Blog Archives
The Royal Order of the Last Coin
In Royal Order of the Last Coin, Joyce Burton Crawford embarks on a captivating journey through her family’s past, unearthing a hidden chapter that reaches back to the 13th century. This compelling narrative blends themes of service, courage, faith, romance, and moral conviction, all centered around the birth of the De Burton legacy. Crawford masterfully intertwines history and storytelling, crafting a narrative that feels alive with emotion and depth.
Rather than a straightforward recounting of historical facts, Crawford reimagines events through a unique blend of fact and fiction. Her writing defies the conventions of traditional historical works, transforming what could have been a dry retelling into an engaging and emotionally resonant story. She doesn’t simply list events; instead, she adds touches of humor and moments of romance that draw readers in, making history feel fresh and relatable. Narrated from the perspective of her ancestors, the book unfolds in third person, giving each character their own voice and allowing their stories to develop with nuance. This narrative choice brings the past to life, giving readers an intimate view of the lives, struggles, and convictions of those who shaped the De Burton legacy. Despite the centuries between them, these ancestors feel vivid and immediate, their experiences unfolding naturally through Crawford’s careful and concise prose. Joyce’s writing is clear and accessible, ensuring readers can easily follow along as she guides them through her family’s rich history. She sets the stage from the outset, explaining her purpose and providing context for what is to come. Every scene and event is described in meticulous detail, making the story not only easy to follow but deeply immersive. The reader is transported into the world of her ancestors, experiencing the weight of their decisions and the significance of their faith. While the pace occasionally slows during more detailed sections, these moments offer readers time to reflect on the deeper themes at play—faith, legacy, and personal duty. Crawford isn’t merely recounting her ancestry; she’s capturing the essence of the values that shaped her family, particularly their unwavering devotion to God.
Royal Order of the Last Coin is more than a historical account. It is a deeply personal exploration of legacy and faith, a heartfelt story that will resonate with readers interested in family history or tales of moral conviction and strength. Crawford’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling to bring the past to life, making it an enriching and memorable read.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0B3JW932M
The Secret Hamlet
In The Secret Hamlet, authors Judith Briles and Brian Barnes continue the narrative of Nichol, their resilient protagonist from The Secret Journey. This second installment of the Harmonie Series transports readers back to medieval France, where Nichol, having fled from peril, seeks to establish a sanctuary for herself and others in danger. Surrounded by a blend of old friends and new, including her supportive husband Robert and parental figures Helene and Ezra, Nichol faces the lingering threat posed by her revenge-seeking mother and brother, allied with the corrupt priest, Loupe.
The novel shines with its richly depicted medieval setting and seamless integration of new characters who enhance the stakes of Nichol’s plight. The Secret Hamlet adopts a more reflective narrative pace compared to its predecessor, focusing on character development through dialogue and discussion. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations and relationships. The sequel also employs frequent shifts in point of view, offering a variety of perspectives that add layers to the unfolding events. These narrative techniques invite readers to engage more thoughtfully with the story, providing a rich tapestry of interactions that highlight the complexities of its characters and their medieval setting. Nichol remains a compelling central figure, particularly in her role as a mother. Yet, the enigmatic figure of The Lady who guides her remains underexplored. Clarifying whether The Lady is a religious icon or a mystical entity and detailing her motivations could lend greater depth to Nichol’s reliance on her visions, which are critical given her role as the linchpin in her community’s safety.
Crafted with evident care, The Secret Hamlet builds upon the strengths of The Secret Journey, deepening its exploration of resilience and community within a vividly rendered historical setting. While it adopts a different tone, focusing more on introspection and the strategic elements of building a safe haven, the narrative offers a compelling look at Nichol’s journey. The enriched insights into the characters’ personal motivations and their intricate relationships add depth to the unfolding story, reinforcing the series’ thematic focus on perseverance and unity.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0CRXRD3JH
The Secret Journey
The Secret Journey, co-authored by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, delves into the tumultuous life of Lisa, the sole daughter of a port commander in Marseilles, France. This young adult historical fiction paints a vivid picture of Lisa’s complex familial dynamics, highlighting her estrangement from her mother and brother in contrast to the adoration of her father, Alexander. Alexander, recognizing Lisa’s acute understanding of human intentions, is a pillar of support in her life. However, the narrative takes a dark turn with his untimely death, attributed to poisoning by Lisa’s mother. In the wake of this tragedy, Lisa’s life undergoes a drastic transformation. She flees her opulent life, taking on the disguise of a teenage boy named Nichol, and sets out for Paris, pursued by unseen threats. This journey is a flight for survival and a quest for a greater purpose, shadowed by the need to address past injustices.
The narrative captivates from the start, with a rhythm that dynamically shifts to reflect the varying phases of Lisa’s journey. This variance in pacing adds a unique flavor to the story, especially in the rapid development of Lisa’s romance with Robert. This brisk unfolding introduces an element of surprise and spontaneity, which can be particularly appealing to readers who enjoy unexpected turns in a storyline. The dialogue and narrative structure are skillfully crafted, laying a solid foundation for the story. There’s an exciting opportunity here to deepen this already engaging narrative. By exploring the characters’ emotions and motivations in more detail, the authors have the potential to enrich the reader’s experience, making it even more immersive. This enhancement in character development promises to strengthen the reader’s connection with the characters, adding an extra layer of intimacy and engagement to an already captivating tale.
The Secret Journey is a commendable choice for those interested in a story featuring a strong female lead overcoming familial strife in a medieval setting. The novel’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery, set against a historical backdrop, makes it a noteworthy addition to the young adult historical fiction genre.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0BMM14LYK
LITERARY TITAN 