Historical fiction at its best
346739
This story showcases the real colony of Englanders at Roanoke Island. It's amazing to read the trials they went through, and how hard it was for people to even get there. There were many parts I wished were different, but only the parts that history wrote it, not the author's fictional parts. I also liked that it was LONG. Kept my interest the whole time!
231017
As a fan of historical fiction, I can comfortably say this book is now among my favorites. The characters are well fleshed, the antagonist is impressive and the suspense carries itself superbly. Author did a fantastic job of making scenes you felt like you were watching happen instead of merely reading about.
3768127
This book is a great example of historical fiction at it's best. The plot was well done as was character development. This book really opened my eyes to the Protestant vs. Catholic battle in Europe
2043010
David Penny's Thomas Berrington series is historical fiction at its best.  Both well researched and well imagined, the books show belivable characters at the close of  Moorish Spain.  In this book, against the backdrop of an unusual serial killer and Isabella's fears for her pregnancy,  we see Thomas caught between two cultures: the one he chose and loves and respects and the other out to inevitably destroy it.  Seeing the end coming, he needs to maintain friendships on both sides, and this limits his choices , although his own nature requires that he solve the murders even when it would be easier to walk away. Penny populates the book with strong characters that I have grown to love and enjoy.  I look forward to their furthrr exploits.
2820267
Fast paced action at its best. The story was so good, the characters so strong, that there was not a moment of boredom. The writing style at first seemed a little disjointed as short scenes jumped back and forth among characters and actions, but what a clever device to keep the story moving. This is the kind of historical fiction that can cause the reader to be concerned with the story and the characters, with historical accuracy never in question. Hats off to Dave Michael ... a masterful story teller.
4921235
This is a captivating story that will appeal to those who love well-written historical fiction. The author has a decided flair for epic storytelling, as the reader will be riveted to this wonderfully told tale of abduction, slavery, and love. It is the story of Sarah Wells, a seventeen year old settler from the colony of New Hampshire, who is forcibly captured by a party of Abnaki Indians, sympathetic to the French, during the time of the French and Indian Wars.

Taken to their village where she is made to live the life of a slave, Sarah develops a loving relationship with Taliwan, the gentle son of the old Abnaki Indian woman to whom she had been given in slavery. It is her relationship with Taliwan that would eventually become a pivotal one in her life.

The book is rich in the details of her life with the Abnaki, ground in the context of the times and the French and Indian Wars. It is the story of two worlds and the ways that Sarah Wells finds to straddle both. She ultimately must choose, however, one over the other. It is a choice that will eventually be a test her love.

This is an action packed story that will keep the reader turning the pages  of the book until the very last.  I loved this book when I first read it about twenty five years ago. In reading it again, time has not diminished this wonderfully told story.
1111933
PROMISE ME THIS is one of the best books I have read in some time. It is historical fiction at its best. It combines real events, such as the sinking of the Titanic and Word War I with a heartfelt romance. The characters are vivid and realistic, and very easy to like. The writing is unpretentious and well done. It is my hope that this book will receive the attention it deseres, and become the classic that it is.
381720
This is an exceptional first book, a must read for lovers of historical fiction.  The author paints a vivid recreation of Hitler's Berlin in 1943.  His terse, direct dialogue moves the story along and is a pleasure to read. Not a word wasted! Some reviewers have objected to the number of sex scenes, and although it is true that Gilham imbues his women with a strong masculine sexuality, it seems appropriate for those desperate times, when no one knew if they would live to see another day. As we watch Sigrid's journey and the choices she made, towards an inevitable conclusion, it is impossible not to ask ourselves "What would we do?" I highly recommend this book.
2192044
Anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction will love this book. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. The characters are believable whether based on real people or imaginary ones. It has an ending that is surprising and is full of adventure and misadventures.
4939818
This was historical fiction at its best! Very well written. I enjoyed it very much!
2203594
A mesmerizing story about the fascination of youth and the heartbreak of war.  The best historical fiction that I've read in a very long time.  This is a must read book!
4236910
For a piece of historical fiction this book is hard to beat.  The names, places, dates, and activities referenced in the book are very accurate in that they closely match newspaper stories from the time period.  The addition of one character to bring the events together and round out the observations of history is all I see that is fictional.  If you read the book before traveling to Dublin you can walk in the steps of Michael Collins.  I highly recommend doing so.
2923212
A great read.  Read the first two Century Trilogy books first as this is a continuing story.  Historical fiction at its best. Well researched, very accurate, intertwined with an interesting journey thru several lives and many countries.
1639657
I love historical fiction. This story captures your attention from the very first chapter. Elise is an outstanding writer. Her attention for historical detail is superior.  Innocence does a fantastic job of delving into class struggle and how horrible the slave trade was even for white children in the 1800's. Two thumbs up!
4729771
If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll love this book! I got so engrossed I found myself thinking inside the story during the day...when I'd been reading it in bed the night before.  The story is fast-paced and exciting, yet touching and real.
I highly recommend this book.
992955
There's not much that I can say that hasn't already been written about regarding this book.  It's the kind of historical fiction that I love:  real characters and real events wrapped up in a riveting (fictious) narrative.  Yes it's long, but I really didn't want it to end.
1720117
I love historical fiction with a good story entwined with real real characters. This book did not disappoint!  Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.  When I was at the end, I didn't want it to be finished.  I was totaled immersed in the characters that he created and the story moved seamlessly through a period in history that I knew nothing of.  Thank you Gary Whitta for a great first novel.