Official Review: Insurgence: Peasants and Warriors

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 22 Sep 2015, 13:50

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Insurgence: Peasants and Warriors" by Jorge Sanchez.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Insurgence: Peasants and Warriors is a war novel by Jorge Sanchez.

Gabriel and Samantha are twenty-year-old twins who used to be farmers. After their parents were brutally killed, they joined the rebellion to restore peace and freedom to Guatemala. They fight for the NGAP, which stands for the New Guerrilla Army of the Poor. Gabriel has different ideas for the rebellion than the officers ranking above him, which causes plenty of tension. However, his bold efforts lead to him moving up the ranks. More and more villages are attacked, and death and destruction are ever-present. There is plenty of motivation to continue fighting, putting their lives on the line for the sake of democracy.

There are occasionally flashbacks via extended dialogue. This technique worked very well. The plot shows the characters in battle as well as at their camp training, strategizing or just being among their friends. There is as much focus on the characters as there is on the politics and war surrounding them. Another notable aspect of the book is the great selection of quotes at the beginning of every chapter.

The focus of the story is mostly on Gabriel. His sister Sam is introduced as being incredibly beautiful. Men are always falling in love with her. Her depth becomes apparent when she feels weird about killing their enemies. She worries about how their families will manage in the aftermath. While it may seem cliché for the protagonists to have dead parents, it provides meaningful depth to the characters.

There is a very diverse range of characters in the book, from traitors to refugees. The rebels include experienced soldiers as well as everyday people who’ve decided to join the cause. Sometimes the perspective even switches to the enemy’s side. Gabriel’s development is brilliant. The reader is able to watch him come into his own as a humble, confident, and tactful leader. What’s even more amazing is watching the detachment as a whole develop under his leadership, from a ragtag group into a more refined army.

The prologue immediately drew me in, and the story remained consistently good. Besides a few minor errors like confusing “where” with “were,” the book is very well written and strikes the perfect balance between the different elements it juggles. This includes action, friendships, politics, military tactics, and social status. Those who aren’t familiar with guns and military terminology can still follow along and enjoy. The story provides the right amount of detail. Everything was well explained without feeling that one is being force-fed information.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was captivating from beginning to end. There is some foul language, in addition to gory details. I wouldn’t recommend this book if those aspects would bother you. If you like stories about uprisings and courageous rebellions, then you should definitely give this book a try.

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Insurgence: Peasants and Warriors
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Kappy · Post by **Kappy** » 23 Sep 2015, 13:49

Excellent review! Does the author reveal the year the story takes place?

Post by **bookowlie** » 23 Sep 2015, 18:58

I enjoyed reading your review. Although the subject matter isn't my cup of tea, you made the book seem interesting. Well done.

gali · Post by **gali** » 23 Sep 2015, 23:09

I am glad you enjoyed the book. Thank you for the lovely review.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 25 Sep 2015, 00:53

Great review. This book is not my drink of choice, but I think someone else will like it.

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 25 Sep 2015, 09:11

Ooh "drink of choice." Way to change it up! haha

-- 25 Sep 2015, 09:14 --

@Kappy I don't recall a specific year being mentioned. It is fairly modern. I remember a character talking about scary movies.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 25 Sep 2015, 14:13

Thank you! You see, cups of tea aren't my cups of tea.

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 25 Sep 2015, 14:23

That's so meta

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 11 May 2016, 11:26

Great review! I love the balance between character development and action. I don't usually go for stories about war but you made it sound so compelling and character driven that I might have to read it!

Seraphia Bunny Sparks · Post by **Seraphia Bunny Sparks** » 11 May 2016, 11:27

Really great review. It gives you a dynamic glimpse into the story while still leaving you wanting to know more. The book sounds really detailed and like it will be an engaging read.

gali · Post by **gali** » 11 May 2016, 11:32

It is the Book of the Day!!

I also love when the author manages to balance the different elements. Congratulations to the author for the great review and for being Book of the Day!

Cjgarland89 · Post by **Cjgarland89** » 11 May 2016, 11:48

This sounds like a different type of story, but a great one at that. Excited to read in the near future. Great review, providing lots of information luring me to read!

StainedGlassTiger3 · Post by **StainedGlassTiger3** » 11 May 2016, 11:55

Ooh, what an interesting-sounding book! Thanks for the fantastic review. The fact that the POV switches sometimes to that of the enemy sounds especially unique and intriguing.

gaporter · Post by **gaporter** » 11 May 2016, 12:40

I usually don't like characters that are cliche, but it seems interesting that the POV switches to the enemy. Stories that humanize the enemy often seem to have more depth.