The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament

The Bennet Wardrobe #6

by Don Jacobson, Amanda Berry (Narrator)

"Bennet looked at his wife’s swollen lips, softly bruised from several deeply loving kisses, and her flushed complexion, as alluring when gracing the countenance of a woman of four-and-forty as that of a girl of nine-and-ten. He was one of the lucky few to have fallen in love with the same woman at both ages. The elder had, after all, learned all that the younger could only begin to imagine."

Thomas Bennet, Master of Longbourn, had always counted himself amongst the few educated gentlemen of his acquaintance. But, he had to travel over 120 years into the future to discover how little he knew about the woman sharing his life.

Once again, the amazing Bennet Wardrobe proved to be the schoolmaster. Tom Bennet’s lesson? Mrs. Bennet had been formed especially for him.

Fanny Bennet also would uncover deep wells of courage and inspiration as she stood by her man’s side in the bleak years after World War II. Together they would lead their descendants in pursuit of the beast who had wronged every member of the Five Families.

Now, in The Avenger, the Bennet Wardrobe emerges into its own as a lead character: one with a greater purpose than simply being a teacher or a city bus. The cabinet does need to instruct Bennets in that which they need so they can play the role it wants in the greater arc of the entire Series.

Readers are introduced to the forces which power the Wardrobe…C.S. Lewis’ Fourth Love—agape; Jacobson’s Fifth Love—exagoras agapis, the love which redeems; and Sixth Loves—Synchotikí agape, the love which forgives.

According to Lory Lilian, author of Rainy Days:

"The Avenger takes us on a new journey through The Bennet Wardrobe – an alternate universe rising from Don Jacobson’s vivid imagination and based upon the immortal Pride and Prejudice. The Avenger is another important step leading to the culmination of this enchanting trip: one that has drawn us into its reality to travel side-by-side with richly sketched characters. Each book has left us wanting more.

The Bennet Wardrobe series stands alone as a unique result of originality focused on beloved characters as they move—and grow—through surprising plotlines."

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The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father’s Lament is the third volume of the Bennet Wardrobe series and chronicles Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s journey through the Wardrobe to visit their daughter, the Countess of Matlock, in her own where/when. This novel is about 131,000 words in length.

Genres: Time Travel

466 pages, Audiobook

First published December 25, 2018

About the author

Don Jacobson has written professionally for forty years. His output has ranged from news and features to advertising, television, and radio. His work has been nominated for Emmys and other awards. He has previously published five books, all non-fiction.

He now exclusively writes Austenesque fiction. In 2016, he published The Keeper: Mary Bennet’s Extraordinary Journey which began the Bennet Wardrobe saga.

Subsequent books in the series include:

Henry Fitzwilliam's War (e-novelette) (2016)
The Exile: Kitty Bennet and the Belle Epoch (2017)
Lizzy Bennet Meets the Countess (2017)
The Exile: The countess Visits Longbourn (2018)
The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (2018)
The Pilgrim: Lydia Bennet and a Soldier's Portion (2019)
The Grail: The Saving of Elizabeth Darcy (2022)


His entry in the North and South Anthology...Falling for Mr. Thornton entitled Cinders and Smokewas released in November 2019.

In 2018, he also published Lessers and Betters a novel-length Pride and Prejudice variation which contains the paired novellas Of Fortune's Reversal and The Maid and The Footman. These two works examine the same event (the mysterious attack on Kitty Bennet in Hyde Park on Guy Fawkes Day 1815) from two different perspectives: that of the gentry and that of the servants.

Meryton Press published two of his books in 2020--In Plain Sight (June) and The Longbourn Quarantine (August). Meryton Press also agreed to republish his entire self-published catalog (The Bennet Wardrobe series and Lessers and Betters) throughout 2021.

Meryton Press has published new editions of all of the Bennet Wardrobe books.

Jacobson holds an advanced degree in History with a specialty in American Foreign Relations. As a college instructor, Don taught United States History, World History, the History of Western Civilization and Research Writing.

He is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. He is also a member of the Regency Romance writers' collective Austen Authors.

He lives in Las Vegas, NV with his wife and co-author, Pam ( Roadcookin': A long-haul driver's guide to healthy eating), a woman Ms. Austen would have been hard-pressed to categorize, and their rather assertive four-and-twenty pound cat, Bear. Besides thoroughly immersing himself in the JAFF world, Don also enjoys cooking (Poulet au vinaigre is a particular favorite), dining out, fine wine, and well-aged scotch whiskey (Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old single malt--the water of life).

His other passion is cycling. Most days from April through October will find him “putting in the miles”. He has ridden several “centuries” (100 mile days). Don is especially proud that he successfully completed the AIDS Ride—Midwest (500 miles from Minneapolis to Chicago) and the Make-A-Wish Miracle Ride (300 miles from Traverse City, MI to Brooklyn, MI).

Reviews

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as powerful in the second reading!

Like a powerful symphonic compilation, the Bennet Wardrobe, Volume 6 continues to ebb and flow with an intense, gritty, and at times, heart-wrenching tale of forgiveness and redemptive love.

"...the past was an annealing heat through which they would emerge all the stronger, purified to once again swim the currents of flowing into, through, and around them all." (quote from the book)

I was completely captivated and immersed in the journey of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as they each face their fears and their faults head on. How they come together as a whole with the 'help' of 'The Wardrobe' left me in awe. The forces of 'The Wardrobe' come into play in this sixth volume even more.

Deciding to finally take his wife to visit their daughter, Kitty, Mr. Bennet needs to use 'The Wardrobe' without Mrs. Bennet knowledge (she believes Kitty is in Cornwall). However, 'The Wardrobe' doesn't necessarily give you what you want, but what you need. Wrongs need to be righted and wounds need to heal.

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all the time." (quote from the book)

I highly recommend this unique and imaginative saga. There is an intimacy within the pages that you feel a part of. History is woven seamlessly throughout and old and new characters are so three dimensional that you feel they truly do exist. This compelling, evocative and emotive novel had my heart pounding. I cried, chuckled and softly smiled for in the end, forgiveness offers the power of redemption. God Bless Mrs. Bennet! I absolutely adored her!

Also, I would like to note that Janet Taylor did an amazing job on the book cover.

I highly recommend you read this series in order to truly appreciate the complexity of 'The Wardrobe'.

I was given an ARC for fair and honest review. I bought the paperback as I love this saga!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated to include Audio review thoughts

The end of the previous book left me grieving a loss and a villain exacting his revenge and seemingly winning. I did not have an inkling how the Five Families would get something of their own back and stop a great danger, but have seen enough surprising and enchanting twists to the series that I didn't speculate long and settled in for this latest installment of a riveting magical time travel family saga.

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament is book six in an ongoing series. The series and book twists around and through, leaps forward and back and very rarely stays on a linear path because it involves time travel, but it does have to be enjoyed in order for much of it to make sense.

This book was at its heart a second chance tale for a couple in the autumn of their lives to not just rekindle the romance of their youth, but discover a love for the people they are now. At the same time, they are presented with a grand adventure that is driven by the grief of losing a beloved child, a child they didn't appreciate as much when she was with them at home. The majority of the story is set in post-WWII era Britain and it was a delight to encounter new members of the extended clan such as a couple of former spies who get a little side romance and to also encounter some real life figures interwoven into the tale.

The Avenger opens on a dark, gritty note exposing the horrors of Nazi SS torture and the way a captured individual can be broken and just what spies risked when they worked in constant danger for the sake of their country. It also establishes the character of the central villain and the frenzy to track him down.

There are moments when I felt the story lagged in extra explanations and details, but the history buff side of my mind could appreciate the pause in the plot to dwell on some of it.
This book altered some of the rules from the earlier worldbuilding around the Wardrobe making the wardrobe itself something of an enigmatic figure that is brought to light throughout the additional background and detail. There is a fun twist with all that and those passages of explanation were needed so the reader isn't thoroughly confused.

At the heart of these books is the family group who are close and loyal, who do their duty and sacrifice for others. I enjoy when the family comes together for family dinners or a ball, but also to take down an enemy who is set on evil.

The series narrator, Amanda Berry, continues to amaze as she takes on narrator voice and oodles of others who are mostly English, but also French, German, and more. She does well with both genders and social class differences. She doesn't lean hard on the drama though not to say she is lacking in inflection. Rather, Amanda lets the story tell itself

This was the end of a story arc and I enjoyed seeing the glimpses of an awaited story, building in the background of them all, rising to share more Wardrobe adventure. This is a creative and refreshing series that those who enjoy a mashing of a few magical literary worlds, good suspense, and engaging characters really should check out from the beginning.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Clarkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr Jacobson again wows the reader with another magnificent episode in the Wardrobe series. I remember once being impressed by the way movie makers wove their Forrest Gump character through so many major events in the 20th century, but that was small potatoes.

Don Jacobsen takes the art to a new dimension, weaving a tale that spans several generations of Five Families, all of whom possess a unique gift: the ability to live and travel in more than one plane. The social responsibility of such a power, the deep family love carried throughout, and the unique new twists this means for each person’s character development make this a tale not to be missed. Unpredictable, emotional, and unforgettable.

Don Jacobson has a special sensitivity for Mr Bennet that I have not encountered before. I believe this is what a male author can bring to this character—a deep understanding of what it is to be a father, and a unique burden for his children,and most particularly for his wife. I enjoyed the chance to peek through his glasses and see Mrs Bennet with new eyes.

Highly recommend this series, and I hope there will be more!

[Julia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭

The whole series is amazing, but this particular book is quite moving. I laughed, I cried, I felt quite frustrated at times and at others felt quite giddy with characters and storyline. This series is quite imaginative, and I am deeply regretful that it has been in my TBR pile for so long. This series would make great television miniseries because the author's world building and storytelling are very compelling.

[Susan Ferkany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful series

So I have just finished the last book in the Wardrobe series! I loved this inventive, well researched adventure through time. The growth and evolution of Kitty particularly was interesting and felt like a reward for both readers and Kitty. The premise is a stretch but not too far fetched -- the sprinkling in of real historical personalities and events grounded the Bennets as they traversed their futures. The yet to come genealogy would definitely help; I started to lose track of which Lizzie was descended from which Darcy, Fitzwilliam or Bingley. But it didn't matter in the end, it was after all a story about love and family. A very well written and edited one!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love getting to see characters I enjoyed in various capacities have a story that allows them to grow and mature. So we see characters who may have been very simple, and one-note,, grow into multi-layered onions. Additionally we see a rich story with so many vibrant characters, time lines, and pieces that don't seem as though they would work together, instead lure the reader into a world where you can practically see the cigar smoke and smell the London streets.
Definitely you need to start at the beginning with this series, do not try to leap into the middle or you will be hopelessly lost and won't love the layers!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

I looked forward to reading this book, and I was not disappointed. There's much history woven into the novel, so going back and forth from novel to explanation is worth the effort. Kitty's death is avenged, but there are losses to the members of the Five Families. Happy reading!

[Granny C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary

I just finished the entire series and it knocked my socks off; I purchased all six books since I know I'll be reading them over and over again. The fleshing out of the characters and the continuation of the family saga is so poignant and inspiring, I wish I could access the wardrobe and join them! Don't miss this series.

[wendy luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent

If you love this collection as I have its was wonderful the transition of Thomas and Fances Bennett the wardrobe continues to intrigue us and we continue to learn what it is really about and its powers BRAVO !!!!!!

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Time traveling and a very interesting intrigue. Thoroughly enjoyable plot. I never thought that Mrs. Bennet could be this profound individual. A hard to put down tale.

[Sophia-Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this continuation of the Bennet Wardrobe series, Mr Bennet intends to take Mrs Bennet to see Kitty, only to realise that their fourth daughter has passed into the next life, by the hand of an old enemy of the Fitzwilliam family.

With the realisation of their loss, make Mr and Mrs Bennet change and become a stronger and better partnership, to try and avenge their beloved child.
The wardrobe and this series teaches the Bennet’s lessons of life which makes their life rich, and which change their way of life.
A lot of change, new characters of the Five Families are introduced and the hunt for the old enemy is afoot during this wonderful and dramatic audiobook/book.
The ending was both sad and happy, though I would recommend a handkerchief, just in case.

Congratulations Don on another 5 star story.

[Kimbelle Pease · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a long tale that had some extraordinary and interesting threads! I did appreciate that Mrs. Bennet and her husband found that which they thought would redeem them. And their children were eluded to enough so that there was connection. But what did not settle for me was that again nothing could substantially happen for Kitty without Lydia, though Lydia. Kitty had NOTHING which was not Lizzy came or Lydia provided, or otherwise done for her father/family. Revenge was necessary, but felt like it was nothing in nature compared to the harm (for me), at least she was avenged. What did not seem so was all the build up of the Rose thing for Eileen as the alter ego, and then when she is given a chance for revenge, all she did was walk someone in and leave? How does that equate it given the surfeit of tortures expounded on? And while I am good with time travel, and I can handle mystics called mystics, and give me a dragon breathing ice or a thu'um any day, the deities and Gods called on for this, supplanting the great Father Time and Mother Nature were...hard for me to fit into the same story which is revolving around Time Travel. It is, I think, looking to be a little on the lines of Outlander in that respect, but does add an element of Egyptian /pagan which felt oddly used, though lovingly applied.
However, there were cute moments with family long in the future, a revenge plot that sustained many hours of intrigue, and a quest for which the Bennets have been selected that I look forward to revealing itself to us as these last books unfold for me!

[Linda K Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I feel this is a very deep book, but it really divided into 6 books. So well worth reading. Love the combination of love, history, justice and depth from our beloved novels... Jane Austin's, Sherlock Holmes. Sigmund Freud and the famous artist Renoir.

[Blodeuedd Finland]

I have to dnf for now, they just turned so sad