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A Dying Truth Exposed #1
Bloodlines
A grandfather confronted with the fact that his family is woefully ignorant about their own lineage and legacy is determined to educate them. So begins the tale of his great-great-grandmother, Annabelle.
Annabelle was a slave born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi and raised as a house servant thanks to the plantation master's daughters having a fondness for her. The youngest daughter protects her as best she can from the wrath of the cruel master and his wife, but then marries and leaves the plantation. Unable to bear the master's heinous acts against her any longer, the teenaged slave girl escapes north to be free.
But is anywhere really safe for a runaway slave girl in the 1800s? Her journey is only the beginning of a legacy.
Annabelle was a slave born on a cotton plantation in Mississippi and raised as a house servant thanks to the plantation master's daughters having a fondness for her. The youngest daughter protects her as best she can from the wrath of the cruel master and his wife, but then marries and leaves the plantation. Unable to bear the master's heinous acts against her any longer, the teenaged slave girl escapes north to be free.
But is anywhere really safe for a runaway slave girl in the 1800s? Her journey is only the beginning of a legacy.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2021
37 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Abston
6 books6 followersMarcus is the author of the A Dying Truth Exposed Series. He is from the south side suburbs of Chicago. He is a descendent of two Native American tribes. He is interested Native American history, especially regarding issues that have divided families. He has a love for the biological sciences especially Zoology. Some of the stories he enjoys creating focus on parts of history rarely talked about and revolve around genealogy and interracial relationships, particularly between African American and Native American communities that cause us to reflect on the choices we make especially in our teenage and young adult years. This focus is to help young adults see the bigger picture earlier in their lives. He hopes to fascinate your minds, to educate, to make you think about your family, and make you reflect on your own choices in life. God's greatest commandment is to love each other.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 18, 2022
Great Story!
Bloodlines is a Historical Fiction novel about family legacies. The book starts by introducing Albert Brooks and his wife, Coney. Their granddaughters came to visit them and after realizing that the girls don’t know anything about their lineage and legacy, Albert is determined to teach them. He starts by sharing the story of his great-great-grandmother, Annabelle, a slave born on a plantation in Mississippi owned by “The Browns”.
When she was eight she started working as a house slave and she become friends with Master Brown’s daughter, Judy Mays. Judy Mays starts to teach Annabelle to read and write secretly. However life is not so good for Annabelle as she is sexually assaulted by her Master. Luckily she was able to escape. She runs into two white women Ruthanne and Elizabeth and shares her story of what happened. The two women decide to take her with them to Mercy, Missouri.
Annabelle starts to make friends and a year later she is meets, Benjamin a runaway slave who she marries. However things don’t always go as planned and Annabelle's life is turned upside down after a grave attack on her husband.
I really don’t want to get into the story beyond this point because I want this fascinating piece of art to unfold like art right before your eyes, as it did mine. Just read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will add that this book was fun to read. I loved reading the development of Anabelle and her story. It really touched my heart.
All around, this was touching and satisfying. I would definitely read more from the author and I was glad to see there was a A Dying Truth Exposed Series. Those who want a heartwarming Black American historical fiction with solid character development should definitely give this book a try.
Bloodlines is a Historical Fiction novel about family legacies. The book starts by introducing Albert Brooks and his wife, Coney. Their granddaughters came to visit them and after realizing that the girls don’t know anything about their lineage and legacy, Albert is determined to teach them. He starts by sharing the story of his great-great-grandmother, Annabelle, a slave born on a plantation in Mississippi owned by “The Browns”.
When she was eight she started working as a house slave and she become friends with Master Brown’s daughter, Judy Mays. Judy Mays starts to teach Annabelle to read and write secretly. However life is not so good for Annabelle as she is sexually assaulted by her Master. Luckily she was able to escape. She runs into two white women Ruthanne and Elizabeth and shares her story of what happened. The two women decide to take her with them to Mercy, Missouri.
Annabelle starts to make friends and a year later she is meets, Benjamin a runaway slave who she marries. However things don’t always go as planned and Annabelle's life is turned upside down after a grave attack on her husband.
I really don’t want to get into the story beyond this point because I want this fascinating piece of art to unfold like art right before your eyes, as it did mine. Just read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will add that this book was fun to read. I loved reading the development of Anabelle and her story. It really touched my heart.
All around, this was touching and satisfying. I would definitely read more from the author and I was glad to see there was a A Dying Truth Exposed Series. Those who want a heartwarming Black American historical fiction with solid character development should definitely give this book a try.
April 13, 2021
When Albert's neighbor Andre told him that this young generation aren't aware of their lineage, Albert became determine to teach his family about their lineage and legacy. So, he began to tell his family about their heritage and the tale of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle. She was born into the Brown family on a plantation in Mississippi.
Master Brown's daughter Judy protected Annabelle. Judy and Annabelle were both of the same age and they used to play together. Annabelle was raised as a house slave. Judy keep on telling everyone that Annabelle is different from other slaves. When Judy's father Master Brown forced Annabelle to bed, he agreed that Annabelle is different. After Judy's wedding, he started raping Annabelle whenever he found her alone. Now, he rapes her more than when Judy wasn't married.
Even though Annabelle tried to tell the truth to Mrs Regina but she didn't believe her as according to her even if her husband is cheating, he would cheat her with a white woman. Grab a copy of this intense novel and read it yourself to find out what happens next.
This story is raw, gripping. It's interesting enough that you can't put the book aside. While reading, I was curious to find out what gonna happen next with Annabelle. The plot of the story is different from other books and my interest developed in the story right from the beginning. I am greatly impressed with Marcus's work and eagerly looking forward to read more of his work.
Master Brown's daughter Judy protected Annabelle. Judy and Annabelle were both of the same age and they used to play together. Annabelle was raised as a house slave. Judy keep on telling everyone that Annabelle is different from other slaves. When Judy's father Master Brown forced Annabelle to bed, he agreed that Annabelle is different. After Judy's wedding, he started raping Annabelle whenever he found her alone. Now, he rapes her more than when Judy wasn't married.
Even though Annabelle tried to tell the truth to Mrs Regina but she didn't believe her as according to her even if her husband is cheating, he would cheat her with a white woman. Grab a copy of this intense novel and read it yourself to find out what happens next.
This story is raw, gripping. It's interesting enough that you can't put the book aside. While reading, I was curious to find out what gonna happen next with Annabelle. The plot of the story is different from other books and my interest developed in the story right from the beginning. I am greatly impressed with Marcus's work and eagerly looking forward to read more of his work.
April 17, 2021
Bloodlines: A Dying Truth Exposed is a historical fiction book by Marcus Abston and the first book in the series.
Usually when I talk about books I speak about plots and characters etc but this books now that I've finished this book, I can't think of anything else except the emotions I currently have. It's a heavy read so I would suggest taking your time to read it because the topics covered will get to you.
As we experience Annabelle's journey you will feel for her, you will cry with her and you will feel helpless but you'll also feel hope.
You feel sucked into the story because of the way the author weaves the tale and even though it's a work of fiction, her life holds so many truths it will break you. That's what the story is meant to do.
The story starts off as a grandfather wanting to educate his grandchildren about their descendants, but it became something even more complex because even though it just feels like a story, it's also real.
Even though I've finished the book, what the grandfather says initially at the beginning is still stuck with me and made me wonder how many people out there don't know where they truly come from because they're not taught about their ancestors? We might perceive ourselves to be one thing but there's so much more to each person than meets the eye.
Overall, this is a story that should be read, no matter how long it takes you not only for the good writing but for the message it puts forward.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8/10
Melina L.
Usually when I talk about books I speak about plots and characters etc but this books now that I've finished this book, I can't think of anything else except the emotions I currently have. It's a heavy read so I would suggest taking your time to read it because the topics covered will get to you.
As we experience Annabelle's journey you will feel for her, you will cry with her and you will feel helpless but you'll also feel hope.
You feel sucked into the story because of the way the author weaves the tale and even though it's a work of fiction, her life holds so many truths it will break you. That's what the story is meant to do.
The story starts off as a grandfather wanting to educate his grandchildren about their descendants, but it became something even more complex because even though it just feels like a story, it's also real.
Even though I've finished the book, what the grandfather says initially at the beginning is still stuck with me and made me wonder how many people out there don't know where they truly come from because they're not taught about their ancestors? We might perceive ourselves to be one thing but there's so much more to each person than meets the eye.
Overall, this is a story that should be read, no matter how long it takes you not only for the good writing but for the message it puts forward.
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8/10
Melina L.
May 20, 2021
Abston transports readers to 1820s South in Mississippi in this engrossing historical.
Born as a slave on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, the lovely Annabelle is raised as a house servant in the Browns household, thanks to the family’s daughters’ fondness for her. Annabelle’s life is not the best but she enjoys a bit of privilege compared to other slaves. When Judy Mays, the youngest of the daughters, gets married and leave the plantation, Annabelle finds herself becoming a relentless victim of Mr. Brown’s autocracies. Unable to take any more, she runs away, unaware life has many surprises in store for her.
Abston’s prose is simple and yet crisp as he explores people’s attitude toward gender, race, and class inequalities. The pacing is smooth, and credible period details such as everyday life on plantations and brutalities and prejudices faced by slaves among others add to the authenticity.
Annabelle as a determined, headstrong woman makes for an endearing protagonist. Elizabeth, with her compassionate, sensible nature is equally convincing. But it is Ruthanne, with her fierceness and tough-as-nails personality, who steals the show.
This emotionally rich novel, full of both sizzling descriptions of life on cotton plantations of Mississippi and horrors of slavery, is a treat for lovers of historical fiction.
Born as a slave on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, the lovely Annabelle is raised as a house servant in the Browns household, thanks to the family’s daughters’ fondness for her. Annabelle’s life is not the best but she enjoys a bit of privilege compared to other slaves. When Judy Mays, the youngest of the daughters, gets married and leave the plantation, Annabelle finds herself becoming a relentless victim of Mr. Brown’s autocracies. Unable to take any more, she runs away, unaware life has many surprises in store for her.
Abston’s prose is simple and yet crisp as he explores people’s attitude toward gender, race, and class inequalities. The pacing is smooth, and credible period details such as everyday life on plantations and brutalities and prejudices faced by slaves among others add to the authenticity.
Annabelle as a determined, headstrong woman makes for an endearing protagonist. Elizabeth, with her compassionate, sensible nature is equally convincing. But it is Ruthanne, with her fierceness and tough-as-nails personality, who steals the show.
This emotionally rich novel, full of both sizzling descriptions of life on cotton plantations of Mississippi and horrors of slavery, is a treat for lovers of historical fiction.
May 6, 2021
Bloodlines
By
Marcus Abston
My Review:
There are very few novels that are captivating. Bloodlines penned down by the author Marcus Abston is one such novel. Albert Brooks was visited by his family. His grandchildren weren't aware about their lineage. So, Albert began to tell them the story of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle who was born in Brown family and was raised as a house slave.
Annabelle was considered as a friend by Master Brown's daughter Judy Mays. So, she has lived under the protection of Brown's daughters. Judy try to protect Annabelle if someone do wrong with her. But she is unaware of the fact that her father rapes Annabelle every now and then. Annabelle's parents being slaves were helpless and couldn't save her daughter from being raped.
Annabelle is planning to escape. Will she get the opportunity to escape? This is a great story with intriguing cast of characters. World building is amazing. Language of the book is lucid so more and more people could enjoy this story. Pace of the story is fine and I didn't feel bored while reading it. Readers will eagerly await Marcus's next in the series.
My Rating: 5/5
By
Marcus Abston
My Review:
There are very few novels that are captivating. Bloodlines penned down by the author Marcus Abston is one such novel. Albert Brooks was visited by his family. His grandchildren weren't aware about their lineage. So, Albert began to tell them the story of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle who was born in Brown family and was raised as a house slave.
Annabelle was considered as a friend by Master Brown's daughter Judy Mays. So, she has lived under the protection of Brown's daughters. Judy try to protect Annabelle if someone do wrong with her. But she is unaware of the fact that her father rapes Annabelle every now and then. Annabelle's parents being slaves were helpless and couldn't save her daughter from being raped.
Annabelle is planning to escape. Will she get the opportunity to escape? This is a great story with intriguing cast of characters. World building is amazing. Language of the book is lucid so more and more people could enjoy this story. Pace of the story is fine and I didn't feel bored while reading it. Readers will eagerly await Marcus's next in the series.
My Rating: 5/5
May 6, 2021
Marcus Abston's Bloodlines: A Dying Truth Exposed is the first installment in the series. It is a historical fiction. So, if you are a fan of the genre, this book would surely fit your taste. Story begins with grandfather telling the tale of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle to his grandchildren. Annabelle was raised as a house slave after being born into a brown family on a plantation in Mississippi. The way Judy, Master Brown's daughter protected Annabelle is amazing but Judy can't protect her forever. What will happen with Annabelle once Judy gets married and go to her new house?
The way author has selected the title for this novel is superb. The title fits perfectly to the story. Cover photo is nice. Even though it's a fictional story but I felt too much connected to the story. This book made me curious to learn more about my ancestors. Until I read this book, I didn't realize that I have not learnt much about my ancestors. This is a fantastic novel and Marcus has put great efforts in this story. His writing is brilliant and I guess if I get a chance to read more of his work, I am gonna be addicted to his work.
The way author has selected the title for this novel is superb. The title fits perfectly to the story. Cover photo is nice. Even though it's a fictional story but I felt too much connected to the story. This book made me curious to learn more about my ancestors. Until I read this book, I didn't realize that I have not learnt much about my ancestors. This is a fantastic novel and Marcus has put great efforts in this story. His writing is brilliant and I guess if I get a chance to read more of his work, I am gonna be addicted to his work.
May 7, 2021
🔵 BOOK: Bloodlines: A Dying Truth Exposed
🔵 AUTHOR: Marcus Abston
Review:
Bloodlines - Ahh such an amazing story that I think gonna stay with me for long.
Main character of the story is ANNABELLE. She was born as a slave on plantation of Mr Brown. Her Master was very cruel to her. He didn't leave any opportunity to take advantage of Annabelle. Annabelle being a slave couldn't open her mouth in front of anyone. She was raped every now and then by her master. Is there any way Annabelle gonna escape the cruelty of her master?
This is a beautiful tale that the grandfather tells to his grandkids in the story because he wants his grandkids to know from where they have come. Reading this novel is a realization actually as you will feel that you should know about your roots.
Story has mature content so it is suitable for readers of age 18+. Storyline is so gripping making this novel unputdownable. The flow of the book is well paced which makes it an engaging read. The narration is descriptive. Hats off to author for brilliant work. I am surely interested to read more of his work.
🔵 Rating: 5/5
🔵 AUTHOR: Marcus Abston
Review:
Bloodlines - Ahh such an amazing story that I think gonna stay with me for long.
Main character of the story is ANNABELLE. She was born as a slave on plantation of Mr Brown. Her Master was very cruel to her. He didn't leave any opportunity to take advantage of Annabelle. Annabelle being a slave couldn't open her mouth in front of anyone. She was raped every now and then by her master. Is there any way Annabelle gonna escape the cruelty of her master?
This is a beautiful tale that the grandfather tells to his grandkids in the story because he wants his grandkids to know from where they have come. Reading this novel is a realization actually as you will feel that you should know about your roots.
Story has mature content so it is suitable for readers of age 18+. Storyline is so gripping making this novel unputdownable. The flow of the book is well paced which makes it an engaging read. The narration is descriptive. Hats off to author for brilliant work. I am surely interested to read more of his work.
🔵 Rating: 5/5
April 14, 2021
Bloodlines written by the author Marcus Abston is the first book in "A Dying Truth Exposed" series. One day, Albert Brooks realized that his family is ignorant about their lineage and legacy so he was determined to educate his family.
He started telling them about the tale of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle. She was born into the Brown family on a plantation in Mississippi. She began working as a house slave. She was the favorite of Master Brown's daughter Judy Mays. Annabelle was strong mouth girl. She often raised voice against the wrong things but was beaten up badly as a result. When Annabelle grown up, Master Brown started taking her advantage in absence of Judy and her mother. Will Annabelle ever be able to escape from the Brown family?
The story is too intriguing that it hooked all my attention. Author's writing style is nice. Cover photo of the book is amazing and title is perfect according to the storyline. It's a kind of book that you won't want to put down without finishing it. I binged read it on weekend. A great story that more and more people should read.
He started telling them about the tale of his great-great-grandmother Annabelle. She was born into the Brown family on a plantation in Mississippi. She began working as a house slave. She was the favorite of Master Brown's daughter Judy Mays. Annabelle was strong mouth girl. She often raised voice against the wrong things but was beaten up badly as a result. When Annabelle grown up, Master Brown started taking her advantage in absence of Judy and her mother. Will Annabelle ever be able to escape from the Brown family?
The story is too intriguing that it hooked all my attention. Author's writing style is nice. Cover photo of the book is amazing and title is perfect according to the storyline. It's a kind of book that you won't want to put down without finishing it. I binged read it on weekend. A great story that more and more people should read.
May 20, 2021
A young slave struggles to navigate the ups and downs of her difficult life in Abston’s gripping historical.
As a slave on the Browns’s cotton plantation in Mississippi, the life for the young and headstrong Annabelle has always been difficult. But when she turns sixteen, Mr. Brown’s unsavory interest forces Annabelle to leave her family and plantation behind and run away. Will she be able to find a safe life?
Abston tells the story over the span of many years and skillfully interweaves his protagonists’ predicaments and affecting backstories into the main storyline. He skillfully portrays Annabelle’s evolving worldview as years pass, integrating her personal story into the affecting narrative. The tension stays ripe, with plenty of twists and turns, and a dash of otherworldly adds to the intrigue.
Abston’s fascinating period detail brings the era to life, with all its cruelties and violence against Black slaves, race and class disparities, and gender discrimination. The cliffhanger finale will leave readers eager for the next installment.
This is a winner.
As a slave on the Browns’s cotton plantation in Mississippi, the life for the young and headstrong Annabelle has always been difficult. But when she turns sixteen, Mr. Brown’s unsavory interest forces Annabelle to leave her family and plantation behind and run away. Will she be able to find a safe life?
Abston tells the story over the span of many years and skillfully interweaves his protagonists’ predicaments and affecting backstories into the main storyline. He skillfully portrays Annabelle’s evolving worldview as years pass, integrating her personal story into the affecting narrative. The tension stays ripe, with plenty of twists and turns, and a dash of otherworldly adds to the intrigue.
Abston’s fascinating period detail brings the era to life, with all its cruelties and violence against Black slaves, race and class disparities, and gender discrimination. The cliffhanger finale will leave readers eager for the next installment.
This is a winner.
November 18, 2022
🍷Bloodlines is the first book in the series and probably one of the most finest literary pieces I read this year! I was undoubtedly fell in love with the originality and richness of both the writing and the story. It’s the story of true bloodlines and origin, the storyline takes us back to 1800 where the world wasn’t the same place as it is now!
The way author makes sure to keep the audience entertained with crisp details and makes sure to bind the readers to taste of legacy makes it a wonderful read. The book isn’t exactly a historical fiction rather a tale that’s so much more than you can assume by the title and cover.
It’s gripping and very unpredictable like you don’t know what can happen next and even if you predict you’re always wrong! Anabelle is a great character but what will her fate lead her to is a mystery that will be revealed once you pick it up!
I’m in love with it and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s works! I will definitely recommend it to everyone!
Rating: 4.5⭐️
May 8, 2021
Title: Bloodlines
Author: Marcus Abston
My Rating: 5/5
My Review:
Bloodlines is a historical fiction with amazing characters. Like everyone, my favourite character is Annabelle. While reading about Annabelle, I felt she is different. Her character description hooked me to the story more.
In this story: plot, characters, title everything is amazing. Length of the novel is little more but definitely you won't realize that as you will be so much involved in the story that you won't care for anything else around you. I started reading it at night and went on reading till morning.
Annabelle's journey is unique. The protection that Judy provided to her is good. Her character has something special. Marcus's writing has won my heart. It is so professional. Annabelle's story would be cherished by many readers. A movie based on the plot of this book would be great.
This is a story that involves torture, rape, hope, betrayal, friendship, love, etc.
Author: Marcus Abston
My Rating: 5/5
My Review:
Bloodlines is a historical fiction with amazing characters. Like everyone, my favourite character is Annabelle. While reading about Annabelle, I felt she is different. Her character description hooked me to the story more.
In this story: plot, characters, title everything is amazing. Length of the novel is little more but definitely you won't realize that as you will be so much involved in the story that you won't care for anything else around you. I started reading it at night and went on reading till morning.
Annabelle's journey is unique. The protection that Judy provided to her is good. Her character has something special. Marcus's writing has won my heart. It is so professional. Annabelle's story would be cherished by many readers. A movie based on the plot of this book would be great.
This is a story that involves torture, rape, hope, betrayal, friendship, love, etc.
February 10, 2022
Read this last year. Definitely a story that'll rock you with the twists it has. A great historical fiction book that's very accurate for the times with a lot of dark truths. I love Annabelle and characters like Ruthanne and Rebecca make you believe in the world again. With few errors and the way, it's engaging and you won't even realize the length of it.
September 19, 2023
I loved the characters and the writing is more historical.i liked the,growth in the characters and references to the Bible.I liked the book give it a read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews