Chatelain's book is "comprehensive ... fast paced, easy to read, and well supported by archival research. ... This is a good book, and the author should be congratulated."
The Civil War Monitor

"... a worthy Confederate companion to the many studies of Union naval operations along the Mississippi River."
Civil War Books and Authors

"the 'go to' reference documenting the Confederate Naval Operations in the Western Theater ... and is nothing short of a monumental achievement."
Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table

"The narrative, richly sourced from archives, newspapers, and memoirs, is supported by footnotes and excellent maps. Recommend. All levels."
Myron J. Smith Jr. writing for Choice Reviews

"This book is well written and researched" with an "engaging tale ... This is a useful contribution to the Civil War's literature, and anyone interested in the Western Theatre should consult it"
Robert "Bob" Browning, Ph.D., Sea History Magazine

"... a skillful narrative based on impressive research."
Steve Davis, Civil War Times

"... a fast paced read, well written, and demonstrating careful research, with extensive documentation. ... It's a great read."
New York Military Affairs Symposium Review

"... an extremely thorough chronicle ... Many vivid descriptions of the campaigns and ships involved paint a fuller picture of the events."
Lieutenant Katrina R. Jorsch, USN, Naval History Magazine

"Chatelain does an excellent job describing how the Confederacy went about setting up defenses along the coasts and in the Mississippi River system."
Midwest Book Review

A "detailed," fast-paced," and "welcome study of the key actions taken by Confederates charged with guarding the Mississippi."

G. David Schieffler, Michigan War Studies Review

"... a welcome view rarely presented and certainly not at this level of detail."
Gary McQuarrie, Managing Editor, Civil War Navy - The Magazine