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The Courageous Series #one
Out of the Darkness: A Novel
Out of the Darkness was inspired by the true story of a nineteenth-century child coal miner who rose out of the ashes of poverty and tragedy to reach for his dreams.
At age seven, Tom Wright follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him into England’s mid-nineteenth-century Yorkshire coal mines. He struggles with childhood fears, working twelve-hour days, six days a week, in the darkest depths of a dangerous coal mine. That is until disaster strikes, taking the lives of his boyhood friends in one of England’s most tragic accidents in its long coal mining history. Devastated, Tom is determined to change his fate laid out for him by the tyrannical system of industrial slavery.
This is the fast-moving story of a young boy overcoming the iron-fisted rule of the massively wealthy lord of the land, who not only owns and rules much of South Yorkshire, its coal mines, and the villages the mining families live in, but the mortgage on their very lives. With the help of his brilliant, passionate, self-educated mother, Tom rises above his beginnings despite the tyranny of his lordship’s brutal psychopathic enforcer and a society fostering the oppression of the working class.
We follow Tom into adulthood, on his path to a brilliant career, through the tragedy of yet another of the largest industrial disasters in England’s history, in his fight against child labor, and his love affairs with two strong-willed, determined women. And finally, we see his family’s escape to America to pursue their dreams in book two of The Courageous Series. Theirs has become a vast family legacy, including their seven-year-old great, great, great, great grandson Cole, pictured on the front cover of this book.
At age seven, Tom Wright follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him into England’s mid-nineteenth-century Yorkshire coal mines. He struggles with childhood fears, working twelve-hour days, six days a week, in the darkest depths of a dangerous coal mine. That is until disaster strikes, taking the lives of his boyhood friends in one of England’s most tragic accidents in its long coal mining history. Devastated, Tom is determined to change his fate laid out for him by the tyrannical system of industrial slavery.
This is the fast-moving story of a young boy overcoming the iron-fisted rule of the massively wealthy lord of the land, who not only owns and rules much of South Yorkshire, its coal mines, and the villages the mining families live in, but the mortgage on their very lives. With the help of his brilliant, passionate, self-educated mother, Tom rises above his beginnings despite the tyranny of his lordship’s brutal psychopathic enforcer and a society fostering the oppression of the working class.
We follow Tom into adulthood, on his path to a brilliant career, through the tragedy of yet another of the largest industrial disasters in England’s history, in his fight against child labor, and his love affairs with two strong-willed, determined women. And finally, we see his family’s escape to America to pursue their dreams in book two of The Courageous Series. Theirs has become a vast family legacy, including their seven-year-old great, great, great, great grandson Cole, pictured on the front cover of this book.
- GenresFiction
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
7 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 29, 2024
Out of the Darkness: A Novel by David A. Jacinto is a reimagining using the known facts of his own family history, particularly life events of his great-great-grandfather Thomas Wright, who started his work life at age 7 in coal mines, proud to be working alongside his father. They work the mines of Lord Fitzwilliam in South Yorkshire, England.
The author paints a true picture of a bleak existence to pull coal out of the earth to benefit human needs, and Lord F's pocketbook. Devastating accidents and catastrophes happen too often throughout the tale, with no help or support to workers or the grieving community by the employing agents and company. Loss of life, terror and child labor are woven throughout the fiction as they were in the real life events. Disturbing, yet true.
Tom Wright soon is a strapping young man, battling side-by-side with others against the mine owners and their overseeing thugs with a sincerity that had me interested - I have miners in my family tree as well, just a little north of this site. My people caught a boat out of country as well, about the same time, also from Liverpool. As Martha bids her son Tom, his family and her other children good-bye - never to see them again, I was struck with the enormity of one ancestor's choice on descendants' life paths. . .yours and mine, dear reader. . .no matter where you are as you read this, someone in your family tree made a choice long before you were a twinkle that set you on a path from which there was no turning back.
The author provides a window on his own family's journey, showing the tremendous reasons and motivations that resulted in migrations from one continent to another.
*A sincere thank you to David A. Jacinto, PR by the Book, Forefront Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #OutoftheDarkness #NetGalley
The author paints a true picture of a bleak existence to pull coal out of the earth to benefit human needs, and Lord F's pocketbook. Devastating accidents and catastrophes happen too often throughout the tale, with no help or support to workers or the grieving community by the employing agents and company. Loss of life, terror and child labor are woven throughout the fiction as they were in the real life events. Disturbing, yet true.
Tom Wright soon is a strapping young man, battling side-by-side with others against the mine owners and their overseeing thugs with a sincerity that had me interested - I have miners in my family tree as well, just a little north of this site. My people caught a boat out of country as well, about the same time, also from Liverpool. As Martha bids her son Tom, his family and her other children good-bye - never to see them again, I was struck with the enormity of one ancestor's choice on descendants' life paths. . .yours and mine, dear reader. . .no matter where you are as you read this, someone in your family tree made a choice long before you were a twinkle that set you on a path from which there was no turning back.
The author provides a window on his own family's journey, showing the tremendous reasons and motivations that resulted in migrations from one continent to another.
*A sincere thank you to David A. Jacinto, PR by the Book, Forefront Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #OutoftheDarkness #NetGalley
May 31, 2024
The expansion of the coal industry from the late 18th century was deemed essential to the other economic advancements that collectively constituted the Industrial Revolution in Europe. The owners of the mines in England were the aristocratic bourgeoisie, whose rapacious greed for profits surpassed miners’ interests. Miners endured harsh living conditions in shanties while tirelessly working in horrible environments in the coal mines. This grim reality is well represented by David A. Jacinto’s spirited novel, “Out of The Darkness,” the first novel in The Courageous Series.
Based on actual events and real people, the story is set in South Yorkshire, England, during the tumultuous shift from the era of traditional rural lifestyle to urban living caused by rapid demand for labor force in manufacturing industries. Coming from a mining background, Thomas Wright joined his father at the mining pit at a tender age. His mother, however, wanted him to use his talents to be something more than a coal miner.
The lives of his family and the wider community were left to the mercies of the wealthy landlord, Lord Fitzwilliam, a ruthless aristocrat and mine owner who laid down the rules of conduct for the miners. Thomas worked for twelve hours a day, six days a week in the hot, dark, and cramped mines for little pay. When a terrible accident occurs in the mines causing the death of many children and men, including some of his friends, Thomas is left with emotional and physical scars of remembrance for a lifetime.
The disaster takes away what remains of his childhood forever, changing his whole outlook on life. He develops an inner resolve to educate and build a better life for himself, fight against child labor, and push for safety measures for workers. He is forced to confront the ruthless and powerful system of the wealthy class, in an era where there were no trade unions to fight for the rights of workers. Eventually, he manages to blaze his own trail and immigrates to America with his family to begin a new life.
This is a tale of loss, pain, suffering, resoluteness, and eventual redemption. It is a story of the courage of one ordinary man who defies the odds and carves an extraordinary path for himself and his loved ones at a time when the greedy and corrupt had stripped the poor of their dignity and humanity. At the helm of the story is the fierce love of a mother who will stop at nothing to protect her children. Jacinto writes with gusto, paying tribute to his ancestors, as he details a fictionalized version of their experiences and migration to America. He deftly paints an indelible portrait of what life was like in the industrial towns, especially for miners and their families, evoking further reflection years later.
I have read about the Industrial Revolution in Europe and its negative effects in books and journals but never have I felt more enlightened about this turbulent era than I did reading this work of fiction. Perhaps it’s the exhaustive preliminary research done by the author that the book displays, the intricate scene settings throughout, or the exciting developments that propel the story forward; altogether, “Out of The Darkness” by David A. Jacinto, is indeed a beautiful work. I enjoy reading historical fiction and I’m glad I picked this one up. It did not disappoint. If you delight in stories of survival against all odds with resonant characters, this book is for you.
Based on actual events and real people, the story is set in South Yorkshire, England, during the tumultuous shift from the era of traditional rural lifestyle to urban living caused by rapid demand for labor force in manufacturing industries. Coming from a mining background, Thomas Wright joined his father at the mining pit at a tender age. His mother, however, wanted him to use his talents to be something more than a coal miner.
The lives of his family and the wider community were left to the mercies of the wealthy landlord, Lord Fitzwilliam, a ruthless aristocrat and mine owner who laid down the rules of conduct for the miners. Thomas worked for twelve hours a day, six days a week in the hot, dark, and cramped mines for little pay. When a terrible accident occurs in the mines causing the death of many children and men, including some of his friends, Thomas is left with emotional and physical scars of remembrance for a lifetime.
The disaster takes away what remains of his childhood forever, changing his whole outlook on life. He develops an inner resolve to educate and build a better life for himself, fight against child labor, and push for safety measures for workers. He is forced to confront the ruthless and powerful system of the wealthy class, in an era where there were no trade unions to fight for the rights of workers. Eventually, he manages to blaze his own trail and immigrates to America with his family to begin a new life.
This is a tale of loss, pain, suffering, resoluteness, and eventual redemption. It is a story of the courage of one ordinary man who defies the odds and carves an extraordinary path for himself and his loved ones at a time when the greedy and corrupt had stripped the poor of their dignity and humanity. At the helm of the story is the fierce love of a mother who will stop at nothing to protect her children. Jacinto writes with gusto, paying tribute to his ancestors, as he details a fictionalized version of their experiences and migration to America. He deftly paints an indelible portrait of what life was like in the industrial towns, especially for miners and their families, evoking further reflection years later.
I have read about the Industrial Revolution in Europe and its negative effects in books and journals but never have I felt more enlightened about this turbulent era than I did reading this work of fiction. Perhaps it’s the exhaustive preliminary research done by the author that the book displays, the intricate scene settings throughout, or the exciting developments that propel the story forward; altogether, “Out of The Darkness” by David A. Jacinto, is indeed a beautiful work. I enjoy reading historical fiction and I’m glad I picked this one up. It did not disappoint. If you delight in stories of survival against all odds with resonant characters, this book is for you.
October 8, 2023
⛏️🖤Out of the Darkness🖤⛏️
This book by David A. Jacinto is a deeply moving historical novel that draws inspiration from the author's own family history. This heart-wrenching tale revolves around the life of Thomas Wright, beginning when he was just seven years old and starting his career working in the coal mines in nineteenth-century England. The story vividly portrays the harsh realities of his life, from the grueling labor in dangerous coal mines to the tragic accident that changes the course of his destiny.
Jacinto's storytelling shines a light on the greed, love, sacrifice, faith, and unwavering courage that Thomas and his family display as they confront the oppressive industrial system and a ruthless lord who controls their lives. This book is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the pursuit of freedom and liberty, not only for oneself but for future generations. It's a powerful narrative that reminds us of the enduring legacy of those who dared to seek a better life, making it a compelling and touching read for all.
This book by David A. Jacinto is a deeply moving historical novel that draws inspiration from the author's own family history. This heart-wrenching tale revolves around the life of Thomas Wright, beginning when he was just seven years old and starting his career working in the coal mines in nineteenth-century England. The story vividly portrays the harsh realities of his life, from the grueling labor in dangerous coal mines to the tragic accident that changes the course of his destiny.
Jacinto's storytelling shines a light on the greed, love, sacrifice, faith, and unwavering courage that Thomas and his family display as they confront the oppressive industrial system and a ruthless lord who controls their lives. This book is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the pursuit of freedom and liberty, not only for oneself but for future generations. It's a powerful narrative that reminds us of the enduring legacy of those who dared to seek a better life, making it a compelling and touching read for all.
October 12, 2023
Thank you @prbythebooks @forefrontbooks for this wonderful opportunity to read and review this stunning historical fiction.
I read this few days ago and I’m still searching and finding words to review this book. It is a heartfelt novel about a family dealing with grief, poverty and survival during 1800s in England’s coal mines’ period. Thomas’ struggles were real and the pain he suffered while trying to escape it was truly devastating. This historical fiction derived from real stories and migration experiences to USA. This book has offered many stunning insights, historical facts and amazing stories for readers to discover. There are some triggers and the ending was unforgettable. I really love this book.
I read this few days ago and I’m still searching and finding words to review this book. It is a heartfelt novel about a family dealing with grief, poverty and survival during 1800s in England’s coal mines’ period. Thomas’ struggles were real and the pain he suffered while trying to escape it was truly devastating. This historical fiction derived from real stories and migration experiences to USA. This book has offered many stunning insights, historical facts and amazing stories for readers to discover. There are some triggers and the ending was unforgettable. I really love this book.
August 22, 2024
This review is not going to be a pleasant one - as you can already tell by the star rating of 2/5 stars.
While technically the writing wasn't bad (sentence structure, punctuation, etc.), its style just wasn't for me - which will sadly be reflected in this review. (This is why I always asked writers/agends to look at recent reviews I've done to ensure it was something that I might like so that the rating isn't this low. FYI for anyone reading this out there - looking at just the genres is not enough for me. Just because I like historical fiction, doesn't mean that I like ALL historical fiction in all areas and locations. If you are asking my to spend my time reading and reviewing your book, the least that you could do is research what books I've recently enjoyed.) I trusted that this author's agent had done that research as they claimed they had and unfortunately there aren't any books in my recent reads like this one - and not in a good way. I should have DNF'd this book, and if I ever open to review requests again, I will certainly be more discernable in what I accept.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 2/5 - These characters were too naive for me, even as adults. The villians - I needed more motivtation from them then just "they are evil, bad men."
Atmosphere/Setting: 4/5 - This was the one category that saved this book from falling into a 1 star rating. The atmosphere/setting were great.
Writing Style: 1.5/5 - This is where I have the most problems. This writing style was far too sentimental and religious for my preferences. The religion in this book felt a bit in your face without being advertised as a book with religious undertones. Nowhere in the Goodreads description does it mention religion once, yet you could not escape it. I did not appreciate that at all and if an atheist - or a person of another religion - picked this book up, they'd DNF it by 50% at least. Certain things happened (especially near the end) that were unbelievable to me - regardless if they happened or not; if you are writing historical fiction, you need to make it believable. It felt like, to me at least, that the writer just relied on his family stories and didn't concern himself with making it believable fiction. He would have been better off just writing non-fiction with a disclaimer.
Plot: 2/5 - It didn't seem like there was much of an actual plotline - other than making it to America, which is not enough of a plot for me. That's just a destination not a story. Some of the things, especially towards the end, were not believeable to me - I need further explanation/exploration/etc to believe that they happened just like that.
Intrigue: 2 - I was only intrigued in that I was waiting to see how this was like other books I've reviewed - it wasn't, and not in a good way. I should have DNFd this.
Logic/Relationships: 1.5/5 - Lacking in both categories, in my opinion. Things didn't make sense to me at times. And a lot of the relationships felt flimsy and not built up strongly.
Enjoyment: 1/5 - I did not enjoy this book and should have DNFd this. I will NOT be continueing in the Courageous Series.
Total: 14/7 = 2/5 stars
While technically the writing wasn't bad (sentence structure, punctuation, etc.), its style just wasn't for me - which will sadly be reflected in this review. (This is why I always asked writers/agends to look at recent reviews I've done to ensure it was something that I might like so that the rating isn't this low. FYI for anyone reading this out there - looking at just the genres is not enough for me. Just because I like historical fiction, doesn't mean that I like ALL historical fiction in all areas and locations. If you are asking my to spend my time reading and reviewing your book, the least that you could do is research what books I've recently enjoyed.) I trusted that this author's agent had done that research as they claimed they had and unfortunately there aren't any books in my recent reads like this one - and not in a good way. I should have DNF'd this book, and if I ever open to review requests again, I will certainly be more discernable in what I accept.
CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 2/5 - These characters were too naive for me, even as adults. The villians - I needed more motivtation from them then just "they are evil, bad men."
Atmosphere/Setting: 4/5 - This was the one category that saved this book from falling into a 1 star rating. The atmosphere/setting were great.
Writing Style: 1.5/5 - This is where I have the most problems. This writing style was far too sentimental and religious for my preferences. The religion in this book felt a bit in your face without being advertised as a book with religious undertones. Nowhere in the Goodreads description does it mention religion once, yet you could not escape it. I did not appreciate that at all and if an atheist - or a person of another religion - picked this book up, they'd DNF it by 50% at least. Certain things happened (especially near the end) that were unbelievable to me - regardless if they happened or not; if you are writing historical fiction, you need to make it believable. It felt like, to me at least, that the writer just relied on his family stories and didn't concern himself with making it believable fiction. He would have been better off just writing non-fiction with a disclaimer.
Plot: 2/5 - It didn't seem like there was much of an actual plotline - other than making it to America, which is not enough of a plot for me. That's just a destination not a story. Some of the things, especially towards the end, were not believeable to me - I need further explanation/exploration/etc to believe that they happened just like that.
Intrigue: 2 - I was only intrigued in that I was waiting to see how this was like other books I've reviewed - it wasn't, and not in a good way. I should have DNFd this.
Logic/Relationships: 1.5/5 - Lacking in both categories, in my opinion. Things didn't make sense to me at times. And a lot of the relationships felt flimsy and not built up strongly.
Enjoyment: 1/5 - I did not enjoy this book and should have DNFd this. I will NOT be continueing in the Courageous Series.
Total: 14/7 = 2/5 stars
October 3, 2023
Out of the Darkness by David A. Jacinto is a spellbinding story about the horrendous working conditions in coal mines in Britain in the 1800s. What makes it especially compelling is that it is based on true stories the author's family experienced during this tragic time. The class divide was extreme with iron-fisted Lord Fitzwilliam living in opulence and the poverty stricken coal miners who literally earned pennies a week with no sight of labour laws. Plus they were forced to risk their lives just to buy scraps of food for their families whose bellies were never full.
The day after Tommy turned seven, he proudly followed in his father's footsteps of working in the coal mine. His first job as a trapper could not possibly be more hellish or dangerous. Jumping onto a moving dilapidated cage hundreds of feet into the stagnant black underground surrounded by skittering fat rats for twelve hours a day not only caused severe mental anguish but also physical pain and fear. Every step meant potential death, every moment of every day. Not only are the details harrowing but the despair seeped into my skin as I read about black lung and drowning. So many babies lost at work. Yet at their tender ages they wanted to make their parents proud.
Tommy's mother instilled in him the need for bettering himself with books and education. She made sure to teach him proper English and manners which carried him through many situations. His pursuit of engineering took him far away to America which must have seemed like manna from Heaven.
If you seek a captivating book, do not miss this one. The achingly beautiful writing is haunting yet hopeful. I became so immersed I hung onto every word and my reading experience ended too quickly.
My sincere thank you to PR by the Book and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this emotive and stellar book.
The day after Tommy turned seven, he proudly followed in his father's footsteps of working in the coal mine. His first job as a trapper could not possibly be more hellish or dangerous. Jumping onto a moving dilapidated cage hundreds of feet into the stagnant black underground surrounded by skittering fat rats for twelve hours a day not only caused severe mental anguish but also physical pain and fear. Every step meant potential death, every moment of every day. Not only are the details harrowing but the despair seeped into my skin as I read about black lung and drowning. So many babies lost at work. Yet at their tender ages they wanted to make their parents proud.
Tommy's mother instilled in him the need for bettering himself with books and education. She made sure to teach him proper English and manners which carried him through many situations. His pursuit of engineering took him far away to America which must have seemed like manna from Heaven.
If you seek a captivating book, do not miss this one. The achingly beautiful writing is haunting yet hopeful. I became so immersed I hung onto every word and my reading experience ended too quickly.
My sincere thank you to PR by the Book and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this emotive and stellar book.
October 29, 2023
This was such a great yet heartbreaking historical read! Based on a true family who for generations had worked the coal mines in Yorkshire, England and knew no other way of life. When a boy turns seven, he is considered old enough to start working twelve hour days in the dangerous mines to help bring home a paycheck to keep the family fed and the roof over their head. The novel follows the story of Tom Wright, who follows his father down into the mines at the age of seven but his mother has always had a different idea of how the live of her first son should turn out. Doing all she could, she taught her children to read and write and often outspoke when it was needed. This story is so detailed and heartbreaking, but is amazing in everything that Tom did to accomplish changes and child labor laws that eventually came about. But it took almost his entire life to make things change. This novel had so much history and I just loved how it was written. I really had no idea about the coal mines over in England and all of the dangers and tragedies they bestowed upon thousands. I really loved reading about this family and cannot wait until the second one comes out to see what happens to the family after England. Thank you to the author and to PR By The Book for the free novel and introducing me to a new author. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
November 19, 2025
Bit long, ended up skimming the last of the book. I can't imagine sending a 7yr old into the PITCH black dark and except them to do well at the job. Then the miners health itself was such an issue. Then skip to the part were Tom meets Lydia that was a bit of fluff thrown in to add the mystery of women working in phosphorus. Tom leaves and lives in the woods for the next couple months and when he comes back he asks annie to marry him. She says yes they have a perfect relationship. However, as he is saving money for America the big explosion that killed 500ppl and the courts ruled it was the miners faults where there was undeniable proof that was the owners fault- he saving a penny. The ending where the WHOLE family makes it to america due to a job in Nevada.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1837 England: Entering the dangerous coal mines at the young age of 7 to work makes a lasting impression on Tom Wright, one in a long line of coal miners in his family. With the strength of his family values and his own intelligence, Tom rises to become a spokesman for the poorly treated miners and their families against the wealthy landowners. Author David Jacinto has written a well researched and heartfelt book about his ancestors and it is well worth the read.
1837 England: Entering the dangerous coal mines at the young age of 7 to work makes a lasting impression on Tom Wright, one in a long line of coal miners in his family. With the strength of his family values and his own intelligence, Tom rises to become a spokesman for the poorly treated miners and their families against the wealthy landowners. Author David Jacinto has written a well researched and heartfelt book about his ancestors and it is well worth the read.
July 27, 2023
A novel well worth reading if you enjoy reading about mining life where unfortunately children from the age of 4 used to work. This was very interesting! I did like the characters, however sometimes their interactions appeared to me not really credible (how a 2 year-old child spoke, or love relationships). Overall, a fascinating novel about a young child and his development into adulthood, striving to get out of the harsh conditions of working and living.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
October 4, 2023
While this cover spoke to me, the pages screamed as children, at the age of seven, worked in the coal mines amongst the rats, fear, and pain. The details are heart-wrenching and traumatic. Thankfully, Tommy's mother insisted on the manners and education that led him to America and a better life. It’s a story I won’t forget soon. Now, to wait impatiently for book two.
October 30, 2023
It is a wonderful book about overcoming the darkness of child labor, poverty, death tragedy, and loss to eventually find lasting love. Based on real people and real events. Set in 19th century Englad. Seven year old Thomas Wright is sent to work in the coal mines like his father, grandfather, and generations of men and boys before him.
February 8, 2024
While this style of writing (a little flowery, I thought) is not my preference, the story was well told and it's a quick read. You root for the protagonist and feel his pain when he has repeated setbacks. Also, the book provides a history lesson about the dangers of working in mines in 19th-century England.
May 11, 2024
Loved this book the history was well told and a definite page turner. He wrote another “ Where eagles fly free”. But cannot find it.
January 2, 2024
In 19th century England, the Industrial Revolution is well underway. Technological innovations spring up as former agrarian workers migrate to cities in search of work, but often at the cost of the health and well-being of workers. "Out of the Darkness" offers a stark and engaging look into the life of Thomas Wright and his family as they eke out a living in the mines of South Yorkshire, England. The family suffers numerous trials and tribulations including mining explosions, loss of family, and a corrupt overlord who places profits over people.
"Out of the Darkness" traces Thomas's life from a young boy working in the mines to a young man who operates as a Renaissance man, offering advice for enhancing the safety of mines. He fights against the system that has essentially enslaved the lower and emerging middle classes during a time when the wealthy often controlled those in places of power. As mentioned in the book summary, Thomas defies the odds and ultimately moves to America with his family.
Drawing upon research, David A. Jacinto offers readers a deeply empathetic and sympathetic look into his family's history. There's a lot to enjoy about this book including authentic research and portrayal of industrial England, a sympathetic but realistic portrayal of the struggles working families endured, and a consistent pace that keeps readers engaged.
Unfortunately, however, Thomas's characterization left something of a bitter taste in my mouth. Though he overcomes so many obstacles, Thomas comes across as an almost messianic protagonist. Almost everyone he meets - with the exception of those in power, of course - show unadulterated adulation of the man, to the point where it feels as if he can literally do nothing wrong. They worship him or love him, and it honestly seems as if he has no flaws. This type of heroic protagonist could work for some people, but, to be honest, I found it lacking.
Otherwise, however, the book is well worth reading for its strong female characters, the historical insights, and so much more.
Thank you to PR by the Book for a digital review ARC of this book via NetGalley!
"Out of the Darkness" traces Thomas's life from a young boy working in the mines to a young man who operates as a Renaissance man, offering advice for enhancing the safety of mines. He fights against the system that has essentially enslaved the lower and emerging middle classes during a time when the wealthy often controlled those in places of power. As mentioned in the book summary, Thomas defies the odds and ultimately moves to America with his family.
Drawing upon research, David A. Jacinto offers readers a deeply empathetic and sympathetic look into his family's history. There's a lot to enjoy about this book including authentic research and portrayal of industrial England, a sympathetic but realistic portrayal of the struggles working families endured, and a consistent pace that keeps readers engaged.
Unfortunately, however, Thomas's characterization left something of a bitter taste in my mouth. Though he overcomes so many obstacles, Thomas comes across as an almost messianic protagonist. Almost everyone he meets - with the exception of those in power, of course - show unadulterated adulation of the man, to the point where it feels as if he can literally do nothing wrong. They worship him or love him, and it honestly seems as if he has no flaws. This type of heroic protagonist could work for some people, but, to be honest, I found it lacking.
Otherwise, however, the book is well worth reading for its strong female characters, the historical insights, and so much more.
Thank you to PR by the Book for a digital review ARC of this book via NetGalley!
November 11, 2023
The first half of the book was a little rough for me. But the author really hit his stride in the second half.
First off, let's talk about the description. It's a complete outline of the story and leaves nothing wanting to the imagination. They even go as far as to set up book two which makes no sense to me. The book had so much build up at the end, which is everything you want but I knew how it was going to end. So it was actually pretty anticlimactic. I'm just so bummed about that.
The book had great foreshadowing in the romance scenes. But again it's glaringly obvious when you've read the book description. The romance was a little rough in some places as well. I love a good ugly duckling trope. But there was too much focus on the ugly and not the beautiful woman she became. There were beautiful moments set up between them but not enough closure for them (hopefully to be settled in book 2).
The historic part of the book was wonderful. It was gut wrenching. It had me googling more and lost in pictures of all the children in their mining gear .... oh how far we've come.
A lot of beautiful passages about having faith in God. And finding Him in our darkest sorrows.
Overall a good read and would recommend.
"And always remember, the courage to do the right thing is the most important of all your choices, isn't it?"
"Courage is learning to not let you fear hold you prisoner."
"Fear is a reaction; courage is a decision. And when courage is chosen, it's often courageous."
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Romance: 3 stars
Writing Style: 3 stars
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Spoiler alert:
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Trigger warnings: death (tragic mining accidents with descriptive scenes, loss of babies and children, illness, etc), poverty, fighting, shooting, attempted murder, abuse, rape.
First off, let's talk about the description. It's a complete outline of the story and leaves nothing wanting to the imagination. They even go as far as to set up book two which makes no sense to me. The book had so much build up at the end, which is everything you want but I knew how it was going to end. So it was actually pretty anticlimactic. I'm just so bummed about that.
The book had great foreshadowing in the romance scenes. But again it's glaringly obvious when you've read the book description. The romance was a little rough in some places as well. I love a good ugly duckling trope. But there was too much focus on the ugly and not the beautiful woman she became. There were beautiful moments set up between them but not enough closure for them (hopefully to be settled in book 2).
The historic part of the book was wonderful. It was gut wrenching. It had me googling more and lost in pictures of all the children in their mining gear .... oh how far we've come.
A lot of beautiful passages about having faith in God. And finding Him in our darkest sorrows.
Overall a good read and would recommend.
"And always remember, the courage to do the right thing is the most important of all your choices, isn't it?"
"Courage is learning to not let you fear hold you prisoner."
"Fear is a reaction; courage is a decision. And when courage is chosen, it's often courageous."
Characters: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars
Romance: 3 stars
Writing Style: 3 stars
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Spoiler alert:
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Trigger warnings: death (tragic mining accidents with descriptive scenes, loss of babies and children, illness, etc), poverty, fighting, shooting, attempted murder, abuse, rape.
July 22, 2023
5 stars, A Masterpiece
OUT OF THE DARKNESS (BOOK 1 IN THE COURAGEOUS SERIES)
by David A. Jacinto
This fantastic novel is based on the true story of the author's family. I would love to have family records going back hundreds of years.
We follow young Tom Wright, at 7 years old, as he is considered grown up to work in the coal mines with his father and contribute to the family's income. So many children have suffered growing up like that. So sad.
Tom struggles, wanting to be a boy and play and being unable to. There is the unrelenting darkness and the rats, there are always rats.
The tyrannical mine owners don't care about the miners and their suffering families.
There are unbelievable odds for Tom to overcome, but with his mother's love of books, he educates himself and grows beyond the scary dark coal mines in Yorkshire.
I am thankful for the opportunity to read #OutOfTheDarkness from #ForefrontBooks I was under no obligation to post a review.
#triggerwarnings #HistoricalFiction #TheCourageousSeries #England #America #Yorkshire #IndustrialSlavery #FavoriteBooks
OUT OF THE DARKNESS (BOOK 1 IN THE COURAGEOUS SERIES)
by David A. Jacinto
This fantastic novel is based on the true story of the author's family. I would love to have family records going back hundreds of years.
We follow young Tom Wright, at 7 years old, as he is considered grown up to work in the coal mines with his father and contribute to the family's income. So many children have suffered growing up like that. So sad.
Tom struggles, wanting to be a boy and play and being unable to. There is the unrelenting darkness and the rats, there are always rats.
The tyrannical mine owners don't care about the miners and their suffering families.
There are unbelievable odds for Tom to overcome, but with his mother's love of books, he educates himself and grows beyond the scary dark coal mines in Yorkshire.
I am thankful for the opportunity to read #OutOfTheDarkness from #ForefrontBooks I was under no obligation to post a review.
#triggerwarnings #HistoricalFiction #TheCourageousSeries #England #America #Yorkshire #IndustrialSlavery #FavoriteBooks
April 30, 2025
If you are a historical fiction lover, interested in the coal industry in England during the 1830s and Christian elements and conversion woven throughout, this book will hit all the right spots for you. Tom Wright has such a heart breaking and heartwarming story. It will leave you inspired and more. It may seem slow at times, but it is worth the read to see how Wright's story pans out.
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
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