Review of The American Martyr

[KeishaMoore]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The American Martyr" by Richard W. Kelly.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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A draft that changed the trajectory of Brian Brample and his friends’ lives brings about a terrifying decision that will forever leave its marks on the footprints of history. He and his friends envisioned how they intended to spend their lives after high school, each following a different path. With the ongoing war between America’s allies and China, a cry for military help from their allies led to the decision of the president to reincorporate the draft system. It was clear to everyone that this was a political decision birthed for financial benefits to those in power. A national test was held across the country that determined the fate of Brian, his friends, and every other teenager. Anyone who failed the test and was unable to get employed before a slated time was deemed unfit to pursue their dreams and drafted as reinforcements to the ongoing war in China.

This was unsettling for the draftees because, for them, the draft meant that their lives didn't matter anymore to society, as they were only pawns in the political struggle for benefits, and with the stats from the ongoing battle, they stood no chance for survival. With this, they decide to take their lives into their own hands in an unexpected but terrifying decision to end their own lives. But it doesn't end with this; read The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly for more. I enjoyed how the author was very descriptive of each character and the reasoning behind their actions; it made it easier to know the characters and follow the narrative. The plot was focused more on the narrative of the character Brian, while this helped me understand the main character, Brian, more, it detracted from my understanding of other characters.

But I did find the pilot a bit disturbing because while Brian advocated for civil rights, I believe there are better ways to have done that than the route that he was always inclined to take, first with the draft and then with the prison. Also, the book was slow-paced, which diffused any form of tension buildup that would have spurred more intrigue from the plot. This was due to the plot’s predictability at some point, thereby dispelling any form of suspense that it held.

I wouldn't suggest this book to young adults, as the idea portrayed as a system of protest against injustice doesn't sit well with me, and I wouldn't want our young generation buying into it. But activists and politically inclined persons might enjoy the read.

So, I rate this book three out of five stars, but not only because of my dislikes, I also discovered several errors while reading and would suggest another round of editing. I do not rate it any lower because while I do not support how justice was gotten in the plot, I believe in the vision for garnering justice.

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The American Martyr
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[Jelani Trotter]

This story presents a chilling exploration of power, sacrifice, and the fragility of personal dreams in the face of political agendas. Brian and his friends' struggle against an unjust system forces readers to question the true cost of war and the lengths governments will go to serve their own interests.

[Joe Alex 2]

The story tackles heavy themes of injustice and the consequences of political decisions, but the slow pacing and predictable plot made it harder to stay engaged. While I appreciate the author’s effort to explore activism, the way it’s portrayed didn’t sit well with me, especially for younger readers.