1500: Everyone was thrilled to be there...until they weren't.

by Leah Toole

“This historical thriller, where time and place is obscured, will have you second guessing everything you think you know. And when it all becomes clear…it will be too late.”

Everyone was thrilled to be there…until they weren’t.
Follow five people worlds apart as they find themselves in the same place at the same time, and it soon becomes clear that one of them is hiding something.
When tragedy strikes, these five seemingly unconnected strangers would now forever be linked by the most terrifying thing their basic instinct to survive.

Genres: Historical Fiction

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Leah Toole is a captivating historical storyteller, bringing the past to life with her vivid narratives and meticulous research. With an educational background in History, English Literature, and English Language, Toole's passion and dedication is clear, and since publishing her debut novel "The Saddest Princess" she has gone on to write several more books on the Tudor era, which have received praise from all over the world. Outside of work, Leah Toole, as a wife and mother of two, enjoys spending time with her family, as well as reading, and maintaining her thriving TikTok platform, where she shares educational and entertaining Tudor history content.

Reviews

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Leah Toole for your kind gifting of the ARC. These are my honest views of the book.


This book was brilliant! I love the way Leah Toole always does thorough research into her writing, it makes it so much more special.

This story (without spoiling it) ripped my heart out and forced my tears to flow. It was such a well written account of events. I did not expect it to go in the direction that it did, it was very effective and shocking. Well done, another amazing read!!

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Toole has done it again, written another absolutely fantastically brilliant historical fiction book only this time it’s also a thriller and a completely different time period to the Tudors.

All I knew is that there was a twist. But the twist I had no idea!!! I couldn’t figure it out until the reveal and my jaw dropped!!

This book is a rollercoaster of a ride! And I would do anything to read it for the first time again 🥰

(Also thank you Leah for the ARC copy!!)

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book a historical thriller, it’s also an interesting mystery for the reader to solve. For the first third of the book, you are thrown into time and space, and it’s up to you to put together context clues and figure out the setting before the big reveal. I’ve never read a book like that, and I LOVED IT!

Though this is historical fiction, it is heavily researched and largely stays true to the information available to us.

The last quarter of the book had me constantly wiping away tears. You know a book is good when it moves you to such strong emotions. If you like history, a mystery, and a profoundly moving story—this one’s for you.

P.S. Thank you, Leah, for the ARC!

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind and thats the best way to read it. 
I don't want to give anything away.

It is a heartbreaking read but I really liked it. Its very thought provoking and I will be thinking about it for a long time.

This  author has written more books and I will definitely be reading them.

[Sally Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah Toole’s book is a captivating story of tragedy and survival (one well known to all, but not going to ruin it in this review!) based in real life stories. Brilliant storytelling! My first 5 star read of the year!

[Read With Grace White · Rating 5 out of 5]

And when it all becomes clear...it will be too late.” Everyone was thrilled to be there...until they weren’t. Follow five people worlds apart as they find themselves in the same place at the same time, and it soon becomes clear that one of them is hiding something. When tragedy strikes, these five seemingly unconnected strangers would now forever be linked by the most terrifying thing their basic instinct to survive. Thank you Leah for letting me be apart of the ARC team for this well written book. As always, you created a beautiful and well written story. At the beginning, it was a little bit hard to get into it but as I continued reading it I couldn’t put it down. I sobbed when I realized what the historical event was about and I sobbed. I am most definitely not over it and emotionally damaged. I gave it 5/5 stars. To find out what happens in 1500, preorder it on Amazon now! (published on December 5, 2024 aka my birthday!)

[Cortnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"From this position...I bear witness to an incredible sight. Though I'd never wished to see it, I cannot deny that it is extraordinary."

Leah has managed to pull off a twist that I did not see coming, and it isn't about the plot line necessarily but where the entire story takes place. When you find out, it hits you like a ton of bricks what is about to befall our characters. There is no escaping, only surviving.

My only criticism? I wish I had more time with these characters and that I could save them from their fate.

If you're looking for a quick book that packs a gut punch you can't stop from coming, pick up 1500! I've been sworn to secrecy on sharing more details so you'll have to read for yourself!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy to review!

[Olivia Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Leah for having me on your ARC Team. I am really grateful that I was able to read this ahead of its release. This book is so well written and had me hooked from the very beginning. By following the story of five individuals and how their lives intersect, Leah has created a narrative filled with emotion, suspense and unexpected twists. She makes her characters come to life with voices and motivations that really draw you into their world.


Extremely well researched and creatively executed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read many books based on this tragedy, you'll figure out the setting fairly quickly because of the more famous passengers. I appreciated the author's inclusion of the lives of passengers in the second and third classes in her story. Too often, all of the attention is on the glamorous first-class passengers, as if their lives had more value. Ms. Toole included one of the stokers in her cast of characters, too. All of her characters were historical and the research is as impressive as the writing. I was rooting for all of them although I knew it was wishful thinking on my part. This was my final book for 2024 and a perfect ending for this year.

[Amy B Garratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the BEST twist I’ve read all year!! The intertwining narratives are so cleverly done, and I can’t say any more without spoilers but this is an utterly excellent piece of historical fiction. Thankyou to Leah for the ARC copy of this book.

[Michelle Andreini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book! The book description is vague so will my review be vague. This book was narrated by 5 very different characters that had me intrigued from the beginning. Very well written story!

[Danielle Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

1500… Leah’s first dip away from Tudor fiction and she’s done it beautifully.
Each character you connected in one way or another, and you route for them all, then though you know the inevitable.

It’s a story we all know, but will you work it out before it’s too late?

A true pleasure to read.

[Donna Ocallaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author and was hooked right from page one, I finished the book in one sitting.
Wasn't sure what the story was about at first but then was shocked at where all of the people were( a real life event from history).
The book was emotional and pulled right at my heart, was written well and would most certainly recommend if you are a lover of historical fiction.
This book also had facts as well as fiction thrown in.
I will now be purchasing all of her books as I truly enjoyed this one 👍😊

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally caught my attention based on the title and the very brief summary which makes u wonder what could it possibly be about?! Well…it’s fantastic! I figured out pretty early on what the unknown time and place were before the reveal but even then, it just got better and better as all the characters and their loved ones had unique experiences. I’ve read lots on this subject before but this book was totally unique and so well written. I whizzed through it in a day. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Absolutely 5 stars!

[Danielle Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah is simply the gift that just keeps giving! I haven't cried uncontrollably over a book in a long time but this flat out destroyed me! I don't want to give any spoilers away at all but this was a refreshing take on such an impactful historical event the entire world has had interest in! I didn't want it to end but couldn't wait to finish and see where it went all in one go!

[April M Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking yet quick read with a twist!

So, either you pick up on it or wait till it hits you in the face, once it dawned on you on you, you relish it and follow on to see where the journey will take you despite knowing the end.. great writing!

[David J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book blind, as I'm sure I was meant to, and I was not disappointed. I didn't see the twist coming at all! I was pleasantly surprised by it, and then it all kicked off! Would definitely recommend!

[Susan McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I went into it with zero expectations as it was unlike my usual reads. I absolutely could not put it down as there was a surprise around every corner. I was so invested that I read the book in one sitting.

[lilly higdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

the fact that all of these characters were real people is amazing in the history aspect!

for this book being so short i was honestly very impressed!

the thriller aspect could’ve been a little heavier at the end but other than that i have no other critiques.

4.5/5⭐️

[Nicole Wilbourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting way to tell the sinking of the Titanic. A little bit of mystery at the beginning trying to guess the setting of the story. I did guess it before the book did say it. I’m proud of myself for that one. This story is told by several different perspectives. I did enjoy that as well. The author does a great job of making you feel like you are there with the character. I do like that she added an author note at the end and I couldn’t believe how much of this was true! Fun story!

[Karen Casale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any review would be a spoiler

[Sophie Ippolito · Rating 3 out of 5]

not usually a genre i gravitate to but was the perfect palate cleanser for me. historical, vivid, gripping. the story follows a bunch of different people (switches povs) all to end up in one place at the same time. i won’t disclose the place since that will give it away but wow. it was a light read in terms of pages but heavy in terms of storyline but one that i surprisingly liked despite it not being my usual genre for a quick read

i’m not sure if it was just me, but on my kindle the text is a bunch of different colors (black, grey, blue etc.) is it supposed to be like that?

[everything.kate.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at a combination of I don't want to give anything amazing away vs I want to shout how very amazing Leah Toole did with book about the 1500. Highly detailed, extensively researched and so expressive that I *FELT* each character's experience.
My historian self was rattled at the start when I thought I knew where this book was going, how surprised I was when I saw how wrong I was.
This book is low spice but astounding story, I'll never forget it.
5/5 story
2/5 spice
10000% must read

[Cay Bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me gobsmacked!

As a lover of historical fiction, I was intrigued by the idea of a story set in this time period with a bit of a twist. I could not have seen it coming, I was so engrossed with the vivid descriptions and rotating cast of diverse characters that I was swept off my feet!

Author Leah Toole paints scenes in such liveliness that it’s impossible not to get drawn in. A grand book for history and mystery lovers!

[Prayerpilgrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed this book but the “shock” element didn’t work for me since I had already determined what it was about. So the effort to lead up to the big shock actually cheapened the story a bit for me. Too much effort went into that which would have been better spent crafting an excellent retelling. But it was otherwise a decent, reasonably engaging and short book. It wasn’t stellar but worth reading.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this one random afternoon for a quick read, not even knowing it was about Titanic, and it ended up being really good. The people from this book are real and it’s so crazy to read through the different experiences of the tragic night.

[Rosie Walling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. This book was so beautifully written as expected by this author. There were several moments I had to scrape my jaw back up off the floor and I sobbed my little heart out 💔

[valerie Suzanne Dasinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was simply okay. I enjoyed the premise of the book, but it lacked character development, I thought. It is a good book for beach reading or a rainy day with a cup of coffee.

[Lezli Hewitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should've read reviews with spoilers. Had I know this was a Titanic book I never would’ve wasted $14.97 on it.