Well written fusion of historical fiction/legal thriller.
931326
I came across this book, having read Mr. Ellsworth's previous Thaddeus Murphee legal thrillers.  I have
recently been reading historical fiction, my long love being mysteries and crime. This book is a well written fusion of the two genres. Ellsworth's accounting of Lodzi Ashstein's confinement in Treblinka is one of the best I have read. I am embarrassed to admit that at 60 years old, I found I knew astonishing little WWII history and am trying to remedy that. Historical fiction, like this, fuels our need to know.
2665476
After realignment historical fiction novels, this is something a little different. We have a mix of genre's...mystery, action, love story mixed with interesting characters. An excellent read!
1117400
I enjoyed the legal aspect, courtroom drama and characters. It kept me interested and turning the pages throughout the night.
4442325
Welll written historical fiction with the added bonus of medical history as well.  Characters are well developed and story line makes sense from a historical point of view
420765
Interesting blend of the historical and science fiction.
Fast paced, moves well.  Easy to read; completed in one sitting.  A little weaker in the ending than I would have liked, but a nice piece of work by a young author with a great future.
3524834
I really liked this book. One of the almost impossible things to convey to other readers is the writing style of any particular author. I like Russell Blake's writing style, and the way he builds his characters. This story does fall into the genre of Dan Brown's historical thrillers. There are cryptology elements in deciphering clues from mysterious ancient documents, but Blake doesn't get hung up in the minutiae of decoding the relevant information. There is action aplenty with shadowy assassins and super secret branches of the Catholic church. Actual historical facts and locations only add to the texture of the story. Well worth giving this one a try.
646894
This historical fiction novel was a fast yet enjoyable read. The plot is interesting since it delves into past life regression and plays around with the idea of reincarnation. Some of the characters, like Mary (the godmother) and Daniel (the sweetheart from the Civil War era) leave a lasting impression and are very likable. At times, I felt as though I was benefiting from reading two books in one since there are technically two story lines (the story lines are connected though, promise). I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a little bit of romance and a little bit of suspense. The reason I deducted one star is because some of the scenes were too coincidental and hard to believe to be true.
3529026
Im typically a non-fiction reader however this book had enough historical references to suit my need. Its a well written thriller which I believe will one day be a movie. The lead character kept getting into situations while sometimes far-fetched made you constantly think what would I have done.  Once you start book its difficult to put down it flows well and has fairly good character development.  Would have given this book more stars except it not available for loan out which is really important feature for me. Will always rate a book not available for loan lower. A one time 14 day share with family or friend is a part of the total reading experience.
185054
The Roots of Betrayal is the second book of a trilogy surrounding a secret document that could bring down Queen Elizabeth I. William Harley, also known as Clarenceux is the current keeper of the document but someone he thought he could trust has stolen it and in this volume he travels long and far to get it back all the while learning about just whom he can count on.

You do not have to have read the first book, Sacred Treason to enjoy this book. Any backstory is explained in the narrative in a smooth manner that doesn't interfere with the current story line. The first part of the book - excepting the very first chapter - is a bit slow but it picks up about a third of the way in. Once Clarenceux starts his search it's a wild ride. Especially for our poor hero - he does take quite a few poundings and he has extraordinary luck but that luck is, I suppose all part of the excitement.

Historical figures play prominantly in this book; specifically Cecil and Walsingham and they do seem at odds at times which is a twist on how they normally appear in novels. It's a unique dynamic in a different take on a historical fiction book - adding in that thriller/suspense aspect that is generally not seen in the genre. It most certainly adds a page turning aspect to a familiar period in history and makes for a good read.
1155980
Even though I don't read much fiction these days, I did enjoy this "legal thriller." The author uses a sort of free-form writing style that moves along quickly between dialogues of characters and  thoughts of the protagonist.  The courtroom drama between judge, plaintiff, and defendant counsels is illustrative of courtroom rules and lawyerly strategies.  Of course, as with any good murder mystery, the reader can impute motive to just about every character in the book and even wonder if the defendant might actually be guilty.
4237991
This is a solid, workman-like legal thriller written by the father of the genre. This one involves an African-American attorney who's been unfairly incarcerated and figures out an elaborate scheme to gain his release and make himself a rich man. The story has no real heroic characters and relies on the complexities of the plot and legal information on topics like how the witness protection program works to keep the reader turning the pages.

Grisham is especially hard on Federal law enforcement officials. Lawyers from the Justice Department, FBI agents, federal prison personnel and federal judges are all portrayed as either incompetent or stupid or both. The author also performs some amazing literary gyrations to make the book politically correct.

But watching the story unfold is interesting particularly mid-way through the book when the plot undergoes a dramatic shift that compels the reader to keep going in order to find out what's happening. This is certainly not John Grisham's best work by any means but it does contain enough plot twists and turns as well as observations on the American legal system to make it a worthwhile read.
4906863
What an excellent idea - to merge in the medieval England of Edward III, a surgeon who becomes a bailiff, with the potential for religion, law, history, and medicine!  It may sound like an odd combination, but Melvin Starr's debut  novel of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon (and later, bailiff to the interesting and rather likeable Lord Gilbert, third Baron Talbot and lord of Bampton) is a pleasant surprise.  The author shows a firm grasp of his history - and of course, manages to move the remarkable John Wycliff, Lord of Balliol, into a couple of pertinent scenes - his plotting is careful and well set out.  But I was most impressed with our new hero, Master Hugh.  He is a man of parts ranging from modest to intriguing, and it's a fun read!  I agree with the other reviewers, we can cheerfully hope that this will b e the first of a series.
3594999
The  author keeps the story moving with interesting plots/events and exciting twists.  The dialogue is well written and the author conveys the character's thoughts well.  I've learned some of the interesting customs and beliefs of that era.  People could get away with murder pretty easily at that time since they knew little about medicines and the body.  I was Impressed with how the author made the lovemaking exciting but not embarrassing to read.  I was shocked when one of the characters I liked took a very unexpected action, a real shocker.  This doesn't read like someone's first book. I look forward to sequel?  You will find Honor's Passage hard to put down.
2254952
Well written. A lot of plot.  A bit predictable in spots, but everything comes together nicely in the end. Great female character.  Fun to combine a couple of centuries into 1 book. Good historical account.
4631814
This book is written from multiple perspectives: Luke, Paul/Saul, Auggie. It takes you expertly from modern-day Texas to days before Paul/Saul's execution. The historical information is fleshed out by the author to make a rich story of Saul's end of life. The author obviously did a significant amount of research prior to writing this novel. The author changes between the two stories every other chapter. Now, I often shy away from this type of writing because it often times is done poorly. I will admit the first few chapters it seemed a bit disjointed. However, once get into the two stories, it isn't noticeable and I found myself waiting for the next chapter.

This story is a book of redemption, strength, and love. Redemption is found in both storylines. It demonstrates how God can use all circumstances for good. Strength seen with both Augie and with Paul/Saul's stories. Love is an ongoing theme. Paul/Saul's love is very evident in not only the book but in Bible, so that's a given. Jenkins furthers this theme through Luke, Auggie, Roger, Auggie's mother and father, and so many other characters.

This book has several good points. It was well written. It helps provide a connection between myself and Paul/Saul. It provided insights to life during Nero's terrifying rule. Jenkins managed to flesh out and give life to historical characters. If you have interest in church history, Paul/Saul's life, or historical fiction. This book would be for you.

This book was difficult to get into at first. It took several chapters for me to feel completely pulled-in. The first chapter has Auggie receiving an urgent text from Roger but it took several chapters for the novel to pick-up. Once it did, it got interesting fast and I enjoyed it.

I absolutely recommend this book. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Paul/Saul's life (but remember it is a story) and any Christian who enjoys a good novel. I can also see the non-Christian could enjoy this book if they like a historical mystery.
3721877
Daughter of the Sword is novel that blends several different genres together as it creates the story of three fated swords and the policewoman whos path they cross.

Oshiro Mariko is the only female detective in Tokyo. Shes placed under a lieutenant who wishes to squash her attempts to transfer to narcotics. Instead, he sends her off on what he perceives to be a time wasting task: answering a report of an attempted robbery. The victim? Yamada Yasuo, a nearly blind old man whos an expert on sword craft. He possesses an ancient blade forged by a nearly mythical sword smith, Inazuma. The thief, whom has sections following him scattered throughout the book, possesses his own Inazuma, but he wishes to gain another.

Each of the three Inazuma sword has legends and traits associated with them. To reveal these, Daughter of the Sword delves into sections of historical fiction, taking place at different times throughout Japans history. The resulting novel is part historical fiction, part urban fantasy, and part detective story. Overall, Daughter of the Sword is low on magic. Theres the mystical properties of the blades and a seer who comes in near the end. Besides that and a willingness to rely on destiny, theres nothing that could be termed magic. If you're seeking sorcerers and werewolves, look elsewhere.

I liked Mariko as a lead. Shes both smart and determined, and I feel that I could come to really love her in future books. Significantly, she does not have a love interest or a romantic subplot. Do you know how rare this is for a female lead? It feels practically unheard of. Marikos most difficult relationship is with her sister, a drug addict. Mariko feels responsible for her but also knows that ultimately her sister needs to make her own decision to improve. In the beginning, I had very little faith in Daughter of the Sword pulling this relationship off well. (Spoiler for the rest of the paragraph). Basically, I thought shes be killed off and her death used to motivate Mariko to some sort of vengeance and cause all sorts of angst. While her sister is threatened as part of the plot, shes surprisingly still alive at the end, and I was very appreciative that Daughter of the Sword took a different route with its female side characters.

Bein, a professor of Asian philosophy who did grad work in Japan, obviously did his research for Daughter of the Sword. The historical details as well as facts about modern day Japan are blended throughout the novel. However, Mariko, while Japanese, spent most of her childhood in the United States. She feels like she doesnt wholly fit in anywhere (in her country, her job, or even her family), and her outsider status allows her to explain some things to the audience, which is fairly obviously intended to be American.

Overall, I enjoyed Daughter of the Sword. It doesnt have the constant action of what you may expect of urban fantasy novels, and you would probably like it more if you have a taste for historical fiction. I would recommend it to people looking for a book with a female lead and no romance or an urban fantasy novel which stretches their horizons. I plan on reading the sequel.
3012833
Good legal thriller. Lots of human interest stuff about the main character. I would have given it 5 stars except the legal wrangling was not done well. One paragraph he says he does not want to tip his hand on the defense strategy. Then he tells the prosecution his strategy during the preliminary trial. It was hard to believe the prosecutor would proceed with weak circumstantial evidence. Maybe after months of investigation, but they charged the guy after a short time. However it is well written with plenty of side stories. I didn't see the ending coming out the way it did. But that may just be me. I recommend this book.