. John Jakes adds new twists to a time and period that is often written in and about. The names that we once came across in our history books come alive and stay with us in this new literary light. The Kent families have prospered and wield the influence of the very wealthy. The family finds itself split into both camps. This illustrates one of the strangest phenomena of this strange modern war; brothers fought brothers and fathers fought sons in this passionate conflict. Not all of them are in agreement with the course of their nation and the conflict (as with many others) threatens to tear them apart. The Titans is a great read and I highly recommend it to all.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kent family is torn apart as the strife of the Civil War pits a father against his sons. Jephtha Kent is on the side of the Union...his ex-wife and three sons live in the South and favor the Confederacy. This Kent saga expertly dwells on the patriotic lingo used by governments and their citizens to whip up hatred against their perceived "enemies". What was true during the months running up to the start of the Civil War is still true today. The "other side" of armed conflicts are depicted as evil devils while "our side" is promoted as "just and honorable". Yet war is not honorable because it brings out the beast in people and promotes the widespread killing of other human beings. War destroys societies, families, and economies. It creates generations of wounded and crippled veterans who must come home and somehow pick up the pieces of their lives again (if they can). And the author dwells on the turmoil in each person as they accept or reject the concept of war and its aftereffects. I highly recommend the whole Kent Chronicles series but this particular one is especially poignant at a time when our country is again engaged in an ongoing war--on TWO fronts at the same time!

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 5 of the Kent Family Chronicles covers the early years of the civil war from both sides. Father a reporter from the North who despises slavery and a son from the South who wants the states to be able to choose for themselves.

Jakes does a good job covering the confusion and gore of the battles. The South was winning the early battles but based on resources and sheer numbers the North winning was inevitable.

Treachery thrown in from both sides also. Louis sells goods from the North to the South to make a buck and Edward plots to kill Gideon's father to get more money for the Conferates.

[Dick Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, book 5 of the Kent family chronicles, the story begins with the election of 1860. A Kent father/son (Jeptha Kent/Gideon Kent) end up on opposite sides. At book's end, it is 31 May 1862. Gideon and Molly have daughter born that day, which they subsequently named Eleanor. General Joe Johnston received a serious wound, and was replaced by REL. The latter’s reputation had suffered due to some losses in the Valley the previous year. Gideon’s father, Jeptha, had smuggled some money to him to buy himself a horse. JEB Stuart’s cavalry rode their famous mission during the peninsular campaign. Then they returned, Gideon was listed as missing in action.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in my spare time or when trying to go to sleep. During this time I found another ancestor that fought in the Civil War. I also have connections to the Mexican war and the 49er movement. Our country almost faced a second revolution to tear up the Constitution to keep one man in power. Much of the writing really hit home. I had been feeling this series really hadn’t stood the test of time, but I was wrong - it has. It has been pointed out that Amanda was probably his strongest character, and I do not disagree. I do find where he could make Margaret another strong character. I also liked the healing and forgiveness that took place.

[Tara Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read books 2-7 of this series in the last weeks of Feb 2013. While I liked the continuation of the family name through each generation, I could have done without every single important female of the Kent family being raped, sometimes repeatedly. They no sooner got power and money than they lost it, and family members ran the gamut from good to brilliant to corrupt to sleazy to fierce to insane to bloodthirsty. Lots of historical info, also, which made the story more real and interesting. But I would not recommend this series, save book #4.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Jakes' reputation for historical accuracy, his writing style, and the story he tells of the fictional Kent family combine to makes the entire 8-volume family saga absolutely wonderful. Reading this series was key in getting me "hooked" on the historical-fiction genre.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read all of the Kent books back in the 70s

[Kathryn Bashaar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing my re-read of this 1970s classic series, in honor of our nations upcoming 250th anniversary of independence.

This volume follows Philips Kent's great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren into the Civil War. The fierce, determined Amanda Kent, who brought the family back to wealth and bought back the family printing firm, has died. Her son Louis inherited her empire and all of her ferocity, but none of her sense of honor. He is now in charge of the family's empire of printing presses, gold mines and iron and steel works, and he has a plan that the rest of his family and his long-time mentor find appalling.

Meanwhile, as the nation hurtles towards secession and war, great-grandson Gideon is eager to prove himself as a soldier in the Confederate Army. His father, Jephtha, finally gets his wish and is reunited with his son, but it does not go well. It takes Jephtha and Gideon most of the book to figure who sabotaged their reunion and why.

So there's a lot going on. As always, Jakes brings his characters into the most important events of American history. They are Forrest Gump-like in their coincidental meetings with many important figures of their time. Also as always, there is lots of melodrama. And lots of heated conversations in which characters scream speeches at each other. Taken as individual books, volumes 3, 4 and 5 are pretty pulpy, not what I would normally read. But I'm willing to put up with that because I read the whole series when it first came out, and so I know what Kent is doing. He's telling the story of America through they Gump-like, melodramatically passionate characters. And he's giving us history lessons at the same time.

I do object a little to the sneaking moral equivalency that he seems to edge toward in his portrayal of North and South. He wants to give us an idea of what various people on both sides were thinking when they made the catastrophic decisions that led to four years of carnage. I get that. Not everybody in the South owned slaves or even supported slavery. And the motives of the North were not entirely pure. But I think he needed to be clearer on which side was basically on the side of the angels. The South claimed they were only fighting for their rights. But they picked up guns over only one "right": the "right" to hold other human beings as slaves.

[Richard Brownell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fifth volume of the John Jakes series takes the Kent family into the early months of the Civil War. And no historical saga of an American family is complete unless it finds members of that family on both sides of the War Between the States. Considering the scope of each of the four volumes that preceded this one, I expected more to happen within these 630 pages. Instead, we focus almost exclusively on the first six months of the war, including the election of Abraham Lincoln and the battle of Bull Run.

The first half of the book focuses on Jephtha Kent, journalist and former abolitionist preacher, and his attempts to make amends with his sons, who now live with his ex-wife and her husband, an arrogant supporter of the South. The second half focuses on Gideon, the oldest of Jepththa sons, who finds himself hip deep in the blood and carnage of the opening salvos of the war.

A good read, if predictable at times. There is a subplot in which Louis Kent, now the head of the family, prepares an elaborate scheme to use the family's vast holdings to profit from both the north and the south. What comes of his scheme, which could bring ruin to the family, remains unresolved, and will presumably be taken up in volume 6.

Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, Walt Whitman, Jefferson Davis, Jeb Stuart and others make guest appearances. And Jakes drops some interesting historical nuggets into the story. I just wish a bit more happened in this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel about the Kent family focuses on the impending and start of the American Civil War. Here readers find that Louis Kent is beginning to take control of the Kent family businesses, has married, and is a part of the upper society of New York City. Jeptha is working in Washington City (D.C.) as a reporter for the Kent newspaper the New York Union and Jeptha’s sons remain in the southern states though they are growing up and moving out of their mother’s household. The oldest son of Jeptha’s, Gideon, is on his way to enlist with Stuart’s cavalry on behalf of the Confederacy.

This novel places the Kent family amongst some of the most turbulent times at the start of the Civil War, as well as alongside some of the most famous people of this era. With family on both sides of the divide, readers have the unique opportunity of seeing this war of brothers, uncles, and father’s played out amongst these fictional characters. A compelling novel and thrilling to read – this novel is a quick read for anyone who enjoys historical novels.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband, his aunt and I read this whole series during the 1970's when they first came out - all three of us would read them in less then a weekend and couldn't wait for the next one to come out. They were so very good you felt like you were right there living the story with them! "The Kent family faces internal clashes as the Civil War ignites—from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of North and South. In the hellish years of the Civil War, the Kent family faces its greatest trials yet. Louis, the devious son of the late Amanda Kent, is in control of the dynasty—and of its seemingly inevitable collapse. His cousin Jephtha Kent, meanwhile, backs the abolitionist cause, while his sons remain devoted Southerners. As the country fractures around the Kents, John Jakes introduces characters that include some of the most famous Americans of this defining era. Spanning the full breadth of the Civil War—from the brutal frontlines in the South to the political tangle in Washington—The Titans chronicles two struggles for identity: the country’s and the Kents’."

[Scott Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy the series. John Jakes is a good storyteller. I also like the fact that he often includes historical events that are less known, at least to me. and thus help educate me about American history. For example, in this story he goes into detail about the riots in Baltimore as Federal troops needed to go through that city, and then walk between train stations because the competing railroad lines of the day didn't connect. Jakes also goes into some detail about the opinions of the citizenry at the beginning of the Civil War. Everyone isn't all for the South, or the North, many people are confused and some find themselves on one side or the other for different reasons. It is apparent to me that he did his homework before writing.

I think the author also did a very good job illustrating the change in Gideon Kent from the brash young boy/soldier anxious for battle before Bull Run to the experienced, chastened man afterwards. The growth in the character of his father, Jeptha Kent, a former preacher/abolitionist turned journalist, before and after the war starts also shows the skill of the author. Their are many more layers and complexities to the characters that make the stories very interesting to me and keep me reading.

[Astrid Falkenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another episode of US history with the Kent family with interesting details about the beginning of the Civil War. How could ANY war be glorious? Gideon and his compatriots find out very quickly how horrific war really is, as they lose their illusions and many of them their lives. Amazing how they were able to continue, being as unprepared and ill equipped as both sides were.
Their hatred for one another (and the Southerners’ hatred for African-Americans!!) eerily echoes the rift that our current “idiot in the White House” encourages between Republicans (racists, bigots, bible thumpers etc.) and Democrats (migrants, basically all “non-whites”, fact-“believers” etc.).
Some people never learn from history .... sad!

[Dawn Tessman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. Book Five in the Kent Family Chronicles series, which covers the first year of the Civil War. Jakes continues to deliver a well-constructed story with interesting characters merged with fascinating and detailed accounts of historical events and people. The skill and painstaking effort put forth to achieve such a polished result is quite commendable. Once again, I would recommend this series to those who enjoy epic novels or history, while warning of the violent aspects of the story.

[Daniel Berthiaume · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. Probably not as good as the previous one but still worth the time spent reading it. I have three more books to go in this series and I think that I'll likely finish it. The plot is good and I'm anxious to how what happens to the Kent family. I suppose this is a good sign that the series is enjoyable and I'm having a good time reading it. SO on to book 6. The warriors. Thanks Mr. Jakes.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing saga of the Kent family and those closest to them is an interesting read that just keeps moving forward. One feels so sorry for Jeptha, can anything go right for him. And poor Michael, the reader just knows that things will not go well with Louis as he gets older and it will leave Michael in a difficult position. Knowing that John Jakes wrote the North & South books the Civil War part of the story will be good. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel takes place during the civil war. It shows father against son. This series has always been decent for me to read I have enjoyed them but I liked this one more than the others. I felt anger while reading it and the depictions of injustice and racism and yet that was the way people thought at that time and those beliefs divided families (is is really different today). When a book makes me feel things due to the subject matter even when is it not happy feelings it is worth reading.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of the Kent Family Chronicles begins with Amanda's death by violent crime.

The civil war begins and the Kent family is divided. Cousins Jephthah and Louis live in the North, but Jephthah's sons live in the south. Louis now runs the family empire and has decided he will sell goods to the South. His right hand man, Michael quits as well as his banker. They greatly disagree with Louis's intentions.

Good information about the civil war.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

love! we have moved into the Civil War and the sides/family are split and they do such a good job at explaining the mentalities of the people (state rights vs what the government can impose; slavery and industry and family). The book was mainly about Jephtha Kent and his family. he's an avid northerner but his sons are fighting for the south. His wife's new husband worked with John Wilkes Booth. Amanda Kent's son is illegally trading with the south for money.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great continuation of the series. It does a good job of showing how each person had different opinions about the reasons the Southern States succeeded from the Union. It also shows how complicated family relationships can become when one spouse speaks badly about another and reshapes how their children view that parent. The book also shows how warped a person’s thinking can become when they are fanatical about a cause or ideology. Really enjoyed reading this book.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This, the fifth of the Kent Family Chronicles will probably be my last. I think Jakes was losing interest round about this point. If he had stuck to the minuscule side story about how businessmen ripped off both sides in the Civil War, it would have been much more interesting, but instead we get the old "War is Hell" trope. Still,well written withal.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this entire John Jakes series many years ago, had them in hardbook until they literally fell apart, I have now purchased them for Kindle to read them all again. John Jakes did his homework and these are some of the best historical books I have ever read. I love them, highly recommend, start with the first in the series and read them in order. Great reading at it's best.