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Editorial Review:
One of the notable contributions to the historical fiction genre is Marlene Fabian Stiles novel “Time of the Valkyrie.” Mike Bollerjack is the main character through which this book is narrated. Mike leads his readers through an incredibly detailed account of the “Battle of the Bulge,” which occurred in World War II. The readers experience the story as the character does with his thoughts, emotions and perceptions.
Marlene Hooks readers right from the word go. The picture of the freezing landscape of the Ardennes forest where the battle took place is vividly depicted by the writer. The defined trees are blanketed with snow, the bullets are in the distance, and there is a risk that the enemy is hiding within the shadows. Everything contributes to the feeling of hysteria on the pages of the unconventional. Stiles' prose is straightforward but evocative in that it permits readers to understand vividly what occurs in every scene of the novel.
Snow fell in the Ardennes Forest all through the cold day, softening blood stains and mercifully burying the bodies of dead soldiers under a soft, fleecy pall. This fierce Nazi attack on Allied forces would come to be known as the Battle of the Bulge, but for each GI in an individual foxhole, the massive assault dwindled into the small, frozen wilderness within their gun sights.
The themes of brotherhood, allegiance, survival, sacrifice, hardness, and grief contribute to captivating parts of the novel. Stiles does not hide the brutality and horror associated with warfare, but she reminds the readers how essential it is for human beings to unite in tough instances. For example, Mike’s relationship with Gus is a sizeable thing of the unconventional that brings forth a glimmer of hope in the midst of the devastating war. These instances imply that the novel, without a doubt, appeals to readers interested in the ancient past and fans of correct testimonies.The sensory element is one of Stiles’ strengths that she makes use of to evoke the readers to feel the surroundings. She paints a brilliant and clear photo of the icy surroundings, brutal moves, and merciless climate situations winning throughout the warfare.
Additionally, the narrative provides complex info on the numerous weapons utilized for the duration of the wars. The information assists the reader in understanding the psychological trauma suffered by the foot soldiers. Therefore, this novel becomes more than just an account of two soldiers; it is a commentary on human life.
Stiles’ novel flows at a moderate pace but has an exciting development of characters throughout. The creator portrays the Ardennes Forest in such a compelling way that the reader right away feels as if they're part of the exact events. As the reader moves forward in analyzing the tale, they are able to visualize many fields of war and anxious moments at some stage in the novel.
Darkness gradually eased its grip as the sky outside their window lightened to a gun barrel blue, and dawn peeled away the hard edges of night. As the slope of Holly’s shoulder emerged from shadows, his anxiety dissolved as soft light molded vague shapes into tangible forms. His dream evaporated at last, and he buried his face in the perfumed ringlets of Holly's Holly's Holly's strawberry hair.
“I love you so much,” Mike whispered. He was gratified when Holly opened her eyes and said she loved him, too. Her voice was sweet as cream, a far cry from the Gatherer’s gravelly rasp.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world.” He was undoubtedly luckier than Gus. The poor bastard had never been a threat to anyone, and yet the fates had cut his life short.
Marlene masterfully uses dialogue to create tension and a complex look into the characters’ interrelations. Her vibrant and compelling portrayal of the personalities of every character gives the readers a view of the battle world and the courage of humankind. The shape of the narrative is obvious and logical. The creator definitely describes the setting, the characters and the plot even from the onset of the book. The structure of the narrative is clear and logical. The author really describes the setting, the characters and the plot even from the onset of the book. The events of this tale are informed chronologically, and the use of flashbacks provides the necessary background for the characters and the reasons for their actions. Stiles has a neat style of writing that is descriptive as well as captivating so that the reader is able to imagine the story.
“It’s so damn cold, betcha hell froze over.”
Gus didn’t answer.
“Never snows back home in California.” As Mike blew on his frozen fingers to warm them, he dreamed of the hot Santa Ana winds that plagued their desert town. Those demon winds whipping up clouds of dust had seemed like a curse until today.
A mortar exploded overhead and nearly shattered his eardrums. Mike ducked as a shower of ice crystals fell like shrapnel from the snow-laden branches of overhanging trees. However, some of the readers might find the dream sequences and the ghost of Gus disturbing or confusing at first. Some people might regard the novel as too emotionally powerful or realistic in describing the war and savageness.
In this regard, Marlene Fabian Stiles, the writer of “The Time of the Valkyries,” is quite skilled at composing a compelling narrative. The struggle being faced by the characters is nicely juxtaposed with the dramatic and haunting historical setting of the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge. Stiles’ writing is replete with lively words and picturesque images that help one visualize the inhumanity of war and its raw feelings. Moreover, Stiles has been cautious, building up a world that is consistent with historical settings and has a lot of well-researched details. The “Time of the Valkyrie” will be a treat for any reader who enjoys a good historical fiction novel.
*****
“Time of the Valkyrie ” by Marlene Fabian Stiles's novel received five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company.
Award:
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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