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Along the Watchtower
A Tragic Warrior Lost in Two Worlds…
The war in Iraq ended for Lieutenant Freddie Williams when an IED explosion left his mind and body shattered. Once he was a skilled gamer and expert in virtual warfare. Now he’s a broken warrior, emerging from a medically induced coma to discover he’s inhabiting two separate realities. The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse—and slow rehabilitation through the tender care of Becky, his physical therapist. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic that Freddie enters when he sleeps.
In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who must make sense of his horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde. His only solace awaits him in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. While in the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission—a journey along a dark road haunted by demons of guilt and memory—and letting patient, loving Becky into his damaged and shuttered heart may be his only way back from Hell.
The war in Iraq ended for Lieutenant Freddie Williams when an IED explosion left his mind and body shattered. Once he was a skilled gamer and expert in virtual warfare. Now he’s a broken warrior, emerging from a medically induced coma to discover he’s inhabiting two separate realities. The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse—and slow rehabilitation through the tender care of Becky, his physical therapist. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic that Freddie enters when he sleeps.
In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who must make sense of his horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde. His only solace awaits him in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. While in the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission—a journey along a dark road haunted by demons of guilt and memory—and letting patient, loving Becky into his damaged and shuttered heart may be his only way back from Hell.
214 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2013
23 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
David Litwack
11 books293 followersThe urge to write first struck at age sixteen when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the wild night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by the northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter’s editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
Using two fingers and lots of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process — and without prior plan — becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.
In this new stage of his life, he’s published Along the Watchtower in June, 2013 and The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky in May, 2014. His latest book, The Children of Darkness, the first of the Seekers series, a dystopian trilogy, was published in June, 2015.
David now lives in the great Northwest and anywhere else that catches his fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 8, 2013
An explosive, contemporary military fantasy that’s profoundly powerful and evocative
Having only ever delved into the genre of ‘military fantasy’ with authors such as Chris Evans (The Iron Elves), I was not sure how I would feel about a thoroughly modern story. This classy, contemporary read captures the harsh realities of war and the scars that they leave both physical and emotional. It is a deeply emotive read containing much truth-drawing frankness and heartrending sincerity that cannot fail to move you inwardly. I was surprised by how the author managed to merge together two rather contrasting sub-plots, with the war in Iraq and the old-style fantasy tale that’s very traditional. Both couldn’t be more dissimilar and yet somehow I was left in sheer disbelief by the way in which they flowed and the unfolding events interlaced with one another. I was truly mesmerized by how the author deftly interwove such a complex plot, with such effortless ease that captures your imagination so entirely. I especially loved the darkly delicious fantasy realm filled with Demons, epic quests and spellbinding magic!
This is certainly a unique and unusual book that makes the fantasy genre seem so relevant and identifiable for the modern-day twenty-first century world. Just as the legendary JRR Tolkien drew on his experiences within the first world war for the writing of his great mythology and the book of a century, (his most famous work ‘the lord of the rings’), David Litwack approaches current warfare and incorporates it into an imaginative tale that exudes originality. This well-written and engaging story was a surprising tale that I never expected to enjoy so much. What I did take note of were the few references to world of war craft which I know would capture the attention of many readers, including perhaps more of a male audience than female? Full of fast-paced drama and thrilling action, adventure and scintillating suspense this dynamic story is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
A favourite quote ~
“It takes a long time for those we love to die," she'd say. "Like waves to the shore, the memories keep coming. And they only stop when the tides turn back to stillness."
I am very pleased with this page-turner that I would highly recommend to those fans of great battles and wars, or readers of Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson or George RR Martin. On the other hand if you are interested in novels containing references to the War in Iraq (however slight that part may be), then I would also recommend this book to you as a fascinating read.
*I won a copy of ‘Along the Watchtower’ by David Litwack through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
3.5 stars!
Having only ever delved into the genre of ‘military fantasy’ with authors such as Chris Evans (The Iron Elves), I was not sure how I would feel about a thoroughly modern story. This classy, contemporary read captures the harsh realities of war and the scars that they leave both physical and emotional. It is a deeply emotive read containing much truth-drawing frankness and heartrending sincerity that cannot fail to move you inwardly. I was surprised by how the author managed to merge together two rather contrasting sub-plots, with the war in Iraq and the old-style fantasy tale that’s very traditional. Both couldn’t be more dissimilar and yet somehow I was left in sheer disbelief by the way in which they flowed and the unfolding events interlaced with one another. I was truly mesmerized by how the author deftly interwove such a complex plot, with such effortless ease that captures your imagination so entirely. I especially loved the darkly delicious fantasy realm filled with Demons, epic quests and spellbinding magic!
This is certainly a unique and unusual book that makes the fantasy genre seem so relevant and identifiable for the modern-day twenty-first century world. Just as the legendary JRR Tolkien drew on his experiences within the first world war for the writing of his great mythology and the book of a century, (his most famous work ‘the lord of the rings’), David Litwack approaches current warfare and incorporates it into an imaginative tale that exudes originality. This well-written and engaging story was a surprising tale that I never expected to enjoy so much. What I did take note of were the few references to world of war craft which I know would capture the attention of many readers, including perhaps more of a male audience than female? Full of fast-paced drama and thrilling action, adventure and scintillating suspense this dynamic story is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
A favourite quote ~
“It takes a long time for those we love to die," she'd say. "Like waves to the shore, the memories keep coming. And they only stop when the tides turn back to stillness."
I am very pleased with this page-turner that I would highly recommend to those fans of great battles and wars, or readers of Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson or George RR Martin. On the other hand if you are interested in novels containing references to the War in Iraq (however slight that part may be), then I would also recommend this book to you as a fascinating read.
*I won a copy of ‘Along the Watchtower’ by David Litwack through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
3.5 stars!
June 25, 2013
A SOLDIER’S STORY —A review of Along the Watchtower by David Litwack
War exacts a terrible physical and psychological toll on those who serve. Throughout history soldiers have devised coping mechanisms to escape their demons and save their sanity. In his sensitive new novel Along The Watchtower, author David Litwack explores these themes with the added twist of game theory, a refuge for many whose minds find solace in fantasy.
As our protagonist Freddy navigates the two worlds, he learns to heal both body and soul by accepting the help and love of those around him. He sublimates his pain by embarking on a ‘quest’ destined to save his mythical kingdom and salvage his own life.
Although the term PTSD has reached the popular consciousness, Litwack puts a sympathetic face on it by sharing an unvarnished account of Freddy’s progress and pain. The author avoids mawkishness, choosing instead to paint a simple portrait that is all the more effective for it. Freddy represents any or all of us as we reconcile the sturm und drang of life, making our choice to fight or yield.
By using virtual warfare and fantasy, Along the Watchtower anchors a modern audience to this story without alienating others. In a touch of irony, one wonders if for some insulated politicians warfare is a sort of game without real and immediate consequences to the pawns that live it. Freddy’s story vividly illustrates the fallacy in this thinking.
War exacts a terrible physical and psychological toll on those who serve. Throughout history soldiers have devised coping mechanisms to escape their demons and save their sanity. In his sensitive new novel Along The Watchtower, author David Litwack explores these themes with the added twist of game theory, a refuge for many whose minds find solace in fantasy.
As our protagonist Freddy navigates the two worlds, he learns to heal both body and soul by accepting the help and love of those around him. He sublimates his pain by embarking on a ‘quest’ destined to save his mythical kingdom and salvage his own life.
Although the term PTSD has reached the popular consciousness, Litwack puts a sympathetic face on it by sharing an unvarnished account of Freddy’s progress and pain. The author avoids mawkishness, choosing instead to paint a simple portrait that is all the more effective for it. Freddy represents any or all of us as we reconcile the sturm und drang of life, making our choice to fight or yield.
By using virtual warfare and fantasy, Along the Watchtower anchors a modern audience to this story without alienating others. In a touch of irony, one wonders if for some insulated politicians warfare is a sort of game without real and immediate consequences to the pawns that live it. Freddy’s story vividly illustrates the fallacy in this thinking.
June 21, 2013
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
Some time ago, I read and reviewed There Comes a Prophet, the debut novel of David Litwack. I loved that book, so I was looking forward to getting started on his latest novel, Along The Watchtower.
The first pages introduce us to Lieutenant Freddie Williams, who is stationed in Iraq during the war. An IED explosion ends the war for him, destroying his body and mind. He’s sent back home, where he’s being kept in a medically induced coma for a while. Freddie soon discovers he’s stuck in two different worlds. The first is reality as he always knew it, his life now nearly destroyed, where he’s struggling with family matters and coming to terms with what happened, the guilt over his friends dying during the war, and painful agony. In the other world, he is Frederick, a prince in a fantasy land overrun by demons, horrific monsters and the likes. To save his kingdom, he must withstand terrible visions.
While the story doesn’t sound all that original at first glance, when you start reading it, the original elements David Litwack incorporated become all the more obvious. There are plenty of stories about people visiting fantasy worlds (think about Alice in Wonderland, the Neverending Story, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia, etc.) but those stories are aimed at children. They show fantasy worlds that are intriguing, and even though they may be dangerous every once in a while, the good guys always win. Along The Watchtower is an adult read – it’s a lot darker, both in the real world, and in the fantasy world. When he’s in the fantasy world, Freddie isn’t happy or heroic – he’s traveling through the same, painful journey as he is in real life. While Freddie’s personality develops in the fantasy world, so does his personality in the real world. In the real world, Freddie must come to terms with his injuried, his guilt and family troubles. In the fantasy world, the fate of a kingdom rests in his hands.
The recovery Freddie must make, both mentally and physically, merge beautifully in both the fantasy and the real world, as if they’re connected. That’s more than the only connection though. Freddie begins to find items belonging to the real world back in the fantasy world, except they’re magnified there, more threatening, true obstacles he has to face. The story is, at times, heartbreaking, because the main character just can’t seem to get a break. But in the end, when I struggled through deeply emotional scenes that left me shaking, I was glad that the author didn’t shy away from telling Freddie’s story, or from making it as sad and near impossible as it was. Even if he’s home safe and sound, Freddie continues to struggle to leave the war behind him, and as a reader, you’re sucked into the same struggle, experiencing the same feelings, the post-traumatic stress disorder, Freddie’s pain, his hopelessness, his feeling of losing control over his entire life.
David Litwack incorporates a lot of detail into his novel, and this only helps to enhance the story. Freddie’s emotions appear very authentic. Along The Watchtower is the kind of story that needs to be written, that screams to be read. It’s an enticing, amazing story of a journey of self-discovery and healing, of the consequences of war, of hope.
Some time ago, I read and reviewed There Comes a Prophet, the debut novel of David Litwack. I loved that book, so I was looking forward to getting started on his latest novel, Along The Watchtower.
The first pages introduce us to Lieutenant Freddie Williams, who is stationed in Iraq during the war. An IED explosion ends the war for him, destroying his body and mind. He’s sent back home, where he’s being kept in a medically induced coma for a while. Freddie soon discovers he’s stuck in two different worlds. The first is reality as he always knew it, his life now nearly destroyed, where he’s struggling with family matters and coming to terms with what happened, the guilt over his friends dying during the war, and painful agony. In the other world, he is Frederick, a prince in a fantasy land overrun by demons, horrific monsters and the likes. To save his kingdom, he must withstand terrible visions.
While the story doesn’t sound all that original at first glance, when you start reading it, the original elements David Litwack incorporated become all the more obvious. There are plenty of stories about people visiting fantasy worlds (think about Alice in Wonderland, the Neverending Story, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia, etc.) but those stories are aimed at children. They show fantasy worlds that are intriguing, and even though they may be dangerous every once in a while, the good guys always win. Along The Watchtower is an adult read – it’s a lot darker, both in the real world, and in the fantasy world. When he’s in the fantasy world, Freddie isn’t happy or heroic – he’s traveling through the same, painful journey as he is in real life. While Freddie’s personality develops in the fantasy world, so does his personality in the real world. In the real world, Freddie must come to terms with his injuried, his guilt and family troubles. In the fantasy world, the fate of a kingdom rests in his hands.
The recovery Freddie must make, both mentally and physically, merge beautifully in both the fantasy and the real world, as if they’re connected. That’s more than the only connection though. Freddie begins to find items belonging to the real world back in the fantasy world, except they’re magnified there, more threatening, true obstacles he has to face. The story is, at times, heartbreaking, because the main character just can’t seem to get a break. But in the end, when I struggled through deeply emotional scenes that left me shaking, I was glad that the author didn’t shy away from telling Freddie’s story, or from making it as sad and near impossible as it was. Even if he’s home safe and sound, Freddie continues to struggle to leave the war behind him, and as a reader, you’re sucked into the same struggle, experiencing the same feelings, the post-traumatic stress disorder, Freddie’s pain, his hopelessness, his feeling of losing control over his entire life.
David Litwack incorporates a lot of detail into his novel, and this only helps to enhance the story. Freddie’s emotions appear very authentic. Along The Watchtower is the kind of story that needs to be written, that screams to be read. It’s an enticing, amazing story of a journey of self-discovery and healing, of the consequences of war, of hope.
June 13, 2014
The aftermath of war can be devastating for a returning hero. For Lieutenant Freddie Williams, an explosion destroyed part of his body and shattered his mind. His world split in two, the reality of his pain-filled world and the fantastical world he goes to in his dreams. Once a proficient gamer, his dreams take him into a world where he is trying to be a fierce warrior, Frederick, the Prince of Stormwind, trying to save his kingdom from the Horde. As the lines between his waking reality and his dreaming fantasy reality begin to blur, Freddie begins to understand that what happens in his dreams my hold the answers to dealing with his life. Becky, his therapist, plays a major role in both worlds and becomes a lifeline for Freddie’s recovery. Will Freddie’s lives meld together with the help of Becky?
Along the Watchtower by David Litwak is a powerful and moving tale of the horrors of war, the damage done to the brave soldiers that come home, often maimed inside and out. PTSD manifests in many ways, sometimes it’s in an escape into a world where the conflict can be manipulated and won, as is the case for Freddie, who works through his issues in his dreams, using the characters he could relate to from his gaming days. Mr. Litwak has created and blended these worlds seamlessly, while creating wonderful characters to populate the world he has brought to life. Using the premise of a war game, he skillfully fleshes out both Freddie and Frederick as they grow into their own new realities. Combined with a warm love story, this is a unique read that one cannot help but find fascinating and memorable. 4.5 Stars
I received this copy as part of the Along the Watchtower review tour stopping at Tome Tender June 13, 2014.
Publication Date: June 2, 2013
Publisher: Double Dragon eBooks
Genre: Adult Fiction
Print Length: 214 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Along the Watchtower by David Litwak is a powerful and moving tale of the horrors of war, the damage done to the brave soldiers that come home, often maimed inside and out. PTSD manifests in many ways, sometimes it’s in an escape into a world where the conflict can be manipulated and won, as is the case for Freddie, who works through his issues in his dreams, using the characters he could relate to from his gaming days. Mr. Litwak has created and blended these worlds seamlessly, while creating wonderful characters to populate the world he has brought to life. Using the premise of a war game, he skillfully fleshes out both Freddie and Frederick as they grow into their own new realities. Combined with a warm love story, this is a unique read that one cannot help but find fascinating and memorable. 4.5 Stars
I received this copy as part of the Along the Watchtower review tour stopping at Tome Tender June 13, 2014.
Publication Date: June 2, 2013
Publisher: Double Dragon eBooks
Genre: Adult Fiction
Print Length: 214 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
July 29, 2013
Lieutenant Frederick Williams finds himself in a military hospital following an IED attack in Iraq. Before he can make sense of what’s going on around him, he’s placed into a medically induced coma.
He is then a Prince preparing for a series of trials that each generation of kings must undergo to ensure the safety of their people.
As he alternates between the waking and, what is assumed to be, his dream world, Frederick becomes confused as to who he truly is as he searches for the answers to himself with the aid of his physical therapist, Becky.
The striking thing about this story is it’s the best Wounded Warrior story I’ve ever read. The author does a fantastic job of marrying the character’s love of playing World of Warcraft with the problems he faces in his rehabilitation from his injured leg, having to face that it wasn’t his fault they were attacked, as well as piecing together the memories of his childhood and finding the one family member he has left.
It’s really awesome how each facet of his real life and recovery is one of the trials Frederick faces as prince in his dreams to the point as a reader, you question which is the real world. In his dreams, if he fails to find the answer, his world will cease to exist and be overrun by the bloodthirsty horde. Not a pleasant thought, but an accurate comparison to the feeling of losing oneself in themselves.
Both heart-wrenching and entertaining, this is a well written and touching story you won’t want to put down.
He is then a Prince preparing for a series of trials that each generation of kings must undergo to ensure the safety of their people.
As he alternates between the waking and, what is assumed to be, his dream world, Frederick becomes confused as to who he truly is as he searches for the answers to himself with the aid of his physical therapist, Becky.
The striking thing about this story is it’s the best Wounded Warrior story I’ve ever read. The author does a fantastic job of marrying the character’s love of playing World of Warcraft with the problems he faces in his rehabilitation from his injured leg, having to face that it wasn’t his fault they were attacked, as well as piecing together the memories of his childhood and finding the one family member he has left.
It’s really awesome how each facet of his real life and recovery is one of the trials Frederick faces as prince in his dreams to the point as a reader, you question which is the real world. In his dreams, if he fails to find the answer, his world will cease to exist and be overrun by the bloodthirsty horde. Not a pleasant thought, but an accurate comparison to the feeling of losing oneself in themselves.
Both heart-wrenching and entertaining, this is a well written and touching story you won’t want to put down.
June 11, 2014
I was prepared to like this book when I first spotted the Bob Dylan lyric on the flyleaf. I’ve always found the images in Dylan’s “Along the Watchtower” to be evocative and was curious to see where David Litwack took that inspiration.
I was captivated, and not just because “Along the Watchtower” deals with themes similar to the ones King Bewilliam struggles with in the high fantasy series that I’ve been writing. Litwack’s Lieutenant Freddie Williams made a believable hero, pitiable but not pitiful. I rooted for him as he battled his demons. He made real the horrors of war as well as those faced by the ones who survive it.
The lieutenant’s daily challenges to recover from his wounds interwoven with the fantasy world of his dreams and the video games he enjoys kept the story moving. I found it quite un-put-downable. The writing was economical and effective. The settings, both of Lt. William’s “real” world and those of his fantasies, were vividly described, his emotional, mental and physical struggles engaging and moving.
I thought this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read that was also touching, even politicizing, leaving me to wonder why we keep sending people off to war. Maybe this vivid and heartfelt story will serve as the last reminder we’ll ever need of war’s terrible cost.
I was captivated, and not just because “Along the Watchtower” deals with themes similar to the ones King Bewilliam struggles with in the high fantasy series that I’ve been writing. Litwack’s Lieutenant Freddie Williams made a believable hero, pitiable but not pitiful. I rooted for him as he battled his demons. He made real the horrors of war as well as those faced by the ones who survive it.
The lieutenant’s daily challenges to recover from his wounds interwoven with the fantasy world of his dreams and the video games he enjoys kept the story moving. I found it quite un-put-downable. The writing was economical and effective. The settings, both of Lt. William’s “real” world and those of his fantasies, were vividly described, his emotional, mental and physical struggles engaging and moving.
I thought this to be an entertaining and enjoyable read that was also touching, even politicizing, leaving me to wonder why we keep sending people off to war. Maybe this vivid and heartfelt story will serve as the last reminder we’ll ever need of war’s terrible cost.
May 13, 2014
I was just a little disappointed in this book. From the blub I was expecting (and really hoping for) something MUCH heftier, more intense and certainly more angst-ridden. Something more along the lines of
July 5, 2018
A very interesting and very emotional read for sure. Allot of heart went into the writing of Along the Watchtower a story about a soldier who has to decide between truth or fantasy.
There’s some language to watch out for but otherwise a very good book.
First Lieutenant Frederick Williams aka Freddie finds himself in the fight for his mind after his unit was blown up by a roadside bomb. Not only does he have to fight to heal physically but mentally as well he finds himself wanting to stay in his fantasy world. A wold. where he’s whole and can move around and he learns that he has to complete a 30day quest before he can be king and save his kingdom.
During his quest he meets the beautiful gardener Rebecca whom he comes to realize helps him get through some of his trials.
Then in the real world he meets Becky who’s in charge of his physical therapy or PT and she seems to be the light he so desperately needs in the darkness, especially after he’s lost both parents and one sibling as well as one missing.
Both worlds seem to run parallel and Freddie can’t almost tell the difference between them and that’s went he wants to give up and let the demons win or will he choose life?
I was given Along the Watchtower for my honest review!
There’s some language to watch out for but otherwise a very good book.
First Lieutenant Frederick Williams aka Freddie finds himself in the fight for his mind after his unit was blown up by a roadside bomb. Not only does he have to fight to heal physically but mentally as well he finds himself wanting to stay in his fantasy world. A wold. where he’s whole and can move around and he learns that he has to complete a 30day quest before he can be king and save his kingdom.
During his quest he meets the beautiful gardener Rebecca whom he comes to realize helps him get through some of his trials.
Then in the real world he meets Becky who’s in charge of his physical therapy or PT and she seems to be the light he so desperately needs in the darkness, especially after he’s lost both parents and one sibling as well as one missing.
Both worlds seem to run parallel and Freddie can’t almost tell the difference between them and that’s went he wants to give up and let the demons win or will he choose life?
I was given Along the Watchtower for my honest review!
November 13, 2018
I enjoyed reading Along the Watchtower. It's a great story to illustrate the struggles that soldiers who are injured in combat face and the many facets of healing that need to occur - physical, mental, emotional, etc. I especially enjoyed the dual story - the real world, the events happening in the hospital, as well as Freddie's fantasy dream world as a prince. It seemed as if during his sleeping hours, he had to work out particular thoughts, beliefs and emotions through the actions in the dream world. I found it very interesting that toward the end of the book the two worlds began to converge. I viewed this as a reference to his emotional & mental healing - he was working out those difficulties that he faced. If you enjoy stories of perseverance, I would recommend you read this book.
January 29, 2019
WOW. This novel has very strong characters and a VERY strong story line. It takes the reader between now and fantasy within minutes. I would really recommend readers to read this book as the two characters are intricately inter wound and you as the reader really wants to find out how the story is merged. A VERY good read.
February 7, 2025
A cool blend of contemporary military writing and urban fantasy lore, the author blends the two distinct genres into one nicely. A light but memorable read.
June 16, 2014
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this book. Several years ago, before meeting D, I dated a veteran who’d done two tours. He had PTSD. He was paranoid about things – always securing the house and had dreams and night terrors, like Freddie does in Litwack’s novel. I wasn’t sure if I could understand Freddie’s character, or his struggles, when I first started reading. Or how Litwack would alternate this dream world reality. But I found that I could not put this novel down. I had to find out what Freddie was going to do next in real life, and also what would happen in his dream world. I could fully relate and understand Freddie’s character, and the switch between the two worlds was done so seamlessly that I could not help but marvel at how Litwack pulled it off.
Freddie is the kind of dark, brooding guy. He’s lived through a lot and it has haunted him, perhaps now more so than before. He is heavily troubled by the hand fate has dealt him in life, which has been full of disappointments and pain. Perhaps because he is at a point, looking back and realizing death was at his door, he is thinking back to the past and reliving it, like the elderly often do before death. It is a past that Freddie cannot quite let go of, or move on without.
After the IED explosion and during all of his time unconscious or in a coma, Freddie started dreaming of an alternate reality – in many ways similar to his role playing in World of Warcraft. He is a prince, set with the mission of overcoming three trials to save his kingdom – and become king. But for Prince Frederick there are many stipulations and special rules. At sunset he must report to the watchtower to watch visions, meant to help him in his quests.
The chapters alternate between Freddie’s real life and his dream life. Now that he is back in the US, in rehab and working on retaining strength in his body, he is also trying to regain his past and the memories he cannot find. His PT therapist, Becky, and staff members Ralph and Dinah, are the three characters who interact with Freddie the most during his rehabilitation. Freddie also meets Jimmie, a guy who can’t remember anything before his own explosion – he can’t remember the young girl who comes to visit him, who tells him they were engaged. These four characters carry Freddie – emotionally and mentally – in many ways throughout the novel.
It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book that I realized the three hospital staffers are paralleled in Freddie’s dream world. About this time it started becoming very clear and evident that what happened in Freddie’s real life was superimposed and represented in his dream world.
Freddie’s development and change in this book is like no other I’ve read. He is a shattered man back from war, who has really lost everything in his life, and it is Becky (with the help of Ralph and Dinah) that leads him on this journey of self-discovery and rebirth. At a couple of points in the novel, Freddie shuns Becky’s help. It was so painful to see, because I kept imagining all manner of ways the rest of the novel would play out.
I wanted to conk Freddie upside his daft head. This part I did not understand from him, about why he would be mean and push Becky away. It is not until there is a glimmer of hope in Freddie’s life – that perhaps he still has a brother who lives – that we discover Freddie’s reasons to ignore Becky, as he talks to first Dinah and then Ralph. I could relate so well to his reasoning: he has a dark past filled with death and despair. Why drag someone else down into it?
But Freddie must learn that it is not about his past and the demons that haunt him that matter at this point in his life now. It is about the future, and Becky is leading a life of example for him.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed Freddie and Becky in this novel. I could relate in more ways than I want to count to the events in Freddie’s past. That was what allowed me to really understand his character, to get inside and understand the inner workings.
The novel ends with Freddie’s real world and dream world running in parallels. The epilogue was short, sweet and wrapped up Freddie’s relationship with Becky without question…but I was left with this nagging question that I could not be wrangled from: what about his brother? His brother had been a large part of Freddie’s past and conflict throughout the book, and then once Freddie finds out about him, that’s the end of it, which did not satisfy me at all. That is really my only complaint about this book – the way that Freddie finds out about his brother toward the end and that there is no follow-up with that.
I highly recommend this book. Freddie’s real and dream worlds are something to see play out side by side, and the hospital staff characters are all strong, firm and grounded in what they understand and believe, and guide these damaged and injured vets not only to physical health but also (hopefully) a new mentality.
Freddie is the kind of dark, brooding guy. He’s lived through a lot and it has haunted him, perhaps now more so than before. He is heavily troubled by the hand fate has dealt him in life, which has been full of disappointments and pain. Perhaps because he is at a point, looking back and realizing death was at his door, he is thinking back to the past and reliving it, like the elderly often do before death. It is a past that Freddie cannot quite let go of, or move on without.
After the IED explosion and during all of his time unconscious or in a coma, Freddie started dreaming of an alternate reality – in many ways similar to his role playing in World of Warcraft. He is a prince, set with the mission of overcoming three trials to save his kingdom – and become king. But for Prince Frederick there are many stipulations and special rules. At sunset he must report to the watchtower to watch visions, meant to help him in his quests.
The chapters alternate between Freddie’s real life and his dream life. Now that he is back in the US, in rehab and working on retaining strength in his body, he is also trying to regain his past and the memories he cannot find. His PT therapist, Becky, and staff members Ralph and Dinah, are the three characters who interact with Freddie the most during his rehabilitation. Freddie also meets Jimmie, a guy who can’t remember anything before his own explosion – he can’t remember the young girl who comes to visit him, who tells him they were engaged. These four characters carry Freddie – emotionally and mentally – in many ways throughout the novel.
It wasn’t until the last quarter of the book that I realized the three hospital staffers are paralleled in Freddie’s dream world. About this time it started becoming very clear and evident that what happened in Freddie’s real life was superimposed and represented in his dream world.
Freddie’s development and change in this book is like no other I’ve read. He is a shattered man back from war, who has really lost everything in his life, and it is Becky (with the help of Ralph and Dinah) that leads him on this journey of self-discovery and rebirth. At a couple of points in the novel, Freddie shuns Becky’s help. It was so painful to see, because I kept imagining all manner of ways the rest of the novel would play out.
I wanted to conk Freddie upside his daft head. This part I did not understand from him, about why he would be mean and push Becky away. It is not until there is a glimmer of hope in Freddie’s life – that perhaps he still has a brother who lives – that we discover Freddie’s reasons to ignore Becky, as he talks to first Dinah and then Ralph. I could relate so well to his reasoning: he has a dark past filled with death and despair. Why drag someone else down into it?
But Freddie must learn that it is not about his past and the demons that haunt him that matter at this point in his life now. It is about the future, and Becky is leading a life of example for him.
I cannot express how much I enjoyed Freddie and Becky in this novel. I could relate in more ways than I want to count to the events in Freddie’s past. That was what allowed me to really understand his character, to get inside and understand the inner workings.
The novel ends with Freddie’s real world and dream world running in parallels. The epilogue was short, sweet and wrapped up Freddie’s relationship with Becky without question…but I was left with this nagging question that I could not be wrangled from: what about his brother? His brother had been a large part of Freddie’s past and conflict throughout the book, and then once Freddie finds out about him, that’s the end of it, which did not satisfy me at all. That is really my only complaint about this book – the way that Freddie finds out about his brother toward the end and that there is no follow-up with that.
I highly recommend this book. Freddie’s real and dream worlds are something to see play out side by side, and the hospital staff characters are all strong, firm and grounded in what they understand and believe, and guide these damaged and injured vets not only to physical health but also (hopefully) a new mentality.
June 6, 2013
[Note: a copy of this review will be posted at http://www.onstarshipsanddragonwings.... on 12 June 2013.]
David Litwack’s Along the Watchtower is a gut-wrenching blend of fantasy and reality: a war story from the viewpoint of American war hero First Lieutenant Frederick Williams, whose body was shattered in an attack on his patrol by insurgents in Iraq; and a dream world into which Freddie retreats to escape his agony. It is a story of trauma to body and spirit, and of long and painful recovery. In its remarkable two-page prologue, Along the Watchtower paints a deep, rich, dark, and troubling portrait of a man with shocking injuries, and an accompanying historic portrait of his immediate family, their deaths, and the mourning that appears to have killed them. Just what happened to his family, and how it has shaped Freddie, is revealed gradually.
Along the Watchtower also seems to be a metaphor for the wounds that America suffered on and after 9/11. Recalling 9/11 is a good way to describe the story without any spoilers. Thus, here is what I remember: on the morning of September 11, 2001, a friend called: “Turn on the TV.” “I don’t have one.” “Find one. We’re under attack.” Several college friends arrived. We gathered around a borrowed TV. We began to weep. We watched firefighters try to rescue people from the burning towers. We heard, through the television’s speaker, intermittent crashes, and someone exclaimed, “I think those are people. Jumping from the towers.” A tower collapsed. The Pentagon was burning. Someone said, quietly, “We’re at war.” Someone scoffed, “Against whom? Terrorism? Who’s the enemy?” “It doesn’t matter.” We pondered that: we would seek enemies. We would invent them if need be. The attacks, however awful, were only the beginning.
We felt helpless, we felt fury and anguish. For all that we feared terrorism, we were now vigilant. Ironically, I think our greater fear was of our own pending, indiscriminate retribution and its consequences; we would go to war because, given 9/11, we could not do otherwise.
When you read Along the Watchtower, be prepared for sorrow. You will vividly experience the consequences of war, not from the point of view of college students wondering what will happen next, but of a college student who saw and participated in what happened next, in the wars that have yet to end. You will experience, from the inside, post-traumatic stress and desperate fantasy escapism. More importantly you will experience Freddie’s struggle to leave the war behind, and move on to living the rest of his life.
[Note: I received Along the Watchtower from David Litwack for an honest review.]
Strengths:
* Tremendous attention to subtle but important detail. It seems that Litwack has carefully researched the experiences of recent war veterans, the severely-wounded in particular, and mixed these experiences into an alarmingly potent cocktail. If you drink it, it will stun you.
* The psychological experiences of Freddie, and his dream counterpart Frederick, are similarly detailed.
* Very intense storytelling.
Weaknesses:
* This book is exhausting to read. You will frequently need to set it down and take a break. Go do something fun. Play mindless videogames, or go on a quest in World of Warcraft.
Along the Watchtower is a fictional consequence of terrorist attack, and of the subsequent struggle to move on. Along the Watchtower is a story that needs to be told, and while David Litwack is a gifted storyteller, Along the Watchtower is hard to read. It made me weep.
David Litwack’s Along the Watchtower is a gut-wrenching blend of fantasy and reality: a war story from the viewpoint of American war hero First Lieutenant Frederick Williams, whose body was shattered in an attack on his patrol by insurgents in Iraq; and a dream world into which Freddie retreats to escape his agony. It is a story of trauma to body and spirit, and of long and painful recovery. In its remarkable two-page prologue, Along the Watchtower paints a deep, rich, dark, and troubling portrait of a man with shocking injuries, and an accompanying historic portrait of his immediate family, their deaths, and the mourning that appears to have killed them. Just what happened to his family, and how it has shaped Freddie, is revealed gradually.
Along the Watchtower also seems to be a metaphor for the wounds that America suffered on and after 9/11. Recalling 9/11 is a good way to describe the story without any spoilers. Thus, here is what I remember: on the morning of September 11, 2001, a friend called: “Turn on the TV.” “I don’t have one.” “Find one. We’re under attack.” Several college friends arrived. We gathered around a borrowed TV. We began to weep. We watched firefighters try to rescue people from the burning towers. We heard, through the television’s speaker, intermittent crashes, and someone exclaimed, “I think those are people. Jumping from the towers.” A tower collapsed. The Pentagon was burning. Someone said, quietly, “We’re at war.” Someone scoffed, “Against whom? Terrorism? Who’s the enemy?” “It doesn’t matter.” We pondered that: we would seek enemies. We would invent them if need be. The attacks, however awful, were only the beginning.
We felt helpless, we felt fury and anguish. For all that we feared terrorism, we were now vigilant. Ironically, I think our greater fear was of our own pending, indiscriminate retribution and its consequences; we would go to war because, given 9/11, we could not do otherwise.
When you read Along the Watchtower, be prepared for sorrow. You will vividly experience the consequences of war, not from the point of view of college students wondering what will happen next, but of a college student who saw and participated in what happened next, in the wars that have yet to end. You will experience, from the inside, post-traumatic stress and desperate fantasy escapism. More importantly you will experience Freddie’s struggle to leave the war behind, and move on to living the rest of his life.
[Note: I received Along the Watchtower from David Litwack for an honest review.]
Strengths:
* Tremendous attention to subtle but important detail. It seems that Litwack has carefully researched the experiences of recent war veterans, the severely-wounded in particular, and mixed these experiences into an alarmingly potent cocktail. If you drink it, it will stun you.
* The psychological experiences of Freddie, and his dream counterpart Frederick, are similarly detailed.
* Very intense storytelling.
Weaknesses:
* This book is exhausting to read. You will frequently need to set it down and take a break. Go do something fun. Play mindless videogames, or go on a quest in World of Warcraft.
Along the Watchtower is a fictional consequence of terrorist attack, and of the subsequent struggle to move on. Along the Watchtower is a story that needs to be told, and while David Litwack is a gifted storyteller, Along the Watchtower is hard to read. It made me weep.
July 10, 2014
This review and many others can be found on my blog Musings of Immortals
Short Review
Along the watch tower—a book which takes you on a journey of self discovery, amalgamating the fantasy and real world..read it for a rare experience.
Full Review
David Liwack’s Along the watch tower takes the reader on a trip to his inner world bridging the mystical fantasy to harsh reality. The best part of the book is its beautiful prose, excellent editing, heart breaking emotion, breathtaking drama, balancing gritty reality and magical fantasy. The book just keeps the reader glued.
The narration is one of the best I have come across in recent times and the quotes are just irresistible. The narration never lags behind nor does it over empathizes or becomes too fast in all the 212 pages. You just keep on reading without even realizing that actually you are no more in the real world but have entered the fictionalized world created the writer.
Lieutenant Freddie Williams is a justifiable, believable character and one of the best crafted protagonist. The book follows his POV as he wakes on a stretcher after an IED explosion and soon enters a medically Induced coma, in which he finds himself in a world of fantasy where he is Dauphin who has 30 days to save his kingdom. In those thirty days to save he will go through a series of magical challenges, which he must overcome to save his people from the Horde, in the real world he will have to face his own demon to heal, not only his body but also his soul.
The characters are very well portrayed and corresponds to each other as the book progress. You keep on comparing the real and the fantasy world and realize how the mind is playing the trick, how the world changes with the smallest of hopes and desires.
I fell in love with Rebecca as soon as she entered and of course Becky holds the center stage with her sympathetic yet firm attitude. She didn’t just limit herself to heal physical injuries but did her best to help Fredrick reach at terms with himself, his past and his present.
The highlight of the book is the emotional aspect of the war, shown the just not to portray the soldiers as heroes or gods, but shows the horrors of the war with veterans being the victims of politics
Facing PTSD and many horrific disorders some of them have lost their life and what remains are being eaten by street dogs. The other less fortunate one survived and had to face a fate much worse than death itself
Lieutenant Williams being one of the survivor have lost his leg and with it his only dream of making a dunk. as the story progresses you realize that Iraq is not the only thing that went wrong and IED was not the only thing that tore him inside out both in the real and fantasy world. His life is a hell and love his only way out.
Only by facing his inner demon both in real and fantasy world did he find peace and all along the journey was great. The way both the world corresponds each other, keeps readers transfixed and after some time you lose your hold on reality and enter a fictional world where you wonder what is real and what is a figment of Imagination.
Overall Along the watch tower was a great read and well worth reading. I just can’t remember any book being better in recent times.A Well deserved 5 star
Short Review
Along the watch tower—a book which takes you on a journey of self discovery, amalgamating the fantasy and real world..read it for a rare experience.
Full Review
He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”-mark (5:34)
David Liwack’s Along the watch tower takes the reader on a trip to his inner world bridging the mystical fantasy to harsh reality. The best part of the book is its beautiful prose, excellent editing, heart breaking emotion, breathtaking drama, balancing gritty reality and magical fantasy. The book just keeps the reader glued.
The narration is one of the best I have come across in recent times and the quotes are just irresistible. The narration never lags behind nor does it over empathizes or becomes too fast in all the 212 pages. You just keep on reading without even realizing that actually you are no more in the real world but have entered the fictionalized world created the writer.
Lieutenant Freddie Williams is a justifiable, believable character and one of the best crafted protagonist. The book follows his POV as he wakes on a stretcher after an IED explosion and soon enters a medically Induced coma, in which he finds himself in a world of fantasy where he is Dauphin who has 30 days to save his kingdom. In those thirty days to save he will go through a series of magical challenges, which he must overcome to save his people from the Horde, in the real world he will have to face his own demon to heal, not only his body but also his soul.
The characters are very well portrayed and corresponds to each other as the book progress. You keep on comparing the real and the fantasy world and realize how the mind is playing the trick, how the world changes with the smallest of hopes and desires.
I fell in love with Rebecca as soon as she entered and of course Becky holds the center stage with her sympathetic yet firm attitude. She didn’t just limit herself to heal physical injuries but did her best to help Fredrick reach at terms with himself, his past and his present.
The highlight of the book is the emotional aspect of the war, shown the just not to portray the soldiers as heroes or gods, but shows the horrors of the war with veterans being the victims of politics
Facing PTSD and many horrific disorders some of them have lost their life and what remains are being eaten by street dogs. The other less fortunate one survived and had to face a fate much worse than death itself
Lieutenant Williams being one of the survivor have lost his leg and with it his only dream of making a dunk. as the story progresses you realize that Iraq is not the only thing that went wrong and IED was not the only thing that tore him inside out both in the real and fantasy world. His life is a hell and love his only way out.
Only by facing his inner demon both in real and fantasy world did he find peace and all along the journey was great. The way both the world corresponds each other, keeps readers transfixed and after some time you lose your hold on reality and enter a fictional world where you wonder what is real and what is a figment of Imagination.
Overall Along the watch tower was a great read and well worth reading. I just can’t remember any book being better in recent times.A Well deserved 5 star
September 5, 2013
Fascinating story! A real page turner that will keep you up late at night reading. I adored this story and I think the characters were well written and very likeable.
This book goes back and forth between Lieutenant Freddie Williams and Frederick, Prince of Stormwind POV's. Lieutenant Freddie Williams was a soldier who got caught in an IED explosion and was left physically and mentally wounded. After he woke up from a medically induced coma he starts to realize that he inhabits two separate realities. But there is a bright spot in Freddie's life. Becky. His physical therapist. She begins to heal him, not only physically, but mentally too. Becky is tough, yet tender and caring. Freddie can't help but want to be in her presence all the time. When Freddie goes to sleep he enters into a fantasy world that has demons and magic. But when he enters these dreams he is no longer Lieutenant Freddie Williams or an injured soldier. In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who needs to past four trials to gain the throne. He needs to go to the Watchtower in his kingdom where these trials will take place. There, he will see things that will test his will and his strength. He must pass these trials in order to save his kingdom from the Horde, his kingdom's enemy. The only thing that brings Frederick peace now is Rebecca. She is a beautiful gardener whose kind and soothing words beings Frederick calm and peace of mind. Can Lieutenant Freddie Williams finally let go of his past and his guilt and move on with his life? Will Prince Frederick pass the trials and become who he was always destined to be?
I can honestly say that I loved this book! It's so different from what I usually read but I loved it nonetheless. I was shocked when I heard World of War craft references in this book. My sister and my father are huge WOW fans and now I have a better appreciation for it. My sisters and father totally want to read this book now which is amazing because they aren't really readers. I think this book has a little something for everyone. There's action, suspense, definitely adventure, and even a bit of romance. This has to be one of my favorite books I have read so far this year. It's very interesting and has so many elements that keep me on the edge of my seat. I'm definitely plan to reread this book at some point because it was that good! I hate when books are predictable and I can guess what's going to happen within the first couple of pages. I'm so glad this book wasn't one of those books! This book is a page turner and will keep you guessing until the end of the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan to read more from this author in the future. I recommend this book to everyone! Trust me, it's amazing!
Some of my favorite parts of the book:
"I won't fail,"
His gaze bore into me, no longer my mentor, no longer my friend. But every bit the Adviser.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because of everything you've taught me." I rose to my full height and lifted my chin. "And because I'm my father's son."
What I wanted to tell her was this: "I no longer need your magic touch. I need you."
"It takes a long time for those we love to die," she'd say. "Like waves to the shore, the memories keep coming. And they only stop when the tides turn back to stillness."
This book goes back and forth between Lieutenant Freddie Williams and Frederick, Prince of Stormwind POV's. Lieutenant Freddie Williams was a soldier who got caught in an IED explosion and was left physically and mentally wounded. After he woke up from a medically induced coma he starts to realize that he inhabits two separate realities. But there is a bright spot in Freddie's life. Becky. His physical therapist. She begins to heal him, not only physically, but mentally too. Becky is tough, yet tender and caring. Freddie can't help but want to be in her presence all the time. When Freddie goes to sleep he enters into a fantasy world that has demons and magic. But when he enters these dreams he is no longer Lieutenant Freddie Williams or an injured soldier. In his dreams he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who needs to past four trials to gain the throne. He needs to go to the Watchtower in his kingdom where these trials will take place. There, he will see things that will test his will and his strength. He must pass these trials in order to save his kingdom from the Horde, his kingdom's enemy. The only thing that brings Frederick peace now is Rebecca. She is a beautiful gardener whose kind and soothing words beings Frederick calm and peace of mind. Can Lieutenant Freddie Williams finally let go of his past and his guilt and move on with his life? Will Prince Frederick pass the trials and become who he was always destined to be?
I can honestly say that I loved this book! It's so different from what I usually read but I loved it nonetheless. I was shocked when I heard World of War craft references in this book. My sister and my father are huge WOW fans and now I have a better appreciation for it. My sisters and father totally want to read this book now which is amazing because they aren't really readers. I think this book has a little something for everyone. There's action, suspense, definitely adventure, and even a bit of romance. This has to be one of my favorite books I have read so far this year. It's very interesting and has so many elements that keep me on the edge of my seat. I'm definitely plan to reread this book at some point because it was that good! I hate when books are predictable and I can guess what's going to happen within the first couple of pages. I'm so glad this book wasn't one of those books! This book is a page turner and will keep you guessing until the end of the book. I really enjoyed reading this book and plan to read more from this author in the future. I recommend this book to everyone! Trust me, it's amazing!
Some of my favorite parts of the book:
"I won't fail,"
His gaze bore into me, no longer my mentor, no longer my friend. But every bit the Adviser.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because of everything you've taught me." I rose to my full height and lifted my chin. "And because I'm my father's son."
What I wanted to tell her was this: "I no longer need your magic touch. I need you."
"It takes a long time for those we love to die," she'd say. "Like waves to the shore, the memories keep coming. And they only stop when the tides turn back to stillness."
January 31, 2014
Along the Watchtower is a combination of fantasy and contemporary fiction that tells the story of an Iraqi war veteran’s physical and emotional healing. Parallel to the story of Frank defeating his inner demons in a hospital in America is that of a dauphin’s trials in a fantasy world. Prince Frederick must pass a series of mystical trials before he can become King, and if he fails, the Kingdom will loose its protective magic and fall to the enemy.
In the fantasy world, magic is real, but Frederick does not have any to help him; he must overcome his trials – which cannot be won by sword or dagger – by himself and not fall prey to the assassin who thrives on despair. Frank does not have magic either, but he has Becky, the physical therapist with the magic hands and cheerful, ever-hopeful personality. Frank has a similar goddess to help him; his is in the form of the gardener.
The mysteries that Frederick must solve are metaphors for Frank’s psychological conundrum, so when Prince Frederick finds the names the heroes that lie in the crypt, Frank – who suffered mild brain damage – remembers the names of his fallen comrades. The link also works the other way; when Frank has a breakthrough, Prince Frederick has a related success. I guess you could call it a symbiotic relationship.
It’s a clever concept and well done. Frank dreams the fantasy world, and Prince Frederick has visions of our world. The archetypical world of the Kingdom, the castle, the elf, and the assassin are inspired by Franks’s gaming experience, and this dark world of quests and trials resides in Frank’s psyche as clearly as his own world. Archetypes of the fool, the hero, the wise man, the goddess and so on, play their role in Frank’s coming to terms with himself and his future.
The book not only helps us to understand the trials of a severely injured returned serviceman, but also highlights the archetypal nature of computer games and the healing power of using such imagery to defeat our inner assassins.
Craft-wise I cannot fault this book. The high quality professional editing the author had done shows in clean copy and prose that is a delight to read. A story like this could easily become disjointed and messy, but that is not the case here. The author manages to keep the story moving forward in both realms, maintaining the tie between the worlds, but without it ever being too obvious. The worlds do not just reflect each other – that would be predictable and unimaginative – they also enrich each other. When we put the worlds together we get to know Frank in his entirety, i.e on the outside and in his innermost psyche. The parallels between the gardener and the physical therapist also work in the same way.
All up, this is a book that deserves to be read. It is both gritty reality and magical fantasy, and filled with both love and beauty, and ugliness and despair, but ultimately it is a story of healing, of burying the past, finding hope and taking control of the future.
A well-deserved 5 stars.
Along the Watchtower has been selected for the AI Seal of Excellence in Independent Literature!
In the fantasy world, magic is real, but Frederick does not have any to help him; he must overcome his trials – which cannot be won by sword or dagger – by himself and not fall prey to the assassin who thrives on despair. Frank does not have magic either, but he has Becky, the physical therapist with the magic hands and cheerful, ever-hopeful personality. Frank has a similar goddess to help him; his is in the form of the gardener.
The mysteries that Frederick must solve are metaphors for Frank’s psychological conundrum, so when Prince Frederick finds the names the heroes that lie in the crypt, Frank – who suffered mild brain damage – remembers the names of his fallen comrades. The link also works the other way; when Frank has a breakthrough, Prince Frederick has a related success. I guess you could call it a symbiotic relationship.
It’s a clever concept and well done. Frank dreams the fantasy world, and Prince Frederick has visions of our world. The archetypical world of the Kingdom, the castle, the elf, and the assassin are inspired by Franks’s gaming experience, and this dark world of quests and trials resides in Frank’s psyche as clearly as his own world. Archetypes of the fool, the hero, the wise man, the goddess and so on, play their role in Frank’s coming to terms with himself and his future.
The book not only helps us to understand the trials of a severely injured returned serviceman, but also highlights the archetypal nature of computer games and the healing power of using such imagery to defeat our inner assassins.
Craft-wise I cannot fault this book. The high quality professional editing the author had done shows in clean copy and prose that is a delight to read. A story like this could easily become disjointed and messy, but that is not the case here. The author manages to keep the story moving forward in both realms, maintaining the tie between the worlds, but without it ever being too obvious. The worlds do not just reflect each other – that would be predictable and unimaginative – they also enrich each other. When we put the worlds together we get to know Frank in his entirety, i.e on the outside and in his innermost psyche. The parallels between the gardener and the physical therapist also work in the same way.
All up, this is a book that deserves to be read. It is both gritty reality and magical fantasy, and filled with both love and beauty, and ugliness and despair, but ultimately it is a story of healing, of burying the past, finding hope and taking control of the future.
A well-deserved 5 stars.
Along the Watchtower has been selected for the AI Seal of Excellence in Independent Literature!
June 17, 2013
David Litwack takes us on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness and love. When meet young Lt. Freddie Williams, he has been the victim of a roadside IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and firefight. His injuries are so extensive, that he is put into a medically induced coma. During the few moments when he is lucid, he is in immense pain, disoriented; lost between reality and dreams. Lt. Williams is an avid World of Warcraft gamer. It didn't surprise me at all as I know A LOT of people become die hard gamers when they deploy. Because, in an deployed environment any escape is better than where your currently residing.
In his dreams Freddie is Prince Frederick. He too is going through a painful time in his life, his father the King has passed. The assumption is Prince Frederick will become king, but first he must solve several challenges. The throne is not the only thing that is riding on his success, his kingdom will be lost and overtaken by a dark evil if he fails in his trials. Prince Frederick is told that he will have guides along the way, but he must always be on the lookout for evil disguising itself as a guide. The other thing is that, Prince Freddie must sit in the watchtower twice a day, at sun up and sun down. It is in these moments of reflections, where the stories begins to intermingle and for me I started to wonder if Stormwind was real, and Freddie's life was the alternate reality. However, as the story goes along, I assume that Stormwind is Freddie's conscious helping him work through the issues that he is dealing with in reality. And while the watchtower is a place of reflection for Prince Frederick, in Freddie's reality his watchtower holds dark memories that he must battle to come to acceptance with. In reality, Freddie is helped along in his physical recovery by his physical therapist, Becky. She pushes him when he gives up and motivates him when he is down. In Stormwind, Rebecca is Prince Frederick's Becky. Both Freddie and Prince Frederick come to rely on their ladies to get them through the trials they are both facing.
Mr. Litwack does a spectacular job of taking the elements of World of Warcraft and making them a vehicle of emotional recovery for Freddie. Through every phase of his recovery, he is able to work through his challenges as Prince Frederick. The twist is you don't know who is helping whom, is Freddie the guide that Prince Frederick was told would assist him through his trials or vice versa. The blending of the worlds is so intricate and vibrant, you cant tell who is helping whom. At the end I was cheering for both of their successes and loves.
If you like Fantasy, Romance and appreciate a good fiction Along the Watchtower is for you. There are elements of each of these genre's that I believe will appeal to every reader. If you looking for an AMAZING read for your vacation reading list, make sure this makes your top 5! You will not be disappointed.
In his dreams Freddie is Prince Frederick. He too is going through a painful time in his life, his father the King has passed. The assumption is Prince Frederick will become king, but first he must solve several challenges. The throne is not the only thing that is riding on his success, his kingdom will be lost and overtaken by a dark evil if he fails in his trials. Prince Frederick is told that he will have guides along the way, but he must always be on the lookout for evil disguising itself as a guide. The other thing is that, Prince Freddie must sit in the watchtower twice a day, at sun up and sun down. It is in these moments of reflections, where the stories begins to intermingle and for me I started to wonder if Stormwind was real, and Freddie's life was the alternate reality. However, as the story goes along, I assume that Stormwind is Freddie's conscious helping him work through the issues that he is dealing with in reality. And while the watchtower is a place of reflection for Prince Frederick, in Freddie's reality his watchtower holds dark memories that he must battle to come to acceptance with. In reality, Freddie is helped along in his physical recovery by his physical therapist, Becky. She pushes him when he gives up and motivates him when he is down. In Stormwind, Rebecca is Prince Frederick's Becky. Both Freddie and Prince Frederick come to rely on their ladies to get them through the trials they are both facing.
Mr. Litwack does a spectacular job of taking the elements of World of Warcraft and making them a vehicle of emotional recovery for Freddie. Through every phase of his recovery, he is able to work through his challenges as Prince Frederick. The twist is you don't know who is helping whom, is Freddie the guide that Prince Frederick was told would assist him through his trials or vice versa. The blending of the worlds is so intricate and vibrant, you cant tell who is helping whom. At the end I was cheering for both of their successes and loves.
If you like Fantasy, Romance and appreciate a good fiction Along the Watchtower is for you. There are elements of each of these genre's that I believe will appeal to every reader. If you looking for an AMAZING read for your vacation reading list, make sure this makes your top 5! You will not be disappointed.
July 21, 2013
Lieutenant Freddie Williams is a war hero wounded in Iraq who must now undergo the long journey of recovery. Frederick is the dauphin of the mystical kingdom who must undergo four trials to ensure the safety of his people and earn his right to be crowned king. Freddie inhabits the waking world of therapists and learning to move forward after the tragedies that have befallen him. Frederick quests at night blurring the lines of reality and fantasy for Freddie. Both have important missions where failure is not an option.
Along the Watchtower by David Litwack is not the type of book I would normally pick up. There was something about the synopsis that kept me coming back to it and debating if I should give this book a try. And let me tell you, now that I've read it, I am so glad to have taken a risk (for me) and read this book. This is one of those books that is so emotionally charged and excellently written that words about it can't do this story justice-you just have to pick it up and read it for yourself.
Freddie is a World of Warcraft gamer who uses the game as a way to escape the pressures of war. But that world has invaded his mind, helping him cope with his therapy and facing the pressures of his broken home life. Becky, is his physical therapist who helps him on his way to recovery. But as his injuries improve he begins to realize Becky is the light in his life. Can he face his own demons and embrace a life of happiness?
Frederick has trained most of his life for this moment-the trials that will allow his people to continue on in peace. But all of his training could not prepare him for the amount of faith and perseverance needed to complete them. He stumbles upon Rebecca, the lovely gardener, who would do anything to help him with his quest. Will he be able to trust in himself enough to face down the demons and become the king?
I worried in the beginning that this would be a complicated book to read with two realities, but I needn't have worried. Mr. Litwack does a fantastic job of differentiating the realities of Freddie and Frederick. The book is the kind of book that makes you reflect on the world around you as well as yourself. I could tell Mr. Litwack was meticulous in his research on war, gamers, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. This only makes the book more realistic. Yes, I did say realistic when there is a fantasy world involved!
I'm not a gamer, but I do know something about World of Warcraft from friends who play the game. It was helpful to have some background knowledge of the game, but not completely necessary. There were parts that may have been more clear if I played World of Warcraft, but I think this book would appeal to anyone who likes powerful, moving stories. There is no way I could give Along the Watchtower by David Litwack less than 5 stars, and if it was possible to give it more than 5 stars, I would.
Along the Watchtower by David Litwack is not the type of book I would normally pick up. There was something about the synopsis that kept me coming back to it and debating if I should give this book a try. And let me tell you, now that I've read it, I am so glad to have taken a risk (for me) and read this book. This is one of those books that is so emotionally charged and excellently written that words about it can't do this story justice-you just have to pick it up and read it for yourself.
Freddie is a World of Warcraft gamer who uses the game as a way to escape the pressures of war. But that world has invaded his mind, helping him cope with his therapy and facing the pressures of his broken home life. Becky, is his physical therapist who helps him on his way to recovery. But as his injuries improve he begins to realize Becky is the light in his life. Can he face his own demons and embrace a life of happiness?
Frederick has trained most of his life for this moment-the trials that will allow his people to continue on in peace. But all of his training could not prepare him for the amount of faith and perseverance needed to complete them. He stumbles upon Rebecca, the lovely gardener, who would do anything to help him with his quest. Will he be able to trust in himself enough to face down the demons and become the king?
I worried in the beginning that this would be a complicated book to read with two realities, but I needn't have worried. Mr. Litwack does a fantastic job of differentiating the realities of Freddie and Frederick. The book is the kind of book that makes you reflect on the world around you as well as yourself. I could tell Mr. Litwack was meticulous in his research on war, gamers, PTSD, and traumatic brain injuries. This only makes the book more realistic. Yes, I did say realistic when there is a fantasy world involved!
I'm not a gamer, but I do know something about World of Warcraft from friends who play the game. It was helpful to have some background knowledge of the game, but not completely necessary. There were parts that may have been more clear if I played World of Warcraft, but I think this book would appeal to anyone who likes powerful, moving stories. There is no way I could give Along the Watchtower by David Litwack less than 5 stars, and if it was possible to give it more than 5 stars, I would.
July 28, 2013
Original Review Post: http://quantumperceptions.wordpress.c...
Lieutenant Freddie Williams’ tour in Iraq ends with the blast that sends him injured into a place between worlds. It takes time to sort things out, recover bits and pieces to make sense of life again. Freddie has great help from Ralph and especially Becky during his recovery process as he finds the missing pieces beyond what is required to recover physical mobility. At first, it appears that he is locked into toggling between two worlds, one that may be called the hard cold reality of an injured soldier and the other one he terms fantasy. The pace of the novel wanders comfortably from one world to another. However, he finds himself meeting characters in his fantasy world that reflect the traits of the real life friends who assist him in his journey back to health. In his fantasy world, Lieutenant Williams needs to find his way through a series of quests before he can be anointed ruler of his kingdom. These quests are pivotal for his recovery process, as he is able to face things his mind has locked away in the harsh reality. They bleed over into the real world where he begins to embark on a quest where he tries to solve his own mysteries and find his place.
The mind is a wondrous instrument and deals with trauma in an individual manner. No two victims of traumatic events take the same path to recovery. Freddie’s path leads to a world that is less painful, but still loaded with riddles, where he can go about solving the issues at hand in a safer manner, even if there are threats lurking in his own created world as well. I enjoyed very much the unspoken suggestion that both worlds are a creation of the hero Lt. Williams. This gives the meaning that since he is creating his world(s) he has the power to influence the outcome of his journey.
The author has skillfully woven the two storylines together with seamless ease and it grabbed my attention from the start. It meanders without getting boring along the parallel quests that take slightly different turns, but end up making sense, most often in creative symbolism. One can surely just enjoy this novel and find it an easy read for quick entertainment, however it also offers a pondering mind the opportunity for deeper connections and meanings that aren’t dictated, but merely hinted at, which I enjoyed very much.
I can imagine that there are different groups of readers who would not like this novel, but for anyone with a vivid imagination and the ability to propel themselves into different worlds, either through reading novels or daydreaming on their own; this novel is a wonderful read. Only the ending was a bit too abrupt for my taste and I would have wished a slower pace with more details to ease into the conclusion of the novel. It left me wanting a little bit. Perhaps a sequel that will show us more of Freddie and Becky is already in the works?
Lieutenant Freddie Williams’ tour in Iraq ends with the blast that sends him injured into a place between worlds. It takes time to sort things out, recover bits and pieces to make sense of life again. Freddie has great help from Ralph and especially Becky during his recovery process as he finds the missing pieces beyond what is required to recover physical mobility. At first, it appears that he is locked into toggling between two worlds, one that may be called the hard cold reality of an injured soldier and the other one he terms fantasy. The pace of the novel wanders comfortably from one world to another. However, he finds himself meeting characters in his fantasy world that reflect the traits of the real life friends who assist him in his journey back to health. In his fantasy world, Lieutenant Williams needs to find his way through a series of quests before he can be anointed ruler of his kingdom. These quests are pivotal for his recovery process, as he is able to face things his mind has locked away in the harsh reality. They bleed over into the real world where he begins to embark on a quest where he tries to solve his own mysteries and find his place.
The mind is a wondrous instrument and deals with trauma in an individual manner. No two victims of traumatic events take the same path to recovery. Freddie’s path leads to a world that is less painful, but still loaded with riddles, where he can go about solving the issues at hand in a safer manner, even if there are threats lurking in his own created world as well. I enjoyed very much the unspoken suggestion that both worlds are a creation of the hero Lt. Williams. This gives the meaning that since he is creating his world(s) he has the power to influence the outcome of his journey.
The author has skillfully woven the two storylines together with seamless ease and it grabbed my attention from the start. It meanders without getting boring along the parallel quests that take slightly different turns, but end up making sense, most often in creative symbolism. One can surely just enjoy this novel and find it an easy read for quick entertainment, however it also offers a pondering mind the opportunity for deeper connections and meanings that aren’t dictated, but merely hinted at, which I enjoyed very much.
I can imagine that there are different groups of readers who would not like this novel, but for anyone with a vivid imagination and the ability to propel themselves into different worlds, either through reading novels or daydreaming on their own; this novel is a wonderful read. Only the ending was a bit too abrupt for my taste and I would have wished a slower pace with more details to ease into the conclusion of the novel. It left me wanting a little bit. Perhaps a sequel that will show us more of Freddie and Becky is already in the works?
June 17, 2014
[Full disclosure: I received a free paperback from David Litwack so I could review this book in conjunction with the blog tour. As always, this is an honest review.]
Having previously read David Litwack’s work I was expecting a novel that was mostly high fantasy or maybe even a combination of science fiction and fantasy. What I didn’t expect was a high fantasy story running in conjunction with a very real heart-wrenching story.
Freddie has had a crappy life. Both of his parents and his older brother are dead and he was severely injured in Iraq by an IED. Most of his squad died but he lived so in addition to his physical injuries there’s some pretty huge survivor guilt mixed in with PTSD. Add to that the fact that his developmentally disabled brother went missing because of him years ago and you’ve got the makings of a Shakespearean tragedy. You’d think a book with a plot like this would stray into opera level dramatics but it never does. David Litwack’s writing has improved since There Comes a Prophet so he gets just the right amount of emotion without ever becoming too sappy or cheesy.
His characters are very much three dimensional. Both Freddie and his alter ego Frederick are three dimensional characters facing (obviously) similar challenges. In the dreamworld all of Frederick’s challenges are a metaphor for what’s going on with Freddie in real life, from his rehabilitation to his growing feelings for his physiotherapist. Now a book like this could very easily stray into the territory of sexism because it would be easy to portray both Becky and Rebecca merely as background characters who help the hero reach his goal. That’s very much not true. Becky is a complicated woman with her own demons to look out for and she’s a very determined and competent physio. You can’t ask for much more than that where a romantic relationship is concerned: two people with their own problems come together slowly and try to work those problems out while acknowledging that some scars may never fully heal.
The plot isn’t fast-paced by most people’s standards but this is definitely a character driven novel. You’ll cheer for Freddie to succeed after going through so much and you’ll feel his pain as your own. He’s a very vivid character and his world of rehabilitation is brought to life by David Litwack’s amazing writing. Most people have never had physiotherapy but I have so I can tell you that the scenes between Becky and Freddie are pretty darn accurate (especially the attitudes of the medical staff). And to top it all off, this book ends on a satisfying note. Not all loose ends are tied up but enough are so that you’re pretty sure what happens to Freddie after the story.
Basically, this is just a good book. I’m so glad I joined the blog tour for it!
I give this book 5/5 stars.
Having previously read David Litwack’s work I was expecting a novel that was mostly high fantasy or maybe even a combination of science fiction and fantasy. What I didn’t expect was a high fantasy story running in conjunction with a very real heart-wrenching story.
Freddie has had a crappy life. Both of his parents and his older brother are dead and he was severely injured in Iraq by an IED. Most of his squad died but he lived so in addition to his physical injuries there’s some pretty huge survivor guilt mixed in with PTSD. Add to that the fact that his developmentally disabled brother went missing because of him years ago and you’ve got the makings of a Shakespearean tragedy. You’d think a book with a plot like this would stray into opera level dramatics but it never does. David Litwack’s writing has improved since There Comes a Prophet so he gets just the right amount of emotion without ever becoming too sappy or cheesy.
His characters are very much three dimensional. Both Freddie and his alter ego Frederick are three dimensional characters facing (obviously) similar challenges. In the dreamworld all of Frederick’s challenges are a metaphor for what’s going on with Freddie in real life, from his rehabilitation to his growing feelings for his physiotherapist. Now a book like this could very easily stray into the territory of sexism because it would be easy to portray both Becky and Rebecca merely as background characters who help the hero reach his goal. That’s very much not true. Becky is a complicated woman with her own demons to look out for and she’s a very determined and competent physio. You can’t ask for much more than that where a romantic relationship is concerned: two people with their own problems come together slowly and try to work those problems out while acknowledging that some scars may never fully heal.
The plot isn’t fast-paced by most people’s standards but this is definitely a character driven novel. You’ll cheer for Freddie to succeed after going through so much and you’ll feel his pain as your own. He’s a very vivid character and his world of rehabilitation is brought to life by David Litwack’s amazing writing. Most people have never had physiotherapy but I have so I can tell you that the scenes between Becky and Freddie are pretty darn accurate (especially the attitudes of the medical staff). And to top it all off, this book ends on a satisfying note. Not all loose ends are tied up but enough are so that you’re pretty sure what happens to Freddie after the story.
Basically, this is just a good book. I’m so glad I joined the blog tour for it!
I give this book 5/5 stars.
July 30, 2013
I found this book to be particularly interesting because I am a fan of World of Warcraft. My fiance is a HUGE fan of WoW. When the opportunity to review Along the Watchtower by David Litwack came up I was excited. Here was something I knew. The fantasy aspect of it at least. I can't even imagine, however, what it's like to be a war veteran, let alone a wounded one in a hospital trying to recover from a traumatic injury.
Freddie has lost everything that means anything to him. First his family, then his squad, finally the use of his leg. What else could possibly be taken from him? Trying to escape from the literal pain and the horrifying realities of being awake, Freddie retreats in to a familiar dream world when he manages to fall asleep. When he dreams, he is Frederick, the Dauphin of Stormwind and future king. As part of the Alliance, he must over come the trials that come with the position he has inherited from his father who has recently passed on and save the kingdom from the Horde. When he wakes up, he's Freddie. Trying not to remember the day that put him in that hospital, or the times that led to the loss of his father, mother, brother Joey, and the disappearance of his brother Richie. He is a broken man. Completely broken... in more ways than one. But with the help of Ralph, Dinah, and most of all Becky, he starts to put the pieces back together again. Both when he's asleep and awake.
It's not easy to write two stories in one. Stories that seem to be so completely different but end up being incredibly similar after all. It's not easy to read about the kind of pain that Freddie was in at the beginning. And it was not easy to watch the pain he went through trying to rehabilitate. It was also nerve-wracking to watch Frederick trying to find a way to save the kingdom from certain doom at the hands of the evil Horde (insert sarcasm here a bit, because not all of the Horde is evil, i.e. Taurens).
Freddie was determined though. As was Frederick. Although Frederick seemed a little bit more quick to doubt himself. While Freddie was resigned to the fact that he HAD to put the work in. It's weird to talk about them like they are separate characters when, in essence, they are the same person, just different parts of him. But I did like how almost every chapter (if not EVERY chapter) skipped back and forth between perspectives. That way you got the full story behind each "characters" struggles to achieve their respective goals.
There were a few things left unanswered for me at the end. Or perhaps I just missed how it all got tied up. But other than that I would recommend this story to anyone. Especially WoW fans or people who find themselves in similar situations as Freddie. One way or another. Go check it out!
Freddie has lost everything that means anything to him. First his family, then his squad, finally the use of his leg. What else could possibly be taken from him? Trying to escape from the literal pain and the horrifying realities of being awake, Freddie retreats in to a familiar dream world when he manages to fall asleep. When he dreams, he is Frederick, the Dauphin of Stormwind and future king. As part of the Alliance, he must over come the trials that come with the position he has inherited from his father who has recently passed on and save the kingdom from the Horde. When he wakes up, he's Freddie. Trying not to remember the day that put him in that hospital, or the times that led to the loss of his father, mother, brother Joey, and the disappearance of his brother Richie. He is a broken man. Completely broken... in more ways than one. But with the help of Ralph, Dinah, and most of all Becky, he starts to put the pieces back together again. Both when he's asleep and awake.
It's not easy to write two stories in one. Stories that seem to be so completely different but end up being incredibly similar after all. It's not easy to read about the kind of pain that Freddie was in at the beginning. And it was not easy to watch the pain he went through trying to rehabilitate. It was also nerve-wracking to watch Frederick trying to find a way to save the kingdom from certain doom at the hands of the evil Horde (insert sarcasm here a bit, because not all of the Horde is evil, i.e. Taurens).
Freddie was determined though. As was Frederick. Although Frederick seemed a little bit more quick to doubt himself. While Freddie was resigned to the fact that he HAD to put the work in. It's weird to talk about them like they are separate characters when, in essence, they are the same person, just different parts of him. But I did like how almost every chapter (if not EVERY chapter) skipped back and forth between perspectives. That way you got the full story behind each "characters" struggles to achieve their respective goals.
There were a few things left unanswered for me at the end. Or perhaps I just missed how it all got tied up. But other than that I would recommend this story to anyone. Especially WoW fans or people who find themselves in similar situations as Freddie. One way or another. Go check it out!
July 6, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
An uncertain young man who has lost his way, escapes into dreams of a magic kingdom. Normally the story would be that he finds himself a knight in shining armor, performing deeds of derring do. Or something like that.
Instead, in his dreams, Lieutenant Frederick Williams turns himself into a different young man, equally uncertain, but instead of having lost his way, Prince Frederick of Stormwind has just lost his father the King and has to earn his own kingship through a series of unfathomable trials.
In Freddie’s dreams he carries the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. In real life, he has to fight his way through rehab after an IED explosion in Iraq shattered his leg and fragmented his memories.
Freddie’s real life, rehab, the hospital, figuring out what happened and what he’s forgotten, shouldn’t blend so seamlessly with the fantasy of Prince Frederick, but it does. The Prince’s trials mirror the Lieutenant’s.
In both realities, Freddie tries to fight with a weapon something that can only be battled by looking within himself. He needs to mourn his losses, not just the men he lost in the IED explosion, but his parents and his brother. He needs to learn to take responsibility only for what he is truly is responsible for, and not bear the burden of guilt that is not his.
Only when he heals from within can he bear to remember the fallen and move on with his life. As Prince Freddie, the lesson is that not all battles are fought with a blade, some are fought by the spirit and the will.
In both worlds, he has a guide. In real life, she is Becky, his physical therapist. In Stormwind, she is Rebecca, the gardener. Recognizing her for who she can be is part of his test.
If he passes, his life will be better than it ever has been. If he fails, there is only darkness. And Stormwind falls. If Stormwind falls, does Freddie?
Escape Rating B+: The blending of the fantasy with the reality works much better than I expected when I first started it. The tests in the dream life reflect Freddie’s struggles in his real one, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he failed in the dream.
But the story is about Freddie healing, not just physically, but also emotionally, enough to know what he is and isn’t responsible for. It’s a hard journey. The dream quest worked as symbol and story.
The song "Along the Watchtower" made me think of the reboot of Battlestar Galactica when all the Cylon sleeper agents discovered who they were. This story, too, was about Freddie discovering what he was really made of. Well done.
An uncertain young man who has lost his way, escapes into dreams of a magic kingdom. Normally the story would be that he finds himself a knight in shining armor, performing deeds of derring do. Or something like that.
Instead, in his dreams, Lieutenant Frederick Williams turns himself into a different young man, equally uncertain, but instead of having lost his way, Prince Frederick of Stormwind has just lost his father the King and has to earn his own kingship through a series of unfathomable trials.
In Freddie’s dreams he carries the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. In real life, he has to fight his way through rehab after an IED explosion in Iraq shattered his leg and fragmented his memories.
Freddie’s real life, rehab, the hospital, figuring out what happened and what he’s forgotten, shouldn’t blend so seamlessly with the fantasy of Prince Frederick, but it does. The Prince’s trials mirror the Lieutenant’s.
In both realities, Freddie tries to fight with a weapon something that can only be battled by looking within himself. He needs to mourn his losses, not just the men he lost in the IED explosion, but his parents and his brother. He needs to learn to take responsibility only for what he is truly is responsible for, and not bear the burden of guilt that is not his.
Only when he heals from within can he bear to remember the fallen and move on with his life. As Prince Freddie, the lesson is that not all battles are fought with a blade, some are fought by the spirit and the will.
In both worlds, he has a guide. In real life, she is Becky, his physical therapist. In Stormwind, she is Rebecca, the gardener. Recognizing her for who she can be is part of his test.
If he passes, his life will be better than it ever has been. If he fails, there is only darkness. And Stormwind falls. If Stormwind falls, does Freddie?
Escape Rating B+: The blending of the fantasy with the reality works much better than I expected when I first started it. The tests in the dream life reflect Freddie’s struggles in his real one, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if he failed in the dream.
But the story is about Freddie healing, not just physically, but also emotionally, enough to know what he is and isn’t responsible for. It’s a hard journey. The dream quest worked as symbol and story.
The song "Along the Watchtower" made me think of the reboot of Battlestar Galactica when all the Cylon sleeper agents discovered who they were. This story, too, was about Freddie discovering what he was really made of. Well done.
August 29, 2013
Along the Watchtower by David Litwack blends fantasy and a modern-day tale filled with hope, overcoming guilt and recovery. As we travels back and forth between Lieutenant Freddie Williams reality and dream world I found myself captivated by both worlds. Three word review: Captivating, inspirational and enjoyable.
We travel with Freddie as he makes his way from war-torn Iraq to the VA hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA. He is in and out of consciousness as he fights to recover from an IED explosion. He is worried about his men and his surroundings but as he slips into his dreams he becomes Frederick, Prince of Stormwind and faces challenges to protect his kingdom from the monstrous horde. The tale that unfolds was captivating as we traveled along with both Freddie and Frederick as they face some of the toughest challenge, confront their fears and set their goals towards the future.
Lieutenant Freddie is a likable guy and respected by his men. He is suffering survivors’ guilt and wondering if he could have done more. Seriously injured his road to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. Watching Freddie deal with his reality and also his dream character “Frederick” was enjoyable, touching and had me cheering, groaning and flipping the pages. Other characters added to the tale and helped flesh out Freddie. Becky, the rehabilitation nurse was wonderful, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Fredrick gains new perspective and hope from a sweet gardener named Rebecca.
Litwack did a fantastic job of blending the two worlds together, and conveying messages through Freddie’s dream world. Often when reading books with two worlds I find myself craving one over the other, but I enjoyed both equally and didn’t mind being pulled back and forth. The story conveys messages of forgiveness, hope, and love. The pacing was well done slowly building towards a climatic ending in both worlds and a melding of the two. The author does a wonderful job of painting both worlds and the protagonists emotions making his story feel real. I found myself vested in Frederick’s story as I searching for my HEA. The tale wrapped up nicely giving us conclusions to both worlds. Along the Watchtower was different and refreshing. It blended a contemporary tale with fantasy and added a dash of romance. It’s a story that will appeal to a large audience from YA to Adult.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
We travel with Freddie as he makes his way from war-torn Iraq to the VA hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA. He is in and out of consciousness as he fights to recover from an IED explosion. He is worried about his men and his surroundings but as he slips into his dreams he becomes Frederick, Prince of Stormwind and faces challenges to protect his kingdom from the monstrous horde. The tale that unfolds was captivating as we traveled along with both Freddie and Frederick as they face some of the toughest challenge, confront their fears and set their goals towards the future.
Lieutenant Freddie is a likable guy and respected by his men. He is suffering survivors’ guilt and wondering if he could have done more. Seriously injured his road to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. Watching Freddie deal with his reality and also his dream character “Frederick” was enjoyable, touching and had me cheering, groaning and flipping the pages. Other characters added to the tale and helped flesh out Freddie. Becky, the rehabilitation nurse was wonderful, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Fredrick gains new perspective and hope from a sweet gardener named Rebecca.
Litwack did a fantastic job of blending the two worlds together, and conveying messages through Freddie’s dream world. Often when reading books with two worlds I find myself craving one over the other, but I enjoyed both equally and didn’t mind being pulled back and forth. The story conveys messages of forgiveness, hope, and love. The pacing was well done slowly building towards a climatic ending in both worlds and a melding of the two. The author does a wonderful job of painting both worlds and the protagonists emotions making his story feel real. I found myself vested in Frederick’s story as I searching for my HEA. The tale wrapped up nicely giving us conclusions to both worlds. Along the Watchtower was different and refreshing. It blended a contemporary tale with fantasy and added a dash of romance. It’s a story that will appeal to a large audience from YA to Adult.
Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
July 27, 2013
3.5
For more book reviews: On Books!
An IED explosion leaves a shattered Lieutenant and skilled gamer with two alternate realities: one filled with pain, attempts at half-hearted recuperation, reality hitting him in flashbacks and present tense… and the other -manifested in his dreams- a surge of quests, trials and tangible obstacles leading to the him being crowned King.
What unites these two realities?
o The fact that they are happening to the same person: the Lieutenant, who took his job seriously, took the losses suffered from war hard and used to play World of Warcraft with his army buddies.
o The compassionate woman reaching out to them: Becky/Rebecca who gives the protagonist/hero hope/latent hope.
o Fragments of memories/clues; an aftermath of the war that help them make sense of all he has lost and question all that is left.
Along the Watchtower was unlike anything I have ever read… it was surreal, sometimes baffling and most times brilliant. The realistic/fantastical narratives ran parallel to each other with brilliant points of overlap and chronicled the effects of war, the parables of loss and the comforting and magical nature of social support. It illustrated the horrors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and curious ways employed by the mind and heart to heal.
I’m not going to lie… it took me a while to gain sure footing as I journeyed through the book… I felt like we were thrust into two completely different floors of the Lieutenant’s mind at the same time and it took me a while to comprehend it all. But once I did, I was fascinated by the parallels in characterization, the contrasting feel of the well-written narratives and the Lieutenant/Dauphin’s slow progress through the trials before him.
When the Lieutenant’s reality tore me apart, there was always the magic and cheeriness of his dream-(albeit dark) quest that rearranged his abstract worries and painful memories. Over the course of the book, you will learn to fear and embrace the assassin, make sense of the layers of memory and despair that plague the Lieutenant as he reconstructs the events before his injury and feel the warmth that comes from reading a good book that arrives that a satisfactory ending… in this case, endings as both the recuperation from the war effort and bridging of familial loss, unconscious advancing of trials and braving through the medieval quest are done justice to.
For more book reviews: On Books!
An IED explosion leaves a shattered Lieutenant and skilled gamer with two alternate realities: one filled with pain, attempts at half-hearted recuperation, reality hitting him in flashbacks and present tense… and the other -manifested in his dreams- a surge of quests, trials and tangible obstacles leading to the him being crowned King.
What unites these two realities?
o The fact that they are happening to the same person: the Lieutenant, who took his job seriously, took the losses suffered from war hard and used to play World of Warcraft with his army buddies.
o The compassionate woman reaching out to them: Becky/Rebecca who gives the protagonist/hero hope/latent hope.
o Fragments of memories/clues; an aftermath of the war that help them make sense of all he has lost and question all that is left.
Along the Watchtower was unlike anything I have ever read… it was surreal, sometimes baffling and most times brilliant. The realistic/fantastical narratives ran parallel to each other with brilliant points of overlap and chronicled the effects of war, the parables of loss and the comforting and magical nature of social support. It illustrated the horrors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and curious ways employed by the mind and heart to heal.
I’m not going to lie… it took me a while to gain sure footing as I journeyed through the book… I felt like we were thrust into two completely different floors of the Lieutenant’s mind at the same time and it took me a while to comprehend it all. But once I did, I was fascinated by the parallels in characterization, the contrasting feel of the well-written narratives and the Lieutenant/Dauphin’s slow progress through the trials before him.
When the Lieutenant’s reality tore me apart, there was always the magic and cheeriness of his dream-(albeit dark) quest that rearranged his abstract worries and painful memories. Over the course of the book, you will learn to fear and embrace the assassin, make sense of the layers of memory and despair that plague the Lieutenant as he reconstructs the events before his injury and feel the warmth that comes from reading a good book that arrives that a satisfactory ending… in this case, endings as both the recuperation from the war effort and bridging of familial loss, unconscious advancing of trials and braving through the medieval quest are done justice to.
July 30, 2013
This book goes back and forth between Lt. Freddie Williams as he's recovering from an IED explosion and Frederick, Prince of Stormwind. Lt. Freddie Williams is having a hard time coping with his memories so he goes into the dream world when he closes his eyes. As Prince Frederick, his father, the king, has just died and his kingdom is protected by magic which is bestowed on the reigning king. With his father dead, the magic will start to fade. Prince Frederick has thirty days to overcome the trials to succeed his father to the throne. Not much is known about what he'll need to go through but he learns that the assassins that are after him aren't trying to physically harm him but their goal is to bring him to despair.
As Lt. Freddie Williams, he meets his physical therapist, Becky, and she helps him get his physical strength back. He finds himself opening up to her about his life and family and we learn what brought him to where he is today. He has lots of demons so will she be able to break through or will he emotionally keep his distance from her?
I thought the premise to this book was interesting: A soldier going through a traumatic experience and dealing with it through living in a dream world at nights. His life as a soldier deals with his physical ailments and life as a prince deals with his emotional issues and shows how they merge together to become one person. I liked reading about his relationships with the people he came in contact with at the hospital: doctors, staff and physical therapists. He has a hard time and takes some steps forward and then will relapse. He has so many questions about who he is now and how to move forward with his life.
I know that World of Warcraft is a big part of this book, too, but since I'm not familiar with the game at all, I probably missed a lot of references. This book is well written and I enjoyed it. There were parts that moved kind of slow and there was a little too much swearing for me, especially the "f" word.
Mel's Shelves
Go HERE to read an excerpt from this book and another excerpt from There Comes a Prophet, also by David Litwack.
As Lt. Freddie Williams, he meets his physical therapist, Becky, and she helps him get his physical strength back. He finds himself opening up to her about his life and family and we learn what brought him to where he is today. He has lots of demons so will she be able to break through or will he emotionally keep his distance from her?
I thought the premise to this book was interesting: A soldier going through a traumatic experience and dealing with it through living in a dream world at nights. His life as a soldier deals with his physical ailments and life as a prince deals with his emotional issues and shows how they merge together to become one person. I liked reading about his relationships with the people he came in contact with at the hospital: doctors, staff and physical therapists. He has a hard time and takes some steps forward and then will relapse. He has so many questions about who he is now and how to move forward with his life.
I know that World of Warcraft is a big part of this book, too, but since I'm not familiar with the game at all, I probably missed a lot of references. This book is well written and I enjoyed it. There were parts that moved kind of slow and there was a little too much swearing for me, especially the "f" word.
Mel's Shelves
Go HERE to read an excerpt from this book and another excerpt from There Comes a Prophet, also by David Litwack.
April 3, 2014
1st Lieutenant Frederick (Freddie) Williams was stationed in An-Nasiriyah (Al Anbar) Iraq (9 months 7 days). The Humvee he was in got hit by an IED (7/22/2008) & now Frederick was going to be shipped to Ramstein Germany. In a medically induced coma for 2 weeks he was then shipped to a VA Hospital in West Roxbury, MA. Both legs were badly damaged. For now he could not walk.
An EKG & CCAT were done. The Glasgow coma scale was administered for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Freddy was finally told Specialist Pedey Sanchez (25, married, Pedro Jr. son) & 3 others were killed instantly (Anderson, Martinez, Jones). They had spent endless hours playing World of Warcraft together.
Rehabilitation & therapy had begun.
Becky Marshall (PT) brought Freddie his memento box from Iraq.
Freddie was going to go to a PTSD group. Becky took Freddie to Cape Cod. They stopped by Freddie’s old house & met with Helen Miller the neighbor who still lived there. Maria & Pedro Jr. Sanchez came to visit Freddie.
Freddie was finally going to be awarded the Purple Heart & a Silver Star. Becky gave Freddie a zip lock bag in it was a picture of his men & a white rose.
Freddie struggles looking for Richie Williams a lost boy.
Freddie finally came back home & started P/T. Sam Shapiro came to visit him 1 day. He runs an internet business dreamsoftheCape.com. The company sells stuff that most PPL call junk. They hire young PPL to package/ship it.
Freddie visits the company Bob LaGuerre is the manager.
Will Freddie recover to some sort of normalcy? Will he/Rebecca stay happily married?
I’m a former Army Vietnam veteran. As a former school/crisis social worker, I know what my fellow brother/sisters can struggle with on a daily basis (PTSD).
Awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written could be true- to-life psychological thrilling suspense filled, flip back/forth between medieval (video game) & present day book. It was very easy to read/follow & never a dull moment from start/finish. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of frightening scenarios & a great host set of unique characters. This could make a great current War movie or a TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this book.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
An EKG & CCAT were done. The Glasgow coma scale was administered for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Freddy was finally told Specialist Pedey Sanchez (25, married, Pedro Jr. son) & 3 others were killed instantly (Anderson, Martinez, Jones). They had spent endless hours playing World of Warcraft together.
Rehabilitation & therapy had begun.
Becky Marshall (PT) brought Freddie his memento box from Iraq.
Freddie was going to go to a PTSD group. Becky took Freddie to Cape Cod. They stopped by Freddie’s old house & met with Helen Miller the neighbor who still lived there. Maria & Pedro Jr. Sanchez came to visit Freddie.
Freddie was finally going to be awarded the Purple Heart & a Silver Star. Becky gave Freddie a zip lock bag in it was a picture of his men & a white rose.
Freddie struggles looking for Richie Williams a lost boy.
Freddie finally came back home & started P/T. Sam Shapiro came to visit him 1 day. He runs an internet business dreamsoftheCape.com. The company sells stuff that most PPL call junk. They hire young PPL to package/ship it.
Freddie visits the company Bob LaGuerre is the manager.
Will Freddie recover to some sort of normalcy? Will he/Rebecca stay happily married?
I’m a former Army Vietnam veteran. As a former school/crisis social worker, I know what my fellow brother/sisters can struggle with on a daily basis (PTSD).
Awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written could be true- to-life psychological thrilling suspense filled, flip back/forth between medieval (video game) & present day book. It was very easy to read/follow & never a dull moment from start/finish. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of frightening scenarios & a great host set of unique characters. This could make a great current War movie or a TV series. No doubt in my mind a very easy rating of 5 stars for this book.
Thank you for the free book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 25, 2016
Originally posted on my website at http://davidbruns.com/blog
In Along the Watchtower, David Litwack takes a poetic approach to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and healing. LT Freddie Williams is a returning Iraq War vet, gravely injured both mentally and physically, and we follow his journey back to health.
The twist that Litwack adds to the plot is a parallel story about Prince Frederick, Dauphin of Stormwind. Frederick’s father, the king, has just passed and he must undergo a series of tests to show he is worthy to assume the crown. Every sunrise and sunset for thirty days, he must ascend to the watchtower and stare into a colored wheel that causes him to dream. In the waking hours, he is tested by the demon horde waiting to take over the castle. If he is successful, the kingdom is saved for the length of his reign. If not, the castle will be overrun by demons and all is lost.
No pressure.
In many ways, this is a story about pressure, the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure of past traumas we bottle up inside ourselves. Freddie is a flawed hero, saddled with guilt from losing his comrades in Iraq and from losing his family members one by one. Back in the safety of the US, he still scans for suspicious packages that might be IEDs and watches out for snipers. In Iraq, his escape was playing World of Warcraft with his squad, and this becomes the genesis for the dream world of Stormwind. Similar to The Wizard of Oz, you start to recognize the parallel characters between Stormwind and the VA hospital in West Roxbury, MA.
Litwack does a masterful job of shifting between the two worlds and balancing the story lines. His description is rich and lyrical, especially in the dream world, and he paints a cast of fully fleshed, believable characters in the real world. He ends up with genre mash-up of military fiction and high fantasy with a love story on the side. But in the end, the story is really about Freddie’s choice for the future and his personal struggle with survivor’s guilt. As Freddie says:
“What if we’re each born with a certain amount of happiness, like sand in an hourglass? And once the sand runs out. That’s it. What if I drew the short straw, too few grains, and they all ran out when I was a kid? And that’s all there is.”
LT Freddie Williams and Prince Frederick both make their own choices for the future.
In Along the Watchtower, David Litwack takes a poetic approach to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and healing. LT Freddie Williams is a returning Iraq War vet, gravely injured both mentally and physically, and we follow his journey back to health.
The twist that Litwack adds to the plot is a parallel story about Prince Frederick, Dauphin of Stormwind. Frederick’s father, the king, has just passed and he must undergo a series of tests to show he is worthy to assume the crown. Every sunrise and sunset for thirty days, he must ascend to the watchtower and stare into a colored wheel that causes him to dream. In the waking hours, he is tested by the demon horde waiting to take over the castle. If he is successful, the kingdom is saved for the length of his reign. If not, the castle will be overrun by demons and all is lost.
No pressure.
In many ways, this is a story about pressure, the pressure we put on ourselves and the pressure of past traumas we bottle up inside ourselves. Freddie is a flawed hero, saddled with guilt from losing his comrades in Iraq and from losing his family members one by one. Back in the safety of the US, he still scans for suspicious packages that might be IEDs and watches out for snipers. In Iraq, his escape was playing World of Warcraft with his squad, and this becomes the genesis for the dream world of Stormwind. Similar to The Wizard of Oz, you start to recognize the parallel characters between Stormwind and the VA hospital in West Roxbury, MA.
Litwack does a masterful job of shifting between the two worlds and balancing the story lines. His description is rich and lyrical, especially in the dream world, and he paints a cast of fully fleshed, believable characters in the real world. He ends up with genre mash-up of military fiction and high fantasy with a love story on the side. But in the end, the story is really about Freddie’s choice for the future and his personal struggle with survivor’s guilt. As Freddie says:
“What if we’re each born with a certain amount of happiness, like sand in an hourglass? And once the sand runs out. That’s it. What if I drew the short straw, too few grains, and they all ran out when I was a kid? And that’s all there is.”
LT Freddie Williams and Prince Frederick both make their own choices for the future.
October 26, 2013
Litwack makes movement between the realities of Fredrick’s recovery from his wounds to the fantasy world of Stormwind seamless and convincing. Most times, Fredrick is unaware that he is living the two realities. At other times, the recovering veteran is confused about what is real and what isn’t. His journey in both worlds is filled with trials and challenges that are mostly heart wrenching and confusing rather than fearsome. That doesn’t diminish the level of bravery modern day Freddie displays as he confronts his pain both physically and mentally. He is aided in his journey by Becky, Freddie’s physical therapist. In Stormwind, Rebecca is the gardener of Fredrick’s royal grounds. Both women play key roles in the journey of their Fredrick with patience, and bravery of their own.
I loved this book. I wrapped myself in a blanket, snuggled with the cat and allowed myself to be absorbed into the pages. The metaphors of the injury and recovery, the fantasy world and the struggle to heal are obvious, but that doesn’t make them any less effective. There were times when I wanted to cry for Freddie...both Fredricks, but I didn’t. While both stories are tragic and filled with discoveries of one painful truth after another, there’s something heroic about Freddie even when he refuses to admit it. He agonizes over confronting the things too painful for him to remember, but he does it anyway because he knows he must.
More than 30,000 American service men and women have been wounded in Iraq alone, tens of thousands more in Afghanistan. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands more have traumatic brain injuries. Litwack’s portrayal of the excruciating recovery from the catastrophic injuries so many service members endure is moving and awe-inspiring. This story brings us into the hospital rooms and VA clinics all over this country, where our men and women are fighting through the pain of physical therapy, struggling to remember the names of those once close to them and attempting to come to terms with how their lives have changed because of their injuries. I can only hope that the portrayal of the dedicated medical professionals Litwack presents in this book is realistic. Our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much deserve nothing less.
I loved this book. I wrapped myself in a blanket, snuggled with the cat and allowed myself to be absorbed into the pages. The metaphors of the injury and recovery, the fantasy world and the struggle to heal are obvious, but that doesn’t make them any less effective. There were times when I wanted to cry for Freddie...both Fredricks, but I didn’t. While both stories are tragic and filled with discoveries of one painful truth after another, there’s something heroic about Freddie even when he refuses to admit it. He agonizes over confronting the things too painful for him to remember, but he does it anyway because he knows he must.
More than 30,000 American service men and women have been wounded in Iraq alone, tens of thousands more in Afghanistan. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands more have traumatic brain injuries. Litwack’s portrayal of the excruciating recovery from the catastrophic injuries so many service members endure is moving and awe-inspiring. This story brings us into the hospital rooms and VA clinics all over this country, where our men and women are fighting through the pain of physical therapy, struggling to remember the names of those once close to them and attempting to come to terms with how their lives have changed because of their injuries. I can only hope that the portrayal of the dedicated medical professionals Litwack presents in this book is realistic. Our brave men and women who have sacrificed so much deserve nothing less.
June 9, 2013
An IED explosion in Iraq ends the war for Lieutenant Freddie Williams, leaving his mind and body shattered. Once a skilled gamer and expert in virtual and real warfare, he emerges from a medically induced coma to discover he’s inhabiting two separate realities. The first is his waking world of pain, family trials, and remorse for living when his friends are dead. The second is a dark fantasy realm of quests, demons, and magic that Freddie enters when he sleeps. In his dreams, he is Frederick, Prince of Stormwind, who (after his father’s death) must survive horrific visions in order to save his embattled kingdom from the monstrous Horde. While in the conscious world, the severely wounded vet faces a strangely similar and equally perilous mission—a journey along a dark road haunted by demons of guilt and family ghosts that must be put to rest.
This is a trial by ordeal that readers will appreciate on several levels. The outer physical journey to recovery and the inner spiritual road to victory play out with the two worlds merging perfectly. Items from Freddie’s reality become hauntingly evocative icons in his dream world. Author David Litwack has an almost poetic approach to the fantasy level that contrasts sharply with the gritty, real world Freddie struggles (and almost gives up) within. I like this interesting contrast and in a way, the two levels are part of the great game of life that Freddie must win. But will he win, one wonders? His mind is haunted by demons; his body is struggling from the extent of his injuries. In his reality, he undergoes slow rehabilitation with Becky, his physical therapist. In the dream kingdom, he finds comfort in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. Can he retrieve his original purpose in life? Will the demons of both worlds win?
The title is part of a poem by Bob Dylan and captures the essence of the story. This is a great read and the author’s skill in building both worlds with gifted imagery becomes apparent as the story draws the reader in. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
This is a trial by ordeal that readers will appreciate on several levels. The outer physical journey to recovery and the inner spiritual road to victory play out with the two worlds merging perfectly. Items from Freddie’s reality become hauntingly evocative icons in his dream world. Author David Litwack has an almost poetic approach to the fantasy level that contrasts sharply with the gritty, real world Freddie struggles (and almost gives up) within. I like this interesting contrast and in a way, the two levels are part of the great game of life that Freddie must win. But will he win, one wonders? His mind is haunted by demons; his body is struggling from the extent of his injuries. In his reality, he undergoes slow rehabilitation with Becky, his physical therapist. In the dream kingdom, he finds comfort in the royal gardens, where the gentle words of the beautiful gardener, Rebecca, calm the storms in his soul. Can he retrieve his original purpose in life? Will the demons of both worlds win?
The title is part of a poem by Bob Dylan and captures the essence of the story. This is a great read and the author’s skill in building both worlds with gifted imagery becomes apparent as the story draws the reader in. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
May 15, 2015
See full post @ The Indigo Quill: http://theindigoquill.blogspot.com/20...
Along the Watchtower is a gripping story of a man who comes face-to-face with death in Iraq, which causes him to travel in and out of parallel worlds through his consciousness. In our world, he is Lieutenant Frederick Williams. In a world that he escapes to during his recovery from an IED explosion, he is Prince Frederick of Stormwind. I say these are parallel because the happenings within each world coincide with the other, and we are taken through a journey of Frederick's recovery of different kinds.
Frederick is a man of many tragic circumstances. Through life and the war, he has lost his parents, brother, and comrades. Throughout Along the Watchtower, we go alongside him as he attends to the grueling task of overcoming (and realizing) his past and current guilt, shame, and mourning. This is a fantastic painting of a soldier's lament, the heart wrenching ability to overcome many trials not by any means of a weapon, but by means of discovering what lies within himself. We watch him grow and heal throughout the story as he realizes what he is truly responsible for, and what belongs simply to fate.
In the parallel world, Prince Frederick also has tasks to overcome. When we first discover Stormwind, we received word that the King had died. This made Prince Frederick next in line to the throne, however, he must pass several tasks first.
Frederick has to overcome several trials in both worlds, whether physically or emotionally, before moving on with his life. In the real world especially, he has to heal before processing and accepting the loss off his fellow soldiers.
I thought this book was very well done. It grabs the reader by the heart on the first page and doesn't release it until well after you've finished the last one. Frederick may be fictional in this story, but there are many realities hidden within him. I'm sure many of us know them personally through ourselves or our loved ones. Litwack did a beautiful job painting a story for us of life, loss, and mostly, hope.
Along the Watchtower is a gripping story of a man who comes face-to-face with death in Iraq, which causes him to travel in and out of parallel worlds through his consciousness. In our world, he is Lieutenant Frederick Williams. In a world that he escapes to during his recovery from an IED explosion, he is Prince Frederick of Stormwind. I say these are parallel because the happenings within each world coincide with the other, and we are taken through a journey of Frederick's recovery of different kinds.
Frederick is a man of many tragic circumstances. Through life and the war, he has lost his parents, brother, and comrades. Throughout Along the Watchtower, we go alongside him as he attends to the grueling task of overcoming (and realizing) his past and current guilt, shame, and mourning. This is a fantastic painting of a soldier's lament, the heart wrenching ability to overcome many trials not by any means of a weapon, but by means of discovering what lies within himself. We watch him grow and heal throughout the story as he realizes what he is truly responsible for, and what belongs simply to fate.
In the parallel world, Prince Frederick also has tasks to overcome. When we first discover Stormwind, we received word that the King had died. This made Prince Frederick next in line to the throne, however, he must pass several tasks first.
Frederick has to overcome several trials in both worlds, whether physically or emotionally, before moving on with his life. In the real world especially, he has to heal before processing and accepting the loss off his fellow soldiers.
I thought this book was very well done. It grabs the reader by the heart on the first page and doesn't release it until well after you've finished the last one. Frederick may be fictional in this story, but there are many realities hidden within him. I'm sure many of us know them personally through ourselves or our loved ones. Litwack did a beautiful job painting a story for us of life, loss, and mostly, hope.
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