"The Shades of the Wilderness" is the seventh volume of the Civil War Series, which follows the fortunes of Harry Kenton and his friends. It takes them on the retreat from Gettysburg, gives them a short period of social life in Richmond, describes the great battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and ends with the deadlock in the trenches before Petersburg. It offers readers a detailed and immersive account of the Civil War, exploring the experiences and challenges faced by the characters. It delves into the personal journeys, triumphs, and hardships of Harry Kenton and his friends, capturing the spirit of the era and shedding light on the human side of the war.