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Recommend this book:
Blake's Story, Revenge and Forgiveness, 2nd editrion
J. Arthur Moore and Bryson Blake Brodzinski
2015 Bronze Medal
184 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Blake's Story: Revenge and Forgiveness, Second Edition is a historical fiction novel written by J. Arthur Moore with plotline created by Bryson B. Brodzinski. In April 9, 1862, Mrs. Micah Bradford, mistress of Bradford Plantation and Blake’s mother received a letter informing her that her husband had died in the battle in Shiloh. The US Civil War rages and Blake Bradford, eleven years old, is now consumed with the desire to avenge his father. He runs away from home and becomes a Confederate soldier. Blake is eventually wounded in Perryville, but a young Federal soldier helps him and he is taken into the enemy’s camp to get treatment. The two opposing soldiers eventually become friends and Blake’s idea of war will never be the same again.
Kudos to J. Arthur Moore and Bryson B. Brodzinski for coming up with the second edition of the historical fiction novel, Blake’s Story, Revenge and Forgiveness. Blake Bradford is but a child when he comes face to face with the loss of his father who fought in the US Civil War. He joins the war as an eleven-year-old boy with revenge in his heart, and this makes him a remarkable yet naïve character. It is not surprising if readers will be moved by the need to protect and guide this child as he embarks on a mission to avenge his father. The plot, however, goes in a direction that is most unexpected and herein lies the real lesson of Blake’s Story. The novel also offers a refreshing perspective about war as seen through the eyes of young soldiers during this time. Well researched and informative, this book is an effective way for young readers to learn about an event in the past that has greatly influenced the course of US history and also to learn to look at war through the eyes of Blake Bradford.
Blake's Story: Revenge and Forgiveness, Second Edition is a historical fiction novel written by J. Arthur Moore with plotline created by Bryson B. Brodzinski. In April 9, 1862, Mrs. Micah Bradford, mistress of Bradford Plantation and Blake’s mother received a letter informing her that her husband had died in the battle in Shiloh. The US Civil War rages and Blake Bradford, eleven years old, is now consumed with the desire to avenge his father. He runs away from home and becomes a Confederate soldier. Blake is eventually wounded in Perryville, but a young Federal soldier helps him and he is taken into the enemy’s camp to get treatment. The two opposing soldiers eventually become friends and Blake’s idea of war will never be the same again.
Kudos to J. Arthur Moore and Bryson B. Brodzinski for coming up with the second edition of the historical fiction novel, Blake’s Story, Revenge and Forgiveness. Blake Bradford is but a child when he comes face to face with the loss of his father who fought in the US Civil War. He joins the war as an eleven-year-old boy with revenge in his heart, and this makes him a remarkable yet naïve character. It is not surprising if readers will be moved by the need to protect and guide this child as he embarks on a mission to avenge his father. The plot, however, goes in a direction that is most unexpected and herein lies the real lesson of Blake’s Story. The novel also offers a refreshing perspective about war as seen through the eyes of young soldiers during this time. Well researched and informative, this book is an effective way for young readers to learn about an event in the past that has greatly influenced the course of US history and also to learn to look at war through the eyes of Blake Bradford.
Recommend this book:
The Guardian of Secrets
Jana Petken
2015 Silver Medal
738 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The Guardian of Secrets by Jana Petken is a historical fiction that chronicles the ordeals of a recently wedded British woman, Celia Merrill Dobbs, and her family during the Spanish Civil War. In 1912, Celia’s marriage is a dire one when she discovers her husband Joseph is the one who killed her father, and that he used their marriage to get his hands on her father’s prosperous farm in the English countryside. She and her newborn son Peter escape to Spain, where she takes refuge at the Martinéz home, aristocratic landholders in Valencia. Celia falls in love with widower Ernesto Martinéz. Before long, they get married and raise their four children in the middle of increasing political tensions in the country.
Petken does such a good job that easily evokes the elements from the early 20th century, culture, and politics with her complex characters’ development that I effortlessly immersed myself in the story. Her skill certainly resounded with this reader. This is a very compelling historical family drama with a dash of romance. I constantly rooted for Celia, especially when she finds new love, while hoping that her dreadful first husband Joseph won’t ruin everything. The Spanish Civil War serves as a powerful background in The Guardian of Secrets, which is well-written and well-researched. The rich, vivid descriptions of each scene and surroundings, from England to Spain, are excellently portrayed and easy to visualize. All in all, The Guardians of Secrets is a thrilling and engaging read. It will definitely please historical fiction fans.
The Guardian of Secrets by Jana Petken is a historical fiction that chronicles the ordeals of a recently wedded British woman, Celia Merrill Dobbs, and her family during the Spanish Civil War. In 1912, Celia’s marriage is a dire one when she discovers her husband Joseph is the one who killed her father, and that he used their marriage to get his hands on her father’s prosperous farm in the English countryside. She and her newborn son Peter escape to Spain, where she takes refuge at the Martinéz home, aristocratic landholders in Valencia. Celia falls in love with widower Ernesto Martinéz. Before long, they get married and raise their four children in the middle of increasing political tensions in the country.
Petken does such a good job that easily evokes the elements from the early 20th century, culture, and politics with her complex characters’ development that I effortlessly immersed myself in the story. Her skill certainly resounded with this reader. This is a very compelling historical family drama with a dash of romance. I constantly rooted for Celia, especially when she finds new love, while hoping that her dreadful first husband Joseph won’t ruin everything. The Spanish Civil War serves as a powerful background in The Guardian of Secrets, which is well-written and well-researched. The rich, vivid descriptions of each scene and surroundings, from England to Spain, are excellently portrayed and easy to visualize. All in all, The Guardians of Secrets is a thrilling and engaging read. It will definitely please historical fiction fans.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/like-footprints-in-the-wind&media=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmMtD3SkL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In Pamela Atherstone's novel ". . . Like Footprints in the Wind" the saga of a family torn apart takes us from unrest in a German-Russian village at the hands of Stalin to their separate destinies. Under Stalin's rule families are uprooted overnight and forced on a journey of unimaginable consequences. Johannes and Katerina pack items they feel can...){kind=link}
...Like Footprints in the Wind
A Generation Lost
Pamela Atherstone
2014 Finalist
388 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Alice Recker for Readers' Favorite
In Pamela Atherstone's novel ". . . Like Footprints in the Wind" the saga of a family torn apart takes us from unrest in a German-Russian village at the hands of Stalin to their separate destinies. Under Stalin's rule families are uprooted overnight and forced on a journey of unimaginable consequences. Johannes and Katerina pack items they feel can't be left at home and along with their four young children and their two teenage daughters, they begin a trek that ultimately is destined for Siberia. On the treacherous trip Katerina must find a respectable gravesite to bury her baby, Rosina. Eventually they are loaded onto cramped and windowless boxcars and after many days reach their destination. The family is quickly separated and this is the ultimate dagger in the hearts of each of them. Only one daughter is saved and Anya's quest is to find the rest of her family.
Pamela Atherstone's ". . . Like Footprints in the Wind" is a riveting story of a dark phase in history few of us recall. She has the unique ability to tell the tale of the dislocation of German-Russian families in a way that brings home the cruelty of leaders toward their own people. The family Atherstone depicts is like any loving and hard-working family. Their individual destinations end the similarities. Atherstone's talent for telling a story brings the reader to admire the unusual way this particular family learns to cope and the realization of how many others endured unspeakable hardships. My hope is Pamela Atherstone continues her stories to both enlighten and to entertain us all. I look forward to more books coming from this author.
In Pamela Atherstone's novel ". . . Like Footprints in the Wind" the saga of a family torn apart takes us from unrest in a German-Russian village at the hands of Stalin to their separate destinies. Under Stalin's rule families are uprooted overnight and forced on a journey of unimaginable consequences. Johannes and Katerina pack items they feel can't be left at home and along with their four young children and their two teenage daughters, they begin a trek that ultimately is destined for Siberia. On the treacherous trip Katerina must find a respectable gravesite to bury her baby, Rosina. Eventually they are loaded onto cramped and windowless boxcars and after many days reach their destination. The family is quickly separated and this is the ultimate dagger in the hearts of each of them. Only one daughter is saved and Anya's quest is to find the rest of her family.
Pamela Atherstone's ". . . Like Footprints in the Wind" is a riveting story of a dark phase in history few of us recall. She has the unique ability to tell the tale of the dislocation of German-Russian families in a way that brings home the cruelty of leaders toward their own people. The family Atherstone depicts is like any loving and hard-working family. Their individual destinations end the similarities. Atherstone's talent for telling a story brings the reader to admire the unusual way this particular family learns to cope and the realization of how many others endured unspeakable hardships. My hope is Pamela Atherstone continues her stories to both enlighten and to entertain us all. I look forward to more books coming from this author.
Recommend this book:
Gisborne
Book of Pawns - Book 1 of The Gisborne Saga
Prue Batten
2014 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
As “Book of Pawns” begins, Sir Guy of Gisborne is accompanying Lady Ysabel back to her home in Moncrieff after her mother’s death. This would be a long and adventurous journey throwing Gisborne and Ysabel closely together, forcing a difficult, unwanted relationship between the two of them. Gisborne was a complex, difficult man, not always to be trusted but that didn’t stop the strong physical attraction of passion and lust between the two of them. Wow, this book captured me in the beginning and I was engulfed in its pages until the very end. A true thrilling page turner with characters that will surely keep you on your toes. I enjoyed the visit to the Twelfth century England and the wonderful details and vivid descriptions of the area as well as the life and times of that era. The more I read, the more I really liked Ysabel. Upon returning home, she had to face the reality of her mother’s death and the ruins of her father, which she had only just learned about. And as if that is not enough, Yeabel’s personal life was anything but happy, a devastating marriage to a horrible man, all of the difficult and heart-wrenching things she had to endure, not at all what she hoped life would be for her.
Prue Batten’s “Gisborne: Book of Pawns” is for sure Guy of Gisborne without Robin Hood, without the Sheriff of Nottingham and without Maid Marian. A twisted and enticing tale that you will not want to end, this story will stay with you for a while after you read the last page. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this enticing book to read and enjoy for yourself. This is a book you will be happy you read!
As “Book of Pawns” begins, Sir Guy of Gisborne is accompanying Lady Ysabel back to her home in Moncrieff after her mother’s death. This would be a long and adventurous journey throwing Gisborne and Ysabel closely together, forcing a difficult, unwanted relationship between the two of them. Gisborne was a complex, difficult man, not always to be trusted but that didn’t stop the strong physical attraction of passion and lust between the two of them. Wow, this book captured me in the beginning and I was engulfed in its pages until the very end. A true thrilling page turner with characters that will surely keep you on your toes. I enjoyed the visit to the Twelfth century England and the wonderful details and vivid descriptions of the area as well as the life and times of that era. The more I read, the more I really liked Ysabel. Upon returning home, she had to face the reality of her mother’s death and the ruins of her father, which she had only just learned about. And as if that is not enough, Yeabel’s personal life was anything but happy, a devastating marriage to a horrible man, all of the difficult and heart-wrenching things she had to endure, not at all what she hoped life would be for her.
Prue Batten’s “Gisborne: Book of Pawns” is for sure Guy of Gisborne without Robin Hood, without the Sheriff of Nottingham and without Maid Marian. A twisted and enticing tale that you will not want to end, this story will stay with you for a while after you read the last page. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this enticing book to read and enjoy for yourself. This is a book you will be happy you read!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/lifes-what-happens&media=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51U81atwsUL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Life's What Happens" by Kathy Clark and Alan Parker encapsulates what happened in 1969 and 1970 to a generation of young people whose lives were irrevocably changed as a result of the first draft lottery in the Vietnam War. We begin and end the story in the present day, seeing some of the characters as they reunite at the Kent University Campus un...){kind=link}
Life's What Happens
Kathy Clark & Alex Parker
2014 Bronze Medal
420 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Life's What Happens" by Kathy Clark and Alan Parker encapsulates what happened in 1969 and 1970 to a generation of young people whose lives were irrevocably changed as a result of the first draft lottery in the Vietnam War. We begin and end the story in the present day, seeing some of the characters as they reunite at the Kent University Campus under mysterious circumstances. Their memories and their feelings on revisiting University now that they are so much older and wiser are very poignantly and beautifully portrayed. Those of us of a certain age can all sympathize with Don’s feelings of being invisible to today’s youth. The rest of the novel is the flashback to the fateful time shortly before and after the draft. From party-going youngsters out to have a good time and fit some study in, they are forced to grow up overnight and face huge responsibilities. Some cope, others don’t. Some act wisely, others panic and become victims of their circumstances. There are triumphs and tragedies, happy and sad endings.
This is such an atmospheric novel, cleverly helped along by naming each chapter after a pop song of the period. The authors spare no detail and effort in recreating settings and sensations from the period in question. These range from the minutiae of fashion to the political background to all the turmoil that invades the students’ lives. It seems to be done effortlessly on their part but it calls on great skill and writership qualities to be so evocative. We feel we’re there in all the action, sharing the fun and then the tension and horror or the situations that arise. All the characters we meet are believable and persuasive, both as youths and their older selves. It’s not always easy to maintain interest in a large group of protagonists in a novel but these authors achieve this well. This is a gripping read, with its educational, historical, imaginative and very human ingredients. Brilliant writing.
"Life's What Happens" by Kathy Clark and Alan Parker encapsulates what happened in 1969 and 1970 to a generation of young people whose lives were irrevocably changed as a result of the first draft lottery in the Vietnam War. We begin and end the story in the present day, seeing some of the characters as they reunite at the Kent University Campus under mysterious circumstances. Their memories and their feelings on revisiting University now that they are so much older and wiser are very poignantly and beautifully portrayed. Those of us of a certain age can all sympathize with Don’s feelings of being invisible to today’s youth. The rest of the novel is the flashback to the fateful time shortly before and after the draft. From party-going youngsters out to have a good time and fit some study in, they are forced to grow up overnight and face huge responsibilities. Some cope, others don’t. Some act wisely, others panic and become victims of their circumstances. There are triumphs and tragedies, happy and sad endings.
This is such an atmospheric novel, cleverly helped along by naming each chapter after a pop song of the period. The authors spare no detail and effort in recreating settings and sensations from the period in question. These range from the minutiae of fashion to the political background to all the turmoil that invades the students’ lives. It seems to be done effortlessly on their part but it calls on great skill and writership qualities to be so evocative. We feel we’re there in all the action, sharing the fun and then the tension and horror or the situations that arise. All the characters we meet are believable and persuasive, both as youths and their older selves. It’s not always easy to maintain interest in a large group of protagonists in a novel but these authors achieve this well. This is a gripping read, with its educational, historical, imaginative and very human ingredients. Brilliant writing.
Recommend this book:
1918
David Cornish MD
2014 Bronze Medal
774 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
1918 by David Cornish is a well-researched historical novel about the pandemic that killed up to 100 million people in the midst of the ending of World War I. The story is told through the eyes of Dr. Edward Noble, an army major and infectious disease sub-specialist, who identifies an unprecedented and dangerous influenza strain. We join Dr. Noble in his war against the disease that caused pandemonium in the United States. At the same time, readers will get to know the man himself and his family.
David Cornish lives up to his expertise as M.D. with the detailed medical history and explanations in the story. The 1918 pandemic is not a piece of history that I know very well, thus this novel is an excellent way for me to learn more about it. The meticulous narrative undeniably has the ability to transport readers back to that era with its actual medical literature and terminology. It also highlights some particular gaps between the medical system of the 20th and 21st century. As a reader with a lack of medical knowledge, this is an easy read for me.
The important element of this novel (and one that should not be understated) is the determination to rise against any odds. Dr. Noble, his associates, and even his family persevere and keep the people around them united. On the whole, 1918 is a must-read, particularly for any medical practitioner, medical student, and epidemiologists, as well as anyone that would like to know more about one of the deadliest pandemics in history.
1918 by David Cornish is a well-researched historical novel about the pandemic that killed up to 100 million people in the midst of the ending of World War I. The story is told through the eyes of Dr. Edward Noble, an army major and infectious disease sub-specialist, who identifies an unprecedented and dangerous influenza strain. We join Dr. Noble in his war against the disease that caused pandemonium in the United States. At the same time, readers will get to know the man himself and his family.
David Cornish lives up to his expertise as M.D. with the detailed medical history and explanations in the story. The 1918 pandemic is not a piece of history that I know very well, thus this novel is an excellent way for me to learn more about it. The meticulous narrative undeniably has the ability to transport readers back to that era with its actual medical literature and terminology. It also highlights some particular gaps between the medical system of the 20th and 21st century. As a reader with a lack of medical knowledge, this is an easy read for me.
The important element of this novel (and one that should not be understated) is the determination to rise against any odds. Dr. Noble, his associates, and even his family persevere and keep the people around them united. On the whole, 1918 is a must-read, particularly for any medical practitioner, medical student, and epidemiologists, as well as anyone that would like to know more about one of the deadliest pandemics in history.
Recommend this book:
Finding Out
A Novel
Sheryn MacMunn
2014 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
When we first meet Sheila, the main character in Sheryn MacMunn's contemporary fiction novel, Finding Out, she's enduring the public humiliation of being dumped by her live-in boyfriend, in front of her neighbors, on the street outside their co-op building. Sheila is shocked to find out that he's moved out of their co-op while she was on a business trip, taken their joint savings, and found someone else. After their 7-year relationship, she's not sure how to reestablish herself as a single. Her job has also gotten more stressful with the introduction of Crystal, a young, spoiled woman with an important father, who has been made Sheila's direct responsibility. While she's struggling to make sense of it all, she accepts an invitation to dinner with Ruth, an elderly neighbor, for Sunday evening. Ruth says that Sunday evenings are the hardest in the kind of situation that Sheila finds herself in. Along with the dinner, Ruth begins to tell Sheila stories about her life.
Finding Out by Sheryn MacMunn is an impressively smooth and readable novel that weaves present and past together with deceptive ease. Sheila's business and personal problems are crazy and will seem all-too-familiar to many of those who've worked in an office and endured office politics; as well as those who've been on the receiving end of a poorly executed breakup. Where Finding Out really shines, however, is Ruth's series of stories about her childhood and coming of age in Nazi Germany. I felt like I was reading tales spun by a Scheherazade, as the beleaguered family hikes through the woods to find safety and ends up camping throughout the winter in the snow and cold. I have long been a student of WWII history and read many historical novels on the subject. Finding Out ranks up there with the best of them. Finding Out is a remarkable fusion of present and past and well worth reading.
When we first meet Sheila, the main character in Sheryn MacMunn's contemporary fiction novel, Finding Out, she's enduring the public humiliation of being dumped by her live-in boyfriend, in front of her neighbors, on the street outside their co-op building. Sheila is shocked to find out that he's moved out of their co-op while she was on a business trip, taken their joint savings, and found someone else. After their 7-year relationship, she's not sure how to reestablish herself as a single. Her job has also gotten more stressful with the introduction of Crystal, a young, spoiled woman with an important father, who has been made Sheila's direct responsibility. While she's struggling to make sense of it all, she accepts an invitation to dinner with Ruth, an elderly neighbor, for Sunday evening. Ruth says that Sunday evenings are the hardest in the kind of situation that Sheila finds herself in. Along with the dinner, Ruth begins to tell Sheila stories about her life.
Finding Out by Sheryn MacMunn is an impressively smooth and readable novel that weaves present and past together with deceptive ease. Sheila's business and personal problems are crazy and will seem all-too-familiar to many of those who've worked in an office and endured office politics; as well as those who've been on the receiving end of a poorly executed breakup. Where Finding Out really shines, however, is Ruth's series of stories about her childhood and coming of age in Nazi Germany. I felt like I was reading tales spun by a Scheherazade, as the beleaguered family hikes through the woods to find safety and ends up camping throughout the winter in the snow and cold. I have long been a student of WWII history and read many historical novels on the subject. Finding Out ranks up there with the best of them. Finding Out is a remarkable fusion of present and past and well worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Blood Shinobi
Revenge to Redemption
Edmund Kolbusz
2013 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
In “Blood Shinobi” Edmund Kolbusz tells the story of a boy called Naki. He is the only survivor of an attack on his home village. The attack was ordered by Oda Nobunaga and the young boy swore revenge. He would not rest until Nobunaga would die at his hand. As the story progresses, he often comes close to his goal; however, he has to learn that you often will only succeed if you also can show patience and wait for the right moment – but can he wait? Naki has to learn a lot and slowly turns into a more responsible young man – mainly because he meets people who help him along that way, for example, the beautiful Sai, the daughter of a Ninja Chunin. While staying with her family, he learns more about his past and discovers a truth that explains a lot about his life.
“Blood Shinobi” uses many events in Japanese history to tell the story and moves the characters in those events without compromising actual history too much. I chose the book because I love Japanese history and novels that use it as a background without ruining it. Edmund Kolbusz is one of the authors who manage to combine fiction with history. You could almost believe that Naki really existed – and who knows, there might have been a boy just like him. The story is well written even though some events are a bit predictable but they are balanced by some that are quite a surprise. The number of characters is just right and they all have believable motivations and background stories. If you know a few things about Japanese history, some of the events will ring a bell and characters like Oda Nobunaga will be familiar to you. If you don't know much about Japan and its history or culture, then some things might be a bit confusing for you and there might be a few terms that are unfamiliar but it shouldn't have too much of a side-effect on your enjoyment of the story. I certainly enjoyed it a lot!
In “Blood Shinobi” Edmund Kolbusz tells the story of a boy called Naki. He is the only survivor of an attack on his home village. The attack was ordered by Oda Nobunaga and the young boy swore revenge. He would not rest until Nobunaga would die at his hand. As the story progresses, he often comes close to his goal; however, he has to learn that you often will only succeed if you also can show patience and wait for the right moment – but can he wait? Naki has to learn a lot and slowly turns into a more responsible young man – mainly because he meets people who help him along that way, for example, the beautiful Sai, the daughter of a Ninja Chunin. While staying with her family, he learns more about his past and discovers a truth that explains a lot about his life.
“Blood Shinobi” uses many events in Japanese history to tell the story and moves the characters in those events without compromising actual history too much. I chose the book because I love Japanese history and novels that use it as a background without ruining it. Edmund Kolbusz is one of the authors who manage to combine fiction with history. You could almost believe that Naki really existed – and who knows, there might have been a boy just like him. The story is well written even though some events are a bit predictable but they are balanced by some that are quite a surprise. The number of characters is just right and they all have believable motivations and background stories. If you know a few things about Japanese history, some of the events will ring a bell and characters like Oda Nobunaga will be familiar to you. If you don't know much about Japan and its history or culture, then some things might be a bit confusing for you and there might be a few terms that are unfamiliar but it shouldn't have too much of a side-effect on your enjoyment of the story. I certainly enjoyed it a lot!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-year-of-the-horsetails&media=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51dYvk1sBwL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Year of the Horsetails" was first published in 1967. It is a brilliant historical novel that is most probably set in the vast Eurasian steppe, during the early Dark Ages, or late Middle Ages. The novel unfolds as Bardiya, a Saka tribesman, escapes from the feared Tugar army. He encounters some members of the Drevich tribe, in the rugged steppe...){kind=link}
The Year of the Horsetails
R. F. Tapsell
2013 Finalist
150 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
"The Year of the Horsetails" was first published in 1967. It is a brilliant historical novel that is most probably set in the vast Eurasian steppe, during the early Dark Ages, or late Middle Ages. The novel unfolds as Bardiya, a Saka tribesman, escapes from the feared Tugar army. He encounters some members of the Drevich tribe, in the rugged steppe landscape, and ends up living with them. Subsequently, he falls in love with Marissa, a beautiful tribeswoman. Under the threat of invasion from the dreaded Tugars, Bardiya trains the pastoral Drevich tribe in war techniques that he learned from the Tugars themselves. He has been a soldier in the Tugar army and was sentenced to death for desertion when he escaped. The description of the battle between the mighty army of the Tugars and the peace loving Drevich tribe is certainly the highlight of this novel.
Written by R. F. Tapsell, "The Year of the Horsetails" is a historical fiction novel that surely belongs to the list of timeless classics. There has been a lot of speculation about the time frame of this story and it is believed to be between 406 AD and 1162 AD, which is between the birth of Atilla the Hun and the rise of Genghis Khan. Those were interesting times when ancient warfare was perfected by great warriors. The author's amazing description of the steppe landscape and the battle scenes can bring the reader back to these interesting times. The plot of the story may not be that original but the author's descriptive style is nothing short of brilliant. There is no doubt that R. F. Tapsell is a gifted writer with a rich imagination, as he brings the reader to a time when survival and victory almost always belong to the strongest tribes. This is a book that not only provides the reader with important lessons in history, it is also a highly entertaining read.
"The Year of the Horsetails" was first published in 1967. It is a brilliant historical novel that is most probably set in the vast Eurasian steppe, during the early Dark Ages, or late Middle Ages. The novel unfolds as Bardiya, a Saka tribesman, escapes from the feared Tugar army. He encounters some members of the Drevich tribe, in the rugged steppe landscape, and ends up living with them. Subsequently, he falls in love with Marissa, a beautiful tribeswoman. Under the threat of invasion from the dreaded Tugars, Bardiya trains the pastoral Drevich tribe in war techniques that he learned from the Tugars themselves. He has been a soldier in the Tugar army and was sentenced to death for desertion when he escaped. The description of the battle between the mighty army of the Tugars and the peace loving Drevich tribe is certainly the highlight of this novel.
Written by R. F. Tapsell, "The Year of the Horsetails" is a historical fiction novel that surely belongs to the list of timeless classics. There has been a lot of speculation about the time frame of this story and it is believed to be between 406 AD and 1162 AD, which is between the birth of Atilla the Hun and the rise of Genghis Khan. Those were interesting times when ancient warfare was perfected by great warriors. The author's amazing description of the steppe landscape and the battle scenes can bring the reader back to these interesting times. The plot of the story may not be that original but the author's descriptive style is nothing short of brilliant. There is no doubt that R. F. Tapsell is a gifted writer with a rich imagination, as he brings the reader to a time when survival and victory almost always belong to the strongest tribes. This is a book that not only provides the reader with important lessons in history, it is also a highly entertaining read.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/scent-of-triumph&media=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51rDOhEeYXL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Scent of Triumph" is a well-written novel that captures the drama of World War II and the people who lived and loved back in those threatening years. The main character Danielle Bretancourt has been raised in Paris as the daughter of a Jewish mother and Catholic father. Her marriage to a much older German aristocrat, Max, has produced a son, Nicky...){kind=link}
Scent of Triumph
A Novel
Jan Moran
2013 Bronze Medal
403 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
"Scent of Triumph" is a well-written novel that captures the drama of World War II and the people who lived and loved back in those threatening years. The main character Danielle Bretancourt has been raised in Paris as the daughter of a Jewish mother and Catholic father. Her marriage to a much older German aristocrat, Max, has produced a son, Nicky, and, shortly into the story, a daughter named Jasmin after one of the floral scents that the Bretancourt family uses to make perfumes in their home in the south of France. Max fights against the Nazis who are ruining his beloved homeland and Nicky is stranded in Poland with his grandmother Sofia. Surrounded by death and horror, Danielle takes Jasmin, her niece Liliana and her shell-shocked mother, Marie, who has also witnessed death, and flees to America and to Los Angeles where they are impoverished but free from war's harm. Can Danielle survive the horrors she has witnessed? And where does Jon Newell-Gray fit into her complicated life?
Jan Moran has created a novel of a young woman's triumphs after numerous setbacks and missteps that will recall the writings of Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford. Danielle, her husband Max von Hoffman and addicted but charming Cameron Murphy, her true love Jon Newell-Gray, her family and friends like Abigail Newell-Gray and Lou Silverman are believable and seem real products of those wartime years. The plot line moves with resolvable twists and turns to the story's happy ending. I am sure "Scent of Triumph" will be a popular book for readers everywhere to place on their "must-read" lists.
"Scent of Triumph" is a well-written novel that captures the drama of World War II and the people who lived and loved back in those threatening years. The main character Danielle Bretancourt has been raised in Paris as the daughter of a Jewish mother and Catholic father. Her marriage to a much older German aristocrat, Max, has produced a son, Nicky, and, shortly into the story, a daughter named Jasmin after one of the floral scents that the Bretancourt family uses to make perfumes in their home in the south of France. Max fights against the Nazis who are ruining his beloved homeland and Nicky is stranded in Poland with his grandmother Sofia. Surrounded by death and horror, Danielle takes Jasmin, her niece Liliana and her shell-shocked mother, Marie, who has also witnessed death, and flees to America and to Los Angeles where they are impoverished but free from war's harm. Can Danielle survive the horrors she has witnessed? And where does Jon Newell-Gray fit into her complicated life?
Jan Moran has created a novel of a young woman's triumphs after numerous setbacks and missteps that will recall the writings of Danielle Steele and Barbara Taylor Bradford. Danielle, her husband Max von Hoffman and addicted but charming Cameron Murphy, her true love Jon Newell-Gray, her family and friends like Abigail Newell-Gray and Lou Silverman are believable and seem real products of those wartime years. The plot line moves with resolvable twists and turns to the story's happy ending. I am sure "Scent of Triumph" will be a popular book for readers everywhere to place on their "must-read" lists.
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