Review of The Pen

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
User avatar
Magdalyne chebet
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 584
Joined: 10 Apr 2024, 13:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 70
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-magdalyne-chebet.html
Latest Review: Talking About Adolescence by Eichin Chang-Lim

Review of The Pen

Post by Magdalyne chebet »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Pen" by Dennis Galloway.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Harold, a clerk in a large law firm in Edinburgh, Scotland, detested his job but loved writing with old pens. While collecting old pens, he found a magical one that, when used, took control of his hand, writing paragraphs in a language he didn’t understand. Harold had to find a way to translate what the pen wrote. Shockingly, whenever he wrote with the pen, he experienced vivid dreams in which he felt like a participant. At first, he wanted to return the pen, but when he looked for the old shop where he found it, he was told that no such shop existed. When Harold attempted to translate the first pages he had written, he realized they were similar to his dreams, in which he became part of Akbar al-Hamid’s life story.

Akbar al-Hamid was raised by a local tribe until he was ten, when he was sold into bondage. Life was difficult, as he was chained and beaten regularly until he finally escaped and lived on the streets. There, he met Jamal, who taught him tricks to survive. Despite his hardships, he held onto his dreams and remained determined to succeed. Did Akbar al-Hamid manage to change his life? Why did the magical pen choose Harold? What relevance does Akbar al-Hamid's life story have to Harold's own life? To uncover the answers, read The Pen Dream Traveler’s Tales Book I: Sultan’s Wisdom by Dennis Galloway.

The Pen imparts lessons in an engaging and captivating manner. As Harold continued his dream travels and became part of Akbar al-Hamid’s life, his own life began to change as he applied the motivational lessons he learned. I appreciated how the author seamlessly integrated life lessons often taught by motivational speakers into the story. Through the narrative, I learned resilience, generosity, time management, and other essential leadership skills, as well as the importance of envisioning our goals and striving toward them.

Throughout our pursuit of success, we face many challenges. One such challenge is dealing with adversaries determined to prevent us from achieving our dreams. This became evident when Harold started applying the lessons and was promoted to the role of assistant supervisor. Falstaff, jealous of Harold’s progress, set a trap that ultimately led to Harold's dismissal.

I liked how the book was organized into concise yet numerous chapters. The writing style was appealing, and I enjoyed reading it. The story had unexpected twists and turns, with humor seamlessly blended in. The book was engaging throughout, and I never grew tired of reading it. I am keeping this book for future reference, as I believe rereading it will provide valuable life lessons. The author thoughtfully summarizes the key lessons at the end of the story, making them easier to apply. The book was professionally edited, as I found only one error. I have no negative criticism; every aspect was on point—interesting and educational. I give this book a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars for its engaging, thought-provoking, and well-executed storytelling.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, as the magical pen chooses Katherine. I am eager to read Book 2 to see what the magical pen has in store for Katherine. I can't wait to see how the story unfolds. This book is suitable for a wide range of readers, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to adults who feel there are many barriers preventing them from achieving their dreams.

******
The Pen
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
"Our imperfections are what make us human; they are the cracks through which our light shines."
– Inspired by Leonard Cohen
Shaniz Tobiaz
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 139
Joined: 18 Feb 2025, 03:26
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 34
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shaniz-tobiaz.html
Latest Review: The Art of Entertaining by Maggie Fleming

Post by Shaniz Tobiaz »

Magdalene, you have written a very good review, big up, this book is a must read for me.
Absence of evidence is never an evidence of absence
User avatar
Magdalyne chebet
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 584
Joined: 10 Apr 2024, 13:44
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 70
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-magdalyne-chebet.html
Latest Review: Talking About Adolescence by Eichin Chang-Lim

Post by Magdalyne chebet »

Shaniz Tobiaz wrote: 27 Feb 2025, 12:22 Magdalene, you have written a very good review, big up, this book is a must read for me.
Thank you so much!
You should give it a shot, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
"Our imperfections are what make us human; they are the cracks through which our light shines."
– Inspired by Leonard Cohen
User avatar
Gerry Steen
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2672
Joined: 08 May 2023, 20:08
Favorite Book: Life Shattered
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 456
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gerry-steen.html
Latest Review: The Seer's Curse by A.K. Nikole

Post by Gerry Steen »

A magical pen! What a great idea! I wish I had one. I am interested in reading the lessons that Akbar al-Hamid imparted to Harold. I am adding this magical story to my bookshelves.
eghbal daneshi
Posts: 5
Joined: 27 Feb 2025, 10:48
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 4

Post by eghbal daneshi »

I think it's a fun book that Harold's story turned into Akbar Alhamid's story. The magic pen is a very good idea to write imaginative stories
User avatar
Seetha E
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 1801
Joined: 02 Mar 2023, 10:18
Currently Reading: Vibrant Veggies Delight
Bookshelf Size: 349
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-seetha-e.html
Latest Review: St Sebastian, Jack & The Silver Lining by Milly K Reynolds
2025 Reading Goal: 51
2025 Goal Completion: 62%

Post by Seetha E »

Harold unexpectedly finds himself in possession of a magical pen that holds more surprises than he could have imagined. Dennis Galloway, through his simple and engaging writing, imparts several life lessons and the importance of striving toward our goals. Sounds like a fun and worthwhile read. I am adding this one to my reading list. Thank you for your great review!
Jessica Woods 3
Minimum Wage Millionaire Reader
Posts: 55
Joined: 11 Oct 2022, 05:55
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 8
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jessica-woods-3.html
Latest Review: Only One Foot to the East by Matthew R James

Post by Jessica Woods 3 »

I like your review of this book. "The Pen" sounds captivating from the plot alone. I also like that this story is one mixed with mystery, fantasy, and inspiration. It sounds like the making of a good escape when reading, and that life lessons are intertwined into the story. What tempts me the most to read this book is that it tells the story of a slave and how he was able to escape. I always enjoy stories such as these. This book sounds like it is worth my time.
Sarika Bedgujer
Posts: 2
Joined: 03 Mar 2025, 07:47
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Sarika Bedgujer »

Your review is so nicely written making me believe that are a writer too.
I really want to read this book now, it kinda feels like stories from childhood that my grandma told us.
Sarika Bedgujer
Posts: 2
Joined: 03 Mar 2025, 07:47
Bookshelf Size: 0

Post by Sarika Bedgujer »

Your review is so nicely written making me believe that are a writer too.
I really want to read this book now, it kinda feels like stories from childhood that my grandma told us.
User avatar
Lene Lena
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 468
Joined: 18 Jun 2017, 04:57
Currently Reading: The Visible Subconscious
Bookshelf Size: 85
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lene-lena.html
Latest Review: The Unique Friendship of Grover and Steve by Lee Cherry
2025 Reading Goal: 36
2025 Goal Completion: 25%

Post by Lene Lena »

I appreciate your intriguing review of Harold’s journey with the magical pen. The blend of his mundane life and vivid dreams adds depth to the narrative. I’m curious about how he will navigate the challenges of translating Akbar al-Hamid’s story and what that means for his own life. Thank you for sharing!
User avatar
Amy Luman
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5800
Joined: 29 Mar 2021, 14:05
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 1066
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy-luman.html
Latest Review: Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Amy Luman »

This is a very entertaining concept. Even though think that any sort of magic is real, it’s fun to think that it could happen. Experiencing someone else’s life for a short time could help anyone become more empathetic. Thanks!
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”