6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Probably one of the best debut novels I've ever read..., November 22, 2008
This review is from: Things Forgotten (Hardcover)
I was contacted by PearlGate Publishing awhile back, and offered a copy of Things Forgotten, a debut novel by Thomas N. Tabback. The premise sounded somewhat interesting, but debut novels are normally such that I try and keep my expectations in check. Turns out that I need not have worried... Tabback has written an incredible novel, made even more so by it being his first try. I was mesmerized by the story, and eagerly looked forward to picking it up each night for reading...
The story starts and ends with a cop by the name of Paul Kelly. He's a New York officer who has seen his share of death and evil. One night while out with his partner, they venture into an alley to follow what looks to be two individuals dragging a body towards a car. Everything looks to be under control, until one of the men pulls a gun, kills Kelly's partner, and pulls the trigger on a point-blank shot to Kelly's head. What should be the end of his life only serves to launch him back in time nearly 3200 years, back to when the nation of Israel was leaving Egypt and was starting to settle the land of Canaan as their own. Kelly drifts out of the hospital and becomes Nahar, someone who has a past as a veteran warrior but who wants nothing more than to just live in peace. He's forcibly conscripted by the Canaanites to fight the Hebrew invasion, but gets captured during the first attack on his position. Taken as a slave, Nahar should be put to death for his killing of one of the Israelites, but Jain (his master) can't shake the feeling that Nahar has something more to offer the Hebrews. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, agrees that God has marked Nahar for something special, and permits him to live. Nahar can't figure out why he's being spared, and tries numerous times to make his escape to head back to his own land. These escapes continually fail, and he slowly starts to become somewhat accepting of his new tribe and life.
Throughout all this captivity, Nahar is haunted by vivid nightmares involving the ritualistic slaying of his family by Baal priests when he was young. Min, an Egyptian leader, is an ever-present evil in Nahar's existence, and is offering Nahar the chance to join him and share in the riches and pleasures of life. Nahar know however, that giving in to Min is unthinkable, and that constant temptation binds him even closer to his Israelite "family". Nahar is conflicted as to what his real purpose is in life, and whether or not he truly believes in the God of Israel. All this leads up to a confrontation between good and evil, where Nahar has to remember his past and do what is right regardless of the outcome.
A 500 page novel by a first-time writer isn't usually a good sign. In this case, Tabback could have gone 700 and I would have been perfectly happy. It's not until the end of the book that you start to understand the Paul Kelly character in relation to Nahar, as 95% of the book takes place 3200 years ago. Still, the ending and merger of the characters back into the present is a nice ending, and sets the stage for additional books (which I *will* be reading). Tabback paints a detailed and rich picture of life in the land of Canaan, going to war against the inhabitants to claim the land. In no time at all, the characters become real people that had me caring deeply as to what happened to them. The love interest between Nahar and Tirzah is also played perfectly, walking the line between customs of the time and the reality of someone who has fallen deeply in love with a very independent woman. All in all, I loved the book...
Tabback is writing a second book to follow this called Rebellion. It will be a must-read for me when it comes out. If it's anything like Things Forgotten, it'll be a memorable read.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Adventure by a Good Storyteller, December 30, 2008
This review is from: Things Forgotten (Hardcover)
A good portion of the novel takes place in or around Israel, well before the coming of Christ and Muhammad. After reading the book's flap, I wasn't sure if this story was going to have a religious bent to it or not. For, I had picked up this book for entertainment value (and wasn't looking to be preached at). I was not disappointed, it's just a great adventure novel. Yes, there is definitely a religious/spiritual aspect to the story that I believe some readers may find to be in the same vein as `The Force' in "Star Wars".
I'm impressed with the author's research. Not just on the historical/Biblical characters, times, and places - He masterly weaves (without overdoing it) the geography, climate, and vegetation of the period into this rich adventurous tale. As with other great books that you can't put down, there can be dry spells. I only found one place in the book, where I thought it was starting to drag on. But within 2 pages, I was pulled back in, going off in another twist in the story.
Nicely done and I'm looking forward to reading more adventure novels from Thomas N. Tabback.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding read, April 28, 2010
This review is from: Things Forgotten (Hardcover)
Outstanding writing! The book draws you right in from the beginning and keeps you on your toes until the very end. I don't usually read a lot of books and 500 pages seemed intimidating to me at first. However, this book was so engaging I read the entire book in a week and wished that there was more. I can't wait for "Rebellion" to come out and will be purchasing it as soon as it's released.
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