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Eleven Arrows
2300 BC. The Akkadians have blazed a trail of death and destruction through the Sumerian city-states as they carve out the first empire the world has ever seen. Barbarian raids and bandit attacks plague the outskirts of the burgeoning empire. From the chaos, a tribe emerges and establishes their reputation as Guardians — protectors of innocent traders. When an Akkadian army crosses the mighty Zagros Mountains, to forge a stronghold in the East, only the Guardians stand in their way.
Millennia later, in 1850 AD, English archaeologist, Fred Baker, becomes embroiled in this ancient past when he learns of a manuscript that survived the fall of the Great Library of Alexandria. His authentication of the text could challenge written history but he must also tread carefully or risk losing more than his reputation.
Millennia later, in 1850 AD, English archaeologist, Fred Baker, becomes embroiled in this ancient past when he learns of a manuscript that survived the fall of the Great Library of Alexandria. His authentication of the text could challenge written history but he must also tread carefully or risk losing more than his reputation.
252 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2020
1 person want to read
About the author
J.P. Manning
8 books2 followersJ.P. Manning is an author, documentary filmmaker and a senior English, history and media teacher. He resides on the Capricorn Coast, Australia. His debut novel, Eleven Arrows, is Book 1 in his Guardians of the East trilogy. In 2021, following the release of his second novel, Enter the Bull’s Burrow, he released his debut feature documentary, Last Store Standing—an exploration of the rise and demise of video rental stores around the world. End of Morrow (2023) is Book 3 in his Guardians of the East trilogy.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 13, 2023
In J.P. Manning's novel Eleven Arrows, we journey between two distinct yet intricately intertwined epochs: the flourishing Akkadian empire of 2300 BC and the adventures of English archaeologist Fred Baker in 1850 AD. Manning crafts a multi-layered narrative rich in detail, plunging readers into a meticulously rendered universe.
While the initial chapters set in 1850 AD may seem somewhat extended, they deftly lay the groundwork for an enthralling dive into history. Through the eyes of young Kar, we become intimate spectators to the saga's unfolding events.
Eleven Arrows truly excels in its vivid portrayal of characters, settings, and emotions, forging a deep bond between the reader and the narrative. Manning's storytelling seamlessly marries simplicity with depth, a testament to his prowess with prose. Central to the tale are themes of kinship, camaraderie, and the embrace of transformation, elements that deeply resonate on a human scale. As the story ends, we are left poised on the precipice of what promises to be a riveting series, hungering for the next book to come.
While Eleven Arrows is very entertaining, with its robust storyline, evocative characters, and gripping themes, I think the pacing of the early Victorian era chapters are absorbing but could benefit from more conciseness.
Eleven Arrows is a remarkable introduction from J.P. Manning, and an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction. Its universal themes centered on familial bonds and the essence of embracing evolution make it an unputdownable literary treat.
While the initial chapters set in 1850 AD may seem somewhat extended, they deftly lay the groundwork for an enthralling dive into history. Through the eyes of young Kar, we become intimate spectators to the saga's unfolding events.
Eleven Arrows truly excels in its vivid portrayal of characters, settings, and emotions, forging a deep bond between the reader and the narrative. Manning's storytelling seamlessly marries simplicity with depth, a testament to his prowess with prose. Central to the tale are themes of kinship, camaraderie, and the embrace of transformation, elements that deeply resonate on a human scale. As the story ends, we are left poised on the precipice of what promises to be a riveting series, hungering for the next book to come.
While Eleven Arrows is very entertaining, with its robust storyline, evocative characters, and gripping themes, I think the pacing of the early Victorian era chapters are absorbing but could benefit from more conciseness.
Eleven Arrows is a remarkable introduction from J.P. Manning, and an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction. Its universal themes centered on familial bonds and the essence of embracing evolution make it an unputdownable literary treat.
Displaying 1 of 1 review