21 REVIEWS of THE PITS ... and climbing! This is the latest review ..... A better description of heroism In the Battle of Maldon, a few Englishmen have been attacked by a fierce army of Viking invaders. Although the Vikings are between two branches of the river and thus separated from launching their full strength at the Anglo-Saxon army, Beortnoth nobly allows them free passage to do battle on equal terms. Vastly outnumbered, Beortnoth and his brave men are slain until only a small, unflinching band of warriors remain: “Byorthwold spoke; he grasped his shield; he was an old companion; he shook his ash spear; full boldly he exhorted the warriors: Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens. Here lies our leader all hewn down, the valiant man in the dust; may he lament for ever who thinks now to turn from this war-play. I am old in age; I will not hence, but I purpose to lie by the side of my lord. . . In these few words, a better description of heroism, of unwavering dedication and loyalty Ive not read in a while. The lines “Thought shall be the harder, heart the keener, courage the greater, as our might lessens are a thousand years old, a pre Christian heroic spirit which author J.R. Tolkien, a crafter of worlds where chivalry roared, himself called Northernness. That is the spirit in which I viewed this wonderful book, as I put it down. The main character, a Marine, has seen battle, war up close and personal, and comes home, expecting to find peace. Instead, he dons invisible armor to battle something that would not, by the worlds standard today, be considered a crime against man, for it involves a crime against an animal. By pulling the curtains on the dreadful practice of dog fighting, even if at times disturbingly, yet honestly, graphic, the author pulls us in to care. Soon we are alongside Captain Kramer and Shadow as they vow to stop those involved, freeing the innocent so they can enjoy what is left in life, in safety, in peace. The story is richly developed, with engaging characters and a perfect pace. I hope to read more from Mr. Smith. I feel like Captain Kramer is a friend now, not just a character in a novel. LB, 3 November, 2014 - 5 STARS
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 05:01:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015