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Recommend this book:
The Optical Lasso
Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side
Marc Corwin
2019 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Optical Lasso: Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a thrilling science fiction adventure story. A dying boy. A creature that has lain dormant for thousands of years. One of the best leaders in all of mankind. Commander Jason Cody has been taken prisoner and tortured by an alien enemy. His cellmate, Cat, is a lieutenant, leader of The Fighting Fury, an elite women's combat corps. She is beautiful – too beautiful – and Jason has a hard time trusting her. But trust each other they must even after she discovers he’s been missing for years in a wormhole on the other side of Neptune with his Optical Lasso, an invention of his own that allowed him to see the future and the past. A wormhole that is now avoided by all because of the deadly enemy that lurks within. Can they learn to trust one another long enough to face the battle ahead?
The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a snappy and unique sci-fi tale that spans 40 years and two timelines – the past and the present. This is a thoroughly fascinating story, one in which I couldn’t help but become engrossed. There is plenty of action in the battles that are fought across the universe, in the incredible weapons, including the Optical Lasso, and in the creatures that Marc has created, showing a very active imagination. This is a story of good against bad but it is a unique take on the sci-fi genre. The descriptive nature of the story leaves you in no doubt as to what’s what and leads you through the story as though you are living it yourself. This is one journey you won’t want to miss; entertaining and a real page-turner!
The Optical Lasso: Beware Of Neptune's Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a thrilling science fiction adventure story. A dying boy. A creature that has lain dormant for thousands of years. One of the best leaders in all of mankind. Commander Jason Cody has been taken prisoner and tortured by an alien enemy. His cellmate, Cat, is a lieutenant, leader of The Fighting Fury, an elite women's combat corps. She is beautiful – too beautiful – and Jason has a hard time trusting her. But trust each other they must even after she discovers he’s been missing for years in a wormhole on the other side of Neptune with his Optical Lasso, an invention of his own that allowed him to see the future and the past. A wormhole that is now avoided by all because of the deadly enemy that lurks within. Can they learn to trust one another long enough to face the battle ahead?
The Optical Lasso: Beware of Neptune’s Dark Side by Marc Corwin is a snappy and unique sci-fi tale that spans 40 years and two timelines – the past and the present. This is a thoroughly fascinating story, one in which I couldn’t help but become engrossed. There is plenty of action in the battles that are fought across the universe, in the incredible weapons, including the Optical Lasso, and in the creatures that Marc has created, showing a very active imagination. This is a story of good against bad but it is a unique take on the sci-fi genre. The descriptive nature of the story leaves you in no doubt as to what’s what and leads you through the story as though you are living it yourself. This is one journey you won’t want to miss; entertaining and a real page-turner!
Recommend this book:
The Rogue
Lee W Brainard
2019 Gold Medal
403 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Donna Gielow McFarland for Readers' Favorite
The Rogue by Lee W. Brainard has a fascinating plot. It’s 2018 when astronomer Irina Kirilenko detects an extremely large comet out beyond Neptune. It’s not yet visible to telescopes, but the comet’s trajectory shows that it will come dangerously close to Mars in 2024. The powers that be in Washington are afraid of mass panic, so they devise an alternate explanation for the data and squelch all talk about the comet. They forbid government agencies from studying that sector of the solar system and they “take into custody” anyone who dares talk about it or even anyone who spouts apocalyptic theories, sending them to very nice, but isolated internment camps. Irina realizes her days are numbered, so she secretly sends her data to former classmate Ariele Serrafe, who confirms her findings and brings upon herself the wrath of the FBI.
The Rogue reads like a great thriller, but with a premise that feels a little too close to home. Brainard spends a lot of time explaining the science behind his premise and the science geek in me ate it up! The whole story is plausible and I found myself wondering what if… There are Christian elements in The Rogue although so far religion plays a very small part in the story. There are lots of references to real events that happened in the past and I found myself drawn to the internet to find out what truth there might be in Brainard’s interpretations. The Rogue ends at a logical stopping point, but it is a cliff-hanger and I was disappointed there wasn’t more. Guess I’ll have to read the sequel. Recommended to readers of Christian fiction and readers who enjoy a good thriller. And if you’re a science geek like me, you’re going to love it even more!
The Rogue by Lee W. Brainard has a fascinating plot. It’s 2018 when astronomer Irina Kirilenko detects an extremely large comet out beyond Neptune. It’s not yet visible to telescopes, but the comet’s trajectory shows that it will come dangerously close to Mars in 2024. The powers that be in Washington are afraid of mass panic, so they devise an alternate explanation for the data and squelch all talk about the comet. They forbid government agencies from studying that sector of the solar system and they “take into custody” anyone who dares talk about it or even anyone who spouts apocalyptic theories, sending them to very nice, but isolated internment camps. Irina realizes her days are numbered, so she secretly sends her data to former classmate Ariele Serrafe, who confirms her findings and brings upon herself the wrath of the FBI.
The Rogue reads like a great thriller, but with a premise that feels a little too close to home. Brainard spends a lot of time explaining the science behind his premise and the science geek in me ate it up! The whole story is plausible and I found myself wondering what if… There are Christian elements in The Rogue although so far religion plays a very small part in the story. There are lots of references to real events that happened in the past and I found myself drawn to the internet to find out what truth there might be in Brainard’s interpretations. The Rogue ends at a logical stopping point, but it is a cliff-hanger and I was disappointed there wasn’t more. Guess I’ll have to read the sequel. Recommended to readers of Christian fiction and readers who enjoy a good thriller. And if you’re a science geek like me, you’re going to love it even more!
Recommend this book:
The Song of Sadie Sparrow
It's never too late to change your tune
Kitty Foth-Regner
2019 Bronze Medal
418 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Sadie is the main star of The Song of Sadie Sparrow by Kitty Foth-Regner, but she is not alone; she shares her days with Meg and Elise and the other residents. Jamie is a preacher who comes regularly to talk with the ladies and to offer them Bible classes and the chance to have a better relationship with God. Sadie quickly accepts God and truly believes that she will get to spend eternity with Him and see all of her loved ones again. Elise spends lots of time at The Hickories because her grandfather Papi is a resident and she has always been a believer, even though she has some questions that need answering. Meg does not believe and is unwilling to listen, learn or consider giving her life to Jesus or perhaps she does in the end (one can only hope so). The three ladies form a tight bond despite their ages and differences of opinion, and readers are blessed to share in their everyday life at the nursing home.
What a wonderful story is told in The Song of Sadie Sparrow. It was impossible not to love this dear sweet lady who is in the twilight of her life living at The Hickories, a high end nursing home. The Song of Sadie Sparrow can and should be read by believers and non-believers as it is a heartwarming, sweet story. I enjoyed the discussions on different verses of the Bible, but did not find it to be too preachy as is sometimes the case in this type of book. I cried when Sadie was taken home and felt as though I had lost a true friend. I cannot say enough good about The Song of Sadie Sparrow and I highly recommend it to all readers.
Sadie is the main star of The Song of Sadie Sparrow by Kitty Foth-Regner, but she is not alone; she shares her days with Meg and Elise and the other residents. Jamie is a preacher who comes regularly to talk with the ladies and to offer them Bible classes and the chance to have a better relationship with God. Sadie quickly accepts God and truly believes that she will get to spend eternity with Him and see all of her loved ones again. Elise spends lots of time at The Hickories because her grandfather Papi is a resident and she has always been a believer, even though she has some questions that need answering. Meg does not believe and is unwilling to listen, learn or consider giving her life to Jesus or perhaps she does in the end (one can only hope so). The three ladies form a tight bond despite their ages and differences of opinion, and readers are blessed to share in their everyday life at the nursing home.
What a wonderful story is told in The Song of Sadie Sparrow. It was impossible not to love this dear sweet lady who is in the twilight of her life living at The Hickories, a high end nursing home. The Song of Sadie Sparrow can and should be read by believers and non-believers as it is a heartwarming, sweet story. I enjoyed the discussions on different verses of the Bible, but did not find it to be too preachy as is sometimes the case in this type of book. I cried when Sadie was taken home and felt as though I had lost a true friend. I cannot say enough good about The Song of Sadie Sparrow and I highly recommend it to all readers.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Tree Frogs
John Smith
2019 Honorable Mention
254 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Tree Frogs is a work of harrowing realistic fiction with Christian themes, and was written by author J.W. Kitson. This family drama follows two connected families after a secret and a terrible murder force them to connect with one another in the aftermath. Phillip feels an overwhelming guilt and searches for forgiveness from his younger brother Michael, who was tormented for years by their father Tony. Tony has evidence from a long time ago that Michael may actually be someone else’s son, a man named Samuel, and Tony’s rage-fuelled actions bring Samuel back into the lives of both Phillip and Michael as the story becomes one of recovery, forgiveness and a new loving life.
J.W. Kitson has created an emotional triumph in Song of the Tree Frogs, which speaks a lot for the best qualities of the human condition, especially kindness and a sense of duty and service to others. Although these themes are brought about by its Christian morality, I believe that anyone of any faith can enjoy the heroism of Samuel and his wife, as well as the journey of exploration and acceptance that the boys go through after the grim events of the early section of the book. Although it is harrowing and there is much suffering in the tale, the scenes are delicately depicted and not gratuitous in nature, making this an accessible book for anyone who has suffered at the hands of another’s rage. Overall, I’d highly recommend Song of the Tree Frogs for fans of heart-wrenching family drama and tales of hope through adversity.
Song of the Tree Frogs is a work of harrowing realistic fiction with Christian themes, and was written by author J.W. Kitson. This family drama follows two connected families after a secret and a terrible murder force them to connect with one another in the aftermath. Phillip feels an overwhelming guilt and searches for forgiveness from his younger brother Michael, who was tormented for years by their father Tony. Tony has evidence from a long time ago that Michael may actually be someone else’s son, a man named Samuel, and Tony’s rage-fuelled actions bring Samuel back into the lives of both Phillip and Michael as the story becomes one of recovery, forgiveness and a new loving life.
J.W. Kitson has created an emotional triumph in Song of the Tree Frogs, which speaks a lot for the best qualities of the human condition, especially kindness and a sense of duty and service to others. Although these themes are brought about by its Christian morality, I believe that anyone of any faith can enjoy the heroism of Samuel and his wife, as well as the journey of exploration and acceptance that the boys go through after the grim events of the early section of the book. Although it is harrowing and there is much suffering in the tale, the scenes are delicately depicted and not gratuitous in nature, making this an accessible book for anyone who has suffered at the hands of another’s rage. Overall, I’d highly recommend Song of the Tree Frogs for fans of heart-wrenching family drama and tales of hope through adversity.
Recommend this book:
The Consigliere
A Mafia Lawyer's Quest To Choose Love Over Revenge
Donna Masotto
2019 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Declan Quinn is the main character in The Consigliere, a mafia lawyer trying to escape his life of crime. The story goes back and forth between the past and the present and his hopes for the future. Declan had a hard and troubled childhood, a sad and difficult life, and is attempting to right the wrongs and live happily ever after. We follow Declan on his journey, laughing and crying right beside him. His married life is in trouble; he is on the road to forming a close relationship with his son, Andrew; he is mourning his lost daughter; trying everything he can in searching for the sister he has not seen in many years and making plans to visit Ireland and his grandfather. This is all happening while his mafia boss is hunting him down, wanting to kill him for leaving the “business”.
I really enjoyed reading The Consigliere by Donna Masotto, and while it was about the mafia and inspired by The Godfather, it is so much more than that. I felt love, bravery, absolution, pity, fear, mercy and more as I traveled along with Declan, his family, his friends and his enemies. Each page was an exciting adventure that pulled me right into the story. Donna Masotto was truly inspired and took that inspiration to a brand new high. This was so much more than just another book about the mafia – it was the story of a boy making bad decisions and the effect it had on the man for his entire life. The Consigliere is well written with characters that you want to get to know better and a plot that never stops being good. I highly recommend The Consigliere be read at your earliest convenience.
Declan Quinn is the main character in The Consigliere, a mafia lawyer trying to escape his life of crime. The story goes back and forth between the past and the present and his hopes for the future. Declan had a hard and troubled childhood, a sad and difficult life, and is attempting to right the wrongs and live happily ever after. We follow Declan on his journey, laughing and crying right beside him. His married life is in trouble; he is on the road to forming a close relationship with his son, Andrew; he is mourning his lost daughter; trying everything he can in searching for the sister he has not seen in many years and making plans to visit Ireland and his grandfather. This is all happening while his mafia boss is hunting him down, wanting to kill him for leaving the “business”.
I really enjoyed reading The Consigliere by Donna Masotto, and while it was about the mafia and inspired by The Godfather, it is so much more than that. I felt love, bravery, absolution, pity, fear, mercy and more as I traveled along with Declan, his family, his friends and his enemies. Each page was an exciting adventure that pulled me right into the story. Donna Masotto was truly inspired and took that inspiration to a brand new high. This was so much more than just another book about the mafia – it was the story of a boy making bad decisions and the effect it had on the man for his entire life. The Consigliere is well written with characters that you want to get to know better and a plot that never stops being good. I highly recommend The Consigliere be read at your earliest convenience.
Recommend this book:
The Greater Weight of Glory
A Memoir
Robin Farnsworth
2019 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Greater Weight of Glory is a powerful memoir penned by author Robin Farnsworth. Depicting the heart-wrenching story of how the author herself came to God, and her relationship with her son Spencer before and after his untimely death, this harrowing yet inspiring tale takes a deep look at religion, faith, and understanding amid the trials of the modern world. Robin and her son Spencer both come to God at different times and for different reasons in their lives, and the story seeks to illustrate how that enlightenment and discovery comes from the darkest moments of our lives, developing into something more eternal and life-changing as time moves on.
I found The Greater Weight of Glory to be a truly compelling read whether it is read from a Christian perspective or not. Though the subject matter deals with discovering God and faith through our trials, author Robin Farnsworth presents her experiences openly, without recommendation or pushiness, and exposes every raw moment of her pain for us to really understand how faith helped her through. These inspirational messages are seamlessly woven into the narrative without stopping abruptly, and the biblical passages included are apt and well arranged to add to the formation of ideas rather than stop for a ‘lesson’ of sorts. Overall, The Greater Weight of Glory is an extremely well-written memoir packed with heart, and will certainly serve as both an interesting read and a source of extreme comfort to those who have dealt with family grief in their lives.
The Greater Weight of Glory is a powerful memoir penned by author Robin Farnsworth. Depicting the heart-wrenching story of how the author herself came to God, and her relationship with her son Spencer before and after his untimely death, this harrowing yet inspiring tale takes a deep look at religion, faith, and understanding amid the trials of the modern world. Robin and her son Spencer both come to God at different times and for different reasons in their lives, and the story seeks to illustrate how that enlightenment and discovery comes from the darkest moments of our lives, developing into something more eternal and life-changing as time moves on.
I found The Greater Weight of Glory to be a truly compelling read whether it is read from a Christian perspective or not. Though the subject matter deals with discovering God and faith through our trials, author Robin Farnsworth presents her experiences openly, without recommendation or pushiness, and exposes every raw moment of her pain for us to really understand how faith helped her through. These inspirational messages are seamlessly woven into the narrative without stopping abruptly, and the biblical passages included are apt and well arranged to add to the formation of ideas rather than stop for a ‘lesson’ of sorts. Overall, The Greater Weight of Glory is an extremely well-written memoir packed with heart, and will certainly serve as both an interesting read and a source of extreme comfort to those who have dealt with family grief in their lives.
Recommend this book:
The Magnitude of the Cross
Understanding the New Birth
Darrell Conner
2019 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Christian - General
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Mankind can only be saved through Jesus Christ. The Magnitude Of The Cross: Understanding The New Birth by Darrell Conner is a profound and thought provoking book that speaks about God's plan for salvation and mankind's condition after the Fall. All humans enter the world now separated from God and the author speaks about the need to remedy that condition. More than just removing sin from our lives, we should concentrate on becoming one with God. The New Birth is just not about awakening or turning over a new leaf; it is more than that and the author explains and helps us understand the Magnitude of the Cross and the benefits and importance of having a New Covenant Relationship with God. As the book progresses, we understand God's will and Redemptive Plan for our lives, and the author removes many common misconceptions regarding God, salvation, and scriptures.
The author follows the scriptures closely and he uses many verses from the Bible to explain the points he discusses. The discussion is detailed, and the contents are well researched and will come in handy to many of us who are seeking God and want to know more about salvation, sacrifice, atonement, and many other facts related God and His plan of salvation for us. The explanations are well written and that makes it easy for any reader to understand this book. I found the book insightful and the topic will help us reflect on many factors; human faith, God's will for us, the possibility of salvation, and more. The author magnifies Christ and his work on the cross and will help us understand how Christ has accomplished the promises of God to mankind. Everything vital in regards to our relationship with God has also been discussed in this book.
Mankind can only be saved through Jesus Christ. The Magnitude Of The Cross: Understanding The New Birth by Darrell Conner is a profound and thought provoking book that speaks about God's plan for salvation and mankind's condition after the Fall. All humans enter the world now separated from God and the author speaks about the need to remedy that condition. More than just removing sin from our lives, we should concentrate on becoming one with God. The New Birth is just not about awakening or turning over a new leaf; it is more than that and the author explains and helps us understand the Magnitude of the Cross and the benefits and importance of having a New Covenant Relationship with God. As the book progresses, we understand God's will and Redemptive Plan for our lives, and the author removes many common misconceptions regarding God, salvation, and scriptures.
The author follows the scriptures closely and he uses many verses from the Bible to explain the points he discusses. The discussion is detailed, and the contents are well researched and will come in handy to many of us who are seeking God and want to know more about salvation, sacrifice, atonement, and many other facts related God and His plan of salvation for us. The explanations are well written and that makes it easy for any reader to understand this book. I found the book insightful and the topic will help us reflect on many factors; human faith, God's will for us, the possibility of salvation, and more. The author magnifies Christ and his work on the cross and will help us understand how Christ has accomplished the promises of God to mankind. Everything vital in regards to our relationship with God has also been discussed in this book.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Boricua
Olivia Castillo
2019 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo is a début novel describing the lives of three generations of women; Elena, Josephina and Maria. A generational curse binds the women, causing irreparable damage to each family. Will the curse ever be lifted and peace finally be upon the family? Puerto Rico provides the backdrop to this book which depicts love and betrayal on a grand scale. Song of the Boricua affords a glimpse into the rich history of the island, and the culture and lives of the Puerto Rican people.
Song of the Boricua contains a large cast of characters and spans most of the twentieth century, beginning in the early 1930s. The book deftly switches between different time periods, describing the hope and subsequent tragedy of different generations of women. Olivia Castillo writes a darkly atmospheric and bewitching tale. However, she can also evoke passion and enchantment. Song of the Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican spirit or pride, is a theme which runs throughout the book.
There is a strong musical influence with song words from each era providing a further layer of interest. The racial tensions, political problems, domestic violence and the hardships suffered by the families are all vividly depicted. The complex relationships between the main protagonists and the men they become involved with are sharply defined and very memorable. I enjoyed the many references to the music which spanned the generations, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo is a début novel describing the lives of three generations of women; Elena, Josephina and Maria. A generational curse binds the women, causing irreparable damage to each family. Will the curse ever be lifted and peace finally be upon the family? Puerto Rico provides the backdrop to this book which depicts love and betrayal on a grand scale. Song of the Boricua affords a glimpse into the rich history of the island, and the culture and lives of the Puerto Rican people.
Song of the Boricua contains a large cast of characters and spans most of the twentieth century, beginning in the early 1930s. The book deftly switches between different time periods, describing the hope and subsequent tragedy of different generations of women. Olivia Castillo writes a darkly atmospheric and bewitching tale. However, she can also evoke passion and enchantment. Song of the Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican spirit or pride, is a theme which runs throughout the book.
There is a strong musical influence with song words from each era providing a further layer of interest. The racial tensions, political problems, domestic violence and the hardships suffered by the families are all vividly depicted. The complex relationships between the main protagonists and the men they become involved with are sharply defined and very memorable. I enjoyed the many references to the music which spanned the generations, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Recommend this book:
Along the Waterways
Dreamtime Mysteries
Jenni Barnett
2019 Honorable Mention
332 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite
If you enjoy historical fiction inspired by the myths and legends of indigenous people, Along the Waterways, book two of the Dreamtime Mysteries trilogy by Jenni Barnett is for you. Although a sequel, it stands on its own. Set in Australia, it follows two timelines: modern-day Rex Graham, a twenty-year-old mixed-race university student, and the stories about his Aboriginal grandmother’s people. Barnett makes clear that these aren’t a retelling of traditional myths or legends but her own creation, though inspired by her respect for and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. The narrative is divided into seven “books” accompanied by illustrations. Story characters and their family and clan relationships are identified at the start of each book. A glossary of language and an index of character names is also provided at the end.
In Along the Waterways, Barnett gives us a fascinating collection of stories about an intriguing people. The cast of characters can seem daunting at first, but as you make your way through the tales, just as some of them make their ways along the rivers, the characters become real and relatable. It’s as if you’ve popped back in time to the Australian bush before the arrival of Europeans and are watching the panoply of human interactions at tribal, clan, and personal levels. Adventurous journeys, heroic characters, challenges, power struggles, first romances, births and deaths, sadness and joy fill the pages against a backdrop of cultural traditions, a spiritual integration with nature, and an orderly culture with defined roles. Secrets are revealed and Rex will encounter the meaning and purpose of his life. Highly recommended.
If you enjoy historical fiction inspired by the myths and legends of indigenous people, Along the Waterways, book two of the Dreamtime Mysteries trilogy by Jenni Barnett is for you. Although a sequel, it stands on its own. Set in Australia, it follows two timelines: modern-day Rex Graham, a twenty-year-old mixed-race university student, and the stories about his Aboriginal grandmother’s people. Barnett makes clear that these aren’t a retelling of traditional myths or legends but her own creation, though inspired by her respect for and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. The narrative is divided into seven “books” accompanied by illustrations. Story characters and their family and clan relationships are identified at the start of each book. A glossary of language and an index of character names is also provided at the end.
In Along the Waterways, Barnett gives us a fascinating collection of stories about an intriguing people. The cast of characters can seem daunting at first, but as you make your way through the tales, just as some of them make their ways along the rivers, the characters become real and relatable. It’s as if you’ve popped back in time to the Australian bush before the arrival of Europeans and are watching the panoply of human interactions at tribal, clan, and personal levels. Adventurous journeys, heroic characters, challenges, power struggles, first romances, births and deaths, sadness and joy fill the pages against a backdrop of cultural traditions, a spiritual integration with nature, and an orderly culture with defined roles. Secrets are revealed and Rex will encounter the meaning and purpose of his life. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Sugar Merchant
James Hutson-Wiley
2019 Finalist
378 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley thrusts the reader into the historical period towards the last part of the eleventh century, an era witnessing an economic revolution. Thomas Woodward loses his family at the age of eight to one of the raids conducted by Tostig, an outlawed son of Godwin and brother of King Harold. He loses his family to a raid, but is rescued from hunger and hopelessness by a monk and brought to the abbey of Eynsham, where he spend the next twelve years of his life training to be a scholar, merchant and spy, with a mission to develop commerce in the Muslim world and act as a spy for the Holy See. Thomas’s life is set for adventure as he travels through different lands, and knows love and loss and heartbreak. With complex challenges besetting him and his personal demons, can he accomplish the mission successfully?
James Hutson-Wiley captures the soul and spirit of the era in a brilliant way in the narrative, allowing readers to relive the religious, cultural, and political tensions of the time. He weaves themes of espionage, religious intrigue, and the personal struggles of a man into a story that takes readers across different distinct cultures. The historical elements of the setting are skillfully knitted into the narrative and the author uses them to enrich the conflict. I was fascinated by the compelling social and cultural commentaries that paint a vivid image of the time. The use of the epistolary style enhances the plot points and the conflict while helping to deepen character development. The Sugar Merchant is a great achievement and a page-turner for fans of historical novels; a story with powerful themes, compelling characters, and a gripping plot.
The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley thrusts the reader into the historical period towards the last part of the eleventh century, an era witnessing an economic revolution. Thomas Woodward loses his family at the age of eight to one of the raids conducted by Tostig, an outlawed son of Godwin and brother of King Harold. He loses his family to a raid, but is rescued from hunger and hopelessness by a monk and brought to the abbey of Eynsham, where he spend the next twelve years of his life training to be a scholar, merchant and spy, with a mission to develop commerce in the Muslim world and act as a spy for the Holy See. Thomas’s life is set for adventure as he travels through different lands, and knows love and loss and heartbreak. With complex challenges besetting him and his personal demons, can he accomplish the mission successfully?
James Hutson-Wiley captures the soul and spirit of the era in a brilliant way in the narrative, allowing readers to relive the religious, cultural, and political tensions of the time. He weaves themes of espionage, religious intrigue, and the personal struggles of a man into a story that takes readers across different distinct cultures. The historical elements of the setting are skillfully knitted into the narrative and the author uses them to enrich the conflict. I was fascinated by the compelling social and cultural commentaries that paint a vivid image of the time. The use of the epistolary style enhances the plot points and the conflict while helping to deepen character development. The Sugar Merchant is a great achievement and a page-turner for fans of historical novels; a story with powerful themes, compelling characters, and a gripping plot.
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