My Brother's Keeper

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Historical Writing Enthusiasts!!
Review: "When I open a book, I am no longer of this time. I want to read a book into which I can become totally absorbed. This process was immediate with My Brother's Keeper. Historical writings (fiction or research) are my passion, and Miss Russell did an outstanding job, allowing me to experience the depth of her complex characters, the brutality of "Churchianity" in this historical period, and to appreciate the power of the human struggle against such adverse conditions. Her descriptive talents allowed me to envision the torments, suffering, fears, and reality of William Fylbrigge without the graphic horror of it all. One's imagination is always more powerful. I must believe that, in the long run, right will always prevail. I could not put this one down!!! Have the sequel, In the Wake of Ashes, readily available.

I have closed my eyes and relieved this story many times. Her words stimulate you to feel, to hear, to smell, to see, and to taste. Put the time aside and experience historical fiction at its finest.

Rating:
Summary: A Must for Historical Writing Enthusiasts!!
Review: "When I open a book, I am no longer of this time. I want to read a book into which I can become totally absorbed. This process was immediate with My Brother's Keeper. Historical writings (fiction or research) are my passion, and Miss Russell did an outstanding job, allowing me to experience the depth of her complex characters, the brutality of "Churchianity" in this historical period, and to appreciate the power of the human struggle against such adverse conditions. Her descriptive talents allowed me to envision the torments, suffering, fears, and reality of William Fylbrigge without the graphic horror of it all. One's imagination is always more powerful. I must believe that, in the long run, right will always prevail. I could not put this one down!!! Have the sequel, In the Wake of Ashes, readily available.

I have closed my eyes and relieved this story many times. Her words stimulate you to feel, to hear, to smell, to see, and to taste. Put the time aside and experience historical fiction at its finest.

Rating:
Summary: A Most Fascinating Adventure
Review: Because I couldn't put it down, and just sat in my recliner reading the whole weekend!

First of all, I am a snob about details in historical fiction. (No one can stand to sit and watch Braveheart with me). So I am always ready to nit-pick. This is a great story. It is set in 1607 Scotland, but that is really secondary to the plot, so I have been forgiving about the invented rivers, and fictitious place names and such. It was the actual story that grabbed me. The story centers around one man, and his dream of a peaceful, unencumbered, simple life with his new bride. However, he is born of noble blood, and is saddled with all the responsibilities that go with it, and the treacheries. I loved the twists. Just when you think you've got a character figured out, he does something unexpected. Relationships are complicated, but very well defined, and the story just grabs you. Especially the last 3 chapters, which I read in one sitting, until 3:00am. It's a great read!

Rating:
Summary: Quite a surprise
Review: I bought this book as a favor to a friend, not expecting to like it as I am more into crime/drama thank historical cloak and dagger type stuff. However, from the first chapter on, I was hooked. The story winds around William Fylbrigge, a liberal minded young fellow who seems to be born 400 years before his time. In a time when a person could be accused of being a witch simply for talking to themselves in public, this guy publicly declares, basically that it just isn't right to fry people alive!

What I enjoyed most about the story, was the constant quick dialog, the light hearted moments interspersed amongst the heavier scenes(whining prison guards attending the torture chamber, who complain there are too many stairs!)The tension is TENSE and the humor delightful, and when it was time to cry, I didn't have nearly enough Kleenex.

The characters are very clearly written, each owning a very real and tangible personality. Relationships are multi-leveled and seem 'real', in particular the relationship between William and his adoptive Father. Interestingly enough, Ms. Russell has chosen to make the male main character the quintessential "sensitive guy" (you gotta love him). The heroes and villains are well balanced, being neither overtly virtuous nor cartoonishly evil (although the character of Thomas did make me think of Oil-Can Harry). Bottom line, the author made me "feel" as well as "see" the scenes, and I cared about the people I was reading about.

My one complaint with the story is that it ended rather abruptly with a few loose ends. (does this mean sequel? One can hope.)

Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Lorrieann Russell wrote a compassionate and exciting book about medieval England. She captured not only the history of the period but the flavor as well! Russell's words take you to the castles and the events as if you are there watching it as it unfolds.

Her grasp of these people is wonderfully rich and true. You picture each and every person she writes about. Russell uses not only the rich history, but also the color of that period. Her book is rich in pathoes and humor, terror and joy. She brings the reader along with her on her roller coaster ride through the pages, and like the roller coaster, the ride is much too short.

The book leaves the reader begging for more! The last chapter with its diary-like entries make you wanting more. This book is a must for those that love this period in time. It makes for a wonderful summer's reading and I recommend it to anyone! Like all great books and fine meals, it leaves you begging for more...

Rating:
Summary: My Brother's Keeper
Review: Lorrieann Russell wrote a compassionate and exciting book about medieval England. She captured not only the history of the period but the flavor as well! Russell's words take you to the castles and the events as if you are there watching it as it unfolds.

Her grasp of these people is wonderfully rich and true. You picture each and every person she writes about. Russell uses not only the rich history, but also the color of that period. Her book is rich in pathoes and humor, terror and joy. She brings the reader along with her on her roller coaster ride through the pages, and like the roller coaster, the ride is much too short.

The book leaves the reader begging for more! The last chapter with its diary-like entries make you wanting more. This book is a must for those that love this period in time. It makes for a wonderful summer's reading and I recommend it to anyone! Like all great books and fine meals, it leaves you begging for more...

Rating:
Summary: A Most Fascinating Adventure
Review: Take a trip to early 1600's Scotland via the mind of Lorrieann Russell. Meet William Fylbrigge, heir to the Duke of Stonehaven. Remember the difficult past that he has experienced through his flashbacks; and adventure along with the strong, capable man that he has become. While reading this novel, you will get to know each character intimately, as they are completely "fleshed out." Ms. Russell does not hesitate to describe each character's strong and weak points so that the reader feels that they are dealing with true flesh and blood people. No one is too good to be true, yet there are certain characters that will win your heart and stay in your mind forever. The descriptions in this novel will employ all of your senses. You will see the beauty of Drumoak, smell the horrors of a prison, taste Elinor's delicious recipes, hear the horses in hot pursuit of their masters' prey, feel the joy as William and Mehlyndia are reunited and prepare for their wedding; and truly experience pain, both emotional and physical, as you delve further into William's life. Be sure to set aside some time to take this journey with Ms. Russell because once you begin, you won't want it to end - even when you've reached the last page!

Rating:
Summary: Synopsis
Review: This is an incredible first novel by a wonderfully talented lady. The characters are vivid and real. The plot moves at a pace that is just right. The dialogue is "hearable." The historical perspectives are right on the money. I couldn't put it down, I was that captivated. Only one other author as captured me and made me love historical fiction like this one has, and that's John Jakes (North and South, The Kent Family Chronicles, Homeland). This book is on a par with his wonderful novels, and if he's looking for a successor to pass along the mantle to, here she is. Thank you, Lorrieann Russell. I look forward to more from this author.