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 ( )