Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating historical novel about a part of WWII that's often forgotten, October 13, 2005
This review is from: Dawn of a Thousand Nights: A Story of Honor (The Liberator Series, Book 2) (Paperback)
I got to proofread "From Dust and Ashes," one of Tricia's other novels, & wasn't disappointed. So I also asked to proofread "Dawn of a Thousand Nights: A Story of Honor." Again, I was definitely NOT disappointed! I literally had to MAKE myself slow down so I could proofread carefully! I was hooked from the first page. It's definitely a 5-star book--a fascinating read, sad because of Pearl Harbor & other elements but also hopeful. It also takes place in WWII. We are there at Pearl Harbor; we are there with the women fliers (WAFS/WASPS) who transported planes across the country to free up male pilots for the war (one of the aspects of WWII I didn't know about until this book). We are also there in the Philippines, including the Bataan Death March & the horrid Japanese POW camps. Yet even through some of the worst circumstances of the war, this gifted author shows us that God truly cares & loves each of His children, & He can & will bring victory out of defeat. Such a powerful message of hope, love, & grace!
Historical figures are included, but the fiction & history mesh well. Readers even get to "see" from a Japanese point of view. The characters are compelling; I couldn't wait to know what happened to them! There is a touch of romance, but it's not overdone. This book is much more about the history, the people who lived it, and what they experienced during WWII. It's packed with emotions from those historical events: realism, fear, hope, faith, & love in the midst of extremely difficult times...& the gamut of emotions those who lived through WWII experienced. This is truly a unique and compelling book with characters who have depth & conflicts; I felt like I was there in each of the three main character's minds. Each of the chapters starts with actual historical newspaper excerpts, which adds a unique realism not always found in novels.
I have proofed well over 600 books, & I write reviews on VERY few. But Tricia Goyer's books are, quite simply, excellent! I have not found another author like her, and I am immensely thankful that I got to work on this book. I had to have "Night Song," and since I didn't get to proof that, I bought it. Even though "Dawn" may seem like a long book, it's well worth your time! I love historical books that I can "sink my teeth into"--ones that have depth and a great story mixed with history--not short, shallow books that only use history as a backdrop or setting.
This book was my jumping-off place to learn more about the war in the Pacific & the Bataan Death March. If you love WWII historical novels, you won't be able to put this book down! It has stayed with me since May 2004! Don't miss this! I'm so glad I didn't. :-)
I've already asked the publisher if I can proofread Tricia Goyer's next book. I can hardly wait! :-) I cannot recommend
this book highly enough! Enjoy!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic World War II novel, April 26, 2006
This review is from: Dawn of a Thousand Nights: A Story of Honor (The Liberator Series, Book 2) (Paperback)
In June 1941, World War II rages in Europe and a romance begins in Hawaii.
Dan Lukens, former UCLA football star, is now a top fighter pilot for the US Army Air Corps and is stationed in Hawaii. Libby Conners fled the mainland US for the friendlier skies of Hawaii. She is a female pilot and flight instructor, occupations frowned upon in California. Dan falls for Libby after she nearly drowns him in the ocean. They become engaged the day before Dan is shipped off to Clark Field in the Philippines.
Libby is giving flight lessons on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. On December 8th, the Japanese attack the Philippines, destroying the United States' air power. When the islands are finally overrun, Dan becomes a prisoner of war. The one thing that keeps him going amid the horrors of the POW camps is Libby and the life he plans with her after the war, if he survives.
Libby joins the WAFS-Women's Air Ferrying Squadron-delivering plans all over the country for the military. She struggles through the loss of close friends and not knowing if Dan is dead or alive.
Tricia Goyer does an excellent job bringing to life an often overlooked aspect of World War II-the war with Japan. Historical details woven throughout the book bring the years 1941-1945 draw the reader into this rich story.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gripping, May 11, 2006
This review is from: Dawn of a Thousand Nights: A Story of Honor (The Liberator Series, Book 2) (Paperback)
If you haven't read this book, what are you waiting for? Get this book! It's a work of art. I loved it.
Superbly written, using actual historical facts as it's backbone. But it's not a dry dull history text, (not that I consider history dry) but a gripping tale of love and endurance and faith. Once you dive in you will immmedatiely fall in love with Dan and Libby. Such wonderful and endearing characters. There is plenty of humor and there will be tears. I cried when I found out the "why" of the title to the book. And I stayed late at work to finish it.
I consider Dawn of a Thousand Nights a must have for any history lover's bookshelf, as well as the WWII buffs out there. And if you just love a great story, you should read this book. It's on my keeper shelf and one I intend to enjoy again. (And read anything else the author writes.)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
