Gripping, visceral, and full of intensity, A Passel of Hate is as historically fascinating as it is emotionally satisfying; capturing the heartache and triumphs of a war that brutally pits brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor in the western Carolina frontier in 1780. “The first link in a chain of evils…the loss of America” is how Sir Henry Clinton, Britain’s commander-in-chief in the Colonies, describes the decisive American victory at the battle of Kings Mountain. This fact-based novel brings the events leading to that battle into sharp focus through the highly personal experiences of families and individuals who shaped its outcome. Through the eyes of Jacob Godley, A Passel of Hate brings to life the hardships and challenges of frontier living where there is a constant threat from Indians, roving raiders and British invaders. Without government orders or formal training, mountain and piedmont patriots join together with their own weapons and horses to expel a British led Loyalist army that plunders the western Carolina countryside, delivering harsh retribution to those supporting rebellion. Jacob and his 15-year-old brother enter the savage fighting with the Liberty Men, but with a dread of having to face their three Loyalist brothers. The overwhelming victory at Kings Mountain is bittersweet for Jacob who suffers a crushing personal tragedy on the battlefield. In addition, his nemesis, the notorious Tory raider Rance Miller escapes, and Jacob, consumed by hatred, tracks the terrorist through the Carolina backcountry to seek the revenge he so desperately needs. A battle Thomas Jefferson called “the turn of the tide of success,” Kings Mountain has a devastating impact on the British Army’s goal of quashing the rebellion in the south. Brutal in its depiction of the harrowing nature of war and the price paid by our revolutionary ancestors, A Passel of Hate is a powder keg of highly charged personal feelings and military significance. "Epley's prose vividly paints the world-changing events that happened in the Carolina piedmont through the words, sights and senses of those common folks, our forebears who lived it. He tells the Kings Mountain story better than I have ever read." Charles B. Baxley, Publisher Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution "Engaging and exciting. Epley's words bring life to an incredible chapter in American history." Robin Lattimore 2009-2010 North Carolina Historian of the Year "A well-crafted, immersive historical novel, with just the right level of period detail." Kirkus Review "(The author) uses some nicely characterized fictional characters within a creative and wrenching plot to illustrate how the split allegiances between American Revolutionary loyalists and patriots tore apart communities and families." Landrum (SC) The News Leader GREAT BOOK!!!! I highly recommend every history nut read this!!!! Alan Bowen, President -Overmountain Victory Trail Association