Title: Heroes of the Fallen
Author: David J. West
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Published: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9796070-3-5
Hardcover: 306 pages
Reviewed By: Sheila
Heroes of the Fallen By David J. West
Product Description:
Heroes of the Fallen is a chronicle that dramatizes the tragic end of a great civilization. That era is now lost to us, except through oral legend, myth, and a golden book of lore. Stand alongside daring heroes with swords bared against sinister villains, never knowing which will fall--Captain Amaron and his Ten Scouts, Zelph the White Lamanite, or Anathoth the Lamanite General, agonizingly loyal to the despised King of Tullan-- all must face the chillingly evil Gadianton Master Akish-Antum and his
numerous followers. Witness the plans of mighty kings and
lowly thieves. See the dreams of Bethia, a prophet's daughter, as she runs away from home seeking independence, only to find confusion and wickedness in a land at war. Heroes of the Fallen is full of tragedy and triumph. It echoes universal themes of mankind: fear and courage, faith versus doubt, hunger for power and love, and sacrifice for the greater good. Intensely researched, Heroes of the Fallen is a literary work of art, presenting revolutionary viewpoints in a cross-genre's ancient American landscape.
I always love to read historical fiction from Book of Mormon time. This book is like one that I have never read before. It is not very often, that I read a novel that includes the Gadianton robbers and the final days of the Nephite people. The Book of Mormon people are brought to life in this novel. David uses rich detail, in his writing, to perfectly describe each of the nations that were at war with each other.
I was impressed with the amount of research that David put into this book. As you read, you know that much of course is fictional, but also you realize that this book is full of historical facts. I am not sure that I will ever want to write a historical novel. I think that they research more than any other writers.{I could be wrong here since I have not written a novel yet.:) }
Another exciting thing about this book, it is part of a series of book about this time period. I think that this series will eventually be looked at as a great Book of Mormon epic. There is a lot of action and intrigue throughout the novel. There are many different stories and plot lines being played out. You also need to be on your toes to keep everyone straight at the first. Even though these are names you have heard before, I had to seriously pay attention or I would have been lost. This is not a novel to pick up and read casually, you will want to focus on each of the main characters and who they are interacting with.
One thing that really got to me, is how truly evil the Gadiantons were. All of my life, while reading the Book of Mormon, I knew that they were evil. David brings to the forefront how truly conniving and wicked this group of people were. You could see how Satan led them in all of their dealings with others. David paints a clear picture of who the true heroes were during this time. I truly loved reading about Captain Amaron, a true leader who stuck to his values and religion.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel, by the very talented, new author,
David J. West. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Go visit David's blog here
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Would I...
Recommend this book? Yes, to those who love reading about Book of Mormon history and action novels.
Read it Again? Yes, I will before the next book in the series comes out.
If you would like to read an interview that I did with David, please go to my other blog here
Go visit David's blog here
Rating: 4 1/2 stars
Would I...
Recommend this book? Yes, to those who love reading about Book of Mormon history and action novels.
Read it Again? Yes, I will before the next book in the series comes out.
If you would like to read an interview that I did with David, please go to my other blog here
Yay, Shelia! I'm glad you liked it. I liked it, too. I felt like I was both taught and entertained.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about being both taught and entertained. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your book! What is the release date? So excited for you.