Title: Rising: The Irish Clans: Book Three in the Series
Author: Stephen Finlay Archer
Publisher: Manzanita Writers Press
ISBN: 978-0998691008
Pages: 304
Genre: 20th Century Military Historical Fiction / War Fiction
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Hollywood Book Reviews
One of the most difficult yet most rewarding things a person can do in life is stand up for what is right. In the face of overwhelming opposition and a seemingly impossible task, it is understandable and easy to roll over and allow something to happen which goes against what one truly believes. Yet it is in those moments when a person decides to lay everything on the line and stand up to those in power that a person truly knows themselves.
Revolution has become a central part of many civilizations over the years, the most notable over the last few centuries being the American and French Revolutions respectively. Yet in author Stephen Finlay Archer’s Rising: The Irish Clans: Book Three in the Series, the author explores revolution through the Easter Rising of 1916. In this third book in the series, the culmination of the revolutionaries’ work takes center stage, as the Irish Clans work together to unite against their common enemies and find the treasure that will honor a pact made by their ancestors to stand against the oppressors of their lands.
The author really did an amazing job of building strong characters which melded into the actual history of the narrative. The infusion of Irish mythology and history allowed the reader to learn and delve into this rich culture and the events which defined this land. Yet amongst these grand stories, the personal aspects of these characters are brilliantly illustrated through powerful imagery in the author’s writing style. The complexities of Collin’s journey as he works to fulfill his promises to his wife while also working to learn of his sister’s fate, only to discover his sister’s fate is more complex than he could have possibly imagined, made this story not only more grounded, but emotionally engaging as well.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy historical fiction, especially those who enjoy historical fiction set against the backdrop of war, and stories which explore Irish history, culture, and mythology all in one book. The look into the past of these Irish Clans and the way history has been defined by blood and bonds throughout the ages was remarkable to read, and the tension and atmosphere that were layered into the story allowed me to get lost in this story quite easily. If you haven’t yet, make sure you take the time to grab this remarkable story, and the series overall.