- ASIN: B0BRYF85JQ
- Publisher: All Night Books; 1st edition (March 21, 2023)
- Publication date: March 21, 2023
- Language: English
- Print length: 305 pages
- Genre: American Historical Romance
The BookViral Review:
Compelling and unstoppable, Assault (book 1 of the Girl with a Knife series), is undeniably addictive, as James. T. Hogg leads us through an intensely personal account of 17th Century American history. Dripping with human nature at its best and worst, Hogg imbues his work with integrity, crafting backstories full to the brim with inner turmoil and angst, then cleverly weaving them into an explosive narrative.
Perfectly representing the challenges of colonial America, this book has it all. Indian culture is perfectly balanced with the realism of early settlers trying to make their way in a harsh and dangerous country, whilst old and new customs clash, and formerly held beliefs intermingle. Thematically accurate and intelligent, the writing is solid and bold, yet holds the poignancy of real life.
Hogg’s realistic social commentary blends seamlessly with well-crafted characters; each family firmly its own, whilst nevertheless perfectly balanced within his literary community. He writes with a rawness only offset by the complete honesty in which he portrays desire, intention and action; holding nothing back, but instead taking his reader deep into the psyche of both the individual as they orbit one another within a societal hierarchy, with devastating results.
Rather than convey purely stereotypical personalities, Hogg mixes these with a plethora of strong and determined women, a debauched and lecherous Minister, and white mercenaries who nevertheless long for peace. This blend of atypical individuals makes for a rich and absorbing storyline and piques the reader’s interest over and over, as his characters assume a living and breathing life of their own. Through these, he reminds us of the flaws, passions and surprising softness of the human condition.
Book 1 leaves us with a heart-wrenching cliff-hanger, as the reader feels a strong emotional investment in the very characters which teeter on a knife edge. A 5-star read and unreservedly recommended.
