Review of Fallen Hero
Posted: 23 Jul 2021, 10:55
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fallen Hero" by G. L. Vernon.]
Set in the early 1900s, just at the end of World War I, Fallen Hero by G. L. Vernon is a fiction story that centers around Lieutenant Sep Breitner, who, on the brink of death, was saved by English soldiers and taken to the British Army 13th General Field Hospital. Fractured ribs, spinal damage, and the loss of his right leg, among other things, did not bode well for a bright future. Nevertheless, he would meet Nurse Susan Jones, one of his caregivers at the hospital, and they would experience a deep connection. There are a lot to consider and hurdles to cross, however, especially with the differences in their origin and career paths. Will their relationship survive against all odds?
G. L. Vernon has done a brilliant job in exploring an interesting period in history through Sep's story. The effects of the violence in the war are also explored as we watch Sep struggle with the losses he endured, how his character changes, and the PTSD he developed. The author's focus on dishing out detailed descriptions of every experience from the very first chapter presents one of the main highlights of the novel, as we are fully immersed in the main character's horrible experiences, bask in his joyful moments, and experience the same fear he endures in the face of uncertainty.
"A black ball of panic appeared from nowhere and a wave of dread washed through Sep. The black ball seethed with nightmarish images of screaming men, bloody body parts, explosions, stabbings, mud, snow, choking smoke... and death. Broken bodies were piled up over a barbed-wire fence and spread-eagled across trench parapets. He felt his heart constrict. A cold sweat covered him. His clenched fists gripped the sheet as he fought to stem his terror." - Page 18.
Susan encourages Sep to explore writing his story as a way to get to know him better, so we are entertained by two stories running concurrently: one following Sep's recovery and relationship and the other taking a deep dive into his childhood, family, and influences. The story progresses at a steady pace, giving readers enough time to understand and connect with each aspect of the character's story.
Furthermore, the story analyzes the rigid expectations from women in those days that revolved around "Kinder, Küche, Kirche" (children, kitchen, church). It was inspiring seeing some of the supporting female characters push beyond the boundaries of belittling societal expectations.
Fallen Hero is a professionally edited book since I found just two minor errors while reading. I cannot think of anything I dislike about this novel. The story is engaging and suspenseful with thoughtfully developed characters. Therefore, I rate this book four out of four. If you enjoy romance and historical fiction novels, this is not a book you will want to miss out on.
******
Fallen Hero
View: on Bookshelves
Set in the early 1900s, just at the end of World War I, Fallen Hero by G. L. Vernon is a fiction story that centers around Lieutenant Sep Breitner, who, on the brink of death, was saved by English soldiers and taken to the British Army 13th General Field Hospital. Fractured ribs, spinal damage, and the loss of his right leg, among other things, did not bode well for a bright future. Nevertheless, he would meet Nurse Susan Jones, one of his caregivers at the hospital, and they would experience a deep connection. There are a lot to consider and hurdles to cross, however, especially with the differences in their origin and career paths. Will their relationship survive against all odds?
G. L. Vernon has done a brilliant job in exploring an interesting period in history through Sep's story. The effects of the violence in the war are also explored as we watch Sep struggle with the losses he endured, how his character changes, and the PTSD he developed. The author's focus on dishing out detailed descriptions of every experience from the very first chapter presents one of the main highlights of the novel, as we are fully immersed in the main character's horrible experiences, bask in his joyful moments, and experience the same fear he endures in the face of uncertainty.
"A black ball of panic appeared from nowhere and a wave of dread washed through Sep. The black ball seethed with nightmarish images of screaming men, bloody body parts, explosions, stabbings, mud, snow, choking smoke... and death. Broken bodies were piled up over a barbed-wire fence and spread-eagled across trench parapets. He felt his heart constrict. A cold sweat covered him. His clenched fists gripped the sheet as he fought to stem his terror." - Page 18.
Susan encourages Sep to explore writing his story as a way to get to know him better, so we are entertained by two stories running concurrently: one following Sep's recovery and relationship and the other taking a deep dive into his childhood, family, and influences. The story progresses at a steady pace, giving readers enough time to understand and connect with each aspect of the character's story.
Furthermore, the story analyzes the rigid expectations from women in those days that revolved around "Kinder, Küche, Kirche" (children, kitchen, church). It was inspiring seeing some of the supporting female characters push beyond the boundaries of belittling societal expectations.
Fallen Hero is a professionally edited book since I found just two minor errors while reading. I cannot think of anything I dislike about this novel. The story is engaging and suspenseful with thoughtfully developed characters. Therefore, I rate this book four out of four. If you enjoy romance and historical fiction novels, this is not a book you will want to miss out on.
******
Fallen Hero
View: on Bookshelves
