I entered Acts of Faith: Part 1 of The Inquisition Trilogy into the Writer’s Digest self-published book competition. I did not win any awards, but yesterday they sent me the following review. It was so favorable that I decided to post it below:

Greetings Authors,

Below is a brief commentary for your entry in the 28th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, thank you for your participation!


Entry Title: Acts of Faith: Part 1 of The Inquisition Trilogy
Author: Martin Elsant
Judge Number: 10
Entry Category: Genre Fiction

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Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5

Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 5

Production Quality and Cover Design: 5

Plot and Story Appeal: 5

Character Appeal and Development: 5

Voice and Writing Style: 4

Judge’s Commentary*:

Acts of Faith takes a footnote in 16th century Portuguese history and infuses it with drama, suspense, and humanity and turns it into an exciting read. Historical facts and details are seamlessly incorporated into the very fabric of the story so that the narrative was not only believable but fresh and immediate for readers.

The Inquisition was a dark time in history. When writing about cruelty, such as torture and execution, it can be tempting to give the readers all of the gory details. However, I thought that the novel did a good job of portraying the cruelties of the Inquisition honestly, without sensationalizing the pain and death of the victims.

The characters had a complexity and honesty to them that felt very human. This is especially true of Diego and Chico, who, though products of their time, have a modern take on theology and philosophy that readers will appreciate. Ari and Maria had a great chemistry, and though readers wish they could have their happily ever after, the reality of their parting feels right. Each of the characters starkly different perspectives on religion challenges the reader to question everything—and draw their own conclusions.

Although this is already a strong narrative, I think that incorporating more sensory details would bring readers even deeper into the story. For example, when Ari sees his room at the monastery for the first time, he is struck by how small and dismal it is. And though readers can see the room in their minds, if you were to also include other details that appeal to the reader’s senses, such as the room’s musty smell, or any sounds that can be heard, then readers will feel as though they are in the room alongside Ari and Chico.

Acts of Faith breathes life and hope into the dark era of the Portuguese Inquisition and infuses it with hope and determination as a group of friends conspire to free an innocent man from certain execution.