The Land of Look Behind

by Aaron Blaylock

When Gideon discovers a mysterious drawing tucked in an old journal he returns to his mission area in Jamaica with dreams of finding a legendary treasure. Some would kill to keep the treasure secret. This thrilling adventure takes you deep into Jamaica’s treacherous cockpit country and back in time for a spine-tingling mystery you won’t be able to put down.

Genres: Mystery, Action

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2016

About the author

Born and raised in Arizona, Aaron is proud to call the desert home. He came of age in the suburbs of Sacramento, California and as a missionary in Jamaica, where he fell in love with the people and their culture, but he has always been drawn back to the valley of the sun.

He married his childhood crush, and the girl of his dreams, in 2001. Together they are raising four beautiful and rambunctious children. He worked as a freelance sports reporter for The Arizona Republic for nearly ten years, combining his love of writing and sports. In his storytelling he draws heavily on his love of history, adventure, his faith, and his own life experiences.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Gideon has recently returned home from an LDS mission to Jamaica. He is in possession of an old journal written years ago by Lieutenant Benjamin Jarvis. He comes across a symbol he recognizes and has a burning desire to learn more about it, no matter what it may cost him personally.

This book alternated between Lt. Jarvis's journal and Gideon's life. It was interesting to read Lt. Jarvis's experiences and the twists and turns his life took. Gideon was determined to learn more about the symbol and there were also twists and turns throughout his journey. I felt like I was there with him. There were some heart pounding moments, and at times I wasn't sure who I could trust. I loved the way this was written and it drew me in from the beginning. I had no idea how this would end and loved how the author wrapped the story up! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 stars***

I loved that this book alternated between the present time and 300 years ago. The story is told from two different voices. Lieutenant Jarvis lived during the period where the British were freeing Jamaica from the Spanish. He kept a journal that falls into the hands of Gideon. Gideon served an LDS mission to Jamaica and recognizes a symbol found in the journal. This begins a yearning to know the importance of the symbol.

One of my favorite things about reading a book is when I can vicariously visit a place I have never been. Aaron Blaylock took me into the jungles of Jamaica, both in the past and present. He introduced me to the culture and people.

The book is full of adventure and treasure seeking. The book contains some violence.

[Michael Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book during my lunch break and the words that come to mind are incredible and awesome!!! I have been an avid reader of Mystery Novels for more than 40 years. I have read dozens of books from many of the great author’s including Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ellery Queen etc. And I can honestly say that this book is in the same league as anything I have read from any of the greats.
I pride myself on being able to pick up most of a mystery writer’s “clues” and I can usually anticipate what is going to happen. Occasionally, a really good writer will throw a curve ball and leave me wondering how I missed it. I have to admit there were so many brilliant plot twists in "The Land of Look Behind", that I had no clue what was going to happen until the middle of the next to the last chapter. And even then, I only figured out a couple of the major outcomes and I was still thrown a curve by a final twist with the duppy that I was not expecting.

[Christie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.

I enjoyed reading this book. The story kept me engaged, and the details are amazing. I did wonder why the main character didn't take time to read the whole journal ahead of time instead of in pieces as the book demanded, but I loved both stories and how they tied together.

[Verona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though it took me quite a few chapters before I got my bearings in this story and started to like it. It is not my favorite genre of books, the ones with fantasy involved. But I had promised our niece Joannie that I would read this book from a man she knew from her neighborhood. So I stuck with it and ended up quite enjoying the details of the story. The confusing part to me was that it alternated chapters between the past and the present day. When I got that figured out it was a much more enjoyable experience. One thing that caught my interest and kept me reading also was the fact that the main character was a returned missionary of our church. His love of the country of Jamaica where he had served was the driving force behind this story. And as I learned at the conclusion in reading about the author, he had served his mission in Jamaica and his love for that country really came through strong. I enjoyed learning about the culture of Jamaica and the characters were interesting, but some of the fantasy was a little bit of a stretch for me and not believable, but perhaps it was not intended to be anything but a fun adventure, especially for youth. I'm glad I read this book, and appreciate authors sharing their love of life and what is important to them.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. Unlike previous books I've read, no one recommended it to me and I hadn't heard anything about it, aside from what the cover blurb had to offer. I was pleasantly surprised and am glad that I decided to read this book. But, as always, I'll start with the not-so-good so I can end with the good.

I ended up enjoying this book, but to be completely honest, I had a hard time getting into it at first. It wasn't boring or bad; it just didn't grab me or pull me into the story right away. I'm not sure if that's a result of the writing or just my personality. Sometimes when I have no expectations for movies or books, or have no knowledge of what they're really about, I have a harder time getting into them because I'm just trying to figure out what they're about. Either way, it took me a bit to get into this book.

Having said that, I felt like the story picked up the further I got into the book, and I liked the story overall. Aaron certainly has a way of transporting his readers to the land of his love—Jamaica. He does a good job portraying the people, the language, and the culture. Now, I've never been to Jamaica, but through Aaron's writing, I was able to envision what it would be like there.

I also enjoyed the parallel stories of Benjamin Jarvis and Gideon Goodwin placed three hundred years apart. They flowed together really well, and the transitions didn't disrupt from the reading. I had several questions I was worried wouldn't be answered, but by the end of the book, I was satisfied with the revealed answers.

I was also interested to see how the author would deal with the LDS aspect, as Gideon is a Mormon. I was pleased that Aaron made it apparent what Gideon's belief and religion was without saturating the entire book or forcing that aspect so it became awkward.

So even though it took me a bit to get into the book and really understand the direction it was going, I enjoyed, and I'm glad I read it. I give it a 3.5 out of 5.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soldier named Jarvis journeyed deep into Jamaica and discovered a land of myth, treasure, and danger. This could have been adventure enough, but 300 years later, his journal finds it's way into the hands of Gideon, who is serving his mission in Jamaica. When he comes home, he has "accidentally" taken the journal. He and his friend plan a trip back to Jamaica...to "return the journal." BUT....He is set on finding the lost treasure. As they begin their adventure, they come against LOTS of opposition in the quest to find the treasure. It is a fun adventure book! It really keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The writing is fun to read, as it is written with a Jamaican accent through parts. It makes it feel very authentic, but a little tricky to read (I had to reread a couple passages to figure them out). I did receive a copy of this book in order to write my review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of mystery, adventure, and intrigue, Aaron Blaylock’s first novel, The Land of Look Behind, is a hit! Readers will fall into this story from page one and will not be able to put it down. The story progresses while going back and forth between the lives of two different men 300 years apart as they go on a journey across Jamaican territory in search of a “treasure.” This novel has fun characters, but it was the thrill and excitement in Jamaica that enticed me the most about this novel! I would recommend this story to readers that enjoy historical mysteries.

Genre: historical, mystery
Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Publication date: February 9, 2016
Number of pages: 320

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media.

[Christene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Land of Look Behind gives you a tasty sampling of the island's arduous history through the eyes of Lieutenant Benjamin Jarvis. Inexplicably surviving numerous harrowing experiences, he leaves behind a record of his adventures for the modern day eyes of Gideon Goodwin. I really enjoyed the chapter by chapter switch between contemporary adventures and the deep history of an island so rich in heritage. Aaron gives his debut novel all the passion that comes from living among a people you grow to love.

[Charissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was slow for me to get through, but the history of Jamaica was very interesting. It switches back and forth between a fictional historical journal about an English solider during the British Empire’s hold on Jamaica who is trying to survive after being ambushed by some locals and discovering pirate treasure in a cave…and then modern times with a returned missionary who served in Jamaica returning to hunt for the same cave based on the soldier’s journal. There is lots of adventure, Jamaica facts, surprising twists, and crazy characters. Overall, an intriguing adventure. ***I won a copy of this book in a Summer reading contest.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the parts of the book that had Benjamin Javis in it. At first I had a hard time understanding the language used between Gideon and the Jamaican people then I didn't tried to interpret it word for word and it was better. Who stops reading a journal if they think it will lead them to a treasure? Didn't care much for the ending. What happened to Todd?

[TAMMY · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LIKED THE SETTING AND STORY OF THE BOOK, I EVEN ENJOYED THE JAMAICAN PATIOS TO A POINT, I THINK THE AUTHOR SHOULD HAVE DROPPED IT ABOUT A THIRD INTO THE BOOK AS IT BOGGED DOWN THE FLOW OF READING AND I WASN'T SURE IF I UNDERSTOOD WHAT THEY WERE REALLY SAYING ALL THE TIME. ALSO WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE GIRLFRIEND?

[Lee Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads

This was so hard to get into. The story itself was very interesting. But the back and forth was very confusing. The Jamaican dialog was also difficult to read. Overall a very detailed, interesting book.

[Mandy Al-Bjaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading The Land of Look Behind, by Aaron Blaylock, I found myself holding my breath often, and fighting the increasing flutter of butterflies in my stomach. It was a book where I anxiously awaited what would happen next. I never knew what would happen, and was surprised over and over again.

The book follows two story lines – the first of British Major Benjamin Jarvis in Jamaica 300 years ago. The second is of modern-day Gideon Goodwin, an LDS returned missionary who served in Jamaica not long ago. He had brought home a journal belonging to Major Jarvis. His story captivated Gideon, leading him to investigate a strange symbol he found in the journal.

Both stories were equally captivating, jaw-dropping, and full of danger, with much-needed humor sprinkled throughout, thanks to Jarvis’s pirate friend, John Davis, and Gideon’s best friend, Todd.

Ben Jarvis and Gideon were two different people with very different backgrounds, but both were upstanding men of moral character and courage. They usually did what was right even when it would have been more convenient to take an easier, more cowardly, less compassionate route. I love books where there are people you can respect and admire for their integrity. They each had loyal friends by their sides during their similar treks to search for a cave filled with alleged treasure.

In both stories, though, there were many other characters whose allegiances were not clear. In The Land of Look Behind, there were never clear “good guys” and “bad guys.” The motivations and loyalties of individuals varied greatly, and kept you guessing. There were many twists and turns. The author did a splendid job of illustrating the fear, worry, confusion, and inner struggles of Jarvis and Gideon during respective journeys. They both ignored doubt, and clung to hope, though, and that meant a lot to me as a reader.

This book is quite long, and takes delicacy to read. There is a multitude of history interwoven, as well as Jamaican culture, vernacular, and beautiful descriptions of the island landscape. I would bounce back and forth between wishing I could visit the island, to being really content never visiting.

That being said, I always felt a distinct reverence when Gideon would walk, climb, enter or experience some of the same places that Jarvis had 300 years earlier. It brought an excitement to my heart, and truly connected the two characters.

I was surprised at first by the presence of the supernatural in the book. It was more abundant in Gideon’s story, and offers a dramatic and suspenseful flair.

I was also impressed by the symbolism of light and darkness throughout the novel. There were many beautiful gospel messages in the book, and both main characters relied on God for strength. My favorite quote from the book was from the mind of Jarvis:

It was a humbling experience to cede control of your destiny to another and a strangely liberating one. For that instant, he no longer felt the burden of his own struggle for life. His task was simple, follow the light and live, all other pursuits and ambitions were meaningless by comparison.
So, I loved almost everything about the book except:

There were many spelling and grammatical errors
I wish we had gotten one last chapter from Jarvis about his decision to stay in Jamaica and how he decided to lead the rest of his life.
I hated the ending of the book. The decision that Gideon made didn’t feel right to me, especially after all the danger, wickedness, and turmoil he went through. That was the only part of the story that didn’t flow for me or make sense. I wonder if anyone else feels that way…
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is at times violent and graphic, but the physical and spiritual journeys and discoveries are priceless. The characters are memorable, and the book will captivate you from beginning to end. Well done, Aaron Blaylock!

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
www.ablisscomplete.com

[Katherine Torrisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved The Land of Look Behind. Twists and turns, and was surprised at the end.

[Jace Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books. Ever since i was in elementary school i would nonstop immerse myself in all types of adventure books. I've read the Hobbit, all of the harry potters, all of the Del-Tora quest books, i've read all of the alex rider series, Eragon, and almost any incredibly well written popular adventure book, and i've got to say, The land of look behind stands with all of them in terms of utter entertainment and adventure. I just finished life of Pi which was my favorite book out of all of them thus far, and i was just as impressed and even more entertained with Aaron Blaylocks writing in the land of look behind. If you love an incredibly well written adventure book, I beg of you, read this book. It is seriously one of the most 'twist filled' on the edge of your seat book out there. Not only does it take you on an intertwining pair of adventures spanning over the time difference of several hundred years. It also entertain-fully educates of the rich and deep Jamaican culture of both modern and more ancient times. My only complaint is that there isn't yet a sequel, Someone tell the author to get on it.

[Tait Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would not call myself an avid reader, but I enjoy a good book when I can get my hands on one. And The Land of Look Behind was one of those books that I could not put down once I started. I took it to soccer games, and piano concerts (when I should have been watching my kids) and stayed up way later than I should have to finish it.

I would highly recommend this book for pre-teens, teens, and adults alike... still holding my breath for the sequel!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my attention because it promised a combination of adventure, history, and a little bit of magic, plus a treasure hunt. It was a fun read, and I liked that it was set in Jamaica since that's a country I don't know much about. The dialect was a bit hard to follow at times, but it's manageable. The main character is LDS (Mormon), but it's not religious or preachy--it's just part of his character, and I thought that was done well.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much back and forth