Friday, July 30, 2010

CFBA: Dark in the City of Light by Paul Robertson

Song Stuck on the Brain: Firefly Theme





This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Dark In The City Of Light
Bethany House (July 1, 2010)



by



Paul Robertson





MY TAKE:

Dark in the City of Light is a book I found hard to peg. Robertson's descriptions of Paris and the surrounding area are nearly poetic. The city comes to life. It's better than a painting, it's the best cinematography you can find. His characters however, were a little less inspiring. I found it hard to connect with the story itself. The history, although at times interesting and I'm sure very accurate, tends to overwhelm the tale in my opinion.

The layout of the book itself was unique, with mini chapters within regular chapters. At first I found that jarring and it made the flow difficult, but once I adjusted to that, I didn't even notice the jumps. I wouldn't call this a fast paced intrigue, but once invested in the story, I found it interesting. I think this would be well suited to those fascinated by history and politics, but if you're looking for fast paced political intrigue, you might find this a little too sedate. However, if you want to step into 1870's Paris and see it live and in full color, lights and all - this would be the ticket. Robert's has a gift for bringing setting to life.




ABOUT THE BOOK:


What Evil Haunts the Shadows of 1870s Paris?

Baron Ferdinand Harsanyi — After his wife's mysterious death, this Austrian attaché holds control over mines whose coveted ore could turn the tide of war.

Therese Harsanyi — Swept up in new romance and the spectacle of Paris, the Baron's daughter is blind to the dangers stalking her family and the city she loves.

Rudolph Harsanyi — Unsure whom to trust, the Baron's son's grief over his mother's death twists into growing anger and a desire to break free.

As France and Prussia plunge toward war, one family is caught in a web of deceit, political intrigue, and murder that threatens to tear them apart.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Dark In The City Of Light, go HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Paul Robertson is a computer programming consultant, part-time high-school math and science teacher, and the author of The Heir. He is also a former Christian bookstore owner (for 15 years), who lives with his family in Blacksburg, Virginia.

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