By: John J. Horn
Rating: 5 stars (because I love this book even after reading it four times)
Ages: 12/13 and up (for mild violence and some description of deaths)
This book is amazing, for more reasons than one. This is John Horn at his best.
Brothers at Arms: Treasure and Treachery in the Amazon is my favorite fictional novel. It combines action, adventure, multi-dimensional (and undercover) villains, suspense, God-honoring principles, and even the smallest bit of clean romance.
The twins, Law and Chester Stoning, are so fun. They've become two of my favorite characters. Law's studious and charming (in his own sort of way); Chester is gallant and brave and has a bit of impetuosity in him. Working together, they beat seemingly impossible odds - with Lawrence's knack for planning escapes and Chester's mastery of gun and dagger. I love it - that Law plans, and Chester does the actual fighting part. (But Law gets better.) And I love how their relationship changes over the course of the story - from being brothers who don't get along to friends and true comrades. I love the unique way Chester talks and the brothers' dialogue with each other throughout the book. And the Eyesore? That's just fantastic!
The plot and writing are simply amazing. I really enjoyed the setting changes - from England to the steaming jungles of Peru. John has chosen unique settings for each of his books, and they're big parts of the story itself. It makes the series a lot of fun.
It's funny to think that after having read this three times already, the last time I read it (being time #4), I still noticed something I hadn't before. I think sometimes I read too fast, so I miss fun details. Like the scene in the cave when the villain (I won't mention a name, just so I don't spoil anything) tosses the heroine, Pacarina, to the side, and Law catches her and hugs her. I mean, I hadn't even known that was there! It was a really sweet moment that I fortunately caught the fourth time around.
(Let this be a lesson to me to read slower and enjoy the detailing in all stories!) ;)
And the epilogue? It's such a great part of the book! I am really very happy that John included that! :)
The thing about the Men of Grit series, but particularly Brothers at Arms, that I love so much is the adventure - it's fast-paced, heart-pounding, and just plain fun to read. And Horn always adds a bit of humor. (Which is also incredibly fun.)
Law and Chester learn lessons in this book. They change and grow. They face trials, but they overcome them, all the while being chivalrous and brave. This book is what the world needs more of, honestly. It's exciting and funny and has a bunch of action scenes...
In the end, all of my rambling can't to do this incredible book justice. It will most likely forever hold a favorites spot on my ever-growing shelf of books read. My advice? By this book. Read it. Marvel at the amazing-ness. Then go get the next two books. I bet you won't regret it.
(I sure haven't! Buying The Boy Colonel was one of the best book-choices I have ever made. Ever.) ;)
For a limited time (it's up tomorrow!) you can get Brothers at Arms FREE! Get the book right here, on Amazon.
And, you can learn more about the author, what he writes, and check out special concept art at John Horn's website, johnjhornbooks.com.
Happy reading,
~Micaiah~
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