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All Battles End at Sunset
All Battles End at Sunset, by Jared Acuña, is a masterfully crafted historical fiction novel set against the turbulent backdrop of 16th-century Europe, a time rife with religious and political tensions. We are introduced to Marcel, a spirited twelve-year-old orphan with an admiration for sea captain Jean Ribault. Fate takes a turn when Marcel embarks on a quest, allying himself with Jean Ribault and the Huguenots. Together, they traverse the seas aboard the La Trinite, driven by the noble aim of seeking refuge in Florida for France’s persecuted Protestants. They encounter the indigenous Timucuans and a myriad of unexpected challenges.
Acuña has woven a tapestry of adventure, cultural confrontations, and human resilience in All Battles End at Sunset. Through a blend of dynamic action sequences, detailed historical insights, and a cast of unforgettable characters, he paints a vibrant picture of a past era. The lush landscapes come alive with Acuña’s descriptions, allowing readers to vicariously experience Marcel’s transformative journey. With his unparalleled prowess with a bow and a heart filled with bravery and selflessness, Marcel stands out as a character readers will find easy to root for. The genuine interactions, particularly among the younger characters, inject warmth and depth to the story, offering moments of levity even amidst challenging circumstances.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the novel All Battles End at Sunset, by Jared Acuña, I think the sophisticated writing style, while enriching, may pose some challenges for its intended younger readers. I feel the narrative does have moments where it lingers a bit, particularly in the initial stages. Yet, these minor critiques aside, All Battles End at Sunset stands as a commendable work that will undoubtedly captivate those with a penchant for historical narratives and enthralling adventures.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0C5L1B8JV
Eva of the Nation: Romance and Rebellion in the Irish Famine
Eva of the Nation brilliantly delves into the life and legacy of Mary Anne Kelly, an eminent poet, and essayist whose prose galvanized the Irish spirit during the harrowing times of the Irish famine. A prodigious talent, at just 16 years of age, Mary Anne—later recognized as Eva—made her literary debut in The Nation, a revered journal established to embolden the Irish populace. Alongside two other female luminaries, Mary Anne earned the moniker of one of the “three graces.” As the famine intensified, her writings became a beacon, kindling the revolutionary fervor that surged amongst the Irish during this tumultuous era.
Crafting a historical fiction deeply rooted in factual events, Katherine Kirby Smith offers readers an immersive and enlightening exploration of the formidable Eva’s life and literary achievements. Narrated with the intimacy of Mary Anne recounting her life’s journey six decades later, we are acquainted with pivotal figures who were not just pillars of The Nation but also embodiments of the spirit of defiance prevalent during the Irish famine. Smith masterfully paints Mary Anne’s fervent patriotism and her yearning to see Ireland emancipated from British hegemony. This passion catalyzes her fateful encounter with Kevin O’Doherty, a doctor and compatriot in the Young Ireland movement.
While I enjoyed the story, I feel like the initial section of the book leans heavily into exposition, which may challenge the reader’s engagement despite its importance in setting the backdrop of the Irish revolutionary landscape. However, patience is rewarded as the tempo escalates, allowing readers to deeply resonate with and root for the evolving ensemble of characters. Midway, the narrative swells with momentum as Mary Anne matures, navigating the charged sociopolitical tapestry of Ireland.
Author Katherine Kirby Smith’s Eva of the Nation: Romance and Rebellion in the Irish Famine, while a work of historical fiction, stands as a compelling testament, making the captivating history of this era both accessible and evocative.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0C2SCNZBC
The Estelusti Trail
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of mid-nineteenth century Florida, where the very ground seems to tremble with tension, The Estelusti Trail by Roy V. Gaston plunges readers into the life of a young warrior navigating a landscape fraught with danger. As the English and Spanish colonists voraciously stake their claims—on lands, resources, and even people—the region becomes a powder keg. The stakes intensified with the pressing demands of the Indian Removal Act, kindling a fiery resistance among the Seminoles.
Gaston’s narrative is seen through the discerning eyes of Pete Horse, a teenage Black Seminole warrior. He’s not just a warrior of battles but of cultures as he grapples with the convergence of age-old traditions and foreign invasions. This historical fiction deftly blends real events with a rich tapestry of imagined experiences, portraying the profound cultural and political tugs-of-war of the period.
As societies with deeply entrenched beliefs and customs clash, trying to retain control over territories they each deem as their own, readers are offered an intimate look into the complexities of these cultural intersections. The plot’s dynamic pace ensures that The Estelusti Trail is not just an enlightening historical journey but also an enthralling page-turner.
Gaston’s narrative prowess not only holds the reader captive from start to finish but also ignites a curiosity about the intricate, multifaceted history of the Seminole Wars. This is historical fiction at its finest, providing both enlightenment and entertainment.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0CDD53ZLW
The Meaning For Life
Eleven Arrows follows an archaeologist in 1850 AD who discovers an ancient manuscript that could change what the world knows about history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The ancient manuscript idea came later. I have always been fascinated by ancient history and the origin of our world, but the inspiration for this story was more to do with writing an adventure story. In my first trip overseas, as I’m sure many can relate, I experienced an awakening to new experiences and cultures. This awakening brought back my early desire to be an author. The story I started writing was about a boy who grew up in an ancient village of guides. I liked the idea of this happening at a time when you could load what you belonged on a horse or camel and venture into the unknown to find your place in the world. The antagonists for the story were immediately obvious—anyone or thing that would prevent peaceful travel or new settlement. The antagonism needs to grow in a good story and I chose an antagonist in the form of one who stopped people from living wherever they liked, a ruler. I did not know who this ruler was or the exact setting when I started writing. Before I began my research, I created my protagonist, a boy who wanted to discover the world and learn everything. The inclusion of the Archaeologist, Fred Baker, came after I had realised I was not writing a simple story. I had set my story in the ancient past and research was required. The real setup came in the research phase. People didn’t write stories back then, or did they? I wanted to know of the oldest story ever written.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I knew I had a journey of research ahead of me before I continued my protagonist’s journey. When I returned to Australia, I was distracted from my tertiary studies by the story I had started. I shared the idea for my story with my cousins and a girlfriend of a cousin, they are now married, was interested. She was also studying and worked part time at the Museum. Her assistance was invaluable in my research phase. We spent several days at the University of Queensland library. Margaret (acknowledged in all my books) would search the shelves and bring texts to my desk. Through this process, the Akkadian period, the world’s first empire, was identified as an ideal setting. What also grabbed my attention was repeated mention of a tree of life. This initial research allowed me an entry to the greater story. Ongoing research continued for the next decade. With the advent of the Internet, research became easier. One of my most common searches was etymology. I also researched religious stories and their origins.
The themes I was exploring became clearer to me through a cyclical journey of write, read, research and write again. I enjoyed the process. I’m not one to rush what I care about. The great Library of Alexandria grabbed my attention. Stories from all over the world were recorded there and the demise of the library is still debatable. My character, Fred Baker, was introduced as a means to authenticate the narrative. With his introduction, I was able to label the time and set the scene. Fred, disliked by some readers, has a journey of his own to complete. 1850, an age of discovery and a time when bandages from mummified people was exported as kindle is not to be ignored.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme to me was meaning, the meaning for life. It is still my first question, often phrased as why? Familial bonds, friendship, truth, duty, destiny, death and change all play a role. In high school I was fascinated by the introduction to the Sumerians and the Egyptians and then it quickly moved to the Romans and Greeks. I understand why education does not dwell on early civilizations. We don’t know enough. The Akkadians were the world’s first Empire and I‘m glad Margaret told me to publish. So many don’t know about this period of history. I might not have either if I didn’t dive into the rabbit hole. And it’s a free dive. My editors might have questioned some content but only in relation to historical accuracy and grammar. More detail has been added in revisions before publication. Would the same story have been told if it went through a publishing house? Enjoy. The ultimate question is answered.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Eleven Arrows is the first book in the trilogy. Enter the Bull’s Burrow was released in 2021. End of Morrow has been released recently. Readers can expect visceral settings and real characters from an ancient past. Book 1 establishes Kar and his journey as a Guardian. Book 2 sees Guardians head west and Kar make life-changing decisions. Book 3 has Kar and the Guardians face the greatest test.
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2300 BC. The Akkadians have blazed a trail of death and destruction through the Sumerian city-states as they carve out the first empire the world has ever seen. Barbarian raids and bandit attacks plague the outskirts of the burgeoning empire. From the chaos, a tribe emerges and establishes their reputation as Guardians — protectors of innocent traders. When an Akkadian army crosses the mighty Zagros Mountains, to forge a stronghold in the East, only the Guardians stand in their way.
Millennia later, in 1850 AD, English archaeologist, Fred Baker, becomes embroiled in this ancient past when he learns of a manuscript that survived the fall of the Great Library of Alexandria. His authentication of the text could challenge written history but he must also tread carefully or risk losing more than his reputation.
War’s Burdens
Plowman: Harvest of Grain and Innocence follows two young girls who discover in their grandparent’s attic old wartime journals from their ancestors. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
Three years ago, I began writing ideas about two teenage girls, best friends, who fell into a winding fire escape from the third floor of a house. They dropped into a land torn by greed, tyranny, and war. It was to be a fantasy tale. The strange country, prehistoric and mythical animals, different people, main characters, and plot were set. Then, my initial research of past and current wars, as well as fantasy tales, took a sharp turn and led me to instead write this historical fiction novel, Plowman. The muse that guides my writing called for real-life learning, companionship, friendship, faith, loss, suffering, and recovery in our time and place. The original fantasy tale is saved for another time.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Atop my personal experience with war, I delved into the histories of wars, ancient to modern. My general research question was: What were the proclaimed reasons for one country attacking another country, the tactics and weapons, suffering and loss on both sides, and the spoils for the victors?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Mainly, the never-ending suffering, death, loss of liberty, self-determination, and identity, stolen possessions, and livelihood for the men, women, and children who bear war’s burdens.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
How do we become more just, truthful, and compassionate as people? Wars have been a part of human experience since the beginning of time. Doing nothing or wishing wars away is a distraction, at best, complicit, at worst. Bad things happen. Wicked people exist. A nation must always be prepared to defend itself against evil as a last resort. Have wise, experienced, and honorable leaders. Inform its people about threats. Be fair, truthful, and just. Be prepared to go to war for its people and its allies, mindful that citizens and soldiers will die on battlefields.
Eleven Arrows (Guardians of the East, Book1)
In J.P. Manning’s novel Eleven Arrows, we journey between two distinct yet intricately intertwined epochs: the flourishing Akkadian empire of 2300 BC and the adventures of English archaeologist Fred Baker in 1850 AD. Manning crafts a multi-layered narrative rich in detail, plunging readers into a meticulously rendered universe.
While the initial chapters set in 1850 AD may seem somewhat extended, they deftly lay the groundwork for an enthralling dive into history. Through the eyes of young Kar, we become intimate spectators to the saga’s unfolding events.
Eleven Arrows truly excels in its vivid portrayal of characters, settings, and emotions, forging a deep bond between the reader and the narrative. Manning’s storytelling seamlessly marries simplicity with depth, a testament to his prowess with prose. Central to the tale are themes of kinship, camaraderie, and the embrace of transformation, elements that deeply resonate on a human scale. As the story ends, we are left poised on the precipice of what promises to be a riveting series, hungering for the next book to come.
While Eleven Arrows is very entertaining, with its robust storyline, evocative characters, and gripping themes, I think the pacing of the early Victorian era chapters are absorbing but could benefit from more conciseness.
Eleven Arrows is a remarkable introduction from J.P. Manning, and an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction. Its universal themes centered on familial bonds and the essence of embracing evolution make it an unputdownable literary treat.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B09K4SJ7V6
Memoirs of a Libertine: A Modern Picaresque Tale
In the sweeping tapestry of human ambition, the quest for personal gratification and material gain often leads to tragedy. Memoirs of a Libertine: A Modern Picaresque Tale, by Thomas Bauer, beautifully encapsulates this narrative through the vibrant life of Armie Thornton, aptly referred to as Libertine. Driven by a thirst for hedonistic pursuits, Libertine detaches himself from familial ties and monetary inheritances to follow his heart’s deepest desires.
With a life punctuated by music, exotic locales, and the allure of affluent women, Libertine’s narrative traverses continents—spanning Europe, the United States, and the vibrant landscapes of Africa. Bauer masterfully crafts a tale where each sojourn comes alive with a carnivalesque feel, illustrating seduction and opportunism with incredible imagery.
Bauer’s lush, poetic descriptions intertwined with sharp dialogues make Libertine leap off the pages, creating an almost tangible entity—someone who might have regaled these tales in a dimly lit lounge. Among the many relationships that shape Libertine’s destiny, his interactions with Lady Anne are particularly captivating. Not only does she bestow upon him the title of Lord, but she also emerges as a refined and formidable influence as his mentor, helping him navigate life’s complexities.
Memoirs of a Libertine offers readers an exhilarating tale of pleasure and passion. Despite the questionable means by which Libertine acquires his joys, one can’t help but become so engrossed in his journey that we hope for a kind fate for the main character. A compelling read, this novel is an exploration of desire, consequence, and the timeless dance between the two.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0CF36222F
LITERARY TITAN 