Fantasy, Westerns, and Historical Fiction Annotations
Historical Fiction
Author: Nancy Horan
Title: The House of Lincoln: A Novel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: June 2023
Time Period: 1858-1861
Geographical Setting: Springfield, Illinois
Pages: 352
Plot Summary
We follow the story of Ana, a live in servant to Abraham
Lincoln. Through Ana eyes, we see the events leading up to Lincoln’s run to the
Presidency. This is an intimate rendering of what Lincoln’s family life was
like living in Springfield.
Subject Headings
President Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln
Slavery
Springfield, Illinois
Civil War
Appeal
Pacing: Slow. The story drags without much to hold reader’s
interest.
Tone: Depressing. Characters can be hateful such as the slave
catchers.
Characterization: Story is narrated by Ana.
Language: Modern English
3 Term Description
Historical Changes
Racism
Eyewitness Account of Slavery
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The President’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood
The story of how Edith Wilson became the first lady. Edith was a widow who started dating Woodrow Wilson. They would marry and Edith found herself as First Lady of the United States. We learn of her struggles during the First World War.
The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria
Christopher Murray
A recounting of the friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary
McLeod Bethune. Read how these two remarkable ladies helped form the Civil
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Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Mamah Borthwick Cheney is a married mother looking to build
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Western
Author: John Deacon
Title: A Man Called Justice
Genre: Western
Publication Date: April 2022
Time Period: 1800’s
Geographical Setting: New Mexico
Pages: 230
Plot Summary
Justice has no memory of what happened to him. He awakens to
find a widow named Nora tending to his serious wounds. He is grateful for help
and stays to protect her from outlaws. This is book one of a series.
Subject Headings
Cowboy
Outlaws
Cattle
Appeal
Pacing: Medium
Tone: Adventurous
Characterization: Narrated by Justice.
Language: English
3 Term Description
Gunslinger
Rancher
Engaging
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The Covenant by B.N. Rundell
Elijah returns from the Civil War to find his wife dying.
Their twins are missing. Elijah vows to find their sons. Follow Elijah into
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A Rambling Man: Lucas Cain by Robert Vaughn
Lucas Cain is a Union soldier who is being held prisoner in a Confederate camp. After the war is over Lucas sets off for the West to heal and to find himself.
Forever Texas by William Johnstone
In 1852 Regis Royle is recovering from the Mexican War. With
his little brother along for the ride, Regis wishes to lay claim to the Santa
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Fantasy
Author: D.K. Holmberg
Title: The Risen Shard
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: September 2020
Time Period: Modern Day
Geographical Setting: Yoran
Pages: 378
Plot Summary
Gavin Lorren is a trained hit man. He does not like killing innocents,
so he frees himself from that life. He settles in Yoran hoping to settle down. Unfortunately,
a team of deadly warriors try to overtake the town. Gavin will have to call upon
his past to save the citizens.
Subject Headings
Assassin
Sorcery
Warriors
Dragons
Appeal:
Pacing: Fast
Tone: Violent
Characterization: Narrated by Gavin
Language: English
3 Term Description
Sorcerous
Thrilling
Intriguing
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Nate Arturi is just enjoying his normal life on earth. He is
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The Traitors Son by Pedro Urvi
Lasgol had a hard upbringing. He lives in a small village because
the King deemed his father a traitor. When Lasgol becomes of age, he sets off
to clear his father’s name. He joins the Ranger’s Camp to learn the ways of the
world. Will he be able to clear his father’s name?
I was astounded to read that you had read three books for this annotation and was blown away. I had to space out my books for my own sanity, but I am highly impressed that you had done all three genre's for this specific genre set. I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of reading to cover in one week! A daunting task. Your summaries are on the brief side. I would have liked them to have been a little more fleshed out. The readalikes for each are strong.
ReplyDelete