What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gold Hunter
This is an epic story (four books) about a boy in Gold Rush California who finds the entrance beneath a lake to a vast motherlode of gold followed by the devastating results of sudden wealth. His dreams of doing good--building his father a steam-powered lumber mill, a beautiful white house with blue shutters for his mother, and a fine speedy horse for his little sister--all are shattered when the king of the mountains comes after him demanding a king's share of the gold.
Rumors of California gold ran wild. Rivers of solid gold lay hidden in mountain valleys and could be harvested with a pick and shovel. Indians would trade chunks of gold for a pretty scarf or a few beads. Somewhere is a secret lake of gold. On his seventeenth birthday Petr Valory finds Gold Lake high and hidden in a valley protected by the Indians for centuries, a place that is a test of courage, a sacred place for dreaming. Far beneath the lake is a hidden chamber and a pharaoh's wildest dreams of gold. Petr finds a fortune and his life turns into chaos. No man should see what lies beneath Gold Lake.
Rumors of California gold ran wild. Rivers of solid gold lay hidden in mountain valleys and could be harvested with a pick and shovel. Indians would trade chunks of gold for a pretty scarf or a few beads. Somewhere is a secret lake of gold. On his seventeenth birthday Petr Valory finds Gold Lake high and hidden in a valley protected by the Indians for centuries, a place that is a test of courage, a sacred place for dreaming. Far beneath the lake is a hidden chamber and a pharaoh's wildest dreams of gold. Petr finds a fortune and his life turns into chaos. No man should see what lies beneath Gold Lake.
258 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 6, 2020
Since its inception, literature has used tales and legends orally passed on from generation and later the written forms to highlight the everlasting conflict between good and evil. It is, therefore, important means to reflect on the human's feelings and thoughts since they have lived on Earth. This conflict, which has been the theme for many literary works in the form of poetry and fiction, creatively and meticulously addressed various topics such as wars, conflicts, class and societal differentiation, colonialism, slavery, freedom, as well as diseases and epidemics that have dispersed the lives of million people including the current COVID virus. Recently, I have read the Gold Hunter fiction by Philippe Atlas. This novel is about the eternal struggle between the good and evil, but the writer marries fantasy with reality. The gold hunter is the first part of a four-part series called "The Gold Discoverer." The novelist took the idea from the fever of exploration for gold in California so that the story could have a moral dimension. It depicts the greed that afflicts man and makes him in a constant and determined quest to reach everything without consideration for others. In the novel, the main character Peter discovers a path down a lake and takes us to an amazing place full of surprises and more like a Ali Baba's Cave. Of course, because Peter wanted to fulfill his family's dreams, he took what he wanted in gold so that he could realize his family's dreams, such as building a steam-powered wooden mill for his father, a house for his mother and a horse for his sister. But all his hopes were in vain when the king of the mountains heard about gold and wanted to seize it for himself because he was the king and he had the right to do so. Through this interesting narrative, the writer was able to get his readers involved and make them a part of his work by adopting an easy and simple way of conveying his idea, so that we the readers have no difficulty in tracking events and characters. The writer also relied on symbolism and spirituality to reaccount many things such as religion and the dreams that Peter saw. I found this wisdom in the novel: " There was no time for pain or sickness, or adventure there was a work to do "" In this particular phrase, it is a reverence for the value of work, which can overcome all difficulties, however painful. The author has based the novel on many stories and references in which man played an important role in destroying others in order to gain wealth, as happened to the Native Americans. The novel also digs into the past of human beings to keep pace with the present in an attempt by the writer to link time and raise a question regarding the changes that have taken place and what will happen to us at the present time. The novel depicts how the human plants within him the seeds of evil as we can see everyday. The Gold Hunter combines imagination with fascination to tell a real world in which the man was and is still the main and perhaps the only source of all the miserable conflicts that occur in it.
Sara slim
Sara slim
December 30, 2020
Gold Has the Power to Draw You In
The 19th century Gold Rush in California attracted around 300,000 people from all over the United States and abroad. It’s also in the same period that The Gold Hunter story is set.
It all started with an invitation letter from an unknown sender. The sender that bears the initials M or K advises John Valory to go to a disclosed area where he can make money by cutting trees. He assures John that a certain Dain King needs a lot of lumber for his gold mine. Due to the assurance of good business, John convinces his family to leave Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The family of four finally arrives and settles on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. While John is focused on cutting trees and making lumber, his eldest son, Petr is bent on finding gold. On his seventeenth birthday, Petr sets out to start his quest of finding the precious metal. His visions guide him through his search. After an arduous adventure, Petr does find what he searches for. But, this is also the beginning of the many twists and turns in The Gold Hunter’s plot. Moreover, Petr’s 8-year-old sister, Annabel, complicates the plot. She makes her own adventure that leaves the reader gasping. But, I like her strong and determined character.
The Book and The Gold Hunter Author
Philip Atlas Clausen is a very imaginative story-teller. He provides even the minutest details of the events and scenes as if he is right there in the area. He brings the reader into a breath-taking adventure and a wild dive into the lakes and caves. The Gold Hunter is compelling, making the reader’s heart beat fast. And yet, making it harder to put the book down.
What I like the most in The Gold Hunter is the author’s style of writing. It’s simple, but Clausen throws a bit of poetry into it. Thus, giving more flavor to the story. Another part that I like is his way of giving a hint on what can result in a character’s decision. It somehow cuts the tension the reader feels without spoiling the story, at all. What I like the least, however, is Magya’s character. She adds to Petr’s problems.
Apparently, The Gold Hunter is proofread well, although not perfectly well. I noticed only one negligible grammar error.
The Rating and the Reviewer’s Recommendation
The Gold Hunter is a must-read. I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to readers 12 years old and above. Although it’s classified as Historical Fiction, The Gold Hunter also passes for the Young Adult category.
I look forward to reading next the second and other subsequent installments of The Goldfinder series.
The 19th century Gold Rush in California attracted around 300,000 people from all over the United States and abroad. It’s also in the same period that The Gold Hunter story is set.
It all started with an invitation letter from an unknown sender. The sender that bears the initials M or K advises John Valory to go to a disclosed area where he can make money by cutting trees. He assures John that a certain Dain King needs a lot of lumber for his gold mine. Due to the assurance of good business, John convinces his family to leave Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
The family of four finally arrives and settles on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada. While John is focused on cutting trees and making lumber, his eldest son, Petr is bent on finding gold. On his seventeenth birthday, Petr sets out to start his quest of finding the precious metal. His visions guide him through his search. After an arduous adventure, Petr does find what he searches for. But, this is also the beginning of the many twists and turns in The Gold Hunter’s plot. Moreover, Petr’s 8-year-old sister, Annabel, complicates the plot. She makes her own adventure that leaves the reader gasping. But, I like her strong and determined character.
The Book and The Gold Hunter Author
Philip Atlas Clausen is a very imaginative story-teller. He provides even the minutest details of the events and scenes as if he is right there in the area. He brings the reader into a breath-taking adventure and a wild dive into the lakes and caves. The Gold Hunter is compelling, making the reader’s heart beat fast. And yet, making it harder to put the book down.
What I like the most in The Gold Hunter is the author’s style of writing. It’s simple, but Clausen throws a bit of poetry into it. Thus, giving more flavor to the story. Another part that I like is his way of giving a hint on what can result in a character’s decision. It somehow cuts the tension the reader feels without spoiling the story, at all. What I like the least, however, is Magya’s character. She adds to Petr’s problems.
Apparently, The Gold Hunter is proofread well, although not perfectly well. I noticed only one negligible grammar error.
The Rating and the Reviewer’s Recommendation
The Gold Hunter is a must-read. I give the book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to readers 12 years old and above. Although it’s classified as Historical Fiction, The Gold Hunter also passes for the Young Adult category.
I look forward to reading next the second and other subsequent installments of The Goldfinder series.
June 23, 2020
When I first saw this book, I was thinking that this would be a great find. It had always been a passion of mine, you see, to read stories rooted in history or set in a timeline from far back. Although, yes, some delays were made during my time reading this, but I never forgot about it.
It is such an interesting book, as in the previous books I've read there wasn't really a POV of the falcon, and it was a change that I found very refreshing. The book will show people some things that mirrored the life of those that lived during the period of the Gold Rush. As a non-American person who only learned glimpses about the history of North America, it is somewhat essential to me to learn these information, as I am very interested in the history of different countries. Everything - from the symbolism to clever storyline to that Falcon POV that was incorporated in the book - was really worth the read. While I am not much for reading a scenes that are surprising and violent, I think that this was one that really caught my attention, in which I as a reader could disregard those as I know that they play a role into the story. It tells us a sad reality of the cruel things that were done to the Native American tribes, which reflects on the reality that some of our brothers and sisters are facing today. An oppression that is shocking to reveal to the world, but essential in order to progress and not make the same mistakes as before. I feel that this was what made the book more impactful to me, because I am now witnessing a reality where atrocious cruelties are committed to fellow human beings - not only because of greed, but because of fear and judgment and so many more reasons. It is, therefore, in my opinion, relevant to the situation of the society nowadays.
P. S.: I got a free copy of this ebook from the Booktasters reading program in Twitter. Check them out at: @Booktasters.
It is such an interesting book, as in the previous books I've read there wasn't really a POV of the falcon, and it was a change that I found very refreshing. The book will show people some things that mirrored the life of those that lived during the period of the Gold Rush. As a non-American person who only learned glimpses about the history of North America, it is somewhat essential to me to learn these information, as I am very interested in the history of different countries. Everything - from the symbolism to clever storyline to that Falcon POV that was incorporated in the book - was really worth the read. While I am not much for reading a scenes that are surprising and violent, I think that this was one that really caught my attention, in which I as a reader could disregard those as I know that they play a role into the story. It tells us a sad reality of the cruel things that were done to the Native American tribes, which reflects on the reality that some of our brothers and sisters are facing today. An oppression that is shocking to reveal to the world, but essential in order to progress and not make the same mistakes as before. I feel that this was what made the book more impactful to me, because I am now witnessing a reality where atrocious cruelties are committed to fellow human beings - not only because of greed, but because of fear and judgment and so many more reasons. It is, therefore, in my opinion, relevant to the situation of the society nowadays.
P. S.: I got a free copy of this ebook from the Booktasters reading program in Twitter. Check them out at: @Booktasters.
February 5, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A story that combines the California gold rush, ancient Egypt, and Viking lore? Sign me up! I was concerned that this might read like a strange conglomeration of unrelated history but the author weaves these flashbacks and revelations into the story believably without detracting from the main setting. You can also tell that the book was well-researched and makes references to real people and noteworthy historical events that help establish the time-frame and add depth to Petr's past.
I thoroughly enjoyed the POV of the different characters. It can be difficult for authors to write both people and animals in a compelling manner but I loved reading the falcon portions of the story as well as Petr and Annabel. I also enjoyed the depth of the characters. We first see John through an idealistic view in Petr's eyes and learn more about him through Magya's POV. This stopped the characters from seeming one-dimensional. A good father is not necessarily a good husband. A good man is not necessarily so when a slave to the bottle.
The gold rush is not a period of history that is discussed often in the books I read and this helped me realize what a shame that is. The setting was immersive and well-researched and the prose was unique. I also liked that the author didn't shy away from showing the terrible atrocities that were committed against the Native Americans and didn't simply portray a reimagined white history.
I do wish that he could have revealed certain information more subtly. Providing the POV of both major and minor characters for the purpose of revealing plot information provides an immediate avenue for information dumping that can be too convenient. Incorporating small details and clues throughout the novel allows readers to piece reveals together for themselves or allows them to look back after the reveal and see how the groundwork was laid.
The author also made frequent use of providing hints and spoilers to keep the reader invested, often phrasing one-word sentences such as "Petr didn't know that he would never see..." This can be an intriguing way to keep readers hooked on the story but there are other ways to foreshadow events and major reveals. Sometimes it was in question whether the repetition of this was a stylistic choice or merely the only way the author felt comfortable relaying major plot points.
That being said, the author did a great job with the flashback portions of the novel. We learn about Petr and Annabel's past in a way that is interesting but only gives us little crumbs to go off of. We gain just enough insight to get invested and we are left with questions. This was a great example of the author's ability to refrain from information dumping and feeding us the backstory in bite sizes.
There were certain areas that were imperfect. People of color (POC) tend to often discuss their discomfort with being described through the use of food imagery. Cinnamon skin is less than ideal when attempting to describe a character of color through a non-racist POV. (I draw this distinction because it is clear some racist descriptions were being used to accurately depict the attitude of racists at the time. The cinnamon skin comment was not within this context.)
There was also an odd repetition of noting that Magya's breasts were large long after she was gone from the immediate story. Some of this made for content that would likely give the readers on r/menwritingwomen a laugh. There were times when it was clear the author was attempting to convey the thoughts of the characters and not necessarily providing his own exposition but this doesn't help when it's her own son doing things like comparing his mother's breasts to his sister's.
Overall I quite enjoyed the book and found the imagery and depth of creativity and historical research quite fascinating. The journeys of both Petr and Annabel kept me invested from start to finish and I learned a lot about history through the references contained in this book.
A story that combines the California gold rush, ancient Egypt, and Viking lore? Sign me up! I was concerned that this might read like a strange conglomeration of unrelated history but the author weaves these flashbacks and revelations into the story believably without detracting from the main setting. You can also tell that the book was well-researched and makes references to real people and noteworthy historical events that help establish the time-frame and add depth to Petr's past.
I thoroughly enjoyed the POV of the different characters. It can be difficult for authors to write both people and animals in a compelling manner but I loved reading the falcon portions of the story as well as Petr and Annabel. I also enjoyed the depth of the characters. We first see John through an idealistic view in Petr's eyes and learn more about him through Magya's POV. This stopped the characters from seeming one-dimensional. A good father is not necessarily a good husband. A good man is not necessarily so when a slave to the bottle.
The gold rush is not a period of history that is discussed often in the books I read and this helped me realize what a shame that is. The setting was immersive and well-researched and the prose was unique. I also liked that the author didn't shy away from showing the terrible atrocities that were committed against the Native Americans and didn't simply portray a reimagined white history.
I do wish that he could have revealed certain information more subtly. Providing the POV of both major and minor characters for the purpose of revealing plot information provides an immediate avenue for information dumping that can be too convenient. Incorporating small details and clues throughout the novel allows readers to piece reveals together for themselves or allows them to look back after the reveal and see how the groundwork was laid.
The author also made frequent use of providing hints and spoilers to keep the reader invested, often phrasing one-word sentences such as "Petr didn't know that he would never see..." This can be an intriguing way to keep readers hooked on the story but there are other ways to foreshadow events and major reveals. Sometimes it was in question whether the repetition of this was a stylistic choice or merely the only way the author felt comfortable relaying major plot points.
That being said, the author did a great job with the flashback portions of the novel. We learn about Petr and Annabel's past in a way that is interesting but only gives us little crumbs to go off of. We gain just enough insight to get invested and we are left with questions. This was a great example of the author's ability to refrain from information dumping and feeding us the backstory in bite sizes.
There were certain areas that were imperfect. People of color (POC) tend to often discuss their discomfort with being described through the use of food imagery. Cinnamon skin is less than ideal when attempting to describe a character of color through a non-racist POV. (I draw this distinction because it is clear some racist descriptions were being used to accurately depict the attitude of racists at the time. The cinnamon skin comment was not within this context.)
There was also an odd repetition of noting that Magya's breasts were large long after she was gone from the immediate story. Some of this made for content that would likely give the readers on r/menwritingwomen a laugh. There were times when it was clear the author was attempting to convey the thoughts of the characters and not necessarily providing his own exposition but this doesn't help when it's her own son doing things like comparing his mother's breasts to his sister's.
Overall I quite enjoyed the book and found the imagery and depth of creativity and historical research quite fascinating. The journeys of both Petr and Annabel kept me invested from start to finish and I learned a lot about history through the references contained in this book.
January 5, 2020
The Gold Hunter: The Goldfinder Series, Book One
I have sensed that this book will be a rare gem like the title. With the use of imagery, philosophy with a dash of humanity and the backdrop of history, the reading experience will be one for the book. Did I ever feel that the novel will take a long time for me to digest? Yes. With intricate details of California, the Indians and a glimpse of Scotland, the author meticulously embedded those historical/ metaphysical clues for the intelligent reader to piece together and to create a journey towards believing on her/his ability to decode hidden lakes and invisible caves figuratively or literally. It became too much to bear that one will surely allot time for some reflective thinking after browsing the chapters. Did I ever give up? Nope. Thank you for the vote of confidence from the writer and fellow readers and reviewers. After all, the reader like me could easily identify with the main man, the young, dynamic Petr John Valory, but without a letter "e"on his name to save ink? For economy's sake? Who in the world would ever decide on giving someone an incomplete identity? Many to mention-pangs of reality. So that when Magya and John did that, I just made up excuses or reasons to interpret at the end of my reading journey. And the ending turned bitter as the plot ricocheted and spiraled to a great unknown. I ended up hating Magya and loving John. Could you blame me? This novel made me appreciate the harsh deaths the Indians suffered at the time where only the fittest could survive or how I finally understood John's invisible thread of love and concern for his children, or Annabel's life purpose of becoming a "man" imitating her 'brother', Petr and following him as if it was the only way to be one. So when they were broken apart by one mystical battle of obedience and loyalty, neither one of them survived the curse of reincarnation-- of reliving the misery and pain of your past life all over again. Did I struggle with the fear of not ever reaching the last page and sigh, I made it? Undoubtedly. But because I enjoyed tearing Petr Valory's character apart and putting them together with fresh outlook at what kind of human fabric he was made of, I never thought of giving him and The Gold Hunter up. This novel was written for historical fantasy lovers and for those who have the knack for metaphorical imagery and aesthetic symbolism. How many times I found myself comparing the falcon to Petr or the doll to Anabel? Sharing the same fate in the same time when touched by a realization that hey, they were never meant to be siblings by blood but lovers by fate. I loved the feeling that somehow I am criticizing the way the story progressed to many violent outbursts by all faces of evils.Evils that were just lurking in a California- man killer-- whether it be Magya's escape and /or abandonment or John's undeserved death or Dain King's devilish ambitions. Or the sickening dread that Annabel and Petr from the very beginning I read them pledging with each other, were in an incestuous relationship. It was a flipping kind of crazy to stop myself as a reader from judging how these characters react on their fate, wishing silently that Petr will make a name for himself and find love greater and safer than what he was feeling for Annabel.He was just seventeen. but his journey towards becoming a man and providing for his now non-existent family will only remain a dream he wished on the day of his birth. Or rebirth probably? The novel opened with a happy tone of being alive despite the tragical romance surrounding Magya's failure and John's inconsistency. But then again the foreshadowing techniques employed by Philip Clausen were sprinkled throughout the pages that you might as well just be prepared that something will happen when finally the characters, on a beautiful, bright California Sunday, were able to find a goldmine paying the higher price--their life.
Petr's dreams to build a white house for his Mama or a good horse for Annabel and a saw mill for his Papa turned to a nightmare of being trapped to the sins of the past in a never-ending dominance of human greed and weak heart. Gold Lake was a dream that turned into a nightmare.
I have sensed that this book will be a rare gem like the title. With the use of imagery, philosophy with a dash of humanity and the backdrop of history, the reading experience will be one for the book. Did I ever feel that the novel will take a long time for me to digest? Yes. With intricate details of California, the Indians and a glimpse of Scotland, the author meticulously embedded those historical/ metaphysical clues for the intelligent reader to piece together and to create a journey towards believing on her/his ability to decode hidden lakes and invisible caves figuratively or literally. It became too much to bear that one will surely allot time for some reflective thinking after browsing the chapters. Did I ever give up? Nope. Thank you for the vote of confidence from the writer and fellow readers and reviewers. After all, the reader like me could easily identify with the main man, the young, dynamic Petr John Valory, but without a letter "e"on his name to save ink? For economy's sake? Who in the world would ever decide on giving someone an incomplete identity? Many to mention-pangs of reality. So that when Magya and John did that, I just made up excuses or reasons to interpret at the end of my reading journey. And the ending turned bitter as the plot ricocheted and spiraled to a great unknown. I ended up hating Magya and loving John. Could you blame me? This novel made me appreciate the harsh deaths the Indians suffered at the time where only the fittest could survive or how I finally understood John's invisible thread of love and concern for his children, or Annabel's life purpose of becoming a "man" imitating her 'brother', Petr and following him as if it was the only way to be one. So when they were broken apart by one mystical battle of obedience and loyalty, neither one of them survived the curse of reincarnation-- of reliving the misery and pain of your past life all over again. Did I struggle with the fear of not ever reaching the last page and sigh, I made it? Undoubtedly. But because I enjoyed tearing Petr Valory's character apart and putting them together with fresh outlook at what kind of human fabric he was made of, I never thought of giving him and The Gold Hunter up. This novel was written for historical fantasy lovers and for those who have the knack for metaphorical imagery and aesthetic symbolism. How many times I found myself comparing the falcon to Petr or the doll to Anabel? Sharing the same fate in the same time when touched by a realization that hey, they were never meant to be siblings by blood but lovers by fate. I loved the feeling that somehow I am criticizing the way the story progressed to many violent outbursts by all faces of evils.Evils that were just lurking in a California- man killer-- whether it be Magya's escape and /or abandonment or John's undeserved death or Dain King's devilish ambitions. Or the sickening dread that Annabel and Petr from the very beginning I read them pledging with each other, were in an incestuous relationship. It was a flipping kind of crazy to stop myself as a reader from judging how these characters react on their fate, wishing silently that Petr will make a name for himself and find love greater and safer than what he was feeling for Annabel.He was just seventeen. but his journey towards becoming a man and providing for his now non-existent family will only remain a dream he wished on the day of his birth. Or rebirth probably? The novel opened with a happy tone of being alive despite the tragical romance surrounding Magya's failure and John's inconsistency. But then again the foreshadowing techniques employed by Philip Clausen were sprinkled throughout the pages that you might as well just be prepared that something will happen when finally the characters, on a beautiful, bright California Sunday, were able to find a goldmine paying the higher price--their life.
Petr's dreams to build a white house for his Mama or a good horse for Annabel and a saw mill for his Papa turned to a nightmare of being trapped to the sins of the past in a never-ending dominance of human greed and weak heart. Gold Lake was a dream that turned into a nightmare.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
The Gold Hunter: Thoughts
Philip Clausen has delivered the first installment of what promises to be an interesting series. My review copy, provided electronically via BookTasters gave me a struggle at first. The grammar, punctuation, and structure seemed off, but after a few pages it hit me: treat this text like a screenplay. It flowed much better after that.
Yes, a rough, sometimes crass, and a little confusing story, turned into a darn compelling tale. Time, space, and dimensions (what are those?) are different in and around Gold Nation, this land of lakes, forests and the mountain. And gold – yes, gold, and the fever that it inflames drives much of this story. Patience allows the story and its characters to gather momentum, as this volume becomes a page turner.
Much will be revealed – about the place, the formation, and about that strange concept called ‘family?’ Is family about blood or nurturing; love or hate; acceptance or dependence? Yes, family can be a strange thing – but one thing that binds us together is love and community.
Petr’s sister, Annabel (aka Rocky) was only eight, but “she already knew something important. Men seek gold. Women seek love.” But she also wanted what her brother had – a little adventure (and his watch). She follows Petr as he unwillingly embarks on an adventure, “’ You go up. You jump. You swim down inside the mountain. You go fast. You come up too soon, I shoot. Man will live. Boy will die.” The warrior’s meaning was clear. Do or die.’
Man will live. Boy will die. The leap into the lake was for warriors.
But it is not only a story about one family. It also has elements of a people trying to survive as the encroachment of the European colonizers goes from neighborly to domineering. As the settlers come to settle the land that had been sharing its abundance for centuries. It even has Vikings – of a sort – in the tale.
Revenge, greed, lust, abuse, adventure, song, rebellion, conspiracy, and loyalty – not in equal measure are all part of this first installment of a wondrous tale. A tale that teaches that “Gold madness could make you do anything. Lie, cheat, steal. Kill.”
“The deaf man always hears the clink o’ the coin! Are you in there, boy?”
Yes, it is a story with death and salvation, hope and despair, and at the end of the tale, the need for revenge.
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2026...
#Books #BookReview #BookTasters #Montreal #BusinessEnglish #LinoMatteo
Philip Clausen has delivered the first installment of what promises to be an interesting series. My review copy, provided electronically via BookTasters gave me a struggle at first. The grammar, punctuation, and structure seemed off, but after a few pages it hit me: treat this text like a screenplay. It flowed much better after that.
Yes, a rough, sometimes crass, and a little confusing story, turned into a darn compelling tale. Time, space, and dimensions (what are those?) are different in and around Gold Nation, this land of lakes, forests and the mountain. And gold – yes, gold, and the fever that it inflames drives much of this story. Patience allows the story and its characters to gather momentum, as this volume becomes a page turner.
Much will be revealed – about the place, the formation, and about that strange concept called ‘family?’ Is family about blood or nurturing; love or hate; acceptance or dependence? Yes, family can be a strange thing – but one thing that binds us together is love and community.
Petr’s sister, Annabel (aka Rocky) was only eight, but “she already knew something important. Men seek gold. Women seek love.” But she also wanted what her brother had – a little adventure (and his watch). She follows Petr as he unwillingly embarks on an adventure, “’ You go up. You jump. You swim down inside the mountain. You go fast. You come up too soon, I shoot. Man will live. Boy will die.” The warrior’s meaning was clear. Do or die.’
Man will live. Boy will die. The leap into the lake was for warriors.
But it is not only a story about one family. It also has elements of a people trying to survive as the encroachment of the European colonizers goes from neighborly to domineering. As the settlers come to settle the land that had been sharing its abundance for centuries. It even has Vikings – of a sort – in the tale.
Revenge, greed, lust, abuse, adventure, song, rebellion, conspiracy, and loyalty – not in equal measure are all part of this first installment of a wondrous tale. A tale that teaches that “Gold madness could make you do anything. Lie, cheat, steal. Kill.”
“The deaf man always hears the clink o’ the coin! Are you in there, boy?”
Yes, it is a story with death and salvation, hope and despair, and at the end of the tale, the need for revenge.
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2026...
#Books #BookReview #BookTasters #Montreal #BusinessEnglish #LinoMatteo
August 2, 2022
I confess to starting books with preconceived notions. The Gold Hunter, classified as historical fiction, purports to follow the story of the California Gold Rush in the mid 1800s. John Valory, who runs a sawmill in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, is invited, accompanied by wife, son and daughter, to move west and commence felling and preparing trees to build a flume for gold seeker Dain King. OK, so far so good. But what happens next? I'm tempted to characterize it in many ways, but the closest I can come is a dream sequence. Petr, son of John Valory, goes on a quest for gold on his birthday. Accompanied by supernatural thoughts, Petr discovers a cache of gold in a lake, but in the process confronts and fights a grizzly bear. Sister Annabelle disappears, also in pursuit of gold, and Petr spends much time searching for her. Meanwhile, evil but rough and ready Indian fighter Dain discovers that Petr has found gold. It is then revealed that Dain is Petr's actual father, formerly named Gunnar Valory, and Dain, aka Gunnar, decides that he must kill John, adopt Petr, and get the gold. Petr offers to stay with Dain if he will let John go, but John intercedes. As a lead- in to the second book of this series, Petr's goal in the end is to find and kill Dain.
The book is like a dream sequence for many reasons. The perspective changes often - the world is seen through a sequence of a kaleidoscope of eyes - Petr, Annabelle, Dain King, an Indian, Petr's mother Magya (who happens to be a displaced opera singer), a falcon whose mate is killed, and Petr who is apparently dead. The book contains frequent, dreamlike premonitions, such as "but he would find he was way too late to get home." It has occasional, short summaries, like - "Found gold. Annabelle lost. Father drunk. Mother crazy." For a while, there is uncertainty whether or not Petr or Annabelle are dead. It is a different sort of book. It's characters and actions are based on the era of the California Gold Rush, but it is not typical historical fiction. It is, rather, a sort of sensory cloud that I'm sure will fascinate some.
The book is like a dream sequence for many reasons. The perspective changes often - the world is seen through a sequence of a kaleidoscope of eyes - Petr, Annabelle, Dain King, an Indian, Petr's mother Magya (who happens to be a displaced opera singer), a falcon whose mate is killed, and Petr who is apparently dead. The book contains frequent, dreamlike premonitions, such as "but he would find he was way too late to get home." It has occasional, short summaries, like - "Found gold. Annabelle lost. Father drunk. Mother crazy." For a while, there is uncertainty whether or not Petr or Annabelle are dead. It is a different sort of book. It's characters and actions are based on the era of the California Gold Rush, but it is not typical historical fiction. It is, rather, a sort of sensory cloud that I'm sure will fascinate some.
August 25, 2022
In Philip debut Novel, the pursuit of Gold is the order of everyday life. The Narrator is dealing with the lives of finding Gold. Petr, papa, John, Mama, Annabel Rochelle and the rest. (“He wants a gloryhole full of Gold”)
This supporting cast of characters is wonderfully nuaneed and complicated; the act that Magya claimed the Valorys were so poor they can't afford ink for the second “e” depicts that Gold is a must find for their survival. So naturally he wanted to find gold for the family survival is an excellent content a book should have which makes the book recommendable for children.
“I will find the great gold of earth and I will be rich and happy.”
I liked the named deer, Manito. That part at which Petr saw the white deer known as Manito in the woods is a good content. Well explained and it drives the readers minds into an imaginable episode.
At page 31.
“He picked it up. He flashed in the air feeling a strange savage power in his blood. He dashed around the lake swinging the knife, yelling. Bad old Indian, you gonna mess with me me now?” The bad old Indian, shouldn't have been used. Just a Man or the likes would do.
This book is for everyone from across the world. Excellent story line that will broaden your horizons. I bet, every reader will enjoy an epic and memorable adventure in the woods.
This supporting cast of characters is wonderfully nuaneed and complicated; the act that Magya claimed the Valorys were so poor they can't afford ink for the second “e” depicts that Gold is a must find for their survival. So naturally he wanted to find gold for the family survival is an excellent content a book should have which makes the book recommendable for children.
“I will find the great gold of earth and I will be rich and happy.”
I liked the named deer, Manito. That part at which Petr saw the white deer known as Manito in the woods is a good content. Well explained and it drives the readers minds into an imaginable episode.
At page 31.
“He picked it up. He flashed in the air feeling a strange savage power in his blood. He dashed around the lake swinging the knife, yelling. Bad old Indian, you gonna mess with me me now?” The bad old Indian, shouldn't have been used. Just a Man or the likes would do.
This book is for everyone from across the world. Excellent story line that will broaden your horizons. I bet, every reader will enjoy an epic and memorable adventure in the woods.
December 9, 2019
The Gold Hunter is about the California Gold Rush and centers on Petr Valory, the adopted son of a tree cutter who is recruited by a gold hunter named Dain King in order to provide the lumber needed for his gold mine.
Petr has some strange dreams and he keeps quiet about it because no one would believe him - he dreams about gold and many past lives. One of those dreams guides him to the hidden golden valley protected by the Indians and that's when things go south, despite of his good intentions - building his father a steam-powered lumber mill, a beautiful white house with blue shutters for his mother, and a fine speedy horse for his little sister.
The narrative has some interesting points such as mystical creatures, greed, corruption and morality and even a falcon POV, that interlays with the human characters. It portrays the many cruelties commited against the native tribes and some scenes are violent and shocking, which is expected from the period the story is told.
In overall, it's a fluid, enjoyable and easy reading.
★ I got a free copy of this book from BookStarters reading program in exchange for a honest review. You can check them on Twitter: @bookstarters ★
Petr has some strange dreams and he keeps quiet about it because no one would believe him - he dreams about gold and many past lives. One of those dreams guides him to the hidden golden valley protected by the Indians and that's when things go south, despite of his good intentions - building his father a steam-powered lumber mill, a beautiful white house with blue shutters for his mother, and a fine speedy horse for his little sister.
The narrative has some interesting points such as mystical creatures, greed, corruption and morality and even a falcon POV, that interlays with the human characters. It portrays the many cruelties commited against the native tribes and some scenes are violent and shocking, which is expected from the period the story is told.
In overall, it's a fluid, enjoyable and easy reading.
★ I got a free copy of this book from BookStarters reading program in exchange for a honest review. You can check them on Twitter: @bookstarters ★
April 7, 2025
Reading The Gold Hunter feels like stepping into a time machine and landing smack in the middle of the California Gold Rush. It’s the kind of story that pulls you in with the promise of adventure and keeps you hooked with real emotional depth. At the heart of the book is a young guy who's been through a lot and is just trying to find his place in a wild, unforgiving world. His journey west isn’t just about chasing gold—it's about growing up, facing hard truths, and learning who to trust when things get rough. And trust me, things do get rough. The writing strikes a nice balance—it's descriptive without being overwhelming, and the pacing keeps things moving without losing the quieter, reflective moments. The setting feels raw and real, like you can almost hear the crunch of dirt under boots or feel the chill of river water. What stood out most to me was how grounded it all felt. Even though it’s set in the past, the emotions are timeless—fear, hope, grief, courage. It's easy to connect with the characters and get invested in what happens to them. Overall, The Gold Hunter is a great read if you’re into historical fiction with heart. It’s adventurous, honest, and a little gritty in the best way. A strong start to what looks like a promising series.
April 15, 2020
*I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the first book I've read that takes place in the goldhunting time and so the whole setting was an interesting find. At the beginning of the book you read from the POV of a falcon, a POV that also returns a couple of times and makes for a very interesting change.
The writing focuses a lot on symbology and spirituality. Dreams and religion play a very important part in what the characters in the story do, as well as things that they see happening in nature. If you like that writing style than this might be a really interesting book to read and solve. However, as someone who reads without wanting to dive too deeply into thinking about the hidden meanings, it did sometimes drag on a bit. It's also why it felt to me like the thought process of Annabel was written as if it was meant for a character of at least double her age which bothered me at times.
I enjoyed reading this book, even if I feel like other types of readers might find more joy in this. It was an interesting story and I feel like I got a tiny peek into a bit of history of which I barely know anything.
This is the first book I've read that takes place in the goldhunting time and so the whole setting was an interesting find. At the beginning of the book you read from the POV of a falcon, a POV that also returns a couple of times and makes for a very interesting change.
The writing focuses a lot on symbology and spirituality. Dreams and religion play a very important part in what the characters in the story do, as well as things that they see happening in nature. If you like that writing style than this might be a really interesting book to read and solve. However, as someone who reads without wanting to dive too deeply into thinking about the hidden meanings, it did sometimes drag on a bit. It's also why it felt to me like the thought process of Annabel was written as if it was meant for a character of at least double her age which bothered me at times.
I enjoyed reading this book, even if I feel like other types of readers might find more joy in this. It was an interesting story and I feel like I got a tiny peek into a bit of history of which I barely know anything.
February 10, 2026
The Gold Hunter is a historical fantasy set during the California Gold Rush of 1852. The story follows seventeen-year-old Petr Valory, who seeks gold not for greed, but to save his struggling family. As he searches for the legendary Motherlode in the Sierra Nevada mountains, his journey evolves into a deeper quest. He is guided by signs like a white deer and a circling falcon, leading him to a sacred canyon where he faces ancient rituals and a powerful warrior that challenges his fears and identity.
Petr's younger sister, Annabel, secretly follows him, bringing emotional tension to the story. The novel explores family secrets, cultural conflicts, and the destructive nature of gold against a vivid landscape, highlighting darker themes like greed and betrayal. With lyrical writing and a strong sense of place, gold is shown as a force that tests morality and changes lives. Ultimately, the story is about transformation—from boy to man, innocence to experience, and dreams to consequences—making it a promising start to an epic series.
Petr's younger sister, Annabel, secretly follows him, bringing emotional tension to the story. The novel explores family secrets, cultural conflicts, and the destructive nature of gold against a vivid landscape, highlighting darker themes like greed and betrayal. With lyrical writing and a strong sense of place, gold is shown as a force that tests morality and changes lives. Ultimately, the story is about transformation—from boy to man, innocence to experience, and dreams to consequences—making it a promising start to an epic series.
July 27, 2019
The Gold Hunter is the first novel if The Goldfinder series by Philips Atlas Clausen that tells the story of a bunch of Gold explorers; Set up in the mountains of Sierra Nevada and the forests in this valley during the California Gold Rush the story comes alive in the lively description of the nature by the author. The atrocities done by the white people on the native Red Indians during the European Settlement is shown in proper light. The underlying message of the story is the fact that the greed of humankind is evil which is the cause of most of the crimes. The protagonists of the story are strong but it is not overcrowded with many characters making the story easy to follow. The ending of this book keeps the readers waiting for a 'poetic justice'. It has a flavour of thriller in the envelope of adventure. This book has been one of my best reads so far.
November 4, 2020
This is not like any other book I've read. The language and techniques used in the narrative was extraordinary. It took me a lot of time to read this book (I'm a very slow reader), I got confused at some point but I still read anyways. The way things unfolded was superb, like Petr finding out that the popular Gold King was his father. It's a magical moment. I had my fears, chills and thrills while reading this. Though there was little romance I really enjoyed it.
**
Petr Valory wants to find gold so he can better his family. But the gold he seeks soon becomes an enemy. It breaks his family so bad. Little Annabel gets lost while looking for gold in the gold cave. This is the start of the drama!
**
Petr Valory wants to find gold so he can better his family. But the gold he seeks soon becomes an enemy. It breaks his family so bad. Little Annabel gets lost while looking for gold in the gold cave. This is the start of the drama!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2020
The imagery for Petr and Annabel's journeys through the lake and the cave were vivid and interesting; however the parallelling between these characters and those that lived in different times was hard to follow. The revelations that come in last third of the book about Petr explained some of the confusion with the character and his identify crisis and Annabel has her own arc to go through, which is complicated in relation to Petr. The gold rush is not a period of time that I have read much history or fiction about and for that I enjoyed reading the story to pick up some details on the life during this time in North American history.
January 31, 2026
In Gold Rush California, 17-year-old Peter Valory discovers a secret lake of gold, unleashing a treasure hunt that shatters his dreams and awakens a powerful force. As the "king of the mountains" claims his share, Peter’s life descends into chaos, testing his courage and resilience in this tale of greed, wealth, and the true cost of fortune.
I liked the world building and peek into the characters thought processes, but instead of giving depth to the story it just drags it and snaps the reader out of the story, at least that’s what I felt.
Overall, a basic type of read.
Thanks to @booktasters for the e-copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
I liked the world building and peek into the characters thought processes, but instead of giving depth to the story it just drags it and snaps the reader out of the story, at least that’s what I felt.
Overall, a basic type of read.
Thanks to @booktasters for the e-copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
May 2, 2019
This book took me by surprise it was nothing like I was expecting
It was well written and clearly very diligently researched
I was intrigued by the interplay of the main characters vision and the real falcon.
A very gripping hard to put down novel
The only caveat I have is that this is not a book for the under 16s as the violence is in keeping with the time but also quite graphic.
On the whole a good book with a clever storyline.
It was well written and clearly very diligently researched
I was intrigued by the interplay of the main characters vision and the real falcon.
A very gripping hard to put down novel
The only caveat I have is that this is not a book for the under 16s as the violence is in keeping with the time but also quite graphic.
On the whole a good book with a clever storyline.
June 25, 2024
The Gold Hunter is the first in a series of books, set at the time of the California Gold Rush.
I thought the writing had a certain prettiness about it, with some pretty imagery. I also liked the gold theme. However, I never really felt fully connected to the characters or engaged in the story. I wasn't transported into its world, as I hoped to be.
I think though, if you are a reader of historical fiction, depending on your preferences, you may like this.
I thought the writing had a certain prettiness about it, with some pretty imagery. I also liked the gold theme. However, I never really felt fully connected to the characters or engaged in the story. I wasn't transported into its world, as I hoped to be.
I think though, if you are a reader of historical fiction, depending on your preferences, you may like this.
April 12, 2026
The Gold Hunter is an engaging start to a series: atmospheric, well-paced, and driven by a likable protagonist. It doesn’t radically reinvent fantasy tropes, but it delivers a satisfying adventure with enough mystery and momentum to make readers look forward to the next installment. Recommended for readers seeking an accessible, action-oriented fantasy with memorable scenes and a clear hook for what comes next.
October 14, 2022
What a story! I thought this would be a standard gold rush story but was I wrong. This story caught me up and kept me turning page after page. Totally unexpected it went from pioneer family going west in search for gold to time travel and stories of Vikings and Egyptians. A mystical journey of a Indian medicine man and so much more..
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
February 18, 2026
This is a gripping Gold Rush adventure that follows a determined seventeen-year-old chasing a legendary hidden lake of gold in the Sierra mountains. Blending frontier survival with spiritual undertones and Native mysticism, the story explores courage, identity, and the cost of obsession, making it more than just a treasure hunt, it’s a powerful coming-of-age journey.
October 24, 2022
A solid historical novel. The author does a nice job of painting the picture of the time and the location. Interesting and complex characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 20, 2026
The Gold Hunter is a great book! The writing is amazing, with very detailed and vivid descriptions, and it talks about very real and important topics—moral and spiritual—while also having an adventurous plot. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a different and somewhat dark book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews