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Burton Blake
In this sequel to The Revolutionist, the American journey of three generations locks the neophyte company president, Burton Blake, in a vicious struggle with corporate intrigue, financial greed, and social corruption.
Born to a taxi dancer at the beginning of the Second World War, Burton’s father, Elias Blake, never knows his natural father, who is killed in the South Pacific. He is raised by his mother and stepfather from her second marriage who makes his fortune during the post war real estate boom of the 50’s. Their untimely death by his business partner leaves the boy Elias in the guardianship of his mother’s best friend and her marine vet husband who introduces him to the macho culture of guns and hunting.
Elias’s youth is influenced by the adult world’s drive for personal material gain. Over the next decades, he expands his parents’ original real estate empire into the diversified multi-divisional, multi-national corporation that he leaves to his son, Burton.
Upon his forced return from traveling and working with oppressed third world people, Burton learns increasingly more about the true nature of his deceased father as he undertakes the challenges of leading the company in a new direction.
Born to a taxi dancer at the beginning of the Second World War, Burton’s father, Elias Blake, never knows his natural father, who is killed in the South Pacific. He is raised by his mother and stepfather from her second marriage who makes his fortune during the post war real estate boom of the 50’s. Their untimely death by his business partner leaves the boy Elias in the guardianship of his mother’s best friend and her marine vet husband who introduces him to the macho culture of guns and hunting.
Elias’s youth is influenced by the adult world’s drive for personal material gain. Over the next decades, he expands his parents’ original real estate empire into the diversified multi-divisional, multi-national corporation that he leaves to his son, Burton.
Upon his forced return from traveling and working with oppressed third world people, Burton learns increasingly more about the true nature of his deceased father as he undertakes the challenges of leading the company in a new direction.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2018
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 6, 2019
Burton Blake is a sweeping historical fiction epic that will also interest business novel readers because it focuses on corporate greed, family business involvements, historical conundrums revolving around financial decisions, and more.
Historical fiction and business novel audiences receive an astute, compelling story that provides a sequel to Robert Tucker's The Revolutionist, but doesn't require prior familiarity with that book in order to prove satisfying.
Burton's father, Elias Blake, fostered the rise of a real estate empire from his parents' initial efforts to start an international company. At a very young age, Elias has absorbed the drive for material gains which has helped him create a giant legacy for his son, Burton.
Tucker takes the time to explore the entire dynamic of this inheritance, beginning with the roots of the financial behemoth in the 1940s, when a lower-class taxi dancer births a son who will never know his father. At a very early age, Burton inherits his stepfather's real estate fortune, made in the post war real estate boom of the 50's.
This legacy comes with a price tag, as the usual youthful endeavors are set aside for business pursuits and a drive for financial success and stability that successfully answers many business challenges and keeps the company on an upward trajectory. But what is successfully won comes at a big cost.
Burton inherits not only the company, but a wealth of problems. He also cultivates a different awareness about third world peoples and poverty when world travels bring him into contact with diverse peoples and economic struggles. Thanks to these journeys, he returns to the fold with a revised attitude about life's values. In many ways, a company cannot grow and change without the concurrent evolution of the leader at its helm.
The entire process of empire-building, inheritances of attitudes and economic strengths, and the personal growth of moral and ethical considerations that come from outside the family fold and original business focus lends to a compelling saga, indeed.
Another plus is that Burton Blake assumes no singular path. Subplots about immigrant perceptions and struggles in America, political influences such as the rise and threat of Nazism, and outdoors training and hunting by mentor Web, who teaches Elias how to survive, create a multifaceted story that melds the lives of several generations into an engrossing story of personal growth.
The road to social corruption and financial greed isn't a linear one, so readers receive a satisfying juxtaposition of daily living and lifelong lessons, along with insights into how these translate into bigger-picture thinking.
The result is a powerful study in generational attitudes, measures of financial and personal success, and the evolution of Burton, who inherits more wealth than he'd imagined.
Tucker creates a vivid, engrossing story that's highly recommended for readers of historical fiction and business stories. These usually-disparate audiences will appreciate the attention to psychological development and evolutionary detail that place Burton Blake more than a cut above the usual historical novel or multi-generational business fiction read.
Historical fiction and business novel audiences receive an astute, compelling story that provides a sequel to Robert Tucker's The Revolutionist, but doesn't require prior familiarity with that book in order to prove satisfying.
Burton's father, Elias Blake, fostered the rise of a real estate empire from his parents' initial efforts to start an international company. At a very young age, Elias has absorbed the drive for material gains which has helped him create a giant legacy for his son, Burton.
Tucker takes the time to explore the entire dynamic of this inheritance, beginning with the roots of the financial behemoth in the 1940s, when a lower-class taxi dancer births a son who will never know his father. At a very early age, Burton inherits his stepfather's real estate fortune, made in the post war real estate boom of the 50's.
This legacy comes with a price tag, as the usual youthful endeavors are set aside for business pursuits and a drive for financial success and stability that successfully answers many business challenges and keeps the company on an upward trajectory. But what is successfully won comes at a big cost.
Burton inherits not only the company, but a wealth of problems. He also cultivates a different awareness about third world peoples and poverty when world travels bring him into contact with diverse peoples and economic struggles. Thanks to these journeys, he returns to the fold with a revised attitude about life's values. In many ways, a company cannot grow and change without the concurrent evolution of the leader at its helm.
The entire process of empire-building, inheritances of attitudes and economic strengths, and the personal growth of moral and ethical considerations that come from outside the family fold and original business focus lends to a compelling saga, indeed.
Another plus is that Burton Blake assumes no singular path. Subplots about immigrant perceptions and struggles in America, political influences such as the rise and threat of Nazism, and outdoors training and hunting by mentor Web, who teaches Elias how to survive, create a multifaceted story that melds the lives of several generations into an engrossing story of personal growth.
The road to social corruption and financial greed isn't a linear one, so readers receive a satisfying juxtaposition of daily living and lifelong lessons, along with insights into how these translate into bigger-picture thinking.
The result is a powerful study in generational attitudes, measures of financial and personal success, and the evolution of Burton, who inherits more wealth than he'd imagined.
Tucker creates a vivid, engrossing story that's highly recommended for readers of historical fiction and business stories. These usually-disparate audiences will appreciate the attention to psychological development and evolutionary detail that place Burton Blake more than a cut above the usual historical novel or multi-generational business fiction read.
June 11, 2019
Burton Blake is an Engaging Read from Start to Finish. While the author did not catch my interest immediately with Burton Blake as he did in The Revolutionist--his writing style won me over quickly and held my attention through to the end. Although Burton Blake is a sequel to The Revolutionist, readers could certainly read it as a stand-alone novel without feeling lost or confused--and readers of the first book won't feel that the story rehashes the first book. The author creates a very detailed, intricate storyline that is both well researched and entertaining for readers. In spite of the length, the novel flows smoothly and is an easy read with just enough twists, turns and mystery to keep the reader turning the pages.
Characters and Setting Transport Readers to Another Time and Place. Tucker creates another very realistic storyline around his cast of good vs. evil characters that engages readers and draws them deeper into every scene. His characters face challenges and dilemmas--and the author keeps them true to nature as the plot resolves. Sometimes historical fiction can be a little drawn out and dry as authors set the stage and develop their characters for a new generation of readers. Burton Blake is not that kind of historical fiction. The author does a beautiful job setting his scenes within the time period and creating plot twists and dialogue that are both historically placed--but, relatable for the modern reader.
Would I recommend Burton Blake by Robert Tucker? Much like the Revolutionist, I loved this book, I loved the characters, and I loved the author's writing style. Burton Blake is another action-packed, historically placed novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of themes within a story. I would recommend reading the series as a series--simply because both books were excellent for historical fiction and suspense fans.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Characters and Setting Transport Readers to Another Time and Place. Tucker creates another very realistic storyline around his cast of good vs. evil characters that engages readers and draws them deeper into every scene. His characters face challenges and dilemmas--and the author keeps them true to nature as the plot resolves. Sometimes historical fiction can be a little drawn out and dry as authors set the stage and develop their characters for a new generation of readers. Burton Blake is not that kind of historical fiction. The author does a beautiful job setting his scenes within the time period and creating plot twists and dialogue that are both historically placed--but, relatable for the modern reader.
Would I recommend Burton Blake by Robert Tucker? Much like the Revolutionist, I loved this book, I loved the characters, and I loved the author's writing style. Burton Blake is another action-packed, historically placed novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a blend of themes within a story. I would recommend reading the series as a series--simply because both books were excellent for historical fiction and suspense fans.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
June 14, 2019
I quite enjoyed the book. I can't really say what it was, but this book seemed to flow a bit more than The Revolutionist did. I quite liked Burton, as he definitely was a product of his great-grandmother Julie, who was the main character in The Revolutionist. And Burton in his own way became a revolutionist in trying to fight against the greed and corruption that had enveloped his father’s company.
I also really liked the first section of the book, which laid the groundwork for the second part and it really set up the conflict that would eventually envelope the second half of the book.
What I would have liked to see more of would be of Burton being able to connect his actions to those that Julie undertook herself back in the early 1900s and to also find out the history behind his father in the second half, as it was more about the conspiracy, which did get a little cumbersome as the book came to its conclusion. Also I would have tried to use a different title for the book, as I felt it was misleading for the first half of the book and also done a bit more to tie the first part with the second part. The first part could have easily been its own book and completely separate from the second part, which I felt had little to do with the first part and ignored the first half of the book
I would have also liked to see the book edited a little tighter, as I felt that there were too many details that didn’t make any sense to the overall story and felt that unlike The Revolutionist, which was a continuous story of Julie’s early life, this book felt like two separate stories that had little to do with each other. I would have liked to see more characters from the first half of the book interact with Burton instead of just Lizzie.
Originally posted at Jayne's Book as a part of a book tour in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I also really liked the first section of the book, which laid the groundwork for the second part and it really set up the conflict that would eventually envelope the second half of the book.
What I would have liked to see more of would be of Burton being able to connect his actions to those that Julie undertook herself back in the early 1900s and to also find out the history behind his father in the second half, as it was more about the conspiracy, which did get a little cumbersome as the book came to its conclusion. Also I would have tried to use a different title for the book, as I felt it was misleading for the first half of the book and also done a bit more to tie the first part with the second part. The first part could have easily been its own book and completely separate from the second part, which I felt had little to do with the first part and ignored the first half of the book
I would have also liked to see the book edited a little tighter, as I felt that there were too many details that didn’t make any sense to the overall story and felt that unlike The Revolutionist, which was a continuous story of Julie’s early life, this book felt like two separate stories that had little to do with each other. I would have liked to see more characters from the first half of the book interact with Burton instead of just Lizzie.
Originally posted at Jayne's Book as a part of a book tour in exchange for an honest and fair review.
October 23, 2019
Burton Blake is a family saga that spans three generations, from the 1940s to the present day. Robert Tucker is a master storyteller and I enjoyed this book as much as his first one. I read The Revolutionist, where I was introduced to Julie Josephson. This book begins with her daughter Kristina, who gives birth to Elias who is the father of Burton Blake, the main character whose story begins about halfway through the book.
As with The Revolutionist, the author displays the talent of being able to write about any era with ease and to bring it alive for the reader. We begin with WWII and then move on to the post–World War II economic expansion manifested in suburban development and urban sprawl. Kristina remarries and her new husband is a visionary who begins a real estate expansion and founds a company that becomes the multi-billionaire conglomerate that ultimately Burton inherits. There is corruption among the top managers, and suddenly Burton must learn to navigate the dangerous waters of men who will stop at nothing for greed.
Once again, I enjoyed Tucker's storytelling immensely. Burton was my favorite character and I wished his story had begun earlier. It's also great how Tucker brings forth the secondary characters in connection to one another throughout the story. There were times when, because of flashbacks, I became confused as to the timeline. Because this is a book that spans three generations, it would be helpful to have the dates not just at the beginning of a section, but at the beginning of the chapters. This is a minor point, however, and did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The last part of the book read like a suspenseful thriller and had me flipping the pages quickly to see how it would all pan out.
If you love family sagas with strong female and male characters, a realistic storyline with a variety of unique characters, along with some good writing, then I recommend you pick up Burton Blake.
As with The Revolutionist, the author displays the talent of being able to write about any era with ease and to bring it alive for the reader. We begin with WWII and then move on to the post–World War II economic expansion manifested in suburban development and urban sprawl. Kristina remarries and her new husband is a visionary who begins a real estate expansion and founds a company that becomes the multi-billionaire conglomerate that ultimately Burton inherits. There is corruption among the top managers, and suddenly Burton must learn to navigate the dangerous waters of men who will stop at nothing for greed.
Once again, I enjoyed Tucker's storytelling immensely. Burton was my favorite character and I wished his story had begun earlier. It's also great how Tucker brings forth the secondary characters in connection to one another throughout the story. There were times when, because of flashbacks, I became confused as to the timeline. Because this is a book that spans three generations, it would be helpful to have the dates not just at the beginning of a section, but at the beginning of the chapters. This is a minor point, however, and did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. The last part of the book read like a suspenseful thriller and had me flipping the pages quickly to see how it would all pan out.
If you love family sagas with strong female and male characters, a realistic storyline with a variety of unique characters, along with some good writing, then I recommend you pick up Burton Blake.
June 4, 2019
This is a well written journey through three generations of a family as they struggle with building a dynasty, greed and corruption.
Elias Blake never knows his real father, who was killed during the Second World War. He is raised by his mother and stepfather, a man who is consumed with wealth. His stepfather earns his wealth in real estate but he is never really shown as a kind, caring figure which is something Elias really needed. When the only parents he has ever known die in a car accident, his whole life is turned upside down. It is the influence from his youth (wealth, greed, power and the drive to always have more) that creates his future. My heart was sore for him, as he never really knew any different, it was only in his last moments that he truly understood the impact of his life on others.
He turns the real estate business into a dynasty of wealth and expands the divisions. While business is booming for him, he can’t escape the greed and envy of others. When he leaves everything to his son, Burton, we begin to uncover a new side of Elias and a web of secrets, murder and corruption in his business.
Burton had turned his back on his father and that life years ago, instead he chooses to focus on humanitarian rights. He does not want anything to do with the corruption of the business world but unfortunately he is caught right in the middle of it. The story really takes off here and we uncover new plots and revisit events of the past. We are witness to murder, lies, greed and corruption. Can Burton resist temptation? Can he right past wrongs? Will he even be able to stay alive??
This is a well written novel that pulls you in slowly and keeps you guessing through every turn of the page. I loved how the past and present were intertwined and even in the darkest moments, you can see a glimmer of hope for good to come out on top.
Elias Blake never knows his real father, who was killed during the Second World War. He is raised by his mother and stepfather, a man who is consumed with wealth. His stepfather earns his wealth in real estate but he is never really shown as a kind, caring figure which is something Elias really needed. When the only parents he has ever known die in a car accident, his whole life is turned upside down. It is the influence from his youth (wealth, greed, power and the drive to always have more) that creates his future. My heart was sore for him, as he never really knew any different, it was only in his last moments that he truly understood the impact of his life on others.
He turns the real estate business into a dynasty of wealth and expands the divisions. While business is booming for him, he can’t escape the greed and envy of others. When he leaves everything to his son, Burton, we begin to uncover a new side of Elias and a web of secrets, murder and corruption in his business.
Burton had turned his back on his father and that life years ago, instead he chooses to focus on humanitarian rights. He does not want anything to do with the corruption of the business world but unfortunately he is caught right in the middle of it. The story really takes off here and we uncover new plots and revisit events of the past. We are witness to murder, lies, greed and corruption. Can Burton resist temptation? Can he right past wrongs? Will he even be able to stay alive??
This is a well written novel that pulls you in slowly and keeps you guessing through every turn of the page. I loved how the past and present were intertwined and even in the darkest moments, you can see a glimmer of hope for good to come out on top.
June 6, 2019
Burton Blake is the sequel to Robert M Tucker's fabulous book, The Revolutionist. I loved that book and this one does not disappoint. It tells the story over several generations. Elias Blake is born at the start of the second World War. His father is killed while serving in the South Pacific and Elias is left never knowing him. He is raised by his mother and her new husband, but they bother died. He then has to live with his mother's best friend and her husband. He eventually takes over his parent's company and leaves it to his son, Burton Blake. Burton must learn how to lead this company and may be in more than he has bargained for.
Burton Blake is an awesome read. Even though it is a sequel, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this journey of corruption, power and greed. Burton is trapped and caught up in his father's secrets and deceptions. He finds himself in great danger, mystery and suspense. There plot twists and turns throughout the whole book. It is quite the thrilling ride.
Burton Blake is another reason why Robert M Tucker is becoming a must read author for me. He is very talented in writing fascinating tales that keeps me engaged and want to continue reading until I have read the last page. I can not wait to read more by him in the near future. I would give this one one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy action packed historical fiction.
Five plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Burton Blake is an awesome read. Even though it is a sequel, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this journey of corruption, power and greed. Burton is trapped and caught up in his father's secrets and deceptions. He finds himself in great danger, mystery and suspense. There plot twists and turns throughout the whole book. It is quite the thrilling ride.
Burton Blake is another reason why Robert M Tucker is becoming a must read author for me. He is very talented in writing fascinating tales that keeps me engaged and want to continue reading until I have read the last page. I can not wait to read more by him in the near future. I would give this one one hundred stars if I could. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy action packed historical fiction.
Five plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
June 18, 2019
Burton Blake is the sequel to "The Revolutionist". And it is just as amazing and as enthralling. It is a page-turning story. I definitely enjoyed this book slightly more than I did the first. The best way I can put it is that if I want to go back and re-read both books again, I wouldn't feel any sort of need to put this book down. I was definitely stuck to my chair while reading.
Burton Blake does not follow the same characters as the previous books. It is it's own storyline. It takes place after World War II, in which Elias' father was killed during his service.
I really liked how the author created a base for the latter portion of the book. It was so perfectly worded and every detail clicked together. It was phenomenal. Another high recommendation.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book through iRead Book Tours.
Burton Blake does not follow the same characters as the previous books. It is it's own storyline. It takes place after World War II, in which Elias' father was killed during his service.
I really liked how the author created a base for the latter portion of the book. It was so perfectly worded and every detail clicked together. It was phenomenal. Another high recommendation.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this book through iRead Book Tours.
May 20, 2019
I am happy to report that this book was just as good as the first. While, this book is the sequel to The Revolutionist, I felt like it could have been read as a stand alone novel.
Once again, I was transported back in time. Mr. Tucker had be for the whole journey. This story may have been about family and the past but there was a bit of mystery strewn in as well. It slowly came together and was wrapped up nicely in the end.
Elias and Burton were different but also a little the same. Elias may not have know much about his father which as I mentioned is kind of funny how I did see some of his father in him. This was another quick read for me; despite the fact that it was over five hundred pages. A recommended read for both Burton Blake and The Revolutionist.
Once again, I was transported back in time. Mr. Tucker had be for the whole journey. This story may have been about family and the past but there was a bit of mystery strewn in as well. It slowly came together and was wrapped up nicely in the end.
Elias and Burton were different but also a little the same. Elias may not have know much about his father which as I mentioned is kind of funny how I did see some of his father in him. This was another quick read for me; despite the fact that it was over five hundred pages. A recommended read for both Burton Blake and The Revolutionist.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews