Official Review: A Prize for All Saints by Don Santina

fever33 · Post by **fever33** » 09 Aug 2013, 14:06

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Prize for All Saints" by Don Santina.]

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A Prize for All Saints, written by Don Santina, is a historical fiction novel that contains archeology, history, culture, and even a little baseball. This novel is like a mix between The DaVinci Code and Indian Jones.

The story starts out in San Francisco, California, in 1929. Here we meet a young nun, Sister Agatha, walking to the convent. She is carrying a newspaper with an article about the Peking Man, the supposed "missing link." The story then jumps to 1944 in World War Two. Lieutenant John Maletesta is with his infantry in the Philippines. They manage to hold off the Japanese. Until, a surprise attack by a Japanese non-com, leads to Maletesta losing an arm. Maletesta, devastated, will never be able to play baseball again.

Don Santina moves us ahead two years to 1946. We find out that Maletesta is now an English professor at the College of All Saints, where Sister Agatha is the president. Sister Agatha asks Maletesta and two other professors, Hombardt and Willis, to go on an expedition to Borneo to dig up the Borneo Man, which happens to be the most recent "missing link." On the way, the trio comes face to face with many dangers. Will they escape the Malay pirates? Will they find the missing link?

A Prize for All Saints , written by Don Santina, is a wonderful, fast-paced novel. There are so many twists and turns that it keeps the readers on their toes. It is a well-written, and well-researched, novel. For these reasons, I give it 4 out of 4 stars. It had all the elements that I enjoy in a good story. It had suspense, historical facts, and relatable characters, just to name a few.

Don Santina is a dynamic writer that clearly does his research and incorporates true historical data into his fictional novel. If you enjoy Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code, or the movie National Treasure, then pick up a copy of this book. I just hope this is not the only time we will see John Maletesta. I would like to see this turned into a series.

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KSGalDrew · Post by **KSGalDrew** » 24 Oct 2013, 11:07

Although, this is not the type of book that would usually catch my eye I do want to check it out now.

signed · Post by **signed** » 08 Jul 2016, 10:00

Thanks for the review!

gali · Post by **gali** » 08 Jul 2016, 10:00

It seems like the book has a lot going for it: suspense, historical facts, and relatable characters. Good job on the review. Congratulations to the author for getting a positive review!

chocomeiske · Post by **chocomeiske** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:13

I like the sound of Indiana Jones. Davinci Code and National Treasure all rolled into one. After reading the sample, I feel sure this comparison is correct. Great job on the review and congratulations to the author on being BOTD.

Esies98 · Post by **Esies98** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:15

I've always enjoyed stories filled with action and adventure, I liked the review although I think some of the information you gave might spoil the beginning of the story for some. Thank you anyway

Joy Boudreau · Post by **Joy Boudreau** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:25

This definitely sounds intriguing. Read the sample - very fast-paced start. Would enjoy the rest of it, wish you had put actual spoilers in there...

dina s · Post by **dina s** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:40

I do love Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code, National Treasure, so this book is right up my alley, lol

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 08 Jul 2016, 15:13

Great review! I really like how the author used the "missing link" as the basis of his story. I do like learning as I read, so the historical facts definitely peaked my interest! Congratulations to the author for receiving such a positive review!

MandalynnJDG · Post by **MandalynnJDG** » 08 Jul 2016, 16:01

I really enjoyed your review. It is good to know when an author does great research on a book. Some of the authors just kind of wing it and it takes away from details that could make the book more enlightening.

Amanda Zarth · Post by **Amanda Zarth** » 08 Jul 2016, 16:49

Although the review really gives you an insight of the book and leaves you curious to read it, I thought the construction of the text was not as good as it could have been. The sentences were short and too direct, whereas I personally like reviews with more analisys and dissertation.
So, basically: good review, made me want to read the book - but also made me want to edit what was written

AbbyC · Post by **AbbyC** » 08 Jul 2016, 16:49

"If you enjoy Indiana Jones, The DaVinci Code, or the movie National Treasure, then pick up a copy of this book."
Sounds like I need to go grab this book! Great review!

Seraphia Bunny Sparks · Post by **Seraphia Bunny Sparks** » 08 Jul 2016, 17:08

With so much coming together to make this book such a unique read I'm sure it will be hard to put it down! Thanks for the awesome review! Can't wait to read this book myself!

jungkookblog · Post by **jungkookblog** » 08 Jul 2016, 17:29

Indiana Jones is a great movie. I would recommend it to those who enjoyed Indiana Jones. It gives me a sweet adventurist feel. Must be hard to put it down.