Reader Views

Shogun Iemitsu: War and Romance in 17th Century Tokugawa Japan

Michael R. Zomber’s “Shogun Iemitsu” is a truly surprising book. When I first read the introduction to it, which spoke of “war and romance in 17th century Japan,” I had no preconceived, detailed notions of what to expect, just a vague assumption that it will be something filled with a lot of blood, action and ugliness. While there were certainly enough violent moments, the overall impression was one of great beauty and considerable elegance.

Unlike the author, I am certainly no expert on art and culture of the exotic Japan, yet that did not stop me in the slightest from enjoying his incredibly detailed descriptions of minute detail filling the lives of two young samurai warriors, Hideo and Kobiyashi, as well as those who come in contact with them during a rather crucial moment in Japanese history, the suppression of a rebellion against the Tokugawa government. While “Shogun Iemitsu” focused mostly on politics and martial arts, there are lyrical moments as well, some of them involving the memories from the past as well as the present “falling in love” events.

I found the characters in the book to be believable and oddly likeable, which surprised me to a certain extent, since I’ve never been a big fan of fighting and political intrigue. The writing was extremely fluid, elegant and oftentimes quite poetic. Although written in English, it had a curiously exotic cadence to it, which in my opinion fit perfectly with the theme and the setting of the book. While I would have liked a chance to get an even deeper insight into the inner workings of the heroes’ minds, the somewhat reserved insights again felt remarkably right for this particular tale.

Overall I’ve greatly enjoyed reading Michael R. Zomber's “Shogun Iemitsu” and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to a wide array of readers, from those who simply enjoy good writing to the ones who are fascinated by the history and culture of other countries and particularly to the readers, interested in Japan and the samurai culture.

Shogun Iemitsu
Michael R. Zomber
iUniverse (2009)
ISBN 9781440155635
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (11/09)

Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II

“Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II” is a work of fiction based on the heroism of real people. Although the names of the primary characters have been changed, with the exception of Oakton and Cardinal County the references to historic men and women, the organizations, events, and places, are real.

During the years of the economic tyranny of the great depression, of lynching, and of the growth of Fascism, Lil’ Will struggles as a lumberjack working with his father.  He falls in love with Dena, the local pastor’s daughter. Early conflict reflects the prevalence of class distinction even within families when Dena’s mother aspires to link her daughter with a more affluent young man in the community.

Young Will excels as an amateur baseball player.  A group of influential white businessmen have a devised plan to exploit Will’s incredible intuitive baseball skills for financial profit by breaking “unwritten laws” of no black athletes on white teams. Their plan is foiled when the Ku Klux Klan counters with extreme measures of scare tactics and murder.

Will is forced to flee for his life, is aided by the local judge to change his identity and to enlist in the army. Will and Dena are secretly married. They are representative of millions of other young couples caught in the depredation of World War II. Will is assigned to the US Army’s 366th Infantry Regiment and the 92nd Infantry Division fighting Hitler s Wehrmacht in Tuscany, Italy.

Will becomes bonded with three members of his infantry platoon. They become friends, like a tight-knit family. Together they experience the hateful use of court-martial and the war crimes of Wehrmacht.  Facing the hardships of ongoing prejudice and both physical and verbal abuse, the four friends try to make the best of army life.  They have an ongoing debate among themselves, defending their own unique reasons why they should fight the Germans and the fight to over turn the injustice and hatred behind the Jim Crow laws.

Rogers, a former army captain, Vietnam War veteran, and a charter member of Baltimore, MD’s 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association is an avid baseball fan. He is well qualified to author this timely and thought-provoking novel.

Rogers’ careful attention to dialog consistent with the time, culture, and geographical setting, his strong word choices, and excellent characterizations, and story transitions give life to his complex plot.

“Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II” is historical fiction at its best. Bob Rogers skillfully conveys the irony of a country that combats racism abroad while simultaneously promoting a most menacing form of racism within its own borders. Rogers uses the platform of fiction to communicate a valuable message relevant to today’s reader.

Will & Dena: Love and Life in World War II
Bob Rogers
Booklocker (2009)
ISBN 9780615310350
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (11/09)

A Land Beyond Ravens: Book Four of the Macsen’s Treasure Series

Kathleen Cunningham Guler has completed the “Macsen’s Treasure Series” with the publication of the fourth and final novel, “A Land Beyond Ravens.” Although I am an avid enthusiast of the Arthurian legend, somehow I missed the first three volumes, but this final volume can be read completely by itself without the reader being at all lost. Guler knows how to provide just enough pertinent information from past volumes for the reader without long summaries. Instead, the reader is continually in the thoughts of the two main characters, Marcus and Claerwen, so that the story is told naturally and effectively.

Marcus and Claerwen are a remarkable couple. They are completely Guler’s invention and do not appear in the traditional versions of the Arthurian legend. But Guler has provided herself with a powerful step into the legend without another retelling of it by focusing on characters somewhat on the fringes of the main storyline to bring alive what life was like in fifth-century Britain. Uther, Arthur, Morgaine, and Merlin are on the fringes of Guler’s novel, appearing briefly when necessary, but Marcus and Claerwen are the central characters. Marcus is a spy working for King Uther in various functions while his wife Claerwen is gifted with “fire in the head”—the ability to see the future, although not always clearly. Claerwen has also been involved in taking Uther’s daughter Morgaine to Avalon as a child to protect her, and she is significant, as is Marcus, in the future quest for the Grail.

The story takes place over the course of just a couple of years as King Uther Pendragon grows older, and as Arthur, who has been hidden away all these years, is about to become acknowledged as Uther’s son and take over the throne. During this time, Marcus is involved in several intrigues that range from dealing with the difficult minor king Cadwallon to the Christian Church’s increasing power in Britain. When Claerwen’s sister, Drysi, and a monk, Gwion, show up at Marcus’ home, additional complications will ensue for the main couple.

As a lover of the Arthurian legend, I was impressed that Guler does not settle for sword and sorcery, thrills, and a simple retelling of the legend. She has striven to be very historically accurate—as much as possible considering fifth-century Britain remains shrouded in mystery as to what really happened. She is faithful to the Welsh and Celtic names, customs, and beliefs of the time as much as possible, and although the items of Macsen’s Treasure are her own invention, the idea hearkens back to the Welsh tradition of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain. The atmosphere of the novel is somewhat dark, but also extremely realistic and authentic. The characters are real, their motivations reasonable, and nowhere were there bizarre or unbelievable plot twists. “A Land Beyond Ravens” is one of the most historically realistic Arthurian novels ever written, a thoroughly mature work that belongs beside such classic Arthurian novels as Rosemary Sutcliffe’s “Sword at Sunset” and Mary Stewart’s “Merlin Trilogy.”

Above all, what I enjoyed about this novel, and would have enjoyed even if it were not Arthurian, was to read about the relationship between Marcus and Claerwen. I am no fan of romance, but this novel went beyond romance to creating a beautiful and realistic portrait of love between a husband and wife, a love that has developed over many years. The scenes between them are tender, never filled with eroticism to entertain the reader, but simply heartfelt. Claerwen is deeply in love with her husband, constantly aware of his masculinity, and Marcus is good, kind, protective and loyal to his wife. It is rare that a married couple is depicted so perfectly in fiction. It is the kind of relationship that makes a reader envious and satisfied at the same time.

My only complaint is that this series has ended. Among the more than one hundred Arthurian novels I have read, the “A Land Beyond Ravens” is among the dozen or so most deserving to become classics of the genre. I will console myself by reading the first three novels in the series and hoping Guler considers writing more.

A Land Beyond Ravens: Book Four of the Macsen’s Treasure Series
Kathleen Cunningham Guler
Bardsong Press (2009)
ISBN 9780966037166
Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (8/09)

The General and Monaville, Texas

“The General and Monaville, Texas” is a skillfully blended mix of historical fiction, humor, race relations, coming of age, revenge, and retaliation. The book is a literary work of fiction set in the reconstruction era immediately following the Civil War, the freeing of the slaves, and the repercussions of facilitating this freedom in the areas surrounding Monaville, Texas.

The story is narrated by the young teenage grandson of General Leander Wilhite. The General has returned to the family plantation, Catalpa, to resume his life, hoping to put the war behind him. He assumed responsibility for the horses and livestock and turned the cotton fields and management of the sharecroppers to his son to oversee. The General virtually withdrew from society and fell into a set pattern to carry out his chosen responsibilities.

Young John Ross is faced with unanswered questions. The slaves have been officially freed; however, some of the citizens of Monaville cannot accept this as fact. There is an undercurrent of racial tension as the Klan seeks to undermine the competition of the new regime of former slave sharecroppers.

Joe Bax combines humorous incidents of a budding friendship, gossiped “romance” with his classmate Miss Afton, his twin sisters, enduring church services, a turtle farm project, and a buffalo roping contest.

Using the vernacular of dirt poor white sharecroppers, and former slaves Bax introduces genuine characters like, Blue, Momma Mae, the Weiberg family, Ocy McCoy, and Big Charlie. Other key characters include: John Ross’ parents Luther and Devon Wilhite, The Colonel, Dale, Broken Feather and Rack.

As the tension builds, the “Kluxers” add to their acts of destruction and torment to malicious murder. They kill an innocent son of Blue, a former slave, in an attempt to retaliate the death of McCoy’s son.  The sheriff and Yankee district attorney join in the conspiracy to indict and convict Colonel Reams Whitworth of murder. The General personally senses the need and is called on to take action against the planned injustice.

Joe G. Bax writes with feeling. He involves the emotions, develops genuine characters that are believable allowing the reader to identify with them. He has carefully crafted a plot which builds to a crescendo of suspense and an unexpected climatic conclusion.

“The General and Monaville, Texas” by Joe G. Bax is destined to become an award-winning, literary best-seller.  This is a book that should be in the library of every public school, and on the required reading list of every teacher and professor who teaches American Civil War History!  Phenomenal writing, engaging reading.

The General and Monaville, Texas
Joe G. Bax
Emerald Book Company (2009)
ISBN 9781934572245
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (7/09

Why We Don’t Kill Spiders: A Tale of Bannockburn

Bo Macreery, the author of the novel "Why We Don’t Kill Spiders," is one of those rare writers who can pull a long forgotten period of history off a dusty book shelf and breathe fresh, new life into it; turning it into a rich and vibrant tale that resonates with the world we live in today.

"Why We Don’t Kill Spiders" chronicles the heroic efforts of Robert the Bruce to achieve Scottish independence through a series of battles; culminating in his victory over King Edward II of England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. It is an epic and complex story filled in equal measure with bravery, passion, cruelness and betrayal; all told with rich imagery and careful attention to detail.

At the beginning of the book, the reader is told that Robert the Bruce’s story is being told to a young Sir Walter Scott by his Aunt Jenny. This bit of literary legerdemain is handled deftly and in my opinion, makes the book more comfortable and engaging to read. Historians will point out that it was Scott that fashioned the connection between Robert the Bruce and spiders in "Tales of a Scottish Grandfather," also known as "From Bannockburn to Flodden." Those of us who are less knowledgeable about Scottish history, however, will be more likely to see the connection between "Why We Don’t Kill Spiders" and Mel Gibson’s award winning movie "Braveheart," in which Angus Macfayden rendered a stellar performance as Robert the Bruce. Either way, Macreery takes a fresh approach to telling the story which makes the book a compelling read.

My only criticism of "Why We Don’t Kill Spiders"---and it is admittedly a small one---is the book’s title. Somehow it just doesn’t seem to do justice to a book written about bloody and epic battles fought by brave and dedicated men. Ironically, I just finished reviewing a book entitled "The Gathering of the Clan" which happens to be about contemporary American politics. Now that’s a title worthy of a book like Macreery’s! That’s just my opinion, of course.

Bo Macreery knows his Scottish history and it is obvious by the passion of his writing that he loves the country and its people. "Why We Don’t Kill Spiders" is a carefully researched book filled with vivid descriptions and adventures aplenty. It is an excellent read and worthy of a place on every reader’s bookshelf.

Why We Don’t Kill Spiders: A Tale of Bannockburn
Bo Macreery
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432739843
Reviewed by Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (7/09)

Aztec Dawn: A Tale of Sacrificial Murder, from Manhattan to Mexico

"Aztec Dawn" by Kerri Louise Thomas is a haunting, slightly disturbing and decidedly colorful book. Moving back and forth between the present-day’s Mexico (and Manhattan) and Mexico of the distant 1523, Ms. Thomas explores the history and beliefs of Aztecs, most notably their belief that there can be no rebirth without death.

John O’Reilly is a mentally unstable young man, who has suffered greatly due to his violent and abusive father. While vacationing in Mexico, he encounters the rituals and beliefs of the ancient Aztecs. Something in his already very fragile mind snaps and he starts to believe that the only way he’ll ever be free of his violent father would be to sacrifice him in the old ritual of ancient sacrifice. While in Mexico, he runs into Juan, who is a descendant of Aztecs, and a believer in the old ways. Juan helps John orchestrate the sacrifice and John finally feels free. He decides to follow his new friend to his home in the mountains and he immerses himself in the daily life of the oppressed native people. Soon he encounters a group of revolutionaries, the Zapatistas, which Juan is closely linked to. Emboldened by the ritualistic sacrifice of John’s father, the group starts to practice the old ways again and soon people start to disappear. But nothing seems to really help and the oppression of the locals continues. Would the ultimate sacrifice change this?

I found the present-day story vaguely disturbing and oftentimes suffering from "holes" in the narrative as well as rather stilted dialogue. How did John make a living, and how was he able to afford a vacation in Mexico? How did he get out of the mental institution his father placed him in? What happened to his girlfriend? How come nobody came looking for his father? The characters were not particularly likeable, not even the ones that were supposed to be nice, such as Salma and Conchita. They all appeared to be somewhat flat and lifeless, and even their struggles did not move me much. On the other hand, I greatly enjoyed the story of the past. Ms. Thomas managed to bring those olden days to life in all their glory and gore. Her descriptions of the everyday life and pursuits of different classes of people in the Aztec kingdom were vivid and interesting, filled with charming detail and interesting tidbits. While I am not a historian and cannot judge the accuracy of the descriptions pertaining the Spanish invasion and conquest, I can certainly say that they were presented in a believable and gripping way.

Overall I found "Aztec Dawn" by Kerri Louise Thomas an interesting book. I am sure that it will find a wide circle of readers among those who enjoy the darker side of human mind as well as those who like to read books about ancient history and culture.

Aztec Dawn: A Tale of Sacrificial Murder, from Manhattan to Mexico
Kerri Louise Thomas
PublishMe Shop (2009)
ISBN 9780473149529
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (7/09)

Claus Volume 2

"Claus Volume 2" begins with Mary Sawyer and her husband returning from their month-long honeymoon. Upon their return, they discover that Mrs. Claussen has died tragically. Mr. Claussen convinces Mary to take care of Elizabeth so that he can travel to escape his grief. His first plan is to go to China. Through the loss of Mrs. Claussen, Elizabeth becomes aware of her own mortality.

Elizabeth corresponds with the larger-than-life Mr. Claussen. She misses him dreadfully. After a number of years, she loses contact with him. Not knowing his whereabouts she decides to go in search of him. While searching for him, she finds herself. Her journeys take her through several states and territories. Along the way she encounters several key people that have huge influences on her personal growth.

Among these people is a freed Negro couple whose papers were destroyed when they were kidnapped. They are separated from both themselves and their son. Elizabeth uses her wiles to help reunite the parents. She also sees to it that they reconnect with their status as freed slaves and helps to set them up with meaningful employment. Elizabeth also has encounters with Indians, some are good, and some are bad. All provide her with a great deal of insight into herself.

Elizabeth chooses to venture into dangerous territories. She almost loses her life several times to natural elements and to devious people. She truly is able to discover that she has a great deal of inner strength to help get her through the rough spots. Her journey to find Mr. Claussen becomes a journey of introspection and growth.

I truly enjoyed "Claus Volume 2" as much as the first one. C. John Coombes writes in a manner that immediately pulls me into his stories and makes it almost impossible to take breaks. I really learned to care about the characters and felt caught up in their lives, as if they were real. I truly look forward to reading future works by him. In addition to writing an incredibly compelling tale, he also provides beautiful illustrations and poetry. I highly recommend this novel, especially to people who enjoy quality historical fiction, they will not be disappointed.

Claus Volume 2
C. John Coombes
(2008)
ISBN 9780982221334
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (2/09)

Following Joe: The Patriot Doctor and the Siege of Boston

Award-winning author, Alvin Ureles, draws on the writings of biographers Richard Frothingham and John Carey in this historical novel paying tribute to the life of Joseph Warren III.

Ureles has used a unique approach in authoring "Following Joe." He attributes the authorship of this fictional account to John Warren, Joseph’s youngest brother. The story is told using John’s voice. I soon lost sight of the fact that Ureles is the creator of this amazing account as John related background information, stimulating dialog, and a detailed description of the political unrest during the period leading up to the Revolutionary War.

After graduating from Harvard, Joseph Warren III studied medicine and soon had a successful practice in Boston. He married heiress Elizabeth Hooten. In the eighth year of their marriage Elizabeth died leaving Joseph a young widower with four motherless young children.

Warren was soon involved in Freemasonry and in politics. Among his Masonic friends were John Hancock, Samuel and John Adams, Paul Revere, James Otis, and other radical activists concerned about England’s ill treatment of the Colonies. Joseph was elected to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and was commissioned to second major-general in 1775.

Ureles brings the historical background of this period in American history to life as he carefully develops his characters, with an exciting historical plot familiar to American history enthusiasts. The book is filled with the conflict of war, of conscious, power struggles, and greed. The chaos of the battlefield is described so masterfully that as a reader, I was interactively drawn into the conflict. I heard the cries of pain from the wounded, was sickened by the sight of blood everywhere, and devastated by the loss of a friend.

Patriotism, bravery, and loyalty were undermined by the threat of treason, the duplicity of a friend turned spy, the safety of loved ones, rumors, and covert operations.

The Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s famous ride, and the battle of Bunker Hill took on new importance as Ureles’ characterizations became real to me in their struggles to help bring freedom and independence to America. Ureles, a Medical Professional himself, expertly described details and procedures, related to caring for the injured on the battle field, and the earlier recruiting and training of these men by Joseph Warren III.

"Following Joe" by Alvin Ureles is a book that gives a fresh approach and new insights into the political climate preceding and leading up to the Revolutionary War. Patriots like Warren bravely and sacrificially led to the birthing of our nation and our freedom at a tremendous personal cost. I was awed by the sacrifice, service and virtues displayed by these dedicated patriots.

Following Joe: The Patriot Doctor and the Siege of Boston
Alvin Ureles
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432727192
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/09)

A Naked Singularity

The author has created a wonderful, sarcastic, humorous book through the eyes of a public defender of our criminal justice system. Cassi, the main character and public defender, first begins his tirade of the criminal justice system when he vocalizes about individuals who have become "bodies" in police and court precincts. He continues to discuss how these individuals got into the system in the first place- did they actually commit a crime? Was it the environment they lived in or was it the need for over-time for the officers? As we read this I know, and you know, we have all questioned this at one time or another.

Public defenders don’t get a choice of whom they will represent- and sometimes their caseload is so high at some point they don’t care. But as we see in Cassi, he does care and he does want to help out his fellow man- but he can’t do it in this crazy, mixed-up environment. The author’s vivid descriptions of lawyers, the system and the criminal make you believe you are in court with them. You will shake your head at some of the stupidity we all know happens. At some point, Cassi decides that he must make a change and maybe he isn’t cut out for this type of work. He will not take what others force on him- but what happens then?

When one of his clients is killed, Cassi is approached by the police asking him what he knew. He knew plenty, but in his usual way he makes it a riddle for the police as he decides they will be coming for him, because a lot of money that was supposed to be on the dead client has disappeared and they think Cassi knows where it is, or has it. It is then the race for his life is on.

"A Naked Singularity" by Sergio De La Pava is an extremely long read at six-hundred eighty-nine pages. Some of the dialogue and action became a bit tedious to read, yet at the same time you are caught up in the author’s vivid descriptions of what is going on and for this reason can’t put the book down.

A Naked Singularity
Sergio De La Pava
Xlibris Corporation (2008)
ISBN 9781436341998
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/09)

Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i: Her Epic Journey

When I was a very little girl I dreamed of being a princess. Now as I am heading toward the big 50, married with children, after reading "Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i: Her Epic Journey," once again I am dreaming of being a princess. Or to be more precise, I want to be Wai-nani; I want to swim with the dolphins, I want people to cower to my beauty, I want…..

As a child Wai-nani lived life on the edge. She challenged the law of the land where the male race was superior. She could do all her brothers could do and did not enjoy being told she would not. Her friendship with the dolphin Eku, and his sultry mate Laka, was her rescue when she needed companionship. Her father, the chief, had come to his wit’s end with the unwelcome behavior Wai-nani displayed so he made a challenge for the men of the village. Whoever won the challenge would become Wai-nani’s husband thus ending her rowdy ways. Wai-nani feared being married to just about everyone, but felt that if her brother won the contest their union would produce an ali’s ruler of the highest blood caste. Did she want to be married to her brother, or any loveless warrior for that matter? Standing on the beach contemplating her fate, she untied the knot of her pa’u letting it drop to her ankles, glanced at her father and ran into the crashing waves to Eku. She "cast her fate like a fisherman’s net upon the sea."

Written like pure poetry, you will become entranced with the story of Wai-nani and amazed at the beauty of the history of the Hawaiian woman. I could not put the book down. "Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i: Her Epic Journey" by Linda Ballou is one of those magical books you take with you for a steamy hot bath soak and emerge when the water is ice cold and your body is shriveled up like a raisin. I will pass this book on to my daughters as a story of encouragement and breaking free. In the preface of the book the reader is asked: "Was Ka’ahumanu (of whom the story is based on) a forerunner to the modern woman and a daring, liberator, or was she a traitor to her times?" Could she be both?

Wai-nani: High Chiefess of Hawai’i: Her Epic Journey
Linda Ballou
Star Publish (2008)
ISBN 9781932993882
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (1/09)