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Confessions of a Janissary
It is the late 14th Century. The young Ottoman Empire is on the rise. The Sultan's secret weapons are his elite Janissary soldier-slaves: Christian boys taken from their families, forcibly converted to Islam, and conscripted into a lifetime of military service to the Empire. Confessions of a Janissary is the epic journey of a boy who will become a man, a slave who will become a legend, a sworn celibate searching for his long-lost love, and a wandering sheep in need of a worthy shepherd.
Originally released on Amazon's Kindle Vella serialized fiction platform in July 2021, Confessions of a Janissary has received the following accolades:
#67 Overall "Top Faved" among thousands of Kindle Vella stories
"Top Faved" among Historical Fiction stories
"Top Faved" among Action & Adventure stories
Originally released on Amazon's Kindle Vella serialized fiction platform in July 2021, Confessions of a Janissary has received the following accolades:
#67 Overall "Top Faved" among thousands of Kindle Vella stories
"Top Faved" among Historical Fiction stories
"Top Faved" among Action & Adventure stories
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2021
15 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Downing
8 books13 followersNicholas Jonathon Downing is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (Bachelor of Science, Military History), Regis University (Master of Business Administration), and Cornell University (Certificate in Executive Leadership). A combat veteran, Nick served with the 13th ASOS (USAF Special Warfare), commanded the 101st Airborne Division’s Joint MRT in Afghanistan, and deployed with CENTCOM to the Persian Gulf before completing his military service as a reservist assigned to NORAD/NORTHCOM. He is now employed by Lockheed Martin as chief internal auditor for space operations. Happily married and a proud father of four beautiful children, Nick calls Colorado home and enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and biblical studies. A lifelong martial artist with black belts in Taekwondo and Karate, Nick currently trains in Muay Thai kickboxing and Israeli Krav Maga, though his days as an active competitor are long behind him.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 20, 2021
Nicholas J. Downing’s “Confessions of a Janissary” is set in the 14th century during the period where the Ottoman Empire reigned supreme in the Middle East. Here, readers meet Mirko, a young boy conscripted into the Sultan’s army. The Ottomans have been taking boys from Christian families as slaves and forcing them into the Sultan’s elite corps. Readers follow Mirko as he transitions from an angry, confused 13-year-old boy focused on avenging the death of his father, who had fought with the Serbian forces, into an accomplished soldier and leader in the Sultan’s army. As Mirko tries his best to navigate his new world and battle old demons, he must make a choice: Succumb to the force the culture and religion of Islam and accept his place in the Sultan’s kingdom, or use his newfound position to undermine the Sultan, and ultimately assassinate the man who Mirko believes is responsible for his father’s death. As the years unfold, however, and he gets to know the men behind the curtain of the Ottoman Empire’s success, Mirko realizes that maybe the world is not as black and white as he believed it to be.
“Confessions of a Janissary” takes a unique angle on conscription and enslavement. It is clear Downing engaged in heavy historical research before penning his novel, as the historical details and components are strong throughout the book. One thing I thought was particularly done well was how Downing tackled the topic objectively. I loved watching Mirko transition from an angry teen hellbent on fighting against this new, invasive Islamic regime to an enlightened man and accomplished soldier who opens his mind to new ideas. I also found that one of the underlying themes of religious tolerance was quite relevant to today’s sociocultural climate. Reading about how the Janissaries allowed their conscripts to not only keep in touch with their families, but maintain some aspects of their Christian upbringings, is a wonderful example of how it really is possible to co-exist with other religions and cultures.
“Confessions of a Janissary” starts out a little slow, and it took a few chapters to get used to the culturally specific terminology. I thought it was smart of Downing to include a glossary in the opening pages, but especially when reading the e-book format, it’s hard to keep going back and forth trying to keep track of what the new words mean, especially considering that these terms are significant to the understanding of the story. As Mirko grew, however, I noticed the pacing seemed to pick up, and by about halfway through, the pages turned quickly. I think if the pacing had been a little more urgent right off the bat, the book would have been even more captivating.
Ultimately, “Confessions of a Janissary” is a thorough, captivating historical tale that focuses on a portion of history not afforded much of a spotlight. One of the reasons I love historical fiction is because there is always something new to learn, and Downing’s book is resplendent with new knowledge to be learned. I recommend the book to any history lovers or to readers looking for an epic military journey through the 14th Century Ottoman Empire.
“Confessions of a Janissary” takes a unique angle on conscription and enslavement. It is clear Downing engaged in heavy historical research before penning his novel, as the historical details and components are strong throughout the book. One thing I thought was particularly done well was how Downing tackled the topic objectively. I loved watching Mirko transition from an angry teen hellbent on fighting against this new, invasive Islamic regime to an enlightened man and accomplished soldier who opens his mind to new ideas. I also found that one of the underlying themes of religious tolerance was quite relevant to today’s sociocultural climate. Reading about how the Janissaries allowed their conscripts to not only keep in touch with their families, but maintain some aspects of their Christian upbringings, is a wonderful example of how it really is possible to co-exist with other religions and cultures.
“Confessions of a Janissary” starts out a little slow, and it took a few chapters to get used to the culturally specific terminology. I thought it was smart of Downing to include a glossary in the opening pages, but especially when reading the e-book format, it’s hard to keep going back and forth trying to keep track of what the new words mean, especially considering that these terms are significant to the understanding of the story. As Mirko grew, however, I noticed the pacing seemed to pick up, and by about halfway through, the pages turned quickly. I think if the pacing had been a little more urgent right off the bat, the book would have been even more captivating.
Ultimately, “Confessions of a Janissary” is a thorough, captivating historical tale that focuses on a portion of history not afforded much of a spotlight. One of the reasons I love historical fiction is because there is always something new to learn, and Downing’s book is resplendent with new knowledge to be learned. I recommend the book to any history lovers or to readers looking for an epic military journey through the 14th Century Ottoman Empire.
October 1, 2021
Mirko, orphaned by the death of his father in battle with the Turks, is horrified when he is selected to train as a Janissary - which will result in him fighting to protect the very Sultan who he blames for the death of his father, and forced to kill his own people, the Serbs. But those chosen are not given a choice - and Miroslav, the man responsible for his selection, hints that the only way to kill the Sultan is from within his ranks. And so begins Mirko's new life. Will he ever make peace with the role he has been forced into? Will his father ever be avenged?
This is not quite the sort of genre I typically read, but I do occasionally give it a go. For those who are familiar with Ronald Welch, this reminded me a little of Knight Crusader - possibly because it's a somewhat similar timeframe, though obviously a different perspective and setting. The story is clean and with limited violence (none that seemed gratuitous or overly graphic, but it is a story about a soldier so some is unavoidable), which I appreciated, and the writing held my attention pretty well. I appreciated the dilemmas Mirko faced along the way, and found them quite thought-provoking at times, though from a religious point of view it felt to me quite 'up in the air', so I wouldn't consider it a particularly 'Christian' book overall. Nevertheless, I loved the ending - it was perfect. All in all, I found this an interesting and well-researched story (but without bashing one over the head with the research!), and I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
This is not quite the sort of genre I typically read, but I do occasionally give it a go. For those who are familiar with Ronald Welch, this reminded me a little of Knight Crusader - possibly because it's a somewhat similar timeframe, though obviously a different perspective and setting. The story is clean and with limited violence (none that seemed gratuitous or overly graphic, but it is a story about a soldier so some is unavoidable), which I appreciated, and the writing held my attention pretty well. I appreciated the dilemmas Mirko faced along the way, and found them quite thought-provoking at times, though from a religious point of view it felt to me quite 'up in the air', so I wouldn't consider it a particularly 'Christian' book overall. Nevertheless, I loved the ending - it was perfect. All in all, I found this an interesting and well-researched story (but without bashing one over the head with the research!), and I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
October 25, 2021
A well-written book that takes you back to the days of antiquity
Besides the front cover of the book that drew my attention in this book really transported me back to the times of antiquity. This reminded me a lot of assassin‘s creed also. It had that deep to it. Loved it. Action-packed and worth every page.
Besides the front cover of the book that drew my attention in this book really transported me back to the times of antiquity. This reminded me a lot of assassin‘s creed also. It had that deep to it. Loved it. Action-packed and worth every page.
September 2, 2022
This book is a quite a page turner. I loved the surprises in this story, there are many to the relief of the protagonist, Mirko, who is quite an interesting character.
The fighting scenes are well described and most likely this author who was a soldier draws from his own experiences, thus making is quite real.
IHistorical fiction is a favorite because these stories spur me on to learn more of the time period. Simultaneously reading "Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam by Raymond Ibrahim", helped me place a bit more of this book into context.
There is one thing though, that shows the author does not understand Orthodox Christianity. An Orthodox Priest would never have thought that Mirko was "saved" simply because he accepted Jesus as His Saviour. This notion of salvation wasn't even part of Christianity until Luther, thus the author shows his lack of comprehension of the Church Militant in all its glory. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass \is the way to salvation. Sanctification comes through the Mass, it is the source of all holiness. Holy Communion, a good confession with a contrite heart are foundations of salvation as well.
At the end the main character sends a letter to the patient priest and tells him he doesn't believe that any religion is better than any other, there are good and bad in all religions, (I paraphrase), but this is what this character says! After suffering under Islam for years This is outrageous to the times and no priest would have accepted this conclusion. Then to make matters worse, after saying this, the main character basically says, he prayed the "sinners prayer," though he does not really believe in any Church and that he is "saved." Any priest would have found this letter abhorrent at this time.
The author should have read "DEFENDERS OF THE WEST,T he Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam By Raymond Ibrahim" to understand the Crusaders and their adherence to the Catholic Faith.
Then there's the chapel that the Orthodox priest is in and there's a stained glass image of Shadrach Meshach and AbednegoI Now honestly, most chapels had images of Our Lord, Our Lady, the Saints in the windows, not this old testament image. So again, the author is using a biblical reference which is often used amongst protestants to show how Our Lord stood by these courageous men. More likely there would have been images of angels, St. Michael, St. Raphael and the priest would have told Mirko that most likely an angel rescued him.
So we have a protestant who writes about a time when there actually was no protestant religion, and he interjects his own Born Again doctrine into an Orthodox Clergy.
I'd admonish this author to study Catholicism, study it and understand the strong ties it brought into the Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church. This kindly priest would have asked Mirko to make a good confession and do penance. He would have had Mirko study his Catechism and made sure he understood the tenants of the Church. He would have told him to receive the sacraments with reverence. He would NOT have gathered all his monks in the chapel and had a celebration because Mirko said, he prayed the prayer to receive Jesus as his Savior.
The idea that an Orthodox Priest would have accepted Luther's notion of salvation is just plain wrong and since this is historical fiction, the author should have studied and though he may not have liked it, he should have kept to the proper doctrine in the Church. I felt frustrated and aggravated that here this author was giving us a nice story and threw in his own beliefs to tailor to his own protestant bible.
Further, the dialog is in modern language, whereas the time period is not. Having just read the incredible, "IVANHOE" by Sir Walter Scott, I appreciated the infusion of Latin often into the dialog and this gave me a better understanding of the time period in which IVANHOE took place.
All this to say, that an Indie Author, needs to go above and beyond in order to make his book stand out.
Thus the author makes this book hard to review with clarity. The story is a good one and deserves to be read but as many here have already indicated the author goes too far with his own views of "salvation" and does not follow the correct historical line of the Faith. And uses dialog that is not believable.
The fighting scenes are well described and most likely this author who was a soldier draws from his own experiences, thus making is quite real.
IHistorical fiction is a favorite because these stories spur me on to learn more of the time period. Simultaneously reading "Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam by Raymond Ibrahim", helped me place a bit more of this book into context.
There is one thing though, that shows the author does not understand Orthodox Christianity. An Orthodox Priest would never have thought that Mirko was "saved" simply because he accepted Jesus as His Saviour. This notion of salvation wasn't even part of Christianity until Luther, thus the author shows his lack of comprehension of the Church Militant in all its glory. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass \is the way to salvation. Sanctification comes through the Mass, it is the source of all holiness. Holy Communion, a good confession with a contrite heart are foundations of salvation as well.
At the end the main character sends a letter to the patient priest and tells him he doesn't believe that any religion is better than any other, there are good and bad in all religions, (I paraphrase), but this is what this character says! After suffering under Islam for years This is outrageous to the times and no priest would have accepted this conclusion. Then to make matters worse, after saying this, the main character basically says, he prayed the "sinners prayer," though he does not really believe in any Church and that he is "saved." Any priest would have found this letter abhorrent at this time.
The author should have read "DEFENDERS OF THE WEST,T he Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam By Raymond Ibrahim" to understand the Crusaders and their adherence to the Catholic Faith.
Then there's the chapel that the Orthodox priest is in and there's a stained glass image of Shadrach Meshach and AbednegoI Now honestly, most chapels had images of Our Lord, Our Lady, the Saints in the windows, not this old testament image. So again, the author is using a biblical reference which is often used amongst protestants to show how Our Lord stood by these courageous men. More likely there would have been images of angels, St. Michael, St. Raphael and the priest would have told Mirko that most likely an angel rescued him.
So we have a protestant who writes about a time when there actually was no protestant religion, and he interjects his own Born Again doctrine into an Orthodox Clergy.
I'd admonish this author to study Catholicism, study it and understand the strong ties it brought into the Orthodox Churches and the Catholic Church. This kindly priest would have asked Mirko to make a good confession and do penance. He would have had Mirko study his Catechism and made sure he understood the tenants of the Church. He would have told him to receive the sacraments with reverence. He would NOT have gathered all his monks in the chapel and had a celebration because Mirko said, he prayed the prayer to receive Jesus as his Savior.
The idea that an Orthodox Priest would have accepted Luther's notion of salvation is just plain wrong and since this is historical fiction, the author should have studied and though he may not have liked it, he should have kept to the proper doctrine in the Church. I felt frustrated and aggravated that here this author was giving us a nice story and threw in his own beliefs to tailor to his own protestant bible.
Further, the dialog is in modern language, whereas the time period is not. Having just read the incredible, "IVANHOE" by Sir Walter Scott, I appreciated the infusion of Latin often into the dialog and this gave me a better understanding of the time period in which IVANHOE took place.
All this to say, that an Indie Author, needs to go above and beyond in order to make his book stand out.
Thus the author makes this book hard to review with clarity. The story is a good one and deserves to be read but as many here have already indicated the author goes too far with his own views of "salvation" and does not follow the correct historical line of the Faith. And uses dialog that is not believable.
May 21, 2022
Thirteen-year-old Mirko Popovic’s curiosity is aroused when Janissaries visit his Serbian village in 1373. They come to collect a special tax: one that takes the best and brightest boys, forces them to convert to Islam, and conscripts them into the elite soldier-slaves of the Ottoman sultan. Becoming one of the chosen is no “honor” for Mirko. The Turks slew his father; all he wants to do is to kill their sultan. But the die is cast, and no sooner does he join than he is forced to safeguard them. He feels like a traitor, but one Janissary shows it is an act of survival.
During his training, Mirko befriends two boys, and they form an unbreakable bond. Together, they walk a fine line between Christian lives once led and their new lives as Muslims. They excel at what they do, but in their hearts, they remain loyal to their homeland. Each forges his own path; instead of killing the sultan, Mirko saves him. That one act leads Mirko to an ultimate betrayal in which he will either survive or die.
Spanning nearly a quarter of a century, this is a story of faith, belief in oneself, treachery, love, and becoming a man. Downing vividly contrasts the Christian and Islamic worlds, drawing readers into the past. They may notice a number of misspellings, missing punctuation, wrong words, and places where historical or cultural details could be better woven into the story, but these do not mar this account of Mirko’s life and struggle to decide who he is and what he believes. Each minor character is unique and well-drawn. In the end, Mirko takes one of the first maxims he learns – Know thy enemy – and implements it with the strategic cunning that is the hallmark of his time as a Janissary.
(This review originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of Historical Novels Review, https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...)
During his training, Mirko befriends two boys, and they form an unbreakable bond. Together, they walk a fine line between Christian lives once led and their new lives as Muslims. They excel at what they do, but in their hearts, they remain loyal to their homeland. Each forges his own path; instead of killing the sultan, Mirko saves him. That one act leads Mirko to an ultimate betrayal in which he will either survive or die.
Spanning nearly a quarter of a century, this is a story of faith, belief in oneself, treachery, love, and becoming a man. Downing vividly contrasts the Christian and Islamic worlds, drawing readers into the past. They may notice a number of misspellings, missing punctuation, wrong words, and places where historical or cultural details could be better woven into the story, but these do not mar this account of Mirko’s life and struggle to decide who he is and what he believes. Each minor character is unique and well-drawn. In the end, Mirko takes one of the first maxims he learns – Know thy enemy – and implements it with the strategic cunning that is the hallmark of his time as a Janissary.
(This review originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of Historical Novels Review, https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...)
October 28, 2021
Action and Adventure spun within an historical framework! Great technique! I jumped right into this book with its intriguing historical thread where I picked up on many of the historical references to the Ottoman Empire which made it even more fun to read. Nicholas Downing masterfully told an excellent Action and Adventure tale while staying close to that historical thread. Well defined characters, good plot, tons of battles, and references to many of the religions and spiritual practices prominent in that time period. Romance was not to be left out with the deeply caring relationship between Mirko and his lifelong love Nadia. I was rooting for them all the way through! A fast, fun read!
January 8, 2022
Good read.
Captivating characters, sweeping vistas, engaging plots. This book kept me turning page after page. Turned out to be an enjoyable read with a Christian overtone. Well done.
Captivating characters, sweeping vistas, engaging plots. This book kept me turning page after page. Turned out to be an enjoyable read with a Christian overtone. Well done.
September 19, 2023
The Janissary, the elite forces of the Ottoman Empire, were taken away from their family as blood tax, converted to Islam, and a life of celibacy and loyalty to the Sultan, although some decided to rebel. Interesting book!
December 6, 2021
This story caught me completely by surprise! The author skillfully wove an adventure-filled coming to manhood tale of Mirko, a Christian boy who struggles to break free from his enslavement by Ottoman rulers while rising to leadership in their elite military Janissary order during the 14th century. This book is VERY well written and well researched- in that the author clearly wanted to tell as accurate a period adventure as possible. His time and effort clearly paid off in a story I will long remember. I did receive a free copy of this book with no expectations and these are my honest opinions and review, and while this book is outside my normal reading genres I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was fantastic. Go read it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews