Those Before Us

by Patricia Abbott

Narrative family history

Genres: Historical Fiction

29 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2015

About the author

Patricia Abbott is the Deringer-winning author of more than sixty-five stories in print and online publications. She has forthcoming stories in the anthologies: Damn Near Dead II, Bats in the Belfry and Beat to a Pulp, The First Round. Her latest novel Shot in Detroit has been nominated for an Edgar Award. She lives and works in Detroit.

Reviews

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being what you may call an amateur historian since my teens, oh those many years ago, I am always looking for material, whether non-fiction or fiction, to feed me; to teach me. This series by Richard Abbot has been an eye opener regarding the area of the Near East, Palestine, The Levant; whatever you want to call it. So many groups have either settled there or held sway over it through the centuries and in The Flame Before Us they all meet. Wilios or Troy has finally fallen after a prolonged siege and while it is still up for debate and discussion as to what happened to the invaders after the war; while there were some who returned to their homes across The Aegean Sea, others remained and drifted south to find new lands to call home. That is the crux of book 3 as these mysterious Sea Peoples come into contact with, in some cases violently, with the Kinahny, the Hittite, the Ibriym, the Mitsriy; in short the whole gamut of Old Testament peoples. The author has crafted a tale filled with memorable characters and has given us a glimpse into the possibilities of so many disparate groups coming together in a region that has seen nothing but strife even unto today. From the noble, nose in the air, Egyptians to the settlements of peasants to the nomadic clans, we have a tale of loss, hardship, and hope as cultures collide and times change. Kudos to the author for a most enjoyable series. I look forward to more. 5 stars

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Flame Before Us” by Richard Abbott is a competently written and fascinating novel set in 1200 BC in what is now Syria, Gaza, Israel and Egypt. The Sea People, a group whose origin is subject to speculation, invade and bring down several cities in the Mediterranean.
Having traveled in the area extensively and having studied Ancient Greek at school, I found the book incredibly interesting. Abbott’s background as scholar in the field made the position he takes on the matter compelling and believable. The descriptions, characters and stories are as engaging as his extensive author’s notes, which include invaluable historical background information, maps and an index of the many characters.
The book ended up on my reviewing pile by accident but I’m very pleased that it did. Wide in scope and rich in detail and plot, this is an accomplished illustration of said era in the region: complex, informative, enjoyable and skilfully put together.

Reviewed for the Historical Novel Society, Indie Section, which received a paprtback copy of the book fromt he author for review.

[Richard Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the author and am not providing a review other than the synopsis.

[Michelle Olms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book