A Boy At War is an exciting and suspenseful novel about Pearl Harbor. The main character is Adam Pelko whose father is a Navy officer on the Arizona wA Boy At War is an exciting and suspenseful novel about Pearl Harbor. The main character is Adam Pelko whose father is a Navy officer on the Arizona when it was bombed by the Japanese on a Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. Adam was out in the harbor fishing with his friends Davi who was Japanese, and Martin when the bombs hit. He was told to help carry guns and ammunition crates. Adam found out that his dad died on the ship. His mom wanted to leave Hawaii after the attack but Adam wanted to stay with his friends. Now I want to read the sequel to see what happens....more
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author Sarah Freethy for the digital advanced copy of The Porcelain Maker in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author Sarah Freethy for the digital advanced copy of The Porcelain Maker in exchange for an honest review. Is this novel Sarah Freethy’s debut? Incredible! She writes with such depth! Ms. Freethy’s writing style is delightful to read, despite the dreadful subject matter. Her writing craft is firmly established with her use of imagery, word choice, and voice. The characters are multi dimensional and dynamic and this reader found a connection with them. It is astounding how vividly the characters are portrayed as they come to life on the printed page. The unique plot and storyline is captivating. The pacing is perfect, building tension and suspense in the rising action. The tension and suspense peaks, culminating in an explosive climax. The denouement is beautifully written and deeply satisfying.
The research for this historical fiction is remarkably thorough and substantial. My five star ratings are rare; The Porcelain Maker earns the five, unquestionably! Kudos, Ms. Freethy, for a stellar debut!...more
Revisited this old friend. It is even better the second (third?) time around! Charlotte Bronte created a worthy and formidable protagonist in Jane EyrRevisited this old friend. It is even better the second (third?) time around! Charlotte Bronte created a worthy and formidable protagonist in Jane Eyre, a feminist before her time. ...more
In hindsight I realize THE LAST PASSENGER is the last book in the PREQUEL trilogy! I was not at a loss that I came in late to the story arc, which is In hindsight I realize THE LAST PASSENGER is the last book in the PREQUEL trilogy! I was not at a loss that I came in late to the story arc, which is a credit to the author! There is a richness to Mr. Finch’s writing and I am thrilled to be introduced to this series. The prose is lovely and absorbing! The historical research is excellent and enthralling!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the advanced copy in exchange for a personal review,...more
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
True crime meets historical fiction - rivetingMy thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
True crime meets historical fiction - riveting! I’ve always been fascinated with history and learning anew truths of the past. The Blue Cloak sheds light on a dark and grisly period in the 18th century, describing the first serial killers in these new United States of America circa 1780. Riveting with horrifyingly details, The Blue Cloak chronicles the swath of destruction and evil perpetrated by two brothers(cousins?) along early frontier settlements in Kentucky and Tennessee. Painstakingly researched, insofar as possible through a myriad of sources, the author is commended in creating a probable storyline depicting the terrors inflicted on unsuspecting travelers and townsfolk in isolated territories along the Cumberland region.
Underlying themes of hope in the midst of hopelessness, God’s light and presence prevailing in the midst of the evil darkness is mentioned but not deeply developed. The pathology of domestic violence is shockingly revealed as is Stockholm syndrome. The author attempts to answer the question that plagues us all: what is the genesis of such horrendous evil in the psyche - the making of a psychopath? Sobering in its reality....more
Impeccable research. Dynamic characters with authentic dialogue. Engaging writing style with vivid imagery. Excellent. Enlightening. It is an importanImpeccable research. Dynamic characters with authentic dialogue. Engaging writing style with vivid imagery. Excellent. Enlightening. It is an important read. However, the weighted content makes this a difficult read. Very heavy hearted. It is a credit to author Daniel Silva to so deeply impact readers to the horrors of the Holocaust. It is much more in the historical espionage fiction genre rather than escapism thriller- chiller. ...more
I would like to thank NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First, I do not think it wise to compareI would like to thank NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First, I do not think it wise to compare a new book to one previously published. Women participating in WWII French resistance is the ONLY COMMONALITY between this novel and THE NIGHTINGALE!
I read it again! First time, March 2018! So complex and so much depth! I think I only comprehend a fraction of the political machinations. I was cluelI read it again! First time, March 2018! So complex and so much depth! I think I only comprehend a fraction of the political machinations. I was clueless as to the one who betrayed Nadia and Gabriel.... quite a lot of cast of characters to keep straight. And, I couldn’t grasp how art played into this one... other than the donations of Nadia’s collection revealed at the end of the book. Hmmm. Obviously, one can not skim or scan! My bad.
Even so, Mr. Silva’s writing is politically enlightening however fictionalized the story. More importantly, his writing has raised my awareness of Saudi jihadists and their involvement in terrorists activity as well as the governments’ financial complicity. Human rights of women, even educated ones, is extremely abhorrent and eye-opening.
Mr. Silva’s research is impeccable. He does a fine job of explaining the fictional parts and their basis in truth. Excellent historical fiction!...more
Night Witches is a fascinating story in the historical fiction genre. It tells the true story of three regimen of women in the Russian Air Force, regiNight Witches is a fascinating story in the historical fiction genre. It tells the true story of three regimen of women in the Russian Air Force, regimens created just for them during WWII. The night witches flew bombing raids over German troops. I liked the characters, who were round and dynamic. Good pacing throughout and held my interest! My interest was further piqued by the storyline itself: women doing “manly” things, withstanding and overcoming derisions and obstacles of gender discrimination. Yet, these women fought and died for their beloved Motherland. They were lauded with honor after the successful missions. Theirs was a bold undertaking in this little known, compelling piece of history.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review....more
Carnegie’s Maid is beautifully written with descriptive imagery that transports the reader back in time to the setting. The sights and sounds and the Carnegie’s Maid is beautifully written with descriptive imagery that transports the reader back in time to the setting. The sights and sounds and the mores of the era are masterfully detailed and authentic. The characterizations are dynamic and well developed; the characters voices are authentic and engaging.
This is a delightful, compelling read, seemingly well searched; extremely interesting and informative! I love historical fiction, and Marie Benedict has masterfully crafted two outstanding books in this genre!
Thank you, Ms. Benedict, NetGalley, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review!...more
*3.5 Kristen Hannah is hands down a most eloquent writer. Her lyrical prose and imagery is superb. Her WORD CHOICE is pitch perfect, eliciting emotional*3.5 Kristen Hannah is hands down a most eloquent writer. Her lyrical prose and imagery is superb. Her WORD CHOICE is pitch perfect, eliciting emotional responses in the reader that are astounding. Her CHARACTERS are well developed and multi dimensional, engaging the reader. In THE GREAT ALONE, Ms. Hannah stays true to form and accomplishes all the aforementioned. However, be forewarned, this particular novel is quite different from her other novels I have read. The weighted content is disturbing.
THE GREAT ALONE centers around domestic abuse, raw and graphic. The thematic issues of love, loyalty, perseverance, hope, and survival in the Alaskan wilderness are overshadowed by forces of darkness and malevolence in one of the main characters. It is deeply thought provoking, but dark. If the dark subject matter is a literary technique to parallel the long, dark, tedious Alaskan winter with the scenes that are depicted in the book, then the technique IS VERY successful: the domestic scenes are numerous and dreadful and the shear redundancy of them becomes tedious to read. The harshness of the Alaskan winters pale in comparison to the Allbrights’ lives. Therein lies a major issue I have: the repetitive abuse dominates the narrative and the pacing slows as a result. It is a painful, arduous read. Again, hard and harsh issues are painful, but it isn’t what I was expecting in this novel. It is most certainly about extreme domestic violence, yet it has not been advertised as such. It is advertised as a novel about survival in the Alaskan wilderness. However, said survival takes second chair to the survival from physical abuse which prevailed.
Another issue: two of the main characters do not seem authentic. Although it is written in the 3rd person POV, the reader never once gets a glimpse into the male character’s inner thoughts. We witness the results of his inner demons, but not the root cause. The reader is not privy to his point of view. The one main female character doesn’t ring true: her call to action to protect her daughter is eighteen years too late. She had eighteen years to protect her daughter! Eighteen years when she did NOT protect her daughter! This makes her an unlikable character. She had means, opportunity and resources to escape, as she was from a privileged background. The bell certainly is not ringing true. While the middle lags due to the redundant scenes of the character’s slow descent into depths of inner hell, the beautiful ending (yes! there is a happy ever-after ending!)is rushed and not developed thoroughly. I can’t say I love this book.
Ms Hannah succeeds in developing deeply moving storylines and THE GREAT ALONE is no exception. It is deeply emotional and the storyline will stay with me; however, it was not billed as a story of domestic abuse which dominated the plot...and it was disturbingly dark. I certainly like parts of it, but my sensitivities are in overload, and I can’t recommend it without the aforementioned caveats....more
The Kremlin’s Candidate is the final installment in The Red Sparrow Trilogy….how I am going to miss these richly drawn, multi-dimensional characters! The Kremlin’s Candidate is the final installment in The Red Sparrow Trilogy….how I am going to miss these richly drawn, multi-dimensional characters! I savored every word!
The Red Sparrow trilogy depicts 21st century spy craft in all its intrigue, dangers, and suspense. All the scenarios ring true ( even Russia’s ploy to cause disruption and chaos in elections)! The author has nailed it!
This series is complex; the language and vocabulary is complex. Yet, if you enjoy a deeply intriguing spy story with espionage, chills and thrills, it is a must read. A compelling read indeed! I was engaged with the characters and immersed in the storyline. Mr. Matthews is a superb author with his ability to elicit such an emotional response. It was a sad yet satisfactory, realistic ending.
Kudos to Mr. Matthews! My regret: the series has ended! I will not soon forget these characters you have brought to life and the political scenarios that are so true in “real” life....more
Wow! I have read other thrillers by Andrew Gross, but none as thrilling as THE ONE MAN. I was enthralled by another World War 2 novel, THE NIGHTINGALEWow! I have read other thrillers by Andrew Gross, but none as thrilling as THE ONE MAN. I was enthralled by another World War 2 novel, THE NIGHTINGALE, and even more so by this one. Round, dynamic characters, utterly intriguing plot, layer upon layer upon layer of suspenseful intrigue, highly intense climax, and, best of all, a very satisfying denouement! Mr. Gross has done his homework for this mesmerizing historically based novel, and all his research was used to develop an amazing fictional storyline. kudos, Mr. Gross!...more
Pamela Small
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Books:
historical-fic
(23)
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