History is a subject that is often mismanaged, misunderstood, or utterly abused. We have been outrightly lied to, or told that history is a collection of dry dates and events and nothing more.
History is a living and breathing thing. It’s a continuing story, where each of us when we are born take our place upon the timeline and as Gandalf the Grey so wisely says, “all we have to do is to decide what to do with the time given to us.”
Wayne Grant has found the truth of history in a way more authors should, he makes it human again. I love Roland Inness, Declan O’Duinne, Millicent Inness and their friends because they are real. The people of these books, they are not confined to the dusty pages filled with dry dates and events. They live, they love, they dream, they fear, they fight, and they do the best with the time that is given to them. And I find that encouraging as I attempt to do the same thing by the grace of God in my place on the timeline.
I can’t say that was my absolute favorite book of the series, but I still give it 5 stars because even “not my favorite book” of The Roland Inness Saga is still going to get a high rating. Declan has stood staunchly at Roland’s side for 5 books, it was time for him to take center stage, and he did well.
I appreciate the brotherhood in these books. The compassion and the bravery born out of love. I like seeing strong men and women (both fictional and real) building each other up instead of tearing each other down.
Irish history is one of regular heartbreak in my opinion. These beautiful people got the short end of the stick during so many centuries, therefore this chapter of their history was encouraging, as well as a great reminder of why “United we stand, divided we fall” is such a true statement. I felt that this story was an honest and beautiful tribute to the Irish and their story. I learned things I never knew before, but I hope to discover more about in time.
I enjoy some of the very “macho” moments of this book and the rest of the series. Grant knows how cool his characters are, and they carry themselves with such humility most of the time that I delight when he decides to show off a bit. We all love a good hero, and Grant knows how to deliver them!
I also appreciate that Grant is not constantly seeking to find the “darkness” of history. As a resurgence of historical-based content is sweeping media, I feel that many stories are being mis-told. True, there are many dark moments of history, people have been evil since the Fall in Eden. But not every blank space is filled with content from the gutter, and I am sick of seeing people assume the worst in every story.
Just as our world is now, there were truly honorable and loving people who lived before. They loved their country, their families, and their God. They fought for a future for themselves and their children, and they did the best they could.
I like Grant’s perspective on history. It’s honest, not unnecessarily whitewashed, but it’s hopeful.
I cannot wait for the next book.