Review: Bandy by Craig R. Hipkins

 Bandy 

by Craig R. Hipkins

Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s estate.

Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy's pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.

My Take:

During the turmoil preceding the Civil War, a young, unfortunate person learns valuable lessons about slavery, friendship, and the value of a single act of kindness.

Isaac's only friend is Bandy, a passenger pigeon. Isaac and Bandy have long conversations. The pigeon gives Isaac good advice, and sometimes follows him on his adventures. A disastrous housefire leaves Isaac and his little brother orphans. Their only hope lies in their rich Uncle Raymond, an aloof older gentleman that lives in Boston. Before agreeing to keep them, thoughg, Uncle Raymond, an ardent abolitionist, sends the young lad Isaac on a quest into rural Virginia to purchase Joy, the sister of his adopted daughter. However, accompanying Isaac is Raymond's sinister butler, who Isaac soon discovers has murdered his uncle with plans to steal the family fortune.

Nothing in Isaac's quest is as it seems, and he must act quickly with the help of others to spirit the terribly ill slave Joy away on the Underground Railroad. But with the evil slaveowner Wil Jericho on their heels, and every man's hand after him, only the heroism of Isaac and his friends can save them now.

 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - alcoholism and drinking is depicted several times.

Violence:

PG - Characters are shot and killed, and hung offscreen.  

Language:

PG - There is a light salting of swear words. 

Adult Content:

G - There is no romance or kissing in this book.

Christian content:

This pre-Civil War historical adventure is rife with acts of faith and trust. Self-sacrifice is almost the norm. Light and dark are clearly delineated, and there are several character arcs of transformation and redemption. The concept of standing for what you believe in is a central and well-depicted theme. Worship and righteousness counterpose evil and selfish ambition. Corruption and graft play their vile parts well. The forces of the devil have their say, but the forces of light win the day.

Final analysis:

Bandy was a gripping tale of heroic fidelity and love in a time of epic division and hate. The world building was extraordinary, and the historic accuracy was well-researched. Characters were believable and lifelike. The settings were immersive and the action constant. The stakes were very high and the tension palpable. It was a page turner barn burner. Five Stars!

About the Author

Craig R. Hipkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He currently lives in North Carolina.
Craig published his first book, “Fireballs: A History of Meteors and other Atmospheric Phenomena” in 2009. Adalbert is his first novel. It is the sequel to the novel Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner. He also enjoys astronomy and reading history in his spare time. You can find out more about him at hipkinstwins.com

Review: The Last Homecoming by Dan Chabot

 

HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTSTRINGS ARE… Three troubled strangers gather on Christmas Eve to say farewell to a doomed old house, the secure shelter and refuge where each of them grew up over the course of 90 years. They all have warm, golden memories of youthful, magical Christmases here, and of the Rockwell-esque small town that nourished them as children. These old walls were witness to the stories of… …An elderly, feisty nun with life-searing experiences as a nurse in World War II, whose promiscuous youth still haunts her; …A depressed former Major League baseball pitcher who is contemplating a horrific act; …The hometown newspaper editor, still dealing with the tragic consequences of her long-ago teenage love affair. They are joined by their gracious host, the last owner of the house, whose own deep attachment has led her to stage this last homecoming for people who know it is not just a house, but a shrine of memories and echoes. But before it goes down to make way for a new bridge, this safe old sanctuary has surrendered some astonishing final secrets…

My Take:

The large old home in Upper Peninsula Michigan that Nettie Tannehill has lived in for 40 years is about to be torn down, a victim of a new bridge into town which somehow had to come through her old neighborhood. This 90 year old home has been a shelter from the storm for four families and countless neighborhood children, and the memories stored inside those hallowed walls are priceless. Who can set a value on what a home is worth? She's fought against the eminent domain order, somehow won and lost, and now she will be losing a lifelong friend. But in order to properly say goodbye to the old home, she gathers all the families that have dwelt there for one last Christmas together, to say goodbye. 

The house has been home to a tough nurse in WW II, a nun, a war hero, a major league baseball player, a newspaper editor. All these families are now facing terrible decisions, insurmountable crises, and ruin. But here, in this last Christmas gathering, they have a moment to return, reflect, and recharge. And the old home is about to reveal its deeply hidden secrets. Ones that will impact them all.

Content:

Drug Content:
PG – There's a bit of drinking, and a few people in town suffer the consequences of uncontrolled alcoholism. Bar life is unpacked.  
 
Violence:
PG – The tragic plight of kids with cancer is touched on, and some of the conditions and violence of war is described, but nothing too graphic.
 
Language:
PG - There's a light salting of coarse language.
 
Adult Content:
PG - There are the consequences of premarital sex. Petting is discussed, and the youthful conquests and escapades. There's no on-screen action.
 
Christian content:
Every family struggles with their faith, and each has a different story to tell. There are church and convent scenes, and frank discussions about God's direction and purpose for our lives. Deeply moving acts of service, compassion, and self-sacrifice are unpacked. The consequences of unforgiveness, hate, and spite are depicted. 

  

Final Analysis:
The Last Homecoming by Dan Chabot is a beautiful and moving slice of Americana. Its wistful descriptions of life through the last century are a masterpiece of worldbuilding. The simple life of yesteryear tugs at the heartstrings. And the description of life in UP is especially meaningful to me, as my grandmother came from there, and the iron mines of Ironwood, MI. Her pasties were a favorite memory of mine. It's amazing how one can remember the taste of something from half a century ago. And as a bonus, at the end of this book there's a recipe for them!

I have to admit, this book is packed with heartwarming stories that will have you in tears. So bring a tissue, because you'll need it. Great world building, wonderful characters, and an epic saga of hope to tie it up in a beautiful bow. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Dan Chabot is a veteran newspaper editor, writer and columnist. His latest novel, "The Pot of Gold at the Rainbow Cafe," is a heart-warming story about what's right with America, its big heart and its kind and generous people, still a nation of exceptionalism, opportunity and fairy-tale endings. He has written three others: "Godspeed: a Love Story," poses an intriguing question -- How can a lie be wrong when it makes so many people feel so good? "The Last Homecoming" (Everybody remembers the house they grew up in) brings together at Christmas, for a final farewell to a doomed old house, four people who grew up there over the course of 90 years. "Emma's Army" pokes some fun at today's woke culture.

These days Chabot lives in Florida.

Review: Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins

Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy 

by Craig R. Hipkins 

Clement is no ordinary thirteen year old boy. He lives in a castle in 12th century Normandy. After helping Adalbert on his quest to find a long lost treasure, Clement and his friend Dagena return for another adventure. This time, Clement must overcome the evil ambitions of his wicked uncle, Sven the Terrible! Prepare yourself for some medieval action and excitement that you will not soon forget. 

My Take:

Clement de la Haye is a recently orphaned in Normandy. The death of his father has made him the new Count de la Haye, and set in motion several plans to wrest his power, his castle, and his holdings from him. Visitors to the castle inform him that he is going to be forced by the king to wed a suitable wife of high station, within the year, though he is not yet thirteen. But his heart is set on his childhood companion Dagena, the daughter of a scullery maid. They ride out on an adventure to explore a local cave with his best friend Olaf, unknowingly escaping a deadly trap by his villainous uncle Sven the Terrible. With only their wits and a couple daggers, they must rally an army to rescue their castle under siege and rout the evil invader and his army of mercenaries and highwaymen.

 Content:

Drug Content:
G – none
 
Violence:
PG – There are a couple scenes with cadavers. There is a glossed-over chapter concerning a battle between armies. There is a discussion of killing prisoners. 
 
Language:
G – Squeaky clean
 
Adult Content:
G – There is a bit of preteen angst, but no kissing.
 
Christian content:
Clement is a Christian, and says as much multiple times, taking the high road frequently due to his faith. There is a discussion of salvation by faith, and some content appropriate for a visit to an abbey. Prayer is not a stranger to this work, and faith in Providence carries them through several tight squeezes. Class distinction is a powerful destructive theme here, and Clement's stalwart refusal to succumb to that mindset makes him endearing and sets him far above others. Self-sacrifice plays a pivotal role, and care for the poor, identification with the downtrodden, and rescue of the innocent are strong themes in this work. 

 
Final Analysis:
Clement: Boy Knight of Normandy by Craig R. Hipkins is an outstanding, fast-paced historical coming-of-age adventure. Significant research went into making the period clothing, buildings, daily life, and speech of the times accurate. The characters were believable and had their own transformations along the way. I especially liked the camaraderie between Clement and Dagena. The worldbuilding was immersive, and the white-knuckle action had me on the edge of my seat as Clement and his friends moved from one scrape to another in a constant barrage. This page-turner is perfect for fans of coming-of-age adventures in historical times. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Craig R. Hipkins was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He currently lives in North Carolina.
Craig published his first book, “Fireballs: A History of Meteors and other Atmospheric Phenomena” in 2009. Adalbert is his first novel. It is the sequel to the novel Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)
He is an avid long distance runner. He also enjoys astronomy and reading history in his spare time. His website is https://hipkinstwins.com/

Review: The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy 

by Danny J. Bradbury

Can an impoverished boy overcome his humble beginnings, abduction and abuse to participate in a series of pivotal events in world history? In the same manner as John Jake's classic saga, The Bastard, this novel attempts to document the boy's trials and follow his journey in conquering his past. Set during the turbulent period leading up to the American Revolution, the boy must either slay his demons or perish to be lost as another footnote in history. The story will tear at your heart, but will you believe that such a boy can actually make a difference?

My Take:

 Peter Beale is a young boy from an impoverished family in England. He steals to help his large family have food to eat, and this lands him in prison, where he is selected and impressed into His Majesty's Navy, to serve as a cabin boy and the HMS Progress under Captain Auger. He is tasked with assisting the cook in preparing meals, swabbing the deck, and personally serving the captain dinner, in his cabin, alone. Some of the crew, and especially the greasy cook, have some idea what the captain does to little cabin boys. Peter manages to escape while the ship is being repaired in Boston, and is adopted by a wealthy merchant. But the demons from what happened on that ship continue to torment him. As he matures and war with England looms, will Peter gain victory over his past, or die in the process?

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - There is drinking and drunkenness, but not any more than you might find in a Disney film.

Violence:

PG-13 - Wartime is a bloody mess. Crewmen are hung, and men are shot, bayonetted, and mangled by cannon fire. A character loses a limb in a battle. 

Language:

G - Squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

R - Early in this book there is a somewhat graphic description of an act of sodomy with a boy. Many other acts like that occur but occur completely off-screen. If it was not for that first graphical depiction, this would be PG.

Christian content:

This book is not overtly Christian in nature or content. However, faith plays a significant part in multiple characters in the work. A mysterious protector in the jail teaches the bible to the boy. The sister of his adoptive mother uses the bible to teach him to read, and her husband is a pastor. In several instances, there is a call to pray for guidance and protection. Self-sacrifice, courage against overwhelming odds, and faith in God's cause are significant threads in this tapestry of the American Revolution.

Final analysis:

The Sins of Men: Tragic Saga of the Cabin Boy by Danny J. Bradbury is a well-researched historical novel, with gripping action, immersive worldbuilding, and high stakes. It is emotionally charged, and the author put enough into that first scene of sodomy to draw me into the work in hopes the victim would get his revenge. There were issues with tense and pacing in the first half, or I definitely would have given this one five stars, because it was extremely well-written, and by the end of the book I was fully invested and could not put the book down. Four Stars!

About the Author:

Danny J Bradbury is originally from Greeley, Colorado. He has a lifetime love of history and telling stories which he learned from his father. After spending years working in corporate America, he started writing alternate historical fiction novels to share his accumulated knowledge.

​

He is married and has three grown daughters and two grandsons. He served in the US Navy and now resides in South Carolina.

Review: Glory Revealed by Paula K Parker

 Glory Revealed

by Paula K Parker

Beauty Unveiled, the first book of the SISTERS OF LAZARUS series, introduces Martha and Mary, the two sisters of Lazarus, who couldn't have been more different. Martha, the elder, is plain and self-conscious; Mary, the younger, is beautiful and vain. One saw her value only in serving, while the other believed her outward appearance was her only asset. Their worlds were turned upside down when Lazarus offered hospitality to an intriguing new teacher named Jesus.

GLORY REVEALED: Sisters of Lazarus, Book Two picks up immediately where Beauty Unveiled ended, and carries the story of Christ to its glorious conclusion as seen through the eyes of those who witnessed firsthand the greatest story ever told.
Paula K. Parker's evocative writing draws readers in, allowing them to feel like a fellow guest sharing the sisters' wonder at meeting Jesus and his transforming power.

My Take:

When Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha invite the Teacher Jesus ben Joseph to visit one night a week before Passover, they know that they are inviting more than just a rabbi into their home. After all, raising Lazarus from the dead is only one of many miracles this prophet has performed.

But when Mary breaks open an alabaster vessel of spikenard that night and anoints Jesus' head and feet with it, the scandalous and wasteful act contributes to the untimely death of their friend. But, WAS it untimely? As WAS the act wasteful, or a pure act of worship to one who is far more than he seems? 

 

Content:

Drug Content:

G - While wine is used in this novel, it's squeaky clean. The Roman soldiers are accused of being drunk, but even THEY weren't having any excess..

Violence:

PG-13 - You cannot talk about or in any way describe the flogging by a Roman soldier, the abusive games by them, or the horrors of crucifixion, without getting rather gory. While this novel did a reasonable job describing the events of the crucifixion, the descriptions are not wantonly graphic, and fall far short of the Mel Gibson movie, Passion of the Christ. In one place the flogging, as it's going on, is dispassionately described as the torture it is, by one of the Roman characters.

Language:

G - While there is some swearing in this book it contains none of the common curse words in English, and involves oaths more than cursing. The language in this book is squeaky clean. 

Adult Content:

PG - There are quite a few conversations about marriage and the consummation of a wedding, but no details at all. A significant part of this book revolves around one of the characters and her fielding hopefuls for her hand in marriage, and the alignment of houses. In some ways the interactions could make the book more of a romance, but again, it's squeaky clean..

Christian content:

This is a retelling of the last week leading up to the Passover and crucifixion of Jesus. Christian content is heavily laced throughout. It covers the social and spiritual interactions leading up to that critical historical event from the juxtaposed perspectives of characters that are either aligned FOR, or AGAINST, the savior.

Final analysis:

This is a masterfully written, immersive vignette into the lives of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and the impact crater of Jesus Christ on their lives, both socially, and spiritually. The world-building is phenomenal. The plot is incredibly gripping, no matter how often you've read the biblical account. The character arcs are fully three-dimensional, and you get a better feel for the conflicts in such pivotal characters as Judas Iscariot, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Nicodemus. I couldn't put this book down, it made me late coming home from work, I had to finish it! Five Stars!

About the Author:

Paula K. Parker has been writing as long as she can remember. With a poet father, writer mother and a story-teller grandmother, she has always been comfortable in the world of words. Early training in music and theater led Paula to a life-long love for the arts. This passion eventually brought her to Nashville, Tennessee, where she—along with her writer husband, Mike--helped establish Carpenter’s Playhouse and Springhouse Theatre Company [formerly LampLighter’s Theatre].

A stint in the public schools, along with seventeen years of home schooling her five children, resulted in not only a quick wit and a unique sense of humor, but also the ability to effectively communicate ideas on a broad range of subjects to a wide age of readers.

Since 1995, Paula has been a professional freelance writer, with more than 1000 articles, sketches, plays, scripts, corporate copy-writing, nonfiction books and novels to her credit. She has written for such national publications as Christian Single, Christian Health, Clarity, Family Fun (Disney), Citizen (Focus on the Family), HomeLife, Living with Teenagers, the National Drama Service, ParentLife, Release Ink, PB&J, Profile and Bible Express magazines. She contributed to The Young Believer's Case Files with Stephen Arterburn (Tyndale), Thomas Nelson's award-winning Thomas Nelson Bible-zine, Becoming and their American Women's Bible. Online she has written for Crosswalk.com and was a contributing writer for the entertainment page at LifeWay.com for over twelve years. She is the Senior Editor for the online entertainment magazine, BuddyHollywood.com. Since 2013, she has written curriculum for the WinShape summer camp program.

Paula is an accomplished playwright, having written numerous produced full-length plays—which have been performed internationally—short sketches, and One-Acts. She is best known for her sparkling stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility and Jane Austen’s Emma.

In 2010, her first novel was released, YHWH, The Flood, The Fish and The Giant, and the sequel, YESHUA, The King, The Demon and The Traitor, co-written with NY Times best-selling author, GP Taylor. Her biblical novel, SISTERS OF LAZARUS; Beauty Unveiled, reached Amazon’s Top Ten Best-seller’s list for biblical fiction. The sequel, GLORY REVEALED: Sisters of Lazarus, Book Two, hit Amazon’s Top 100 Hot New Releases in Christian Historical Fiction. The third in the series, GRACE EXTENDED, reached Amazon’s Top Ten Hot New Releases list for biblical fiction, and Amazon’s Top One Hundred List for Hot New Releases for Ancient History Fiction. Her novel, THE CARPENTER AND HIS BRIDE; The Birth of Hope debuted at #39 on the Bestsellers in Biblical Fiction chart.

Review: Throne of Grace (Cliff Walk Courtships #1) by Cecily Wolfe

Throne of Grace

(Cliff Walk Courtships #1)

by 

Cecily Wolfe

Newport, Rhode Island in the last decades of the nineteenth century was a stunningly beautiful and glamorous playground for the rich during the summer months, and a perfect setting for a romance between a rich young man from New York City and a local girl who works for his family. The two couldn't possibly expect to have anything in common, as he is expected to follow his father in a financial career and she is merely a maid with a mother who takes care of local children while their parents work. Arthur Davenport, spoiled and bored, unsure of his place in his family and in the eyes of God, truly meets his match in Josie Warren, who is often just a bit hard on herself for not being the perfect Christian in thought as well as deed. The two meet on the famous Cliff Walk, and neither of them can imagine where or how their instant attraction will take them as he struggles to makes his parents understand that his calling is the same as hers, to help those less fortunate. He has no money of his own, and if they disinherit him out of disapproval, how can he help Josie, who has spent her life working hard to help support herself and her mother? More importantly, how can he convince her that he would gladly give up his life of luxury just to be with her?

My Take:

Josie Warren is just a solid Christian girl who works as a maid for the 'Cottagers', those who vacation in the idyllic Rhode Island town of Newport, on the coast. Each day she walks from her side of town, with the have-nots, along the coast walkway, to the ostentatious summer cottages of the 'haves'. She happens to meet a well-dressed man out for a stroll, who unfortunately happens to be the son of the incredibly wealthy woman she works for.

Arthur Davenport, once a wild playboy, has come home from a European trip a completely transformed man. On fire for God, he has decided that rather than follow in his wealthy father's footsteps and take over the family business, he wants to benefit the less fortunate by running a shelter for the homeless, the jobless, the poor.

When these two meet, the stiff social walls dividing their castes come crashing down. But will their resolve to be friends and partners in Arthur's dream survive the onslaught from both worlds?

Content:

Violence:
G - There's none.

Language:
G - Squeaky Clean.

Drug Content:
PG -  The Davenports and other high society families throw parties that get a bit wild, though all of those occur not only off set, but pre-story. They only bear some oblique mention, but drinking and drunkenness and carousing happen there.

Adult Content:
PG - All references to any untoward sexual activity are completely oblique, and do not in fact occur, they are merely hinted at, gossiped about.

Christian content:
Both main characters, and several of the other supporting cast are devout in their faith. Some characters seem to have little. An occurrence at church exposes significant issues with hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and ostracization. Gossip and character assassination  are strongly depicted in this novel, and the characters use faith and trust in God to carry them through and reveal the truth. God plays a major role in the book, but his hand is not overt. Divine providence provides when things seem hopeless.

Final analysis:

Throne of Grace is a poignant story of love against a caste system determined to stamp it out. Repeatedly, the characters are ordered not to see one another, at risk of great personal cost. The pace is steady, and the scenery well-depicted. The characters, especially the main two, are quite three-dimensional. The stakes are high, and the conflict is palpable. i found this book an enjoyable and uplifting read, well worth a look. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Ceci Wolfe writes whatever her characters tell her to write, including YA, contemporary family drama and romance, and inspirational historical romance. A native of Akron, Ohio, she graduated from Kent State University with degrees in English and library science, and enjoys her career as a librarian in Cleveland. She is the author of That Night (longlisted for the 2018 In the Margins national book award), Reckless Treasure, A Harvest of Stars, The Competition, and the Cliff Walk Courtships series.

Upcoming releases:

(2018)
Starlight

(2019)
American Girls
The Library War

(2020)
The Silver Sea
Precious Things

https://www.cecilywolfe.com 
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceciwolfe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilywolfe/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alyswolfe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceciwolfe
tumblr (That Night): https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ceciwolfe

Review: Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by Jaimie Engle

Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light

by Jaimie Engle

Clifton Chase is the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. But after he finds a mysterious arrow in his closet, he takes Ryan's bet to see who can hit the target. Ryan nails the bull's-eye, but Clifton's piece of junk arrow sails out of sight and when he finally finds it, something isn't right. Somehow, Clifton has been magically transported back to 1485 England, where he meets two princes bullied by their tyrant uncle who locked them in prison to steal their throne. Only after Clifton learns the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice can he help the princes escape and find the courage to face his own bully. Befriended by a dwarf, a mythical bird called Simurgh, and a cast of comical characters, Clifton's fantasy adventure through medieval times is perfect for boys and girls of all ages, and the young at heart. For those who like fantasy kids books like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

My Take:

Clifton Chase is an average seventh grader with a greater than average talent with a bow, and the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. When Clifton finds a dusty old wooden arrow in the back of his closet, he takes Ryan's bet to see who can hit a bullseye, the old junk arrow against a brand new compound bow.

Ryan nails the bullseye, but the junk arrow flies far wide of the target, sailing out of sight into the sandy dunes. When Clifton finds the arrow, he is shocked to find that it's glowing. When he picks it up, it transports him back in time to 1485 England, right in the thick of the War of the Roses.

Brought back to rescue Prince Edward and Prince Richard from their evil uncle King Richard III, Clifton is aided by a host of mythological creatures and historical figures, and hunted by powerful enemies seeking control of the powerful Arrow of Light he carries. Clifton must learn the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice to activate the Arrow of Light and face the evil king in the past, and his own bully in the future.

Content:

Drug Content:

G - Some guards at a tower are all rather drunk. Nothing you wouldn't see in Sleeping Beauty.

Violence:

G - Even in battle scenes, there's not a lot of blood, but several characters are killed. Someone is eaten by a Sea Monster.

Language:

G - squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

G - This is Middle Grade fiction. The only adult thing that happens here is some preteen angst and a brief kiss.   

Christian content:

This is a clean MG fantasy, and isn't saturated with any overt references to God. Several times the main character prays for help, and multiple characters rely on God to aid in their time of need. Self Sacrifice and protecting the weak are strong themes, righting injustices and dealing with bullies are central to this work also.

Final analysis:

This was a wonderful delve into the past, well-spiced with mythical creatures like dragons, sea monsters, mermaids, giants, and dwarfs. Just the right mix of fantasy, history, and life lessons to make for an enthralling book every MG boy would enjoy. Several characters were deeply drawn, and the issue of bullying is dealt with well. Fast paced, high stakes, gripping, humorous, Five Stars!

About the Author:

Like stepping into a living dream, Jaimie Engle writes visually stunning fiction where magic turns ordinary into extraordinary. She loves weaving lore into her stories and taking her readers on wondrous adventures. Engle is a cosplayer, podcaster, entrepreneur, and speaker at schools, conferences, and colleges across Florida. theWRITEengle.com

Review: The Landlord by Hannah Ross

The Landlord

by Hannah Ross

When Allie Morton rents an isolated lake cabin near the picturesque village of Gosbury, she only wants a quiet place to sort herself out after an abusive marriage. The last thing she expects is an encounter with a ghost that takes her back to the Regency era. At first Allie doubts her own sanity, but when she delves into the tragic fate of Elizabeth Williamson, the mysterious woman from two centuries ago, she doesn't just uncover a dark secret of the past - she opens a new venue to her future.

My Take:

Allie Morton is so done with her old life. Reeling from an ongoing, messy divorce from an emotionally abusive tyrant, she desperately seeks a quiet, peaceful place to recover. She snaps up a rental cabin by a peaceful lake near Gosbury for an unbelievable price. She quickly finds that the amazingly low rent has a reason. The cabin is in disrepair, far from the beaten path, and hasn't seen a tenant in decades. And that's before she learns there's a ghost.

The peaceful lake is home to a forlorn 200-year-old ghost trying to get resolution for her tragic end. Allie first believes the visions and dreams she has are stress-induced hallucinations, visions of a beautiful woman named Elizabeth Williamson, from the Regency era. When she finds out that Elizabeth did in fact exist around that time, she delves into her tragic story and death, aided by her ghost, uncovering a dark secret buried deep in the past, and inadvertently opening a new hope for her own future.

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - Alcohol is consumed a few times, there are a few scenes at a bar. One of the patrons at the village bar gets wasted, as well as an underage boy.

Violence:

PG - There is a shooting death, and a death under mysterious circumstances. Violence and death are threatened multiple times.

Language:

PG - The Lord's name is taken in vain once, there are a few other mild expletives.

Adult Content:

PG - Affairs are discussed. A man has a reputation as a ladies' man, advances are made on married women. A gentleman uses position to attempt to seduce women of lesser state.  

Christian content:

The pastor of the town church in the Regency era struggles with the decision of whether to expose a grievous sin, when it would be futile. He leaves judgement in the hands of a higher and later court. Faith plays a part in his life, but not much in the lives of any of the other characters. Sin is condemned soundly by certain characters in the novel, though their harsh judgmental condemnation is of the person, not the sin. Friendship, loyalty, forbearance, mercy, and grace all play a part in this work.

Final analysis:

Allie is a very believable character, and Elizabeth also has depth of character. The setting was immersive and the supporting cast were likable and real. I found the demarcations between the past and present a bit difficult to follow, but a great plot device. The pace was steady and fast, the action thrilling, the suspense tangible. I'm not a big fan of Regency but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five Stars!

About the Author:
Hannah Ross wrote her first story at the age of six and hasn’t stopped since. Wishing to have a steady profession, she trained as a clinical nutritionist, but the writing bug was too strong and Hannah continued to write fiction in the form of short stories, novels, poetry and plays, as well as many non-fiction essays and articles. 

Hannah enjoys a quiet life in the country with her husband, three children, two cats and a flock of chickens.

Review: Toru: Wayfarer Returns (Sakura Steam #1) by Stephanie R. Sorensen

Toru: Wayfarer Returns (Sakura Steam #1)

by Stephanie R. Sorensen

Revolutionary young samurai take on the West in this alternate history steampunk techno-fantasy set in 1850's samurai-era Japan.

In Japan of 1852, the peace imposed by the Tokugawa Shoguns has lasted 250 years. Peace has turned to stagnation, however, as the commoners grow impoverished and their lords restless. Swords rust. Martial values decay. Foreign barbarians circle the island nation's closed borders like vultures, growing ever more demanding.

Toru, a shipwrecked young fisherman rescued by American traders and taken to America, defies the Shogun's ban on returning to Japan, determined to save his homeland from foreign invasion. Can he rouse his countrymen in time? Or will the cruel Shogun carry out his vow to execute all who set foot in Japan after traveling abroad? Armed only with his will, a few books, dirigible plans and dangerous ideas, Toru must transform the Emperor's realm before the Black Ships come.

My Take:

Japan in 1852 was a closed country, outlawing all trade or even contact with the outside world. The Tokugawa Shogun ruled in the Emporor's name with an iron fist. Anyone who violated the edict against contact with the rest of the world, met a violent untimely death. However, while Japan stagnates with primitive flintlocks, martial arts, and katanas as their primary means of defense, the rest of the world is industrializing, building cannon, airships, steamships, and rifles.

Toru begins his journey at the end of a journey. He is a humble shipwrecked fisherman who was rescued by American sailors and taken to the US, where his explorations take him across the country, gathering knowledge of the American factories, military, and people.

Their indomitable spirit, technological prowess and plans to force trade on the world, coupled with the recent forcing of trade with China, propels him to return at the inescapable forfeit of his life, to galvanize his beloved home country into action to prevent a foreign invasion. Armed with books, plans, and hope, he returns with the means to prevent the destruction of his beloved country.  Can he rouse his country to arms in time before he is executed?

Content:

Drug Content:

PG - Quite a bit of sake is consumed through the course of the book, and a touch of drunkenness. 

Violence:

PG-13 - In several scenes, there are ambushes, where soldiers are dropped with arrows in their throats, through an eye, or decapitated by a sword. For a war book, there's not a lot of violence.

Language:

PG - Very few curse words that I recall.

Adult Content:

PG - There are a few scenes of geisha houses, but nothing happens. There is quite a bit of angst, but not even kissing.

Christian content:

The Christian book, the bible, is outlawed, on pain of death. But it is included in Toru's box of books he brings to Japan. Though it is mentioned several times as a dangerous thing to have, there is no scripture or even use of the book. It appears that no one reads it. A brief mention is made that Toru is afraid of what he has read in it.

There are multiple times when Toru and others pray to their gods, to Buddha, and even to the Christian god for help. Some characters have faith, but not in Christ. Toru and others are more than willing to give up their lives for the love of their country and others. Multiple people give their lives for others. The common people accept their starving and downtrodden lot in life under the boot of the samurai, but winds of change give hope for them, especially characterized in Toru's best friend Jiro, the coarse blacksmith. Friendship, self-sacrifice, patriotism, and hope are strong strokes in this beautiful picture of pre-industrial Japan.

Final analysis:

I gotta say, Japanese Steampunk is a rare combination, but it worked very well in this edge-of-the-seat action-packed adventure. From the time Toru hits the shore of Japan his life hangs by a thread. There is obvious a lot more to this humble fisherman than meets the eye. And as he stays one jump ahead of the headsman, he sets in motion a transformation of Japan from a stagnating relic to a world power. The characters, especially the supporting cast, are well defined and realistic. The setting is magnificent. The plot is stellar, and the action gripping. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Stephanie is a writer based in the Victorian mining town of Leadville, Colorado, where she lives at 10,152 feet with her husband, five chickens, two bantam English game hens and one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. After a former life in big cities-New York City, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Boston, Mexico City, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Santa Fe-she now enjoys the birdsong and quiet writing time she finds in Leadville. When she's not writing, Stephanie stays busy sewing fancy gowns, playing MMOS, running the historic Tabor Opera House and working as a part-time technology venture capitalist. Her first novel draws on her experience living and working in Japan; her next historical novel is set in Mexico where she also lived for several years. As a Leadville local, she likes her Victorian attire spiced with a little neo-Victorian futurism and the biggest bustle possible.

Review: Land of the Two Rivers: A Novel of Shinar (The Children of Ararat #2) by Scott R. Rezer

Land of the Two Rivers: A Novel of Shinar(The Children of Ararat #2)

by Scott R. Rezer

One family survived a cataclysm...
Their descendants rebuilt the world...
Their names grew into myth and legend...

In the world born after the Flood, the old ways have begun to reawaken; knowledge of the one True God has dwindled to only a faithful few. Slowly, the prophecy of Noach begins to cast its long shadow across the lives of his childrens' children, affecting the lives of generations yet to come. But when a brilliant star appears in the heavens like a newborn sun, will it herald the fulfillment of their long-awaited hopes... or will it usher in the dawn of a new age of wickedness and rebellion?

My Take:

In the centuries following the world-wide cataclysm known as the Great Flood, patriarchs such as Noah and his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, rub shoulders with their fourth and fifth-generation descendants. As their offspring multiply and spread out, replenishing the earth, the old wickedness, thought dead and gone by the flood, begins to rear its head again, and whispers of the Nephilim, descendants of demons, return to haunt men's dreams. 

In this masterfully crafted epic novel concerning Arphaxad, descendant of Shem, and Cush, belief in the one true God Yahweh has once again dwindled to a scant remnant, while old beliefs from before the flood resurface strongly, with their pagan rituals, blood sacrifices, mystical powers and hedonistic sexual rites.

Follow Arphaxad as he struggles to have faith in his Kenaanite steward accused of murder, and Gomer, whose devotion to an outcast produces tragedy and death; travel with Cush, who learns of antediluvian powers while pursuing a son headlong into an appointment with destiny. 

Content:

Drug Content:

PG-13 - In one scene a pair of naked drunken lovers careen into Arphaxad. A town of drunken men turn very deadly. Wine is a common beverage, but is rarely depicted in excess.

Violence:

R - A man is tortured to death, a kidnapping turns sour and a character is nearly stabbed to death. The wound turns gangrenous. A man is beaten nearly to death, flies infest the wounds. A man is shot in the head with an arrow, the description is somewhat graphic. Some people are burned to death, their homes engulfed in flames. A man is shot in the throat with an arrow. 

Language:

G - Squeaky clean.

Adult Content:

PG-13 - As stated earlier some drunken naked lovers run by. There are several mentions of the priestesses and their sexual rites, though none graphic.   

Christian content:

Faith, redemption, the sanctity of human life, even salvation and the promise of a coming Redeemer, play heavily throughout this work. While false religions get almost equal time on stage, the spiritual wickedness and demonic influences behind them is abundantly clear. The darkness of hatred, murder, and race war is set in contrast to redemption, self-sacrifice, trust, hope, and love across any boundaries and against all odds. This is a faith-filled book and the hope of a Redeemer is clear. 

Final analysis:

This work was an amazingly immersive plunge into the past. Scenery was three dimensional, characters were well developed, the stakes were very high and the plot gripping. Faith played center stage, while God's protection and battle with darkness was depicted through plot rather than on-screen. While at times the pace seemed a bit slow, the story was involving and the characters real and the plot riveting. Five Stars!

About the Author:

Scott R. Rezer was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 1963. He met his wife and best friend while serving in the U.S. Air Force. They have two grown children and live in the Southwest. He is an indie published author of six historical fiction novels ranging from the Civil War to the Crusades to ancient history. Two of his books have garnered Editor's Choice selections by the Historical Novel Society (The Leper King and Shadow of the Mountain).