Review of The Living Legend

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Kirsi Cultrera
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Review of The Living Legend

Post by Kirsi Cultrera »

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Living Legend" by Dan E. Hendrickson.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Human trafficking has existed throughout history, but our story starts in the year 1891. Somewhere in Kenya, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the slave traders raid Tumaini Alee's home village. His father gets killed in the raid. Tumaini is the chief's son, and he feels obliged to defend his people. He and his men are outrageously outnumbered, but they execute their counter-attacks at night, managing to cause terror among the enslavers. Against all odds, Tumaini succeeds in his attempts, and the legend is born.

Decades later, in 1979, not much has changed. The slave-trading business is still going strong, and young girls face horrific destinies at the hands of slave traders. Tumaini Alee's legend has not been forgotten, but he has been dead for years. Makena Alee remembers her great-grandfather's plea on his deathbed. The time has come for this courageous woman to step up and continue her ancestor's work. She is determined to help her people, who are again falling into the hands of enslavers.

Ensign Tommy Williams is toasting for his graduation with his father in Tokyo when something unexpected happens. Joy turns to grief when a sudden shot ends his father's life. Blindfolded with rage and thirst for revenge, Tommy decides to go after his father's killer, but his plans are harshly interrupted. Tommy finds himself joining the Navy SEALs instead. The training is hard, and to his misfortune, Tommy gets singled out from day one by his trainer. What happens after that? Will Tommy be able to pull through the grueling Navy SEAL training program? Does he get his revenge? And what does Tommy have to do with the legend of Tumaini Alee?

The Living Legend by Dan E. Hendrickson blended suspense, action, and amazing characters perfectly. Based on this author's other works, I knew to expect a pleasant reading experience, and Mr. Hendrickson did not let me down. The multidimensional plot beautifully tied the history together with the present, fluently creating connections between events and people worldwide. Despite the harsh military surroundings and an inflammatory topic, the author kept the story relatively clean. The book had some profane words, but it was not littered with them. In addition, the scenes were accurate but not too graphic in nature. Due to the author's excellent storytelling skills, the reading experience was smooth and effortless; it felt similar to watching a good action movie. I only needed to sit back and enjoy, occasionally flip the pages, and let my imagination do the rest.

I loved every bit of this story. Following Tommy's path through military training and watching his character grow was especially enjoyable. The only detail that felt slightly annoying was that Tommy's character came out almost too perfect. His presence felt nearly inhuman at times, but luckily, it did not prevent him from getting into trouble. However, adding some little faults in his character might have made it easier for the reader to identify with the young man. Having said that, I must add that creating almost inhumanly perfect heroes for his stories seems to be a part of this author's signature style. Furthermore, it did not threaten my enjoyment of the book.

Based on what I've said above, the only suitable rating for this book is 4 out of 4 stars. The story was exquisite, and the editing was exceptional; there were no errors to be found. I can't wait to read more books from Dan E. Hendrickson, and I have just added his name to my list of favorite authors.

Unlike most books in the given genre, the author has built this story on a pure set of values. If you enjoy brutally violent scenes described in great detail or prefer wicked or mischievous characters as protagonists, be warned; you will not find any of those in this story. Instead, I recommend The Living Legend to those readers who enjoy action-filled military fiction with multidimensional plot twists, lovable characters, and a breeze of history.

******
The Living Legend
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Francis Omotayo Aderogbin
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Post by Francis Omotayo Aderogbin »

You have done justice to this book. The way you identified the signature of the author is worth nothing. I love authors who can connect events and people of different timelines without fault. Their narratives are always on point and enjoyable. This book sounds like the type I would enjoy whenever I read it. Kudos to you.
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Post by marta baglioni »

They say you don't judge a book by its cover. It's true. I wouldn't have given this book a second glance if it weren't for this great review of yours. Now I'm definitely going to read it. Thanks!
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Post by Jelly_J »

I enjoyed reading your review, you clearly dissected this book piquing my interest along the way. I look forward to reading this book. I also hope Makena is able to stop slave trading amongst her people.
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Post by MsH2k »

Your analyses of Hendrickson's books are always excellent. I may have found one of his stories that I would enjoy. I will check out this read. Thank you for your descriptive and engaging review! :handgestures-thumbup:
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Post by Ozioma Miriam »

The part of this book that interested me was the way Tommy planned his mock operation during SEAL training and outwitted his commander. Your review was nice.
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Post by Kirsi Cultrera »

Francis_Reads wrote: 23 Jul 2022, 16:11 You have done justice to this book. The way you identified the signature of the author is worth nothing. I love authors who can connect events and people of different timelines without fault. Their narratives are always on point and enjoyable. This book sounds like the type I would enjoy whenever I read it. Kudos to you.
Thanks so much for your kind feedback! I have truly become a fan of this author’s works.
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Kirsi Cultrera
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Post by Kirsi Cultrera »

marta baglioni wrote: 24 Jul 2022, 02:52 They say you don't judge a book by its cover. It's true. I wouldn't have given this book a second glance if it weren't for this great review of yours. Now I'm definitely going to read it. Thanks!
You are right about that. I was familiar with the author, and that was partly why I chose this book for reading.
Thank you for your encouraging feedback, I hope you enjoy the story!
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Kirsi Cultrera
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Post by Kirsi Cultrera »

Jelly_J wrote: 24 Jul 2022, 07:29 I enjoyed reading your review, you clearly dissected this book piquing my interest along the way. I look forward to reading this book. I also hope Makena is able to stop slave trading amongst her people.
Thank you for your kind feedback! I hope you'll enjoy reading this book.
Wishing you a good day :greetings-waveyellow:
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Kirsi Cultrera
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Post by Kirsi Cultrera »

MsH2k wrote: 24 Jul 2022, 16:51 Your analyses of Hendrickson's books are always excellent. I may have found one of his stories that I would enjoy. I will check out this read. Thank you for your descriptive and engaging review! :handgestures-thumbup:
Thank you for your kind and encouraging feedback! I hope you enjoy the book :wink:
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Post by abstactlemon »

From you review, it sounds like this has well executed arcs which I love. Thanks.
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Post by lawisimportant23 »

As a Kenyan native, I am shocked that such crimes against humanity could be happening here. Great review.
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Post by Margi zuu202 »

Now that the author quoted #KENYA! That's my 2nd home .. military fictional story in an entanglement and suspenful end and with a taste of history blended on it ..well USA navy seal Lt. Tommy Williams wants a vevange for the assassination of his dad amassador Rodney Williams..he also wanted to stop human trafficking in his home town Kenya but living half a world part makes it hard this book is worth reading
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Post by Shillah Andeso »

I love when authors talk about my country Kenya. There is always a legend that is alive in every community in Kenya. While on the third paragraph of your review i was wondering how these stories are related and You're right, I would love to find out. It's great comming across such a wonderfully written review as this. The same way you added the author to a list of your favorite authors is the same way I add you to the list of my favorite reviewers😊.
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Post by Oyedeji Funmilayo »

It is not easy being courageous at the face of death. The blend of action, suspense and intresting characters depicits that the book will be an intresting read. Your review was helpful and captivating. Welldone!!!
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