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By the Hands of Men, Book Three: Robert The Ingenuities of Hell
Enthralling!This third book of the series is an exciting addition to the already fascinating story.The writing is exceptional as Robert's interactions with people, including the native population, give much insight into the changing political scene after the Great War. The sights, smells and sounds of this land as well as the emotions that they elicit from him give you a very good feel for him as an individual after the horrors of that war as he awakens from his near-death illness and loss. I truly felt for this character.I am in a terrible hurry to begin the fourth book of this wonderful series, and add my wholehearted recommendation to readers. First rate historical fiction!!!!-- Amazon Reviewer, 5 starsRobert’s dreams died when he learned of Charlotte’s death, but duty to King and Country remain. After the end of the Great War, where does an honourable young soldier go?Lieutenant Robert Fitzgerald struggles to recover from the ravages of combat, typhus, and a broken heart. In a desperate bid to resurrect himself, he commits to serve his country as a pawn of His Majesty’s government.In the company of his dependable valet Orlando, Robert journeys from empire to empire, through the silent crumbling ruins of ancient Egypt to the vivid lights and nights of 1920s Shanghai. Captivated by the exotic beauty of these new lands, he is yet unable to turn away from the suffering all around him. When duty and honour collide, can one man make a difference?The Ingenuities of Hell is the third volume of the By the Hands of Men series, a historical fiction saga by Roy M. Griffis that sweeps across four continents in a gripping tale of fate, loss, redemption, and love.CAPTIVATINGEven when I am doing something other than reading, the very talented, even a genius, in my opinion, writings of Mr. Griffis, Robert and Charlotte and the supporting characters are on my mind.-- Amazon Reviewer, 5 stars
- GenresHistorical Fiction
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2019
194 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Roy M. Griffis
20 books143 followers I was born in Texas City, TX, the son of a career Air Force meteorologist. Attended a variety of schools at all of the hot spots of the nation, such as Abilene, Texas and Bellevue, Nebraska. Sent to my grandparent’s house in Tucson, Arizona when things were tough at home. I was pretty damn lost, as my grandparents were largely strangers to me. My older brother, a more taciturn type, refused to discuss what was going on. Fortunately, like so many kids before me, I was rescued by literature. Or, at least, by fiction.
In a tiny used bookstore that was just one block up from a dirt road, I discovered that some good soul had unloaded his entire collection of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “John Carter of Mars” series in Ballantine Paperback. Moved by some impulse, I spent my RC Cola money on the first book, “A Princess of Mars.” I think what struck me was how these books were possessed of magic: they were able to transport me far from this dusty land of relatives who I didn’t know and relatives pretended not to know me to another dusty land of adventure, heroism, nobility, and even love. It was the first magic I’d encountered that wasn’t a patent fraud, and when I closed the stiff paperback with the lurid images on the cover, I decided it was the kind of magic I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to mastering. And, thus, I was saved.
Since then, I’ve never looked back. I’ve written poems, short stories (twice runner-up in the Playboy college fiction contest), plays (winning some regional awards back East and a collegiate Historical Play-writing Award), and screenplays. I’m a member of the WGAw, with one unproduced screenplay sold to Fox Television. Along the way, I’ve done the usual starving artist jobs. Been a janitor, a waiter, a clerk in a bookstore. I was the 61st Aviation Rescue Swimmer in the Coast Guard (all that Tarzan reading wasn’t wasted). I’m also not a bad cook, come to think of it. Currently, I’m a husband, father, and cat-owner. I’m an avid bicyclist and former EMT.
I live in Southern California with my lovely wife. My friends call me “Griff,” my parents call me “Roy,” and my college-age son calls me “Dadman.” It’s a good life. By the Hands of Men, Book Three: “The Wrath of a Righteous Man” will be released in May, 2016.
In a tiny used bookstore that was just one block up from a dirt road, I discovered that some good soul had unloaded his entire collection of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ “John Carter of Mars” series in Ballantine Paperback. Moved by some impulse, I spent my RC Cola money on the first book, “A Princess of Mars.” I think what struck me was how these books were possessed of magic: they were able to transport me far from this dusty land of relatives who I didn’t know and relatives pretended not to know me to another dusty land of adventure, heroism, nobility, and even love. It was the first magic I’d encountered that wasn’t a patent fraud, and when I closed the stiff paperback with the lurid images on the cover, I decided it was the kind of magic I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to mastering. And, thus, I was saved.
Since then, I’ve never looked back. I’ve written poems, short stories (twice runner-up in the Playboy college fiction contest), plays (winning some regional awards back East and a collegiate Historical Play-writing Award), and screenplays. I’m a member of the WGAw, with one unproduced screenplay sold to Fox Television. Along the way, I’ve done the usual starving artist jobs. Been a janitor, a waiter, a clerk in a bookstore. I was the 61st Aviation Rescue Swimmer in the Coast Guard (all that Tarzan reading wasn’t wasted). I’m also not a bad cook, come to think of it. Currently, I’m a husband, father, and cat-owner. I’m an avid bicyclist and former EMT.
I live in Southern California with my lovely wife. My friends call me “Griff,” my parents call me “Roy,” and my college-age son calls me “Dadman.” It’s a good life. By the Hands of Men, Book Three: “The Wrath of a Righteous Man” will be released in May, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2019
Enthralling!
This third book of the series is an exciting addition to the already fascinating story.
Picking up Robert's story as he recovers from his illness in England, he becomes a "player" in His Majesty's service in Shanghai. This particular portion of the saga is filled with excitement and adventure as he sets about his assignment.
I have to say, the writing is exceptional as Robert's interactions with people, including the native population, give much incite into the changing political scene after the Great War. The sights, smells and sounds of this land as well as the emotions that they elicit from him give you a very good feel for him as an individual after the horrors of that war as he awakens from his near-death illness and loss. I truly felt for this character.
I am in a terrible hurry to begin the fourth book of this wonderful series, and add my wholehearted recommendation to readers. First rate historical fiction!!!!
This third book of the series is an exciting addition to the already fascinating story.
Picking up Robert's story as he recovers from his illness in England, he becomes a "player" in His Majesty's service in Shanghai. This particular portion of the saga is filled with excitement and adventure as he sets about his assignment.
I have to say, the writing is exceptional as Robert's interactions with people, including the native population, give much incite into the changing political scene after the Great War. The sights, smells and sounds of this land as well as the emotions that they elicit from him give you a very good feel for him as an individual after the horrors of that war as he awakens from his near-death illness and loss. I truly felt for this character.
I am in a terrible hurry to begin the fourth book of this wonderful series, and add my wholehearted recommendation to readers. First rate historical fiction!!!!
June 23, 2021
Having been told his one true love was killed by the Bolsheviks in Russia and unwilling to submit to his father’s demand that he submit to a marriage that will improve the family’s status, Robert is disowned. He prevails upon his best friend to find him a place in His Majesty’s spy service. He is sent to Shanghai along with his faithful person servant and friend, Orlando. In Shanghai he learns of the decadent night life, the criminal underworld, the miserable condition of the common people, and the spread of Communism. Through it all he strives to gain physical and moral strength and live a life of purpose
October 15, 2019
From Charlotte to Lord Robert with his great trials and tribulations.
This book takes you from the beginning of communism in Russia to England, and on to Shanghai, where the Bolsheviks have arrived. Intrigue and danger make Lord Robert rebuild his health and purpose for living as he continues to morn his loss of Charlotte. From the Great War home to England, on to Shanghai, then in the wee hours of the morning on a frigate to the Congo. It's on to book four, I could not ask for more.
This book takes you from the beginning of communism in Russia to England, and on to Shanghai, where the Bolsheviks have arrived. Intrigue and danger make Lord Robert rebuild his health and purpose for living as he continues to morn his loss of Charlotte. From the Great War home to England, on to Shanghai, then in the wee hours of the morning on a frigate to the Congo. It's on to book four, I could not ask for more.
August 5, 2020
Engaging, but is it believable?
I am sucked into this series, but I am annoyed by the depiction of Lord Robert and his Batman Orlando. They come across as complete boy scouts - too good to be true. And I am annoyed at geographical absurdities. How can a ship passing through the Suez Canal possibly stop at Cairo? And why would this ship bound for Shanghai stop at Capetown, thousands of miles off route, when the whole idea of the Suez Canal was to avoid the long way to the tip of Africa when sailing for the far East?
That said, the book is engaging - difficult to put down.
I am sucked into this series, but I am annoyed by the depiction of Lord Robert and his Batman Orlando. They come across as complete boy scouts - too good to be true. And I am annoyed at geographical absurdities. How can a ship passing through the Suez Canal possibly stop at Cairo? And why would this ship bound for Shanghai stop at Capetown, thousands of miles off route, when the whole idea of the Suez Canal was to avoid the long way to the tip of Africa when sailing for the far East?
That said, the book is engaging - difficult to put down.
August 21, 2019
The continuing story
Though each book is stand alone, it is better reading them in order. Robert is definitely a fellow with flaws, as we all are, but easy to like. Many of the female characters are not particularly well developed. Worth reading but not as good as the first 2 books.
Though each book is stand alone, it is better reading them in order. Robert is definitely a fellow with flaws, as we all are, but easy to like. Many of the female characters are not particularly well developed. Worth reading but not as good as the first 2 books.
September 10, 2021
By the Hands of Men Book Three Robert:
Book there of the series continues the saga of Sister Charlotte and IT Lord Fitzgerald. The focus of this book is the exploits of Robert when he is posted to Shanghai, China on His Majesty 's service.
Well written and fast paced reading.
Looking forward to reading book four.
Book there of the series continues the saga of Sister Charlotte and IT Lord Fitzgerald. The focus of this book is the exploits of Robert when he is posted to Shanghai, China on His Majesty 's service.
Well written and fast paced reading.
Looking forward to reading book four.
May 23, 2024
A very personal reason for rating this
Book one meant so much to me as my father was in the trenches in France during WWI. My mother was too young for WWI as she graduated from nursing in 1923, but had a dear English friend who had been a Matron on the fields in France. She told me many stories, similar to your retelling. Many memories as I am 86. Thank you for writing it down.
Book one meant so much to me as my father was in the trenches in France during WWI. My mother was too young for WWI as she graduated from nursing in 1923, but had a dear English friend who had been a Matron on the fields in France. She told me many stories, similar to your retelling. Many memories as I am 86. Thank you for writing it down.
October 29, 2024
Story and Adventure
It’s rare that a book or series such as this, touches on so many details of culture and the time frame of the story. I am not the first, I’m sure, to comment on Griffis’ vivid writing style. Enjoyed every page. I am at the half way point and already regretting when it will all end.
It’s rare that a book or series such as this, touches on so many details of culture and the time frame of the story. I am not the first, I’m sure, to comment on Griffis’ vivid writing style. Enjoyed every page. I am at the half way point and already regretting when it will all end.
March 4, 2019
CAPTIVATING
Even when I am doing something other than reading, the very talented , even a genius, in my opinion, writings of Mr. Griffis, Robert and Charlotte and the supporting characters are on my mind.
Even when I am doing something other than reading, the very talented , even a genius, in my opinion, writings of Mr. Griffis, Robert and Charlotte and the supporting characters are on my mind.
February 25, 2025
Getting Educated About History
It's been decades since I left school. This work of fiction woven with past history has had me searching for actual history as I've read. This book is very deep and we'll written. I will miss the left behind characters as I'm off to book 4.
It's been decades since I left school. This work of fiction woven with past history has had me searching for actual history as I've read. This book is very deep and we'll written. I will miss the left behind characters as I'm off to book 4.
February 18, 2019
Captivating
Once again I was immersed into this compelling saga of exceptional characters and authentic history. Bravo! Onward to the next adventure.
Once again I was immersed into this compelling saga of exceptional characters and authentic history. Bravo! Onward to the next adventure.
November 23, 2021
Very Good
I have been reading this series and learning about the history of the early 1900's. I am looking forward to book 4 in this well written series.
I have been reading this series and learning about the history of the early 1900's. I am looking forward to book 4 in this well written series.
February 19, 2022
By the hands of men
I really enjoy the writing style of Griffis, and the interesting events that take place as history moves on to the next event.
I really enjoy the writing style of Griffis, and the interesting events that take place as history moves on to the next event.
April 30, 2022
Book Three, Robert
Totally enjoyed learning about Shanghai in the post Ww1 timeframe. Following the Luitenant through this book. Hopi g be and Charlotte will find each other.
Totally enjoyed learning about Shanghai in the post Ww1 timeframe. Following the Luitenant through this book. Hopi g be and Charlotte will find each other.
August 21, 2024
I must admit l did find this book hard going but l persevered and glad l did. A very interesting insight of the world after World War One. I will be reading the rest of the books in this set.
October 1, 2023
The first 3 books so far have been excellent! I was totally caught up in the love story and enjoyed learning about WWI. The writing is very good.
I wish book three was longer though...maybe it seemed short be ahse I couldn't put it down!
I wish book three was longer though...maybe it seemed short be ahse I couldn't put it down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews