Review by Naomi Keeling -- Deceitful Survival by LC Lee
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Naomi Keeling
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Review by Naomi Keeling -- Deceitful Survival by LC Lee
[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceitful Survival" by LC Lee.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Deceitful Survivor begins in 1801 in Haiti. The story is largely told from Andree's point of view and we learn early on that she has a poor family life and living conditions. With the death of her parents Andree must join a convent to survive and vows to become a nun and a bride of Christ. Upon completing her training, she is dispatched to Haiti to aid Father Rene in converting the local habitants to Christianity. But tensions grow between the French and the Voduns and Andree and Rene must flee and take refuge in a Taino Indian village. The two quickly become enamoured with each other and must push aside their French identities and make a new life for themselves in a bid to blend in.
LC Lee has created a fascinating historical novel that is full of action, romance, suspense and intrigue. I recommend this book to adults who love history, romance, have an interest in the church or perhaps are looking for a read that will completely submerse them into the story and remain with them after they've finished.
I personally really enjoyed this book. I thought the story itself was well thought out and the characters intriguing. Andree makes a powerful leading lady, although restricted by her gender in a patriarchal society, she strives to overcome her challenges using her brain. Her love for her family drives her to success and turn her into a formidable opponent and throughout the story is a driving force that steers the plot. From the first page to the last the author greatly develops Andree's character and makes her realistic; she has her strengths, but she also has her weaknesses which are demonstrated through her emotions and struggles with God. Andree is the protagonist, but many other characters are introduced along the way. Rene, a Priest situated in Haiti, is another central character in the story. Like Andree, Rene's character is well thought out. He has weaknesses and desires that contradict his position in the Church which makes him more human to the readers. Over the chapters his character gradually matures and we see this through the occasional chapters where it is Rene's POV and not Andree's. It is through these that the extent of change that happens in Rene is most evident.
The story is captivating from beginning to end and flows from chapter to chapter because of the engaging narrative style. There is good progression in the storytelling so there is never a dull moment which is amplified by the descriptive writing throughout which gives the reader a clear picture of the world that is being created around them. The grammar and punctuation are spot on, I didn't see any mistakes during my read through which suggests the book has been proofread and professionally edited. The language used is varied and the writing style is easy to follow.
Historically speaking it is very evident that the time in which this book is set has been well researched. The story is set in the 1800s where, as portrayed in the book, a patriarchal society was dominate. In the book it is evident that Andree is limited in ways that Rene isn’t simply because of society. However, the author embraces this aspect of life in the 1800s and uses it to be creative later in the story when complicated situations arise. I was also struck by the depictions of the Church, which are prevalent in the book, as they are very accurate. For example, the Church hierarchy and the expectations placed upon priests and nuns and how they should present themselves to others around them.
Regarding weaknesses I honestly could not name one, I thought the book was written brilliantly and found the plot creative and enticing.
I give this book a 4 out of 4 because it is so well written and researched. The effort put into this book is evident by the complicated plot, the grammar and punctuation, the development of characters and the overall relatability we as readers can give.
******
Deceitful Survival
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
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Deceitful Survivor begins in 1801 in Haiti. The story is largely told from Andree's point of view and we learn early on that she has a poor family life and living conditions. With the death of her parents Andree must join a convent to survive and vows to become a nun and a bride of Christ. Upon completing her training, she is dispatched to Haiti to aid Father Rene in converting the local habitants to Christianity. But tensions grow between the French and the Voduns and Andree and Rene must flee and take refuge in a Taino Indian village. The two quickly become enamoured with each other and must push aside their French identities and make a new life for themselves in a bid to blend in.
LC Lee has created a fascinating historical novel that is full of action, romance, suspense and intrigue. I recommend this book to adults who love history, romance, have an interest in the church or perhaps are looking for a read that will completely submerse them into the story and remain with them after they've finished.
I personally really enjoyed this book. I thought the story itself was well thought out and the characters intriguing. Andree makes a powerful leading lady, although restricted by her gender in a patriarchal society, she strives to overcome her challenges using her brain. Her love for her family drives her to success and turn her into a formidable opponent and throughout the story is a driving force that steers the plot. From the first page to the last the author greatly develops Andree's character and makes her realistic; she has her strengths, but she also has her weaknesses which are demonstrated through her emotions and struggles with God. Andree is the protagonist, but many other characters are introduced along the way. Rene, a Priest situated in Haiti, is another central character in the story. Like Andree, Rene's character is well thought out. He has weaknesses and desires that contradict his position in the Church which makes him more human to the readers. Over the chapters his character gradually matures and we see this through the occasional chapters where it is Rene's POV and not Andree's. It is through these that the extent of change that happens in Rene is most evident.
The story is captivating from beginning to end and flows from chapter to chapter because of the engaging narrative style. There is good progression in the storytelling so there is never a dull moment which is amplified by the descriptive writing throughout which gives the reader a clear picture of the world that is being created around them. The grammar and punctuation are spot on, I didn't see any mistakes during my read through which suggests the book has been proofread and professionally edited. The language used is varied and the writing style is easy to follow.
Historically speaking it is very evident that the time in which this book is set has been well researched. The story is set in the 1800s where, as portrayed in the book, a patriarchal society was dominate. In the book it is evident that Andree is limited in ways that Rene isn’t simply because of society. However, the author embraces this aspect of life in the 1800s and uses it to be creative later in the story when complicated situations arise. I was also struck by the depictions of the Church, which are prevalent in the book, as they are very accurate. For example, the Church hierarchy and the expectations placed upon priests and nuns and how they should present themselves to others around them.
Regarding weaknesses I honestly could not name one, I thought the book was written brilliantly and found the plot creative and enticing.
I give this book a 4 out of 4 because it is so well written and researched. The effort put into this book is evident by the complicated plot, the grammar and punctuation, the development of characters and the overall relatability we as readers can give.
******
Deceitful Survival
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings
