K.M. Breakey

Shout the Battle Cry of Freedom
By K.M. Breakey
2023
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 4 stars

This reviewer feels it important to first share the author’s statements at the end about this book before the review itself.

The concern is that some readers may misconstrue the message of this work of fiction as a depiction of the majority of Americans and as a call to violence before getting to the end, if at all, to read the note.

In the note to the reader at the end the author writes:
“When you write reality-based fiction you’re taking a gamble – cause reality takes discontinuous jumps.”
“I do not advocate violence. I never set out to write a book about insurrection, I simply went where the characters took me. You might call this novel a cautionary tale. An alternate future to spur discussion and debate.”

The Canadian author shares this description about this fiction built on the news on his website. http://www.kmbreakey.com/
“My latest novel, Shout the Battle Cry of Freedom, takes readers on an inside tour of America’s decline – COVID insanity, violent crime, open borders, descending Dystopia. However, a new leader emerges – a patriot who’s ready to die fighting for freedom. Is it too late to save the once-mighty nation?”

At the beginning of the novel readers meet Thomas Baker.

If the idea of an All-American millennial boy from the South, first a quarterback, then a member of Congress aligned with former President Trump until he believes Trump didn’t go far enough appeals, readers will relate to him.

If the idea that the problems in America don’t fall into the conspiracy theories held by Thomas Baker, he will anger readers.

That’s the gamble since the main character will come across as either a hero or a traitor.

The story goes on with the introduction of other characters, full of a rehash of media news and conspiracy to support a sharp divide in America.

What part in the divide does the media and politicians propel by using the fear and uncertainty people feel to inflame the division?

It took a while for the real story to get underway, but when readers continue, the action picks up the pace. The author’s use of dialogue realistically brings the characters to life. Readers become invested in following what drives Tom Baker whether agreeing with him or not.

To the protagonist Tom Baker the American Dream is no more. To get it back he goes to extremes, willing to die and to kill to do so.

Is this the answer for America? Or is this a warning?

Readers who are objective enough to read with an open mind, and willing to differentiate between fact and opinion, will understand better what’s at risk.

Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, as well as author of 17th Century Tottenville History Comes Alive, first in a series of Tottenville History books. www.AngieMangino.com… (meer)

Fearless Men, But Few
By K M Breakey
2020
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars

In chapter one readers meet Eamon Clarke.

“He was born in Galway in 1985, and a fortunate wee fella he was. A decent looker with a gift for gab, and athletically inclined to boot. He comes to figure large in this tale, and now’s a good a time as any to get acquainted. … ‘cause the greatest threat in Ireland’s long history loomed, and there were gonna need ‘im, so they were.”

The author’s writing style immediately immerses readers into Ireland, hearing the lilt not only in the conversations later, but in the descriptive prose.

Chapter two, set in Dublin, Ireland in January 2011, brings us into Eamon’s life.

Chapter three set in Somalia in January 2011 introduces Yasif Mohid Rahim.

“Yasif Mohid Rahim was just eighteen, but his creased forehead gave the appearance of a thirty-something. He was world-weary, though he’d seen little of the world. Mogadishu was the farthest he’d been from his native Dhahar in Somalia’s Puntland region, and he’d only just arrived.”

To the author’s credit, the writing style takes readers out of Ireland into Dhahar when meeting Yasif.

Throughout this thought-provoking and fast-moving 64 chapters of story readers follow along from Mogadishu in July 2011 to Ireland in December 2019, from the point of view of Eamon and Yasif alternately. Immigration and nationalism figure prominently in the lives of both men as their homelands struggle, with despair rearing its head for both of them as they fight to survive and thrive. The well-done characterizations make them come alive on the page as the dialogue puts readers right into the heat of the circumstances of their lives. https://amzn.to/2YRQDHZ

Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com… (meer)