Customer Reviews

The Court of Blue Shadows: A Novel

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Very rarely in WWII fiction does an author mnage to create a story of literary genius as Allington does with this novel. From the discovery of Jewish ancestry to the forging of artwork, this exquisistely written novel rises above simple war fiction to become a work of literature.

"The Court of Blue Shadows" is, without question, one of the best thrillers pertaining to the tragic events of the Holocaust that I have read. Maynard Allington uses vivid imagery, accurate historical data,and brilliant plot development to skillfully weave a story that is very difficult to put down.

The story's protagonist, who suffers from a case of trauma induced amnesia, gradually uncovers the shocking truths about his recent past. Although he was once a member of the German elite, he is shaken to the core to discover how his Jewish roots have taken him on a horrifying journey he never thought imaginable. As such, the reader is drawn by the page turning suspense of learning the truth about the hero's past as well as what these truths will drive him to accomplish in his uncertain future.

This emotionally gripping novel has everything: suspense, action, brilliant character development, historical value, and even psychological value. Allington's imaginative story line and gifted prose definitely kept this reader captivated with "The Court of Blue Shadows."

Allington comes up with a excellent plot idea, however his prose fails to capture the reader into the time and place of the events. Also the dialog sounds tacky. Again the story is solid; after a couple more drafts, who knows?

Maynard Allington crafts a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable post-WWII suspense novel, with well utilized flashbacks. Allington's protagonist is an amnesia sufferer suddenly recalling his nightmarish pre-war flight from persecution and imprisonment in the Nazi concentration camp system while living in a post-war world where he is filled with hate and loathing for old friends, acquantainces and lovers and acting as an avenging "angel" for the death of his siblings. Allington's protagonist is allied with a fellow concentration camp survivor fighting with her own demons, most notably her own self-loathing.

As an avowed fan of WWII historical fiction in the mode of Jack Higgins, I found "The Court of Blue Shadows" to be a fitting addition to my reading of this genre.

For fans of WWII suspense fiction, I strongly recommend "The Court of Blue Shadows".

Maynard Allington once again proves that he is a master of the suspense genre, painting a literary masterpiece that would make Rafael green with envy. Allington blends suspense and humanity in the telling of this story of post World War Two Germany, and its treatment of Jews. Allington's dialogue is crisp, and his action sizzles. This book should be on display in the Louvre