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A Young Adventurer

David Tory Author Interview

Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicle follows a young man in the early 17th century who leaves home to become a sailor and documents his experiences. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Fascination with the largely untold back story of the founding of New England led me to tell that story through the eyes of a young adventurer.

What were some of the trials that you felt were important to highlight the character’s development?

Isaac’s development came through having to learn the life of seaman, responding to opportunity through luck and ingenuity, learning to deal with women. dealing with adversity, and understanding the responsibilities of leadership.

What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

I spent five years in deep research about the people, intrigue and events that caused the settlement of New England. I have sailed all my life but did further extensive research on off-shore sailing in the 17th century.

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

Book 2 – Retribution – is available on Amazon and in bookstores. It continues where Exploration ended in 1620 and follows Isaac’s adventures to 1628 when he and his family depart as settlers for New England.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Seduction. Spies. Sodomy. Starvation. Severe cold. Indian Attacks. A plague of sickness and death. And a love story, too.

Isaac Stanfield is a young man with a thirst for adventure. He leaves his home to become a sailor on a merchantman, the Sweet Rose, and through ingenuity and sheer luck, finds himself in the middle of the drama and explorations that precede the departure of the Mayflower for New England in 1620. Exploration is Isaac’s coming-of-age story, capturing the turbulence of the times through his observations and experiences.

Suspenseful, poignant, and expertly researched, David Tory’s novel brings to life an engaging cultural history of English seafaring exploration and intrigue in the early 17th century.

Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles

The unpredictable hand of destiny can lead to fascinating journeys, as exemplified in Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles. This adventurous saga chronicles the life of Isaac Stanfield, a character who, through a seemingly predestined path, encounters an abundance of self-discovery. Beginning his life’s voyage in 1613 as an assistant on the ship Sweet Rose, Isaac’s experiences accumulate to create a captivating narrative that is as profound as it is thrilling. The novel delves into his encounters with diverse individuals, his foray into the art of fencing, his face-offs against pirates, and his experiences living among indigenous peoples. Throughout it all, Isaac’s friendships remain a steadfast compass in his life, despite the vast distances that separate them. The evolution of Isaac’s character and the deepening of his world perspective form the heart of this engaging novel, making it a compelling read for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

Told predominantly through Isaac’s personal journals and letters, the story resonates with an intimate authenticity. This narrative format offers the reader a panoramic view of Isaac’s life, highlighting the most pivotal moments of his journey. In doing so, we become acquainted with an astute, courageous individual who never shies away from his responsibilities. Isaac embodies kindness and an insatiable appetite for learning, attributes that are evident in every locale he visits. His enduring friendship with Will, maintained through their letters, forms an endearing subtext throughout the narrative. David Tory’s exceptional writing shines in his meticulous descriptions of the locales and his respectful representation of the historical context. His skillful incorporation of nautical terminology related to Sweet Rose is a testament to this.

Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles boasts a large cast of characters, with some being more impactful than others. The pacing sometimes seems rapid, possibly as a means to encompass the variety of experiences and locales. Despite this, the novel remains an exhilarating coming-of-age adventure. Each of Isaac’s voyages is infused with purpose, and Tory’s extensive research brings a credible realism to the characters and settings. This novel is an excellent choice for young adults and historical fiction enthusiasts, offering an intriguing plotline interspersed with moments of action and a dash of romance.

Pages: 398 | ASIN : B08LMT8M47

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