Review by Carol-Anne Trollip -- The Lost Years of Billy ...

Nkoo · Post by **Nkoo** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:23

This well-written historical fiction novel appears to have a beautiful storyline. I wonder whether it can stand alone though? Does one need to read all the prequels? Thanks for your energetic review.

Jsovermyer · Post by **Jsovermyer** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:23

This is the third book in the Billy Battles trilogy. Billy's adventures are told through his diary. This is an exciting story full of mystery and intrigue. Congratulations to the author for being chosen as BOTD. Thanks to the reviewer for your interesting and well-written review.

Nora Roberts · Post by **ccundall2130** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:24

This book sounds like a great read. I love historical fiction. However, this book doesn’t sound like it can be read as a stand-alone. Since it’s 3rd in a series, I’ll have to go back and read the first two.

Abacus · Post by **Abacus** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:26

"The Lost Years of Billy Battles" by Ronald E. Yates - Reading the sample suggests this is a very compelling tale. The review was exemplary, thanks.

Laura Lee · Post by **Laura Lee** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:29

The fact that this isn't just fiction, it's actually drawn from the author's great-grandfather's journals, really intrigues me. Thanks for an interesting review! You've sparked my interest.

Theresa Ammons Pinkston · Post by **Theresa Ammons Pinkston** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:31

The Last Years of Billy Battles is a book that starts out by giving a very short explanation of what has happened so far. It can be read on its own but I would prefer to read the whole series in order to get a more adventurous feel. My guess is that's exactly why Amazon is offering this book for free but not the first two.

I agree that it starts a little slow because of that "very short explanation", but it takes on a faster pace fairly early. I must add this to the 74 books already listed my "Want to Read" shelf with its two predecessors!

Veraok · Post by **Veraok** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:33

The book sounds captivating but historical fiction is not my thing, I'll pass on this one.Thanks for the review.

rauna2019fono · Post by **rauna2019fono** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:38

This book has a mysterious twist of Billy's past life as well as him mysteriously vanishing without a trace having his family and friends to wonder what had happened to Billy Battles with tragedy and political involvement

Cruisemomma · Post by **Cruisemomma** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:38

Wow! You have never rated a book so high. I will be taking pointers from your review. It sounds like a wonderful story to keep me busy for hours.

Oyedeji Okikioluwa · Post by **Oyedeji Okikioluwa** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:40

This seems like a great book to read although I feel one have to read the previous two instalments to get the full gist. Nice review.

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:44

I love reading historical fiction, and this sounds like a good one! I will have to check out the first book in this series.

tanner87cbs · Post by **tanner87cbs** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:53

Wow, thank you for the greatly detailed review! I love the early 20th-century setting, it sounds like a great book. I will need to look into the first two books!

Theresa Ammons Pinkston · Post by **Theresa Ammons Pinkston** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:55

Laura Lee wrote: ↑23 Apr 2020, 16:29 The fact that this isn't just fiction, it's actually drawn from the author's great-grandfather's journals, really intrigues me.

Actually, the "journals" are in the "possession" of one Ted Sayles, another fictitious person. That Ronald E. Yates is basically telling Billy Battles' story through another piece of fiction is intriguing, to say the least.

Adedayo+23 · Post by **Adedayo+23** » 23 Apr 2020, 16:58

The book sounds quite captivating. A memoir narrated to sound like fiction adventure. Thanks for sharing.

Post by **Seamstress** » 23 Apr 2020, 17:02

Review's description of this book is very exciting! All the more the shame first two parts are not included. I don't know how you, but I personally am more interested in those first years of Billy's life to better understand how he was raised and grown to be the person he has became. Congrats on well deserved BOTD!