Review of Dread Tribunal of Last Resort
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sayuriii
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Review of Dread Tribunal of Last Resort
[Following is a volunteer review of "Dread Tribunal of Last Resort" by Brian Kaufman.]
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort, written by Brian Kaufman, follows the life of the upstanding soldier Decker Brown throughout the American Civil War. The novel takes place between the years of 1861 and 1867, during which Decker fights as both a Union and a Confederate soldier. Initially Decker trains as an ‘illuminations specialist’ in hopes of winning the approval of his future father-in-law; he wishes to start a family with no prospects of war in mind. Unfortunately, the realities of war become inevitable and Decker finds himself torn between his beliefs concerning the “peculiar institution” of slavery and his duty as a Virginian. His knowledge of illuminations (fireworks) has military applications for rocketry which are utilized in war. Decker’s role in the war pushes his life in an unexpected direction, forcing him to endure many struggles. He battles to adapt to post-war life and questions his choices along the way.
The protagonist’s story is gut-wrenching and allows readers to connect on an emotional level. We sympathize with Decker’s sorrows while admiring his tenacity. All in all, a respectable main character. Powerful themes such as equality, inclusivity, ethics and women empowerment are clearly conveyed throughout the storyline and strengthen the novel as a whole. The author presents a fresh and progressive view of a monumental historical event. Additionally, the quotes before the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch; they encapsulate the contents of each chapter perfectly. My personal favorite is as follows, “The dice of God are always loaded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The only unlikeable aspect of this novel was the extensive rocketry descriptions which I found to be slightly long-winded. Despite this, the detail in the writing of this novel is commendable. The author accurately captures the essence of war, including both its hardships and victories. The aftermath is grueling and scars each character, making for wonderful character developments within the story.
This novel is apt for readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those centering around wars. It must be noted that there are instances of moderate violence and profanity throughout the novel.
Overall, Dread Tribunal of Last Resort is a solid and enjoyable read. The author seamlessly blends history and emotion, thereby creating a moving and thought-provoking storyline. It is well-written, discusses important themes and resonates with readers. Considering these aspects, I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars and wholeheartedly encourage readers to give it a chance!
******
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort, written by Brian Kaufman, follows the life of the upstanding soldier Decker Brown throughout the American Civil War. The novel takes place between the years of 1861 and 1867, during which Decker fights as both a Union and a Confederate soldier. Initially Decker trains as an ‘illuminations specialist’ in hopes of winning the approval of his future father-in-law; he wishes to start a family with no prospects of war in mind. Unfortunately, the realities of war become inevitable and Decker finds himself torn between his beliefs concerning the “peculiar institution” of slavery and his duty as a Virginian. His knowledge of illuminations (fireworks) has military applications for rocketry which are utilized in war. Decker’s role in the war pushes his life in an unexpected direction, forcing him to endure many struggles. He battles to adapt to post-war life and questions his choices along the way.
The protagonist’s story is gut-wrenching and allows readers to connect on an emotional level. We sympathize with Decker’s sorrows while admiring his tenacity. All in all, a respectable main character. Powerful themes such as equality, inclusivity, ethics and women empowerment are clearly conveyed throughout the storyline and strengthen the novel as a whole. The author presents a fresh and progressive view of a monumental historical event. Additionally, the quotes before the beginning of each chapter were a nice touch; they encapsulate the contents of each chapter perfectly. My personal favorite is as follows, “The dice of God are always loaded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The only unlikeable aspect of this novel was the extensive rocketry descriptions which I found to be slightly long-winded. Despite this, the detail in the writing of this novel is commendable. The author accurately captures the essence of war, including both its hardships and victories. The aftermath is grueling and scars each character, making for wonderful character developments within the story.
This novel is apt for readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those centering around wars. It must be noted that there are instances of moderate violence and profanity throughout the novel.
Overall, Dread Tribunal of Last Resort is a solid and enjoyable read. The author seamlessly blends history and emotion, thereby creating a moving and thought-provoking storyline. It is well-written, discusses important themes and resonates with readers. Considering these aspects, I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars and wholeheartedly encourage readers to give it a chance!
******
Dread Tribunal of Last Resort
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Crimeline Hollywood by Thomas Collins
