Review of The Living Legend
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Fola Moni
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Review of The Living Legend
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Living Legend" by Dan E. Hendrickson.]
One of the greatest basketballers ever, the late Kobe Bryant, once quoted, “ Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.” This quote comes to life in this thrilling book, The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson.
Slavers from Arab lands in the 19th century, who came to raid their African wives and female children, called him Shaytan al-Layl or “the devil who comes at night”. However, Tumaini Aalee was just a man who has had enough. Born into a noble family, he watched helplessly as his mother and sisters were captured by slavers, while his father, Chief Aalee the Noble, was brutally killed. He vowed to get revenge and enlisted other able men from their Kenyan fishing village to fight back. And fight back they did. They not only rescued his mother and sisters, but they also struck fear into the heart of the marauders with their fearsome traditional African warrior attires before killing them off. Looking menacing with a spear in one hand and a revolver in the other, Tumaini left a parting note:”...I will fight you and protect my people. When I am gone, others will rise in my stead.”
Almost a hundred years later, these words will ring true when the paths of Tommy Williams, a Naval SEAL officer and Makena Aalee, the great-granddaughter of Tumaini, crossed while fighting the same cause. What follows is an explosive action-packed plot guaranteed to thrill you till the very end.
I like how the book hits the ground running, wasting no time in pulling you into the essence of the storyline. The author’s narrative writing style is sleek and rich, making the scenes come alive. The book doesn’t lag or get boring, and the suspense keeps the readers on their toes. Strong themes like human trafficking and corruption in government are bound to resonate with everyone, far and wide.
I also like how the main characters are developed and relatable. Makena is a strong and fearless woman who’s determined to keep the spirit of her great-grandfather alive through her cause. Tommy’s character is like a Hollywood leading movie actor; handsome, heroic and vengeful. The antagonist, aptly named The Chameleon is deft and deadly. His mysterious identity adds even more suspense to the plot.
The ending hints at a sequel, and it would be great if there’s a part two in the works. Maybe some of the minor characters could be developed too. A great example is Tommy’s budding love interest, Alysha. Her character comes across as a brilliant and ambitious lady whose relationship with Tommy could really go places.
All in all, there's nothing I didn't like about the book. I would rate it 4 out of 4 stars for being such an entertaining read. I like how the plot comes together to make such an enticing tale. I spotted a couple of errors, but they did not affect my reading experience, so I have to say it’s professionally well edited. There’s strong language and mature themes, so a sensitive/ younger audience should beware. Mature lovers of the action and thriller literary genre would love this book.
******
The Living Legend
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
One of the greatest basketballers ever, the late Kobe Bryant, once quoted, “ Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.” This quote comes to life in this thrilling book, The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson.
Slavers from Arab lands in the 19th century, who came to raid their African wives and female children, called him Shaytan al-Layl or “the devil who comes at night”. However, Tumaini Aalee was just a man who has had enough. Born into a noble family, he watched helplessly as his mother and sisters were captured by slavers, while his father, Chief Aalee the Noble, was brutally killed. He vowed to get revenge and enlisted other able men from their Kenyan fishing village to fight back. And fight back they did. They not only rescued his mother and sisters, but they also struck fear into the heart of the marauders with their fearsome traditional African warrior attires before killing them off. Looking menacing with a spear in one hand and a revolver in the other, Tumaini left a parting note:”...I will fight you and protect my people. When I am gone, others will rise in my stead.”
Almost a hundred years later, these words will ring true when the paths of Tommy Williams, a Naval SEAL officer and Makena Aalee, the great-granddaughter of Tumaini, crossed while fighting the same cause. What follows is an explosive action-packed plot guaranteed to thrill you till the very end.
I like how the book hits the ground running, wasting no time in pulling you into the essence of the storyline. The author’s narrative writing style is sleek and rich, making the scenes come alive. The book doesn’t lag or get boring, and the suspense keeps the readers on their toes. Strong themes like human trafficking and corruption in government are bound to resonate with everyone, far and wide.
I also like how the main characters are developed and relatable. Makena is a strong and fearless woman who’s determined to keep the spirit of her great-grandfather alive through her cause. Tommy’s character is like a Hollywood leading movie actor; handsome, heroic and vengeful. The antagonist, aptly named The Chameleon is deft and deadly. His mysterious identity adds even more suspense to the plot.
The ending hints at a sequel, and it would be great if there’s a part two in the works. Maybe some of the minor characters could be developed too. A great example is Tommy’s budding love interest, Alysha. Her character comes across as a brilliant and ambitious lady whose relationship with Tommy could really go places.
All in all, there's nothing I didn't like about the book. I would rate it 4 out of 4 stars for being such an entertaining read. I like how the plot comes together to make such an enticing tale. I spotted a couple of errors, but they did not affect my reading experience, so I have to say it’s professionally well edited. There’s strong language and mature themes, so a sensitive/ younger audience should beware. Mature lovers of the action and thriller literary genre would love this book.
******
The Living Legend
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Moonlight Serenade by Terry Mark
