By Justin Newland
April 18 – 21
classical-3-710
- Amazon link: https://mybook.to/TheAbdication
- Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58654682-the-abdication
- Genre: Historical Fantasy
- Print length: 328 pages (130K words)
- Age range: This is an adult book but suitable for mature teens aged 16+
- Trigger warnings: Deaths; an animal is burned alive
- Formats available for the tour: standard electronic formats (sorry, no paperbacks)
- Amazon Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About The Abdication
The town of Unity sits perched on the edge of a yawning ravine where, long ago, a charisma of angels provided spiritual succour to a fledgeling human race. Then mankind was granted the gift of free will and had to find its own way, albeit with the guidance of the angels. The people’s first conscious act was to make an exodus from Unity. They built a rope bridge across the ravine and founded the town of Topeth. For a time, the union between the people of Topeth and the angels of Unity was one of mutual benefit. After that early spring advance, there had been a torrid decline in which mankind’s development resembled a crumpled, fading autumnal leaf.
Following the promptings of an inner voice, Tula, a young woman from the city, trudges into Topeth. Her quest is to abide with the angels and thereby discover the right and proper exercise of free will. To do that, she has to cross the bridge – and overcome her vertigo. Topeth is in upheaval; the townsfolk blame the death of a child on dust from the nearby copper mines. The priests have convinced them that a horde of devils have thrown the angels out of Unity and now occupy the bridge, possessing anyone who trespasses on it. Then there’s the heinous Temple of Moloch!
The Abdication is the story of Tula’s endeavour to step upon the path of a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.
Praise for The AbdicaTION
Justin Newland has a beautifully descriptive way of writing which pulls you into the story. There is an array of characters, some good, some evil but all completely believable and I loved the way Tula involves herself in the lives of the people she meets whether she wants to or not. I also enjoyed the way her inner feelings and thoughts were written which brought me closer into Tula’s life.
Although I found the ending very satisfactory, I do hope Justin continues with Tula’s story as I want to know what the future holds for this plucky and courageous young lady. Amazon Review
The first thing that struck me about “The Abdication” was the old-fashioned feel to the writing and the presentation of the story. For the record: old-fashioned isn’t bad (think Ursula K. LeGuin). I thoroughly enjoyed Tula’s journey, all the characters she met, and the conclusion was satisfying. Justin Newland’s writing is easy to read and the plot is great entertainment. I want to go back to Topeth! Amazon Review
This was an interesting mix of a supernatural thriller with elements of historical fantasy and biblical mythology. I can definitely see some parallels between this story and biblical ones, but with a unique twist. It will certainly make you pause and think if you’re at all familiar with the Old Testament, but not in a bad way. I really enjoyed the characters and descriptions. I have to warn you, once you start reading you won’t want to put it down. There are a lot of elements to this story, but they weave together smoothly. The book isn’t very fast-paced, but it’s certainly not slow. If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, and don’t mind some biblical overtones, you’re going to enjoy this book! Amazon Review
About the Author
JUSTIN NEWLAND was born in Essex, England, three days before the end of 1953. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
Justin gives author talks in libraries and does books signings in Waterstones, WH Smiths and indie bookshops. He has appeared at literary festivals and regularly gives media interviews.
He writes secret histories in which real events and historical personages are guided and motivated by numinous and supernatural forces – that’s history with a supernatural twist.
Website: https://justinnewland.com/
Reviewers – please complete the form below if you would like to take part in this Tour, April 18 – 21
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