Tag: historical fiction drama

Wallia’s Quest Book 2: In Roman Service by Les Jauron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young Goth warrior’s quest to give his people freedom continues as his service to Rome begins in author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 2: In Roman Service.”

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The Synopsis

“My name is Wallia, and I am a Goth.” With these words Wallia continues his epic forty-year quest for freedom from Rome and a permanent home for his people. The second book of the series begins after Wallia is betrayed by his nemesis, Eriulf, and is forced to flee for his life from the Goths.

Given refuge by the Romans, Wallia meets Emperor Theodosius and agrees to support the emperor’s plan—to give his people a homeland within the empire in exchange for providing soldiers to serve Rome. Wallia then joins the Scholae Palatinae, the elite cavalry squadron that protects the emperor.

In his position near the center of power, Wallia quickly learns the intricacies of court life and becomes a valued advisor to the emperor. After a short sojourn to Gaul, where he unsuccessfully attempts to save the Western Roman emperor from himself, Wallia returns to Constantinople. Eventually, as a reward for his outstanding service, Wallia is given a Roman estate and marries a Roman woman. She gives Wallia a son and the proud parents decide to raise their child as a Roman.

Then fate intervenes. Wallia is called back into Roman service to help the emperor to defeat a massive barbarian invasion and several Roman usurpers. Through endless marching, intense fighting, constant conflict, shifting loyalties, and incessant intrigues, Wallia learns some hard truths. Things are not always what they seem. Bad decisions lead to immeasurable suffering. The Goths and Romans have different interests. Unity requires leaders to subordinate their goals to those of the tribe. And, most importantly, the emperor does not see the Goths as partners in a shared enterprise—but as a weapon to be used against his enemies.

These hard truths force Wallia to make hard choices. Can he trust his people, even after being betrayed by his enemies in the tribe? Does his loyalty to his own people outweigh his oath to Rome? Or, should he remain faithful to an emperor who is willing to fight to the last Goth to maintain his power?

In the end, Wallia must decide if his future is with Rome—or the Goths.

The Review

This sequel is a fantastic narrative that pushes the envelope and continues to capture the Roman Empire’s powerful history. The level of world-building and historical context the author pours into this sequel is astounding, allowing readers to get a glimpse into the events of the first book while diving straight into the action and politics that demanded so much of Wallia’s time in this novel. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style captured the wildness of Wallia and his group’s travels, the glory of Rome’s spectacle and setting, and the gritty intrigue of the power struggles these leaders played out amongst themselves. 

The character dynamics and powerful themes played a significant role in this story. The protagonist himself undergoes substantial growth and comes to haunting realizations about those he both admires and distrusts, discovering that things are often not what they seem. The mystery and suspense of whose allegiance he will ultimately favor become a driving point in this narrative, and the struggle for faith, equality, and even love becomes a driving force in his role in the growing relationship between Rome’s ruling elite and his people, the Goths. The morality of his role in his people’s path was also deeply explored, showing the character’s remorse for having been misled into persecuting a family for no reason, or, in this book, for infiltrating rival groups of Rome and making questionable decisions to secure the mission he was given.

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The Verdict

A complex, enthralling, and memorable historical fiction novel, author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 2: In Roman Service” is a must-read novel. The attention to detail regarding the history and historical figures themselves, the balance of action and intrigue, and the thought-provoking depth of character development that added to the intrigue of political backstabbing and power struggles in the Roman Empire and beyond made this such a fantastic sequel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Les Jauron is a West Point graduate, a retired Army officer, and a retired college administrator. He has two graduate degrees – a Master’s in Military Arts and Sciences from the School for Advanced Military Studies, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.

Les has always been fascinated by history, organizational leadership, politics, military affairs, and rocks. He’s always been fascinated by the ancient world and, particularly, late antiquity.  The reason for this fascination is because that world did much to shape our world today.  During that time, the Roman Empire dealt with many of the same issues we are experiencing in our modern world — immigration, great disparities of wealth, the interplay between Christianity and government, and a toxic political environment that causes politicians to leverage fear of “the other” to gain and maintain power.  

Les and his wife, Zoela, lived in their motor home for four years after Les retired for the second time and traveled extensively through the western United States. After ending their RV odyssey, Les and Zoela settled for a few years in Clarkdale, Arizona before moving to Chico California to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren.

During their wanderings, Les grew to love red rocks and exploring slot canyons, hoo-doos, arches and natural bridges, and ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. After settling in Arizona, he began collecting rocks of every sort — which are now strewn throughout the house and the backyard. Recently, Les and Zoela moved to Chico, California to be nearer to their three children and nine grandchildren. 

But writing is Les’ greatest passion. He uses fiction as his medium to entertain, to educate, provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.

Home

https://amzn.to/3WFGpYC

Wallia’s Quest Book 1: Beyond the Donaws by Les Jauron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young Goth warrior must fight to secure freedom for his people in author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 1: Beyond the Donaws.”

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The Synopsis

“My name is Wallia, and I am a Goth.” With these words, Wallia begins the story of his forty-year quest for freedom from Roma and a homeland for his people. In this first book of the series, Wallia is a determined teenager eager to make his mark as the son of Athanaric, the pagan leader of the Goths.

When the Romans attack his people, Wallia goes to war with his father and distinguishes himself by his bravery. But then, in defiance of his father, Wallia becomes a Christian. Disowned by Athanaric, Wallia flees to his father’s rival, a Christian named Fritigern. As Wallia grows from a boy into a man, he quickly becomes one of Fritigern’s most trusted retainers and is at his patron’s side during the Goths’ unsuccessful war against the savage Huns.

After the Goths are driven from their homes by the Huns, Fritigern is forced to ask the Romans for sanctuary. Although Fritigern and his people are initially accepted by the Romans, the Goths are mistreated by corrupt Roman officials and forced into rebellion. In the war that follows, Wallia again distinguishes himself by his military skill, judgement, and bravery.

Although Fritigern now treats Wallia like a son, Fritigern’s actual son, Eriulf, sees Wallia as a threat and does everything he can to eliminate his rival. The story then devolves into a shifting web of alliances, intrigues, battles, and tragedies as Wallia does his best to support Fritigern but is undermined by Eriulf at every turn. Eventually, rejected by his patron, Wallia must make a series of difficult choices to maintain his honor and help his people to gain the freedom and permanent home they so desperately need.

The Review

This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction read. The author did an incredible job of offering detailed and fascinating insight into an era of Roman history that highlighted the struggles tribes and other cultures, such as the Goths, faced as they assimilated into the Roman Empire. The author’s powerful imagery transported readers to the period, and the level of detail made the narrative feel authentic and engaging at once.

The character development and rich history were the two cornerstones of this book. The protagonist was complex, sparing no details, as the first-person perspective gave the story an almost introspective, thoughtful tone. The complicated family drama of Wallia’s upbringing, as well as the complex political and military allegiances and betrayals he had to navigate as he rose through the ranks of his people and the Roman Empire, all spoke to the character’s sense of honor and duty. The historical detail that explored this time period was astounding, and the balance between history and fictional narrative was perfect in this story.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Visceral, compelling, and engaging, author Les Jauron’s “Wallia’s Quest Book 1: Beyond the Donaws” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in Wallia’s personal story, the dynamic historical setting that came alive on the page with intrigue, the conflicted nature of Wallia as a character, and the harrowing ending will give readers a reason to eagerly return for the next entry in this fantastic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Les Jauron is a West Point graduate, a retired Army officer, and a retired college administrator. He has two graduate degrees – a Master’s in Military Arts and Sciences from the School for Advanced Military Studies, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.

Les has always been fascinated by history, organizational leadership, politics, military affairs, and rocks. He’s always been fascinated by the ancient world and, particularly, late antiquity.  The reason for this fascination is because that world did much to shape our world today.  During that time, the Roman Empire dealt with many of the same issues we are experiencing in our modern world — immigration, great disparities of wealth, the interplay between Christianity and government, and a toxic political environment that causes politicians to leverage fear of “the other” to gain and maintain power.  

Les and his wife, Zoela, lived in their motor home for four years after Les retired for the second time and traveled extensively through the western United States. After ending their RV odyssey, Les and Zoela settled for a few years in Clarkdale, Arizona before moving to Chico California to be closer to their three children and nine grandchildren.

During their wanderings, Les grew to love red rocks and exploring slot canyons, hoo-doos, arches and natural bridges, and ancient petroglyphs and pictographs. After settling in Arizona, he began collecting rocks of every sort — which are now strewn throughout the house and the backyard. Recently, Les and Zoela moved to Chico, California to be nearer to their three children and nine grandchildren. 

But writing is Les’ greatest passion. He uses fiction as his medium to entertain, to educate, provoke thought, challenge assumptions, and inspire change.

Home

https://amzn.to/47ckqxn

My Land, My Nile by Maria Zeinab Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A queen dredges up the past as a young woman must discover her origins and her destiny in author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile.”

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The Synopsis

For centuries, the river has witnessed kingdoms rise and fall, heroes crowned and crushed. From the golden days of the 10th century to the fading edges of 1970s Sudan, the Nile has held its secrets until now.

Born of two bloodlines Nubian and Abyssinian young Nabra-Isat carries a legacy she doesn’t yet understand. When tragedy strikes, her enigmatic uncle Bantus, a modern-day Kushite king, whisks her away from the only home she’s ever known to the quiet corridors of Geneva.

Before she leaves, a mysterious woman named Tamaya Sufra, with ties to the sacred Nile crocodiles, gives Nabra a gift relic of her past, and a promise:

“You, my child, were born by the Nubian Lake. And you will return. You are the fire rising from the water.”

But the river has all the ancestral stories stored, and picks one in particular that follows Nabra. The story of Queen Gudith-Isat.

Now, as the queen begins to stir the past, Nabra must uncover who she is and what she was born to reclaim.

The Review

This was such a rich and compelling book of mythology, history, and culture. The interwoven stories in this novel mesh together so seamlessly, and the author’s emphasis on Nubian culture and mythology, especially the sacred nature of the crocodiles to the people of that region, was both fascinating and engaging as a reader. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page were so artistic and creative, and allowed the reader to feel transported across time and legends through the ancestral lands in which this novel takes place.

The powerful themes the author brought to life in this book, as well as the rich character dynamics and growth the narrative takes, make this a thrilling book to delve into. The author manages to awaken the reader’s senses powerfully with the detail that went into depicting each chapter, with the reader able to visualize colors and hear the tones that each scene brought to life. The way the story shifts between different eras and times and even mythological stories allowed the threads of fate to be clearly woven through these characters and make their arcs feel more pronounced and enthralling. In contrast, the exploration of loss, both of the people closest to us and the loss of land and identity, was profoundly felt throughout this expansive narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile” is a must-read historical fiction, mythological, and drama-driven novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the detailed history and culture this story brought to life, and the balance of both the losses and the beauty found in this region of the world made such an impact on the reader that it will drive them to learn more about this area and the people who call it home. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on September 2nd, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maria (Zeinab) is originally Nubian from the North of Sudan. She grew up between the Middle East and Europe. This diverse background gave her a broad perspective to draw from in storytelling.Her writing delves deeply into themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the sense of belonging.

http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0FH2Q9KQT/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20

Push Me Off The Cliff by Marina Osipova Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A soviet woman searches for an Armenian man as both face the events haunting them from their past to find solace once more in author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off the Cliff.”

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The Synopsis

March of 1948. Three years have passed since the Great Patriotic War ended in victory, disposing into the streets of the destroyed and hungry cities and villages brave decorated soldiers: thousands of them having been burned, maimed, or disfigured beyond recognition.

On a crowded commuter train, Maria hears an invalid singing, which painfully connects her to her time at the front and to the love that failed to happen to her. Why, then, since that day, does the voice from the past echo so insistently in her present life? The torture of uncertainty—was it really Armen?—intensifies after the next encounter and leaves her with an unsettling compulsion to do . . . what? Help him? Or, rather, rescue herself from her lonely and unassuming existence her heart subtly rejects? She must decide whether she is willing to let go of the life she knows for feelings she had never thought she could experience.

But, first, she has to find him.

As the genocide of 1915 within the Ottoman Empire destroyed the lives of Armen’s parents and about one-and-a-half-million ethnic Armenians, his future is shattered by this other war and betrayal. Incapacitated and totally alone, it seems the most merciful thing for him would be to end his miserable existence by leaping off a cliff. Otherwise, he must find the courage to continue living in the condition the war left him and find his place in the bitter every-day reality full of difficulties prone to men like him.

Maria and Armen. Each carries private wounds. In the face of despair, will fate offer them a chance to heal their souls and hearts?

The Review

Wow, what an incredible novel. I am always amazed by the level of research and detail the author pours into the historical fiction novels that she writes, and this one was no different. The honesty with which the author crafts these strong character-driven narratives was inviting to readers who wanted to delve deeply into this historical fiction read. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style captured the notes of horror that war brings, as well as the notes of hope underlying those horrific moments. 

The central theme of how war and genocide impact the human mind and spirit was on full display in this narrative. The protagonists in this story were both heavily emotional and compelling in their own right, and not only their connection to one another but their emotional experiences, especially Armen and his life with his mother growing up and the impact the Armenian Genocide had on him, not only kept readers invested in this story but educated over the details of these moments in time as well.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling, author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off The Cliff” is a must-read historical fiction. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional connection readers felt with these characters, and the shared experiences and mutual respect that the two protagonists share elevate their journeys, making this a remarkable character-driven narrative to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.

You can find her also on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

Rune of Whispers (Outside the Thalsparr Series Book Five) by Bjorn Leesson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A seasoned warrior must traverse the game of Saxon politics in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Whispers”, the fifth book in the Outside the Thalsparr series.

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The Synopsis

Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir’s path may be fraught with physical dangers and battle, but some wars are fought with whispered words and deceitful lies. While in Saxon lands, she must learn to maneuver the battlefield as well as her position on the board in the game of Saxon politics. Will she be successful?

And though she is blind to all the pieces in The Game, a Saxon gamemaster plays on her behalf as well as his own against many others, and the enormity of the risk spirals out of control for everyone.

The Review

This was a welcome addition to the historical fiction and dark fantasy series! The author found a way to keep the series fresh and showcased the depth of the world this series inhabits, giving readers a fresh new perspective by exploring the politics of Saxon life and Myrgjol’s impact on that world. The way the action takes a backseat to the atmosphere and the tension politics played at that time made the overall narrative feel elevated for readers. 

The mystery and intrigue this turn of events took in the story was evenly matched by the rich historical context and fantasy mythos the series has brought to life so vividly. The more emotional context of the protagonist’s story felt fully realized in this narrative, and the evolution of her allies and how life in Saxon lands evolved among some of the Norse settlers at that time was an intriguing subplot that readers will instantly get lost in.

The Verdict

As a longtime fan of Game of Thrones, Vikings, and The Last Kingdom, author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Whispers” is a must-read historical fiction and fantasy novel and an excellent entry into the Outside the Thalsparr Series.  The suspense and drama that this novel plays into, as well as the more intimate and emotional character development, will give longtime fans of this series a new perspective on which to invest. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.

The Washashore by Marshall Highet & Bird Jones Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In the Prohibition-era Martha’s Vineyard, a young woman forced to live with a mysterious Aunt must adjust to high society and discover the truth behind the disappearance of her Aunt’s friend in the novel The Washashore by Marshall Higher and Bird Jones.

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The Synopsis

Martha’s Vineyard, 1929. Prohibition is in full swing, and Emily, a Midwest transplant, has never met her wealthy Aunt Isabel. That is until, after her mother’s death, the courts declare Isabel her guardian. Their first meeting is a disaster. Emily’s clumsy curtsy earns her only a frosty glare, and she quickly realizes she’s in for a crash course in East Coast high society. But manners take a back seat to mystery when Isabel’s dear friend, an accomplished sailor, vanishes at sea. Convinced it’s murder, Isabel recruits her niece to catch the killer, pointing the finger at two dangerous men: a ruthless Mob boss and the fastest rumrunner in the harbor. While Emily crosses paths with gangsters on the island, she may just find home on its miles of coastline and among its quirky inhabitants-her stoic Aunt Isabel included.

The Review

This was such a profound and gripping mystery novel. The balance between historical fiction, mystery, and suspense was perfectly captured in this book. The intrigue and tension the authors built throughout the narrative feel like the perfect amount of atmosphere in the story, allowing the readers to get lost in the danger and violent nature of prohibition and the shocking realities that the lifestyle brought during that era. 

The heart of this story is in the grand themes the authors explore and the rich character dynamics that show their evolution and progress throughout the novel. The relationship between Emily and Isabel, especially as readers begin to understand the losses they both endured and how that bridges the gap in both their societal upbringings and emotional connections, was so heartfelt and gripping, while the exploration of class systems during this historical period, the negative impact Prohibition had on society and organizzed crime alike, and the way others see us versus how we see ourselves were perfectly brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

With an atmosphere that fans of The Great Gatsby and Somewhere in Time will love and a mystery element that harkens back to the days of Agatha Christie novels or more recent films like Knives Out, authors Marshall Higher and Bird Jones’s “The Washashore” is a must-read historical fiction mystery. The twists and turns in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seat and the emotional character growth will keep readers invested in these strong protagonists that exude a sense of feminism in a time that didn’t often get to show feminism as a whole, a standout that made this novel feel even more potent in its writing style. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on June 10th, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

MARSHALL HIGHET is a professor and writer. Spare Parts—her YA sci-fi novel—was published in 2014 and has an educational bent, with science as its foundation. Hold Fast, written with Bird Jones, is a swashbuckling adventure with historical facts holding it up. Blue-Eyed Slave came out in 2022. Currently living in Baltimore, Marshall’s newest venture is brewing her own kombucha. 

BIRD STASZ JONES holds a doctorate from Syracuse University and is a professor Emerita of Elon University. An ethnographer by training, her love of stories and story collecting has taken her from Appalachia to Central Asia. There she worked in collaboration with ministries of education, global donors and village teachers to support innovation in the literacy classroom. Awarded a Fulbright, she was able to visit and work in the farthest most school on the Afghan/Tajik border—literally the roof of the world. Bird has published in academic journals and spoken at conferences.

https://www.theothersideofthefire.com/washed-ashore

Out of Poland by Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Three men must work to retrieve a Nazi communication machine during WWII in authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland”.

The Synopsis

Beneath the storm clouds of a deadly war, three men are poised to unlock the secrets to redeem the world.

Poland 1939—Germans are moving their Panzers toward Warsaw, showing the world the devastating effects of Blitzkrieg warfare. Poland’s cavalry is no match against the Nazi military machine overrunning Europe.

Three young men volunteer to hit back by locating and extracting the German military communications device, Baby, kept under heavy guard. Polish patriots die to aid the three to secure the information of the escaping prize. The race is on as German’s match wits with the clever patriots.

Odds are they won’t succeed getting Baby Out of Poland.

The Review

The depth of humanity and emotion blew me away the authors managed to bring out in this historical fiction tale. The fascinating thing about this book was how much of it was rooted in not only WWII history but the origins of the author’s other books, the techno-thriller series The Enigma series. The varying points of view that the authors bring to the story, from the ambassador of Poland to his son and the allies they make in their mission to recover this machine, allow the reader to feel the desperation and fear that this period brought.

The wealth of character development and the emotional impact of these characters’ lives made this a compelling read. The confusion, deception, and tension in this novel reflect the chaos of that era and the impact that so many small clusters of freedom fighters, spies, and soldiers had on the overall global impact of the war effort. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and grounded, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland” is a must-read historical fiction novel and a fabulous prequel to their main series. This novella infuses urgency and heart into a story that will stay with readers, and the twists speak to the emotional impact these characters endure during this tumultuous time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Authors

BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.

Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.

EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs. 

Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story. 

As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series. 

BREAKFIED AND BURKEY

We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. 

We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website. 

EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations. 

We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.

Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com. 

The House Filler (China China Trilogy Book One) by Tong Ge Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman who has endured hardship and struggle through poverty, war and more must find a way of saving her son in author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler”, the first book in the China China Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

A family saga set in China during the most tumultuous time of the twentieth century including the Japanese invasion, the civil war, and the Communist takeover.

The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a woman who faces war, poverty, and political oppression as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness. After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to give her teenage twins to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army. Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horror and hardship of war. When the civil war ends with the Communists in power in 1949, one of her twins, who had joined the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’ s life.

The House Filler is a moving and powerful portrayal of one family’ s struggle to survive in the face of an historical upheaval and political oppression.

The Review

What a dynamic and compelling novel. The author immediately found the perfect balance between historical fiction storytelling and character-driven narrative. The stark cultural contrast will immediately stand out to readers, exploring everything from women’s rights and place in society to family dynamics, beauty standards, and much more. The political drama and upheaval of that era also helped elevate the protagonist’s personal stakes in this novel.

The emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey and the rich themes of the narrative stood out in this novel. The exploration of loyalty, love, and family all played a heavy hand in the book, and the realism and attention to detail made the story feel more engaging and highlighted the human condition in the face of overwhelming tragedy or hardships suffered during these historical times. 

The Verdict

A truly memorable and thoughtful read, author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities of this era, and the sobering yet powerful finale will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004 with the first book: The House Filler. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long- term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta.

Gunmetal Ridge by Jeffrey C. Morris Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An elderly man must decide if he can share the painful past of his experience in WWII with a young man before its too late in author Jeffrey C. Morris’s “Gunmetal Ridge”.

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The Synopsis

Ninety-three-year-old Will Morgan remembers December 21, 1944, like it was yesterday. Now a widower and alone with his torment, how can he tell it? If not for a chance meeting with a younger man named Jack Owens, Will’s haunting account would surely die with him. Not every soldier fought through Battle of the Bulge or lived to tell the tale—one that Will has sworn to secrecy. What happened on that ridge was one thing, but what Will sees as his own personal failure is another. Can he finally reveal the one heartache he never shared with anyone, one he has carried for so long?

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The Review

This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of bringing a depth of emotional storytelling that kept the reader invested throughout this narrative. The author’s writing style was detailed yet vividly captivating, allowing the reader to feel transported to this era as Will told his story. The imagery and atmosphere the author crafted brought the horrors of WWII to life eerily and made the shocking moments in the story truly stick out.

The heart of the narrative was in this book’s world-building and character development. Not only is Will’s story a great emotional mirror for Jack as he deals with his struggles, but the bond they form together, as well as Will’s nurse Bea, forms the emotional background this novel needs. The tragedy of Will’s long-ago friend Al and the commentary on war’s impact on soldiers long after the battle ends make this a compelling story.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully written, memorable, and engaging, author Jeffrey C. Morris’s “Gunmetal Ridge” is a must-read novel. The historical fiction aspect of the story and the depth of emotional character development will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jeffrey C. Morris began his career in the United States Air Force as an Avionic Inertial Navigation System Specialist at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina. His unit was one of the last to maintain and fly the F-4E Phantom, earning the crew the moniker “Phantom Phixers.”

After receiving an honorable discharge from Air Force Active Duty, he served in the USAF Reserves before transferring to the 130th Tactical Airlift Group in the West Virginia Air National Guard. He served with the 130th until the end of Desert Storm.

Jeffrey attained an HVAC certificate upon leaving the military and worked in the HVAC field until accepting a position as a natural gas meter and installation specialist with Dominion Energy (Formerly PSNC) in 2000.

His love of American military history as well as his many conversations with veterans who served in wartime influence Jeffrey’s writing. GUNMETAL RIDGE, a composite story of many World War II veterans, is Jeffrey’s way of paying homage to the Greatest Generation.

A native of Charleston West Virginia, he lives with his wife and “spousal unit” of thirty-five years, Jennifer, in North Carolina. With their three grown children out living successful lives, Jeffrey intends to devote more time honing his craft and carving out the next historical military novel in his man cave. He also enjoys writing in other genres such as sci-fi, mystery, and romance.