Title: From the Blue
Author: Paul Allen Roberts
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-50495-955-1
Pages: 318
Genre: Literary Fiction
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss
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Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Condonte is an island nation that was unprepared for the invasion of people from surrounding islands. Pohii was able to convince the nations to live in peace and form a council where all thoughts were heard and valued, but still again Condonte was invaded. The nation learns to look towards its past to overcome the odds of failing to this stronger invading army. The events following the invasion changes the lives of not only Condonte, but also those who invaded the island. They learn how to survive and rely on one another for strength. In From the Blue readers see emotions ranging from grief and loss to strength and love.
Author Paul Roberts tells an interesting tale with this novel. He pulls his readers in with a little backstory on the council Pohii creates, and Ihilani, a native wishing to find her place within this world. Readers immediately begin to relate and care about these two characters. Within a few paragraphs, readers become attached to them and the further they read the more invested in these characters the readers become. Roberts writes with such clarity that the characters’ emotions mix with those of the readers. It is easy to put yourself into the lives of the characters rather than feeling disconnected from them. Roberts is able to create an all too realistic story which feels as if we are reading something straight from history.
As readers, we are subject to the fears, both political and personal, of each character; we are given a glimpse into each of their minds. They develop throughout the story becoming more complex with each page. These characters have a certain depth and quality to them which is rarely seen in novels. Characters quickly become ingrained in the readers’ minds and leaves them yearning for more. His writing style is clear, concise and to the point. The disclaimer at the beginning of the novel helps the readers understand and read some of the language within the story. It is evident the author wants the reader to get lost in the tale rather than stumbling over words and phrasing. There isn’t a point where I was bored or wondered when a scene will end. Everything about this book is perfectly paced and nothing feels displaced or unrelated to the tale. Paul Roberts masterfully crafted this novel to appeal to his audience.
This is definitely a book that needs to be added to any book shelf. It has a lot happening within its roughly 300 pages, but it does not feel like it is being bogged down with too much or unnecessary information. As for a rating, I would give this a STAR because it held my attention throughout the whole story, engrossing me in what was happening to Condonte and its people. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good story to get lost in. This is a novel that helps change the reader as they learn things alongside the characters. Pick it up today and go on a journey From the Blue.
