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Paperback Book Details
  • 05/2017
  • 9780997547023 B0711QJTD3
  • 370 pages
  • $18.95
TG Monahan
Author, Service Provider
The Vexing Heirloom
TG Monahan, author

Adult; Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror; (Market)

An epic of Cuba meets the classic hero's journey in The Vexing Heirloom, an immersive adventure and fallen idealist’s quest for redemption. It is the Cuban War of Independence, 1896. The medallion around the woman’s throat is there for Hilaríon’s taking, but the soldier-turned-highwayman cannot bring himself to commit murder. He chases the mysterious woman, Ypriána, into the wilds. He’ll seize his plunder, then while away the rest of his life in some far-flung corner of the globe. But when she tempts him with a better choice, something inside of him leaps at the chance. Ypriána is a savior on a mission—or so she believes. Her people, the M’Brae, have long lived in darkness, but an ancient promise of priceless treasure gives them a glimmer of hope. Only through her can they overcome the Vexing Heirloom, the deadly gauntlet preceding the treasure, yet she needs Hilaríon’s help. The thief hears only one word: treasure. As armies clash all around them, Hilaríon and Ypriána marshal her people along the perilous quest, which will bring them face-to-face with savage enemies, mind-bending riddles, and treachery even within their own ranks. Seeing himself through Ypriána’s eyes, Hilaríon staggers ever closer unto redemption, yet he finds the mounting questions more trying still. Is finding treasure worth such pain? Could the treasure be more than just a prize? And in their darkest hour, as the line between friend and foe vanishes, Hilaríon must forsake what he most desires and find the hero within.

Semi Finalist

Plot/Idea: 8 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 10 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.25 out of 10

Assessment:

Plot: Set in 1896 during the Cuban Revolution, the challenge of this plot is that—even with the author's preface explaining the goals of both sides of the conflict—it is extremely complex. Readers will have difficulty keeping plot points straight at times.

Prose: The author is clearly a gifted writer, able to convey action, details, and emotions succinctly and effectively while simultaneously advancing the story at a steady pace.

Originality: The author skillfully creates a narrative that weaves history and fictional characters. The story line is complex but engaging—and the is book an entertaining way for readers to soak up historical knowledge.

Character Development: Hilaríon is a very well developed character. The author is careful to provide insight into his character through his actions. Initially, he is extremely unlikable, but ultimately he becomes more honorable.

Blurb: A fast-paced, action-packed quest set during the Cuban Revolution, this brilliantly-written thriller will transport readers.

Date Submitted: August 28, 2017

Reviews
Les Edgerton

"What makes The Vexing Heirloom such a remarkable debut—and T.G. Monahan such a formidable writer—is the combination of a rich Cuban history with elements of magic realism overlain, delivered with page-turning and crackling tension. This is polished prose, a solid story, and a unique voice. This is a writer to watch."

—Les Edgerton, author of Hooked, Bomb! and sixteen other titles

News
06/17/2017
ABC News Interview

Mary Wilson of ABC News interviewed TG MOnahan about his debut novel, The Vexing Heirloom on Albany's News10 in the Morning.

Formats
Paperback Book Details
  • 05/2017
  • 9780997547023 B0711QJTD3
  • 370 pages
  • $18.95
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