Solomon's Crown: what if a historical rumor was true?

Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel is set in twelfth-century Europe as newly crowned King Philip of France is determined to restore his nation to its former empire and bring glory to his name. His greatest enemy, King Henry of England, threatens to end his reign before it begins, Philip is forced to make a perilous alliance with Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, the man history would know as Richard the Lionheart. Philip risks his throne as well as his heart. Richard was never supposed to be king but when family tragedy makes him heir to the English throne, he finally has the opportunity to overthrow his father. His alliance with Philip is simply a tool for his vengeful quest, he begins to question if the crown is truly worth it. As Philip and Richard face an imminent war, they must choose between their desires or their place in history.

There has been speculation among historians about Richard’s sexuality and the possibility of a sexual relationship with Phillip. Taking a historical rumor and imagining a scenario that might give truth to the rumor, with royal intrigue and betrayal, Solomon’s Crown imagines a romance between the two real-life kings faced with an impossible choice. The author does take a lot of liberties with the history. Ms. Siegel acknowledges this fact in her preface as she states her intentions was not to create an historically accurate story. Overall, the story was interesting; however, it was not the book for me. It wasn’t a bad book, the premise was intriguing but the story was slow moving and not enough to keep my attention. It just wasn't what I thought it would be. If you are interested in an alternative historical story, I recommend checking out Solomon’s Crown. 

Solomon’s Crown is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

It Can't Happen Here: a cautionary tale where it certainly can!

It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis is a cautionary tale of the fragility of democracy and an alarming look at how extreme politics can undo the foundation of America. It is 1936 and over the last seven years, the Great Depression has left little hope for the American people. With little hope, Americans are looking for a leader to help them out of the economic tragedy. Who could that be? Newspaperman Doremus Jessup thinks himself a smart man, an even keeled fellow and he doesn’t get swept up in the swinging extremes of politics. When the charismatic presidential candidate Windrip gains ground, people are hoping he can bring prosperity back to America while others are very weary at the further cost Americans will pay. As Jessup begins to question and warn people of the hidden agenda, will the people listen? What happens to those who dissent against Windrip? 

It Can’t Happen Here was written at a time when Americans were largely oblivious to Hitler’s aggressions in Europe. Lewis uses political satire to postulate a chilling tale of the rise of a President who becomes a dictator in the name of “saving the nation.” When it was published in 1935, it was called “a message to thinking Americans” and it is a message that is still needed today. The statements made in this story echo statements that are still being made today. One statement that gave me chills was “We’ll do a whole lot better when we get Communism!” Communism is communism regardless of the country. It Can’t Happen Here should be required reading along with Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm. It is a bit hard to read as the language structure is much different than ours today; however, it is as relevant today as ever. I highly recommend It Can’t Happen Here.

It Can’t Happen Here is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

A Prophet without Honor: a story which explores the what ifs in World War II history

A Prophet without Honor by Joseph Wurtenbaugh is a novel of alternative history. The story begins with the birth of Karl von Haydenreich and the tragic death of his mother, Charlotte, while his father, Captain Henrich Haydenreich, is fighting on the western front in World War I. Told through a series of letters, telegrams and memoirs, the reader hears how young Karl is raised by his stepmother, Rosamunde. Rosamunde was his mother’s best friend and a Jew. Despite both families’ objections, Henrich and Rosamunde marry and have a wonderful life until her death during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Left in the care of his father, Karl is groomed to follow in the family’s footsteps and have a career in the military. When he comes of age, Hitler is coming to power in Germany and the road to World War II is set. In 1936, Hitler sets his army to occupy the Rhineland and bluffs the French and British thinking the German army would retreat at the first sight of opposition. The bluff works and Hitler’s military machine marches across Europe with utter destruction. In a world where history took a different path, it is a story of danger, spies, and romance. Would Hitler fully take over the world or would there still be a force to stop him? Who would have the courage to lead such a charge? Is Karl that man? 

A Prophet without Honor is an interesting retelling of history if one event had taken a different course. I have never read an alternative universe story before and I found the idea intriguing. The characters’ voices and actions have a tone of such accuracy you feel you could really be reading a book about our history. As Karl follows his orders, the thought is in the back of your mind that he was raised by a Jewish woman who he called “Mummi” Surely he couldn’t believe in such hatred against the Jewish people. I enjoyed the story as there is no clear hero or villain such as with life. I loved the realism that we often cannot and will never know the heroics of the men and women who fought against Hitler. If you enjoy reading a story about an alternative universe but reads with such realism, I recommend A Prophet without Honor.

A Prophet without Honor

is available on Amazon for the Kindle