Review of Insurrections: Book 1

Post by **Victor Nwabuisi** » 02 Jun 2025, 01:01

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Insurrections: Book 1" by Gilda Morkert.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Ben found a mutilated dead body lying in the snow at Gemstone Lake, Canada. Fear spread through the once peaceful town from that moment onwards. And people began locking their doors. The dead man was a eunuch, which was shocking to those who heard about it; a eunuch in this 21st century sounds outrageous. Later, Ben found a scroll at the same spot where the man died. After the scroll led to the deaths of two of his neighbours, Elliot, an archaeologist, and his wife, Sandy. Things started to go awry, marking a major turning point in Ben's life and the lives of his close friends, Jack, Kit, Maggie, and Lars. Unbeknownst to them, what is brewing in the shadows is much bigger than they thought. Something dark that will not only leave the White House on the brink of doom but also trigger a global insurrection.

Insurrections: Book 1 by Gilda Morkert is a gripping crime thriller filled with espionage, terrorism, crisis, and much more. The book contains exciting twists and turns that will keep readers turning pages. This is the first book in a series, and I honestly can’t wait to read the next one. I love how this first book concluded, but it seems the author still has many more surprises in store for readers. The book depicts powerful themes, especially in the pursuit of power and control. It sheds light on how certain countries, such as the United States, may use war not just as a means of offering aid but also as a strategic tool for profit and to conceal hidden agendas, most times under the banner of international alliances like NATO. The book further depicts how these wars leave deep scars on victims and soldiers. This can be seen in Ben and Steven's experiences during their time in Iraq. The book also explores the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The book shows how Palestinians fight for freedom and equal rights. As a result of the harsh treatment meted out to them by the Israeli government, where their land is forcefully taken from them and they are tagged as part of Hamas or anti-Semitic. I love how this book portrays real-world issues, which is both eye-opening and inspiring.

What I enjoyed most in this book was the teamwork between Lars and his friends Jack, Kit, Ben, and Steven. Even when their lives were at stake when they realised what was happening was bigger than what they expected, they didn’t give up. They kept pushing and trying their best to bring back the peace and safety that Gemstone Lake had lost. I also found Kit really loveable. She is one brave and strong woman who would go to any length to protect the people she loves. Using only the skills her father, Steven, had taught her when she was younger, it was impressive how she dealt with the bad guys, especially what she did in Ottawa. The author did a good job with the character development. Readers would find the characters memorable. The action scenes were excellently descriptive and vivid, which brought every moment to life.

I didn't dislike anything about the book. However, I noticed that in a few places, two different dialogues appeared in the same paragraph. This may be the author’s stylistic choice, but I think separating dialogue by speaker would make the conversations clearer for readers. A few times, I had to reread the dialogue to figure out who was talking. But this didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book, as I was completely drawn to the plot. Which is why I will award the book a five out of five stars. Also, the book was excellently well-edited. I recommend this intriguing story to lovers of crime thrillers.

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Insurrections: Book 1
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Zahra Abdallah 2 · Post by **Zahra Abdallah 2** » 07 Jun 2025, 01:46

Insurrection: Book 1 by Gilda Morkert is bad snare through atrocity people trying distraction of the citizen. For example some of the people dislike to see an area of peaceful continue to live in a peace style. Is my first book of series but I am sad to see terrorism and cruelty of people. What I enjoyed most in this book was the Ben confidence and his friend. But I cried because of killing periodic. I recommended this story teachable to people to avoid crime because it is not good behaviour.

Thapelo Buthelezi · Post by **Thapelo Buthelezi** » 07 Jun 2025, 04:42

This seems like a good book to read. I love how it includes real-life history and tackles strong topic, like Israel-Palestinian. Good review. It was thorough, and I enjoyed it very much. Keep it up.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 07 Jun 2025, 10:32

The book appears to address many real-world issues, but my curiosity is piqued to know how the mysterious deaths are part of or connected to what appears to be an almost global issue. The other question is also about who is pulling the strings and their goal. The review is captivating, @Victor Nwabuisi.

ogunjobi Ogunjobi · Post by **ogunjobi Ogunjobi** » 07 Jun 2025, 16:18

Insurrections: Book 1 by Gilda Morkert is an ambitious and thought-provoking crime thriller that successfully blends local mystery with global political tension. From the opening discovery of a mutilated body in the snow at Gemstone Lake, the story grips the reader and steadily builds momentum, weaving together personal tragedy, ancient secrets, and a looming international crisis. The shock of the murder, the strange presence of a eunuch, and the discovery of a mysterious scroll set the tone for a narrative that quickly expands far beyond the quiet Canadian town. The ripple effects of these events touch not only Ben and his circle of friends—Jack, Kit, Maggie, and Lars—but also threaten to destabilize global powers, including the White House. The plot is wide-ranging, tackling serious real-world issues such as the exploitation of war for political and economic gain, the psychological trauma of combat veterans, and the complexities of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. While bold in scope, the book never loses its emotional core, thanks to well-developed and memorable characters. Kit, in particular, stands out as a courageous and resourceful heroine, whose bravery and skills are put to the test in thrilling and high-stakes scenes, especially in Ottawa. The dynamic between the group of friends adds warmth and realism, and their determination in the face of overwhelming odds is both compelling and admirable. The action sequences are vivid and cinematic, enhancing the overall intensity of the story. One minor drawback is the formatting of dialogue in some sections, where multiple speakers' lines appear in the same paragraph, making it occasionally hard to follow who is speaking. Though this is a small issue, clearer formatting would improve the reading experience. Still, it doesn't detract significantly from the overall impact of the book. Morkert’s writing is confident, the pacing is sharp, and the themes are timely and powerful. For readers who enjoy thrillers that engage with both the heart and the mind, this book offers a compelling experience. It’s a strong start to what promises to be a riveting series, and it earns a well-deserved five out of five stars.

Sheree Anne Poking · Post by **Sheree Anne Poking** » 09 Jun 2025, 05:19

"Insurrections: Book 1" by Gilda Morkert delivers an engaging and captivating reading experience. The story skillfully intertwines exhilarating action with a nuanced examination of significant real-world themes, ensuring that readers remain hooked throughout. Morkert's prose is both refined and approachable, featuring characters that are genuine and relatable. This novel is essential for enthusiasts of suspenseful fiction that tackles profound societal matters. It comes highly recommended for anyone in search of a narrative that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.