Title: In The Shadow of an Eagle
Author: James Safreno
Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1953791009
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 668
Reviewed by: Arthur Thares
Pacific Book Review
There are people on this Earth who may not be writers by trade, but are born with a story they need to tell. That applies to James Safreno, as his novel, In the Shadow of an Eagle, certainly feels like it is a story he needed to write. This is a deep and detailed story which will resonate with many, even though it is sometimes unbelievable.
James York feels like Forrest Gump if Forrest had all his mental faculties. He starts as an underdog who, through hard work and some luck goes about as far as you can in life. York is a generally likable character which bodes well for the story since he is the protagonist. However, in earlier chapters, York can get a little confusing because there is no conflict in his life. Anything he tries – he is good at, and he wins every fight he is in – the lack of humanism takes you out of the story a bit because it reminds you that this is a work of fiction. In the later chapters, York faces more realistic life challenges though his story is still a bit far-fetched.
In the Shadow of an Eagle is a longer read, but that is to its benefit because there is rich character building almost to a fault. You connect with the characters in York’s life well, because you spend so much time getting to know them and not just their part in the main character’s life, but details of their lives away from him. As the book progresses, it gets more relatable, and in the last chapters, many readers will find themselves empathizing with James York as he reflects on the beautiful life he has had.
This book transcends many genres, and readers will find themselves laughing at times and crying at others. Although it is a lengthy book, it is worth every minute you spend reading it. James York is a fantastic and inspiring character that we would all do better to be more like. It is easy for readers to being a fan of author James Safreno’s style and machinations, as hopefully his characters will re-emerge in future novels.
