War and Preservation

“A very nuanced and realistic take on the Civil War. I highly recommend this book to LGBTQ and historical fiction readers!”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“Readers seeking Civil War or LGBTQ+ fiction that sizzles with not just combat action, but interpersonal moments of discovery and transformation, will find War and Preservation satisfyingly hard to predict. . . . Klink takes the time to weave together disparate lives that face hard choices in the name of love, community, and self-acceptance, doing so in a completely riveting read.”—Midwest Book Review

“Continuing where she left off in the first of the Texian Trilogy, Karen Klink delivers a multi-layered sequel exposing the underbelly of war and its effect on those involved and those at home. This intricate, lyrical novel set in Southeast Texas during the war between the states tackles complex issues: power, slavery, violence, and matters of the heart. A rich narrative from a skilled writer.”—Ashley E. Sweeney, author of Hardland

“I’m in awe of Karen Klink’s vibrant imagination and prose, which is by turns muscular, lyrical, and often delicious. In the second book of her Texian trilogy, War and Preservation, Klink effortlessly brings the Civil War to life with ferocious intensity, whether in scenes set in bars, brothels, drawing rooms or breathtaking battles. Klink digs below the political surface to the humanity connecting a large cast of characters whose stories intrigue and fascinate. A stunning novel of courage, complication, secrets, sexual identity, passion, and resilience.”—Céline Keating, author of The Stark Beauty of Last Things

“War and Preservation (Book 2 in her Texian Trilogy) continues the saga of the Villere and Hart families, featuring twenty-year-old Adrien Villere, who in 1861 joins Terry’s Texas Rangers. Grounded in historical research, this beautifully-written novel fleshes out complex and lesser-known stories of the Civil War. With nuance and sensitivity, Klink portrays the heart-wrenching choices faced by those caught in the midst of a brutal war. A fascinating story about family, loss, love, and resilience.”—Teresa H. Janssen, award-winning author of The Ways of Water

For The Texian Trilogy series, Book 1, At What Cost, Silence?: 

“A brilliant debut . . . by the conclusion of this wonderful novel, the reader will find themselves ready to dig into the continuation of this saga. A literary triumph from start to finish.”—Texas Books In Review

“Any fan of Southern literature or Civil War history will find this an important addition to their library . . . also has the potential to be an important part of the canon of LGBTQ+ literature.”—Historical Novel Society North America

“This series has the potential to attract a broad spectrum of people, with cinematic possibilities that Klink would do well to explore . . . highly recommended for Cajuns, Texans, Civil War buffs, and LGBTQ+ readers.”—Bookreporter.com

“Klink has written a rousing chorus of a novel, creating an intricate song of life in antebellum Southeast Texas. At What Cost, Silence?  tackles complex questions related to power, enslavement, and the legacy of violence. . . . There is a yearning that burns bright in all the characters and propels the story forward at an engaging pace.”—Kate Anger, author of The Shinnery

“At What Cost, Silence is a family saga that transforms the way we see the past, turning over little-known stones of history by focusing on the antebellum world of East Texas. This is both an epic novel spanning decades of history, culture and politics, and an intimate, passionate tale of love and morality, rooted deeply in the contradictions and complexities of its many characters. Klink has captured it all with great care and compassion and understanding.” —Molly Gloss, author of The Hearts of Horses

“Karen Lynne Klink’s At What Cost, Silence? oozes with deep southern charm and boiling point angst as she breathes life into a colorful cast of mid-19th century Texans on the cusp of the Civil War. Her descriptive language, lively dialogue, and swift pacing enhance this multi-faceted narrative. An impressive debut!”—Ashley E. Sweeney, award-winning author of Hardland