Official Review: Surviving Anstey by Susan Hancock

[Juliet+1]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Surviving Anstey" by Susan Hancock.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Some twenty years ago, Anstey left his distant planet and future time to settle on Earth with enough indentured servants, political lackeys, and brutal "enforcers" to support the luxurious lifestyle he desired. Now well established on a secluded estate along the Devon coast in Elizabethan times, he prospers by trafficking in drugs and slaves. Imprisoned in caves under Anstey's mansion, their activities constantly monitored, his workers grow restless.

Thomas Alban, an enforcer who hates his work, has joined with friends to develop a plan to escape from Anstey. One day he hears cries for help coming from the beach. It's Katherine (Kat) Wrenn, condemned as a witch by fellow villagers and lashed to a pole so she will drown at high tide. Thomas and his friend Stephen rescue her. Both are surprised to find that Kat has the same special powers that they have, although she is not from their planet.

Then the rebel group learns that one of their members has betrayed them to Anstey. They must execute their escape plan that same night. Kat helps by providing a local hideout, but the getaway is not entirely successful. Anstey is in pursuit. Arguing among themselves, the rebels go off in different directions, unsure whom they can trust and how much Anstey knows. Will they ever be free of Anstey's iron grip?

One of the most original and appealing aspects of Surviving Anstey is the connection that slowly develops between Kat and Thomas. Each has different strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes Kat rescues the group from peril with the special talents that made villagers think she was a witch; sometimes Thomas does the rescuing. But both have doubts about their own capabilities and self-worth. And Thomas is prone to periods of depression, while Kat is more levelheaded. But they discuss their problems and continue to strengthen their relationship.

The author's decision to alternate the narration between Kat in the first person and Thomas in the third person gives more immediacy to Kat's story and makes her seem the central character, definitely a plus for those who appreciate novels with strong female characters. Occasionally Anstey's point of view appears at the end of a chapter, revealing the secrets he knows and the strategies he is planning. This technique creates a continuous feeling of suspense, with the reader wondering right up to the last few pages whether the escapees will evade Anstey's dire plots.

Vivid descriptions of the Devon coast also contribute to the pleasure of reading this story. Perilous tides, secret caves, and rocky offshore islands concealing bands of pirates are just a few of the elements that create an atmosphere of tension and danger.

As the first volume of a trilogy, Surviving Anstey has an excellent ending. All the plot threads from the events in this book are nicely resolved. And the author provides just enough hints of future possibilities to whet readers' appetite for the next book.

Surviving Anstey by Susan Hancock deserves 4 out of 4 stars for its exciting and suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and convincing sense of time and place. It is well written and well edited. However, this book is strictly for adults. Although the violence, torture, sex, and profanity are perfectly realistic for the story, particularly since it is set in rowdy Elizabethan times, it is not suitable for anyone younger than 16-18 years old.

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Surviving Anstey
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[Wy_Bertram]

This sounds amazing. A greedy alien tyrant seems like a perfect way to describe most people these days. Great job on the review.

[The_Vivian]

This looks like the kind of story you call adventurous, because surviving a tyrant to me seems like an adventure. One that only a strong level headed person comes out victorious in the end even though that is not always the case. Nice review by the way. I would love to read it one day.

[baha Ibrahim]

Well written. Will definitely keep you turning those pages to find out what happens next. This is a compelling read.

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a captivating read for a historical fiction lovers! I too prefer solved plot lines over open endings in case of book series. Thanks for a great review!

[Teele]

Good sense of imagination on the part of the author. Thanks for a clear review.

[Elvis Best]

The plot sounds really interesting. I enjoyed reading your review. Good job!

[gatuguta2030]

The plot sounds really interesting. I enjoyed reading your review. Good job!

I can't agree more.

[Misty20058]

The plot sounds extremely well thought out, as-well as being a well written book. It sounds like a truly captivating read. Thanks for the review.

[Valkyrie9]

It is always great to find a book with a carefully thought out plot, well-developed characters and a believable setting, and even better when it is but the first volume in a series! Thanks for an honest and well written review.

[Cebby]

This is a great read will keep you turning those pages want get more of adventurous events. The author did a good job when introducing characters.

[Reader047]

This book sounds a page-turner. You also gave a wonderful and insightful review of the book. Thanks for your review.

[Vic Chimezie]

Lovely and insightful review from you. I enjoyed reading it. Vivid descriptions are important, and it's good to see that this book doesn't lack it. Thanks for the recommendation.

[NetMassimo]

This seems an interesting novel, and the fact that it has an ending that allows me to decide if I want to go on with the trilogy is a plus. Thank you for your great review!

[Juliet+1]

Well written. Will definitely keep you turning those pages to find out what happens next. This is a compelling read.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment.