Official Review: The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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lavellan
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Re: Official Review: The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles

Post by lavellan »

Thanks for your review! I'm happy to hear that the book handled the "Orient" with sensitivity. Authors from other cultures often times don't handle this topic correctly.
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Post by FictionLover »

love a good historical romp. The book seems action packed and I am happy that you thought that the anachronisms were not a problem. That can ruin a good historical read.
"I love reading another reader’s list of favorites. Even when I find I do not share their tastes or predilections, I am provoked to compare, contrast, and contradict. It is a most healthy exercise, and one altogether fruitful." T.S. Eliot
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Post by strawberrysab »

As much as I don’t have enough information about the plot, what you shared is enough for me to be intrigued. The mysterious orient, an improbable journey and a well researched story. I am probably going to read it. Thank you!
Berry :wine:
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Post by Ugbusco »

This is a very interesting story that one cannot drop until it finishes. The author shows the life of William Fitzroy Raglan Battles who leaved a hard life.
His marriage was so brief because the wife died within eight years, and as such his five-year-old daughter was left in the hands of her grandparents.
When Battles headed for Indochina, on his way, he meets a German baroness who happens to have killed her husband and made off with secret documents.
However, when Battles finally reach Indochina, he involved in a rebellion against the French.
He was also instrumented in the stop of Spanish occupation of the Philippines, and the start of the US occupation. Back in the US, his daughter is kidnapped by a German.
We see a little of Bat's idea of law enforcement, then later there is an adventure in Germany. The story is well-written and proceeds at a brisk pace.
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Post by JuliaKay »

It is hard for me to overlook language use that does not seem to fit the time and place, but hopefully this story is good enough that this would not be too much of a problem. Billy Battles seems like an interesting character, and the story seems fun and informative. Thank you for a great review.
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JuliaKay
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Post by JuliaKay »

It is hard for me to overlook language use that does not seem to fit the time and place, but hopefully this story is good enough that this would not be too much of a problem. Billy Battles seems like an interesting character, and the story seems fun and informative. Thank you for a great review.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons
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Post by Chelsy Scherba »

I like that this book takes you on an old time journey to the orient. It sounds like fun! I look forward to reading.
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Post by dswitsalt_9 »

The review made on this book did give birth to the desire to want to read this book. This historical fiction surely has a lot to offer
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Post by Zain A Blade »

The review sounds more promising than the dull cover picture and book title. I really hope this book is as good as the review says.
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Post by Wancee »

Your synopsis got my attention I need to grab this book ASAP!
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Post by Elldarling »

There’s nothing I love more than a good historical fiction novel however I feel slightly let down by this review. I felt like it was mostly telling me how great it was and the 4 out of 4 rating causes me to be slightly skeptic about it being such a “perfect” book. It just was not honest enough for me I’m afraid.
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Post by Sandra Amanda »

I can't wait to join in the adventures of this book by reading it. Superb review.
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Post by Sanju Lali »

nice review which tells me this book is about a person who goes on journey to and comes to know about political opportunists, more over it tells that this book can be captivating
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Post by GreatJob100 »

Enjoyed this review. I love beautiful narrative and adventure. Look forward to reading about Billy Battles' voyage on the SS China!
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Post by Phoenix-wrising »

This story is not a genre I would typically pick, but the review convinced me to look into it. Seeing it’s a trilogy, I guess I better look for a copy of the first book. :eusa-think:
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