Title: I, Angus
Series: The Eternity Series #4
Author: Mike Hartner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: June 21st, 2016
Format: eARC
Source: From author in exchange of an honest review
Summary:
During a time of civil strife and purging the North has lost more men to Wars then it ever did to Nature.
Angus has grown up learning that his life is better off with only him and a family. But is that really in the Grand Plan?
The North needs someone to build community.
But first, he needs to be beaten, shaped, bolded and trained.Watch as Angus hits both lows and highs across the lands of England, Scotland and France, before meeting a challenge of new land.
*The Reader’s Review*
My rating: 4.5/5 stars
I’ve been following the Eternity Series since the beginning, and while I have loved and enjoyed Walter, James, and Mary Crofter’s life adventures, I don’t think I’ve been as invested in a story as much as I was with Angus’s incredibly inspiring journey.
I, Angus tells the tale of the last male member of Clan Mackenzie from Scotland. At the age of 15, Angus loses his father and sister in an attack at their own castle, which was also left in ruins by cause of fire. Before his death, his father sent him to deliver a message to a Scot’s castle, only for him to come across with the man’s daughter of his own age, who was left all alone in the castle. After a series of events and by force of nature, Angus and the girl, Angela, are forced to take shelter in a cave, along with three wounded people. They eventually fall in love, but fate has other plans for Angus, taking him into a painful yet rewarding journey where he will learn to trust the road that God and his faith have set out for him.
I didn’t expect to love Angus’ character as much as I did, but it was truly hard not to given how this person is such an inspiring human being. I admired his will to pull through difficult times and risk his own life in order to protect those in need or to do what is right. I felt his pain and felt his joys. As a whole, I wish he would have had more joys than pains, but life during his time wasn’t a easy one. Still, Angus’ journey is one that really set things to motion for the better good of Scots, French and many others.
In all honesty, I don’t know whether I, Angus is historically accurate or not–although I am aware that a Clan Mackenzie existed, as well as the Clan MacDonald and a few others mentioned–but as far as things go, this book rings with authenticity in the way of capturing the essence of the Scottish and other European societies during the 1700’s. They are tough times and full of dangers in every corner, yet faith, people’s good will, and bravery is what truly stands out in this hostile era.
The only drawback I found in this book is that, despite how much I enjoy the author’s writing, I did feel it gets a bit slow two-thirds into the story. I skimmed a few pages to hurry up my progress and I don’t believe I missed anything important. Do feel a bit guilty though for doing so!
Other than that, I, Angus turned out to be another rewarding read from Mike Hartner and an excellent addition to the Eternity Series. If you enjoy historical fiction novels told as memoirs with adventure, a hint of romance, but most of all, noble characters that we could all take a page out of their books, then you will surely come to enjoy any book in this series (which can be read as standalones!).
Thank you Melissa.
I really can't deal with any slow parts in my story right now. I'm reading slow enough on my own. But, maybe. Thanks for introducing this one to me! 🙂