Review of Fallen Hero

[Standor5865]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fallen Hero" by G. L. Vernon.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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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.

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Fallen Hero
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[Maliha Naveed]

Though love stories with the background of love are a little cliched but the idea of two stories going on parallel doesn't seem bad.

[Mayur Arjune]

The review is impressive, the way it has pictured love scene is good. The collection of love stories I love reading.

[Faith - Benny Any]

This is an interesting read. Lieutenant Sep Breitner really passed through a lot. I am so inquisitive to know if he and the caregiver later fell in love.

[Goodness C N]

The Lieutenant indeed faced a myriad of challenges. This is a good review. Well done.

[Jacques Mwashuma]

A classical love story, not my cup of tea but still sounds amazing. This review is great work.

[Aarti Jha]

Two stories running simultaneously is appealing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would definitely want to know more about this relationship having two people of entirely different origins. Excellent Review!

[Uzo_Reviews]

War stories are always triggering for me after I lost a dear one. Wish I could overcome my fears and read this. Notwithstanding, this was a great review.

[Tarie07]

Sep has really been through a lot. I would love to see how he and Susan deal with this. Thanks for the review.

[Theana De lima Araujo]

I like the idea of a story within a story these sorts of books always prove to be interesting. The quote you included is appreciated as it gives me a clue of the author's writing style. I gather that this will be a heart-wrenching read about a man finding new life after war. It's too heavy for me right now. Thank you for the superb review, have a lovely day.