Customer Reviews

The Blue African (The Benwarian Chronicles)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The story was not what I expected. The cover led me to think that I probably would not get past the first chapter. Here is a prime example of "Do not judge a book by its cover". I was pulled into the story, turning page after page completely immersed. Simply loved it. I don't like to give a full synopsis of the story like other reviewers so often do, better you find out all the surprises for yourself in this exciting story of excitment and intrigue... you'll feel frightened, thrilled and mesmerized by the genius of this unique story. Bravo


R.M Putnam author of the Destiny's Warriors Series

Part historical, part religious and part Science Fiction `The Blue African' is a novel with a purpose and a message to convey. L.W. Samuelson is an idealist and he weaves his story to illustrate his ideas and feelings about multiple issues. While some people may be offended by the biased and upfront ideology that is presented in `The Blue African,' it is a refreshing and honest story told from a unique perspective.

We as readers don't meet Porter Tellez until much illness and grief has occurred in an African village but once we become acquainted with him, the reader is forced to become reacquainted with American history, acquainted with African colonization and its culture of poverty and disease, and to reanalyze how effective American politics, both nationally and internationally has been.

Porter Tellez is the blue man that can sense the good in people and is upset, frustrated and sad at the human world around him that rages wars over nonsensical issues. He feels, as the author must as well, that humans haven't evolved much and that the happenings in the world are pointless and do nothing to make the world a better place. The blue man's friendship, guidance and interactions in the book are what make it a grappling and interesting read.

L.W. Samuelson's The Blue African is an edifying and inspiring novel that centers upon the centuries of the tragically neglected and exploited continent of Africa and her people. The story encompasses a combination of science fiction, adventure, suffering, violence, and death, but more importantly hope and the struggle to live, love, and respect.

The main character, Blue Man, also known as Porter Tellez, is one of four aliens that escapes from a dying planet and lands on earth (very similar to Superman). Porter encounters many dangers including the Ebola virus, and destruction caused by rage and greed.

Through expressing compassion, communication, and some superhuman abilities, he inspires and educates the downtrodden to stop destroying one another and unite. Amusing circumstances arise such as when Porter discovers and enjoys the entertainment of television along and falls to its addictive and comatose effects.

Readers cannot help but receive the message to not only empathize but become mindful of the hardships that dominate African lives.

Rating: 4/5

This book begins in Sudan with a man named Jobe and his family as they are stricken by a demonic disease. The book opening has elements of fright and Samuelson's depiction of a Catholic mission in this part was so realistic I thought this was to be a purely Christian or exorcist type book.
But it moves on and the Blue African, an alien from a world that perished, enters in Chapter two. Arriving in South Africa, bemused by a hostile Earth and amazed by its animals. From there the book continues in light sci fi/adventure mode, and works as a vehicle with social justice for a theme rather than being just a work of entertainment.
I enjoyed it ... though not written in an offbeat style the author works to educate the reader by incorporating and dealing with large moral issues. More or less Samuelson is developing his own style and could be a major force in fiction if he continues to write and develop.
As a writer of light (as opposed to hard) science fiction he also does well with his portrayal of his blue humanoid alien -very humanoid as he ends up with a human mate (Loreto).