Official Review: 103 Pilgrims by Rick Pontz

Post by **Alys Sterk** » 07 Apr 2020, 19:32

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "103 Pilgrims" by Rick Pontz.]

3 out of 4 stars

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The residents of Plymouth, Massachusetts have much to be proud of. This quaint town is where the passengers from the Mayflower landed and established a colony after signing the infamous Mayflower Compact, the first document to implement self-rule and promote principles of democracy in the New World. In present-day Plymouth, the graves of the Pilgrims are being dug up. In 103 Pilgrims, written by Rick Pontz, investigators Tony Tempesta and Mike Kennedy look into this mischief along with members of the Historical Society. Circulating rumors about the original Compact, the apparent meddling of secret societies, and murders of innocent people threaten the work of Tony and Mike as they search for the truth. What are they looking for? What could be so valuable and enticing that people are willing to risk everything to find?

The best part of this book is the clever way the author ties his fictional narrative into historical records through themes that are intertwined with the complex plot. What an imagination! Most people have a general understanding of the Pilgrims and the implications their decisions have had for Americans. In this novel, we are transported back to 1620 to the rat-infested decks of the Mayflower as the men create what will become an influential document for the U.S. Constitution. We are then propelled forward four hundred years. The story is told back and forth across time; it is the underlying themes that connect the generations and tie the story together. Themes of equality and independence are copiously displayed here through the characters’ actions and descriptions. Women, once resigned to walk in the shadows of men, play prominent roles. Minorities, once considered insignificant and weak, become leaders. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on an unpredictable roller coaster into the sinister world of power and greed as twists and turns punctuate the storyline.

The characterization is also remarkable. Each character brings forth a dimension to the plot and has a unique role in the story. The perspective of the book shifts among the characters to provide a well-developed and authentic realism to the setting. Their experiences, flaws, and motivations are visible and give insight into their behaviors. For example, Mike’s preference for his blacksnake whip and Susan’s use of “Mr. Nasty” both have stories of their own. The use of flashbacks to explain the interactions between characters and metaphors also allows readers to visualize and emotionally connect with the characters.

This is one of the most intriguing stories I have ever read, and it deserves the highest ratings for its beguiling plot and dynamic characterization. However, there were many grammar errors in the reading. They were all minor and did not interfere with the flow of the story, but there were many. Had there been fewer errors, I would have no reservations in giving this book an excellent rating. For this reason, I deducted one star and give 103 Pilgrims a 3 out of 4 stars.

I recommend this book to all mature readers who do not mind moderate profanity. Those who enjoy historical fiction or crime will especially find this story appealing. As a good book will do, 103 Pilgrims encouraged me to further research the Pilgrims after finishing the book, and seriously consider booking a trip to Massachusetts. Were there really 103 Pilgrims? Where is the original Mayflower Compact today? Can ancestry to the Pilgrims be proven? I was left with so many questions after reading this book, and the same is destined to happen to all readers who pick up this engaging and thought-provoking narrative.

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103 Pilgrims
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Anon_Reviewer · Post by **Anon_Reviewer** » 09 Apr 2020, 02:52

I love a book that can seamlessly integrate fiction with historical facts. That it is full of intrigue and well-developed characters is a bonus. Thanks for the awesome review.

Laura Lee · Post by **Laura Lee** » 09 Apr 2020, 06:51

You had me at "the author ties his fictional narrative into historical records through themes that are intertwined with the complex plot." I love it when authors take the time to do that. It takes a lot of time and research, but doing this also brings a level of realism to any book whose author takes the time and has the skill to do it. Thanks for a great review! This sounds like a book I'd really like to read.

Miraphery · Post by **Miraphery** » 09 Apr 2020, 06:54

A book that prompted further research is really a good one. I'd love to read this, thanks for the wonderful review.

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 09 Apr 2020, 14:58

I love when authors do well in mixing historical fact with fiction. This is getting added to my "want to read" list.

funninessishappiness · Post by **funninessishappiness** » 15 Apr 2020, 15:25

Wow, besides the fact that there was just grammatical issues it doesn't sound like this was a bad read. I think I am going to add this to my bookshelf. I love to read about colonial times. It is very fasinating to me. Thank you for the review!

Princepetr · Post by **Princepetr** » 18 Apr 2020, 14:29

Wow, I didn’t think about reading this , until I read this review . I read the review twice to get the main point of the writer. I will read this book.

Post by **Alys Sterk** » 18 Apr 2020, 21:19

funninessishappiness wrote: ↑15 Apr 2020, 15:25 Wow, besides the fact that there was just grammatical issues it doesn't sound like this was a bad read. I think I am going to add this to my bookshelf. I love to read about colonial times. It is very fasinating to me. Thank you for the review!

Really wish I didn't have to put that in there - it was such a good read!

[Danielle] · Post by **[Danielle]** » 22 Apr 2020, 09:40

This sounds like such an intriguing read! I enjoy history and admit that I have not read much on the Pilgrims outside of my schooling experience. I am disappointed that there are a lot of errors, however, as that always irritates me to the point that it detracts from the story.

pmacguire · Post by **pmacguire** » 03 Mar 2022, 20:03

The original document is lost, but the content was published in 1622, during the lifetime of many of the signers. Ancestry to the Pilgrims is very easily proven. It is the most intensely researched and documented group of bloodlines outside of royal families. Even now dna research is underway, to discover the origins of some of the mystery Pilgrims. In addition, descent from one Pilgrim usually means that one is descended from several, as it was a very small gene pool, and many of the Pilgrims were related before the voyage.
I doubt that anyone would be digging up any of the Pilgrims, because few bones, let alone dna evidence survives long in our wet and acidic New England soil. A great subject for a book, though!