Title: Blood Brothers (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book Five)
Author: Marcus Abston
Publisher: Chas Novels
ISBN: 979-8986596525
Pages: 386
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
Pacific Book Review
Blood Brothers is the fifth installment in A Dying Truth Exposed series by author Marcus Abston, and traces the search for Joseph, a Cherokee kid who was abducted and enslaved in the same place where his mother had fled years back.
In Tahlequah, the Lightning-Strongman family is determined to find their son Joseph, who has been taken into slavery along with other half-breeds to work in the cotton fields of a tyrannical master. There, he is not allowed to use his original Indian language, and he frequently eats corn meant for pigs and cattle while no one else is around. The fact that his father, John, is Indian and his mother, Annabelle, is Negro makes him the target of the most derision from his master.
Upon learning that he has been located and that an old, powerful, and famous acquaintance, whose family Annabelle fled from years ago, has her sights on him, the latter becomes very worried. She fears she will find out who he is and take him back to her family as retaliation for her escape. Although the acquaintance feels any child that belongs to Annabelle should legally be theirs, her response and intentions are quickly eclipsed by her father’s past actions and sentiments, which force her to make a choice she never would have anticipated.
Before the US government developed the Indian Reorganization Act, “half breeds” had horrendous experiences in the hands of racist owners, as this tale which begins in the 1800s describes. The plight of slavery in the face of an imminent major war disaster is one of its well-elaborated themes. The author immerses readers in the plantations, highlighting the sharp contrast between the verdant cotton fields and the desolate living conditions of the workers. In addition, he tells the story of an outstanding mother who went to great lengths to keep her family safe, even concealing her past from her children.
The book’s subject matter is heavy, but there are opportunities for an occasional smile. By retelling a member of a dominating race’s extremely dangerous prohibited conduct toward a member of a race that was widely hated and distrusted, the story deftly presents a fresh viewpoint on the power of love and loyalty. Within its pages, the subject of whether individuals who were rescued as well as those who managed to escape remained the same is bluntly posed.
Unexpected developments in Blood Brothers heighten the tension. It establishes itself as an impartial, and engrossing novel that is easy to revisit since it is full of moving scenes, fascinating dialogue, and well-developed characters. It gradually builds to a satisfying and endearing climax. It challenges readers with its complex themes while delivering an engaging storyline filled with suspense and emotion. Conclusively, it is a must-read for anybody seeking a book that depicts a strong bond with family and overcoming a difficult history. Blood Brothers truly stands as a testament to Abston’s prowess as an author, leaving readers eagerly awaiting what comes next in this enthralling series.
