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Keepers of the Ring #1
Roanoke: The Lost Colony
Roanoke: The Lost Colony recounts the life of Jocelyn Colman, whose faith is tested and refined when she follows the husband she barely knows to an unexplored land. Jocelyn struggles with her husband's bitterness and guilt until God's forgiveness becomes a lifesaving reality.
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
531 people are currently reading
2,147 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
241books1,842followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything� except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life� in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers� conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything� except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life� in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers� conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
June 23, 2013
I really wanted this to be an epic saga that drew me in and became a new favorite series but...sadly, it fell far below expectations. Though I enjoyed the beginning of the story, I was glad to finish it by the end. The pace is very, VERY slow...except when randomly 8 years go by. The characters were enjoyable in the beginning but by page 200 or so, you're thinking "oh my gosh...300 more pages like this?!" But you keep reading because surely it will get better...right? {spoiler alert!} WRONG. Thomas becomes a crazy person! I mean, I was glad that in the end Thomas and Jocelyn are FINALLY happy...but it was for like 5 minutes before the end of the book. I felt seriously jipped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2016
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I knew the history of Roanoke prior to purchasing Angela Elwell Hunt’s Roanoke: The Lost Colony, but my interest in the novel didn’t begin with its subject matter. Truth be told, I stumbled over the book because I wanted to read one of its sequels. Unfortunately, the jacket description on Charles Town led me to believe the Keepers of the Ring series built on one another so rather than breaking sequence and jumping in at book five, I redirected my attention to book one.
I’ll grant it’s not the most auspicious start, but I’ve opened books on a lot less so let’s not get caught up on the details. Roanoke: The Lost Colony actually has a few things going for it and while certain elements of novel left me wanting, there was enough going on to hold my interest and satisfy my famously particular tastes.
Fair warning to all, the religious aspects of the novel are not subtle, but I felt Hunt’s themes blended well with the historic details of her fiction. I know I’m in the minority when I say this, but I enjoy this kind of balance and am always impressed with writers who take the time and care to create it. Hunt obviously put a lot into researching the colony, but she put equal thought into integrating her message of faith into the material and I truly appreciated how to two complement one another as the story progressed.
I felt Jocelyn a likable heroine, and I appreciate much in both Audrey and Rowtag, but like many other reviewers, I struggled to appreciate Thomas. His views are rather extreme and while I’ve no problem with difficult characters, I felt his arc awkward and forced. I greatly enjoyed his entry and introduction, but his personality fractures and takes a seemingly unnatural tangent. In looking back at the book, I have to admit his character confused me and even now, I’m not entirely sure what Hunt was trying to accomplish with his role.
I found the pacing tedious, but became addicted to the authenticity and harsh descriptions of Hunt’s narrative. Christian fiction is usually positive and upbeat, but Roanoke: The Lost Colony is decidedly bittersweet. Hunt allowed history to shape this story and while I recognize how disappointing that is for some readers, I personally respected the author more for her adherence to the historic record.
As a family saga, I can’t say the Keepers of the Ring series has much on Jack Cavanaugh’s American Family Portrait, but I enjoyed the time I spent with piece and look forward to tackling additional installments in the near future.
I knew the history of Roanoke prior to purchasing Angela Elwell Hunt’s Roanoke: The Lost Colony, but my interest in the novel didn’t begin with its subject matter. Truth be told, I stumbled over the book because I wanted to read one of its sequels. Unfortunately, the jacket description on Charles Town led me to believe the Keepers of the Ring series built on one another so rather than breaking sequence and jumping in at book five, I redirected my attention to book one.
I’ll grant it’s not the most auspicious start, but I’ve opened books on a lot less so let’s not get caught up on the details. Roanoke: The Lost Colony actually has a few things going for it and while certain elements of novel left me wanting, there was enough going on to hold my interest and satisfy my famously particular tastes.
Fair warning to all, the religious aspects of the novel are not subtle, but I felt Hunt’s themes blended well with the historic details of her fiction. I know I’m in the minority when I say this, but I enjoy this kind of balance and am always impressed with writers who take the time and care to create it. Hunt obviously put a lot into researching the colony, but she put equal thought into integrating her message of faith into the material and I truly appreciated how to two complement one another as the story progressed.
I felt Jocelyn a likable heroine, and I appreciate much in both Audrey and Rowtag, but like many other reviewers, I struggled to appreciate Thomas. His views are rather extreme and while I’ve no problem with difficult characters, I felt his arc awkward and forced. I greatly enjoyed his entry and introduction, but his personality fractures and takes a seemingly unnatural tangent. In looking back at the book, I have to admit his character confused me and even now, I’m not entirely sure what Hunt was trying to accomplish with his role.
I found the pacing tedious, but became addicted to the authenticity and harsh descriptions of Hunt’s narrative. Christian fiction is usually positive and upbeat, but Roanoke: The Lost Colony is decidedly bittersweet. Hunt allowed history to shape this story and while I recognize how disappointing that is for some readers, I personally respected the author more for her adherence to the historic record.
As a family saga, I can’t say the Keepers of the Ring series has much on Jack Cavanaugh’s American Family Portrait, but I enjoyed the time I spent with piece and look forward to tackling additional installments in the near future.
May 18, 2012
Absoltely gut-wrenching. Ordinarily, I cannot read sad books. And sad is ...an understatement for this book. But I just could not put this book down. Some parts were absolutely horrifying, but I'm thankful for having read them. It really gave me a deeper gratefulness for what sacrifices were made so that I could now live in this country. I'm just in awe.
I really loved Jocelyn's character. Her virtue. She was quite amazing, but believable. I found myself so frustrated with Thomas, but I think his character was an excellent example of the damages of a proud, hard, legalistic heart.
This book was just really a great read! I'd definitely recommend it.
I really loved Jocelyn's character. Her virtue. She was quite amazing, but believable. I found myself so frustrated with Thomas, but I think his character was an excellent example of the damages of a proud, hard, legalistic heart.
This book was just really a great read! I'd definitely recommend it.
October 1, 2012
I remember reading about the lost colony first in 5th grade (VA). I always hoped the Indians took them into their tribes.
I did not like the preacher and some of the colonists were as bad as the Powhatan Tribe. What an existence the colonists led, always looking for White to come back with supplies. It took very stong people do endure what they did to survive.
I am now hooked on this series.
I did not like the preacher and some of the colonists were as bad as the Powhatan Tribe. What an existence the colonists led, always looking for White to come back with supplies. It took very stong people do endure what they did to survive.
I am now hooked on this series.
April 5, 2017
I was quite gripped by this...I had never heard of the historical mystery of Roanoke and was quite fascinated with the premise and wondered how the author would resolve it (which she did satisfactorily).
There is brutality in this which was no doubt reflective of the times but I do not enjoy reading such descriptions so although I overall liked this I don't want to read the next one.
There is brutality in this which was no doubt reflective of the times but I do not enjoy reading such descriptions so although I overall liked this I don't want to read the next one.
August 30, 2016
A little to long and dreary. And Thomas...lets just say I wanted the Indians to get him! But I've already read the next book and its much better!
Series Review:
Full of history, this series is very unique in its setting. I have read very few books (Christian or not) about pre-Revolutionary America and I cannot think of a book-outside of the Dear America series-about the Native American/settlers war and conflicts. Covering Roanoke, Jamestown, Hartford, King Philip's War, and the early slave trade, Angela Hunt wrote a very unique series.
I enjoyed some books in the series more than others, and found some parts of the series redundant and far-fetched, but I was fascinated by the history.
Series Review:
Full of history, this series is very unique in its setting. I have read very few books (Christian or not) about pre-Revolutionary America and I cannot think of a book-outside of the Dear America series-about the Native American/settlers war and conflicts. Covering Roanoke, Jamestown, Hartford, King Philip's War, and the early slave trade, Angela Hunt wrote a very unique series.
I enjoyed some books in the series more than others, and found some parts of the series redundant and far-fetched, but I was fascinated by the history.
February 27, 2017
Phew! I'm glad this book is done! This was an interesting read, and clearly the author tried to be historically accurate, with license enough to make it a fiction book rather than a textbook. Although at times it did read like a history book, for the most part the author did a good job of making it a story.
My problem was the lengthy drawn out drama between Jocelyn and her husband, Thomas. Most of that was fiction, but it was just too much.
Thomas was a preacher, a very legalistic preacher, bent on rules, and hell fire for those who break the rules. He married Jocelyn on the way to America in the 1500's and for 20 years (no really, 20 years) he withheld his affections. I know, I know, I'm giving some of the story away, but sooooooooo much of the book was about that, and his idiotic thoughts about "appearing" to be pure before the congregation. And by pure, you gather what I mean. Ugh. It was too long and protracted, and down right boring. I kept wishing the author would get on with it already.
The saving grace was all the little plots that were happening around that couple. Far more interesting. But his preaching, his rules, his distorted view of a marriage relationship with a demanding, punishing God...
I grew weary.
This was a colony the people were supposed to be setting up for Sir Walter Raleigh in Virginia. Not being farmers in England, their first year was pretty bad, so their leader set out back to England for further provisions and more colonists. So the colonists in Virginia waited and waited for their return. In the mean time they did what they could to survive, including making friends with a tribe of Indians. This saved them for years to come. Plus they brought the gospel to them.
Would I recommend it?...I'm not sure. Probably not. But some of it was quite interesting on the historical front.
My problem was the lengthy drawn out drama between Jocelyn and her husband, Thomas. Most of that was fiction, but it was just too much.
Thomas was a preacher, a very legalistic preacher, bent on rules, and hell fire for those who break the rules. He married Jocelyn on the way to America in the 1500's and for 20 years (no really, 20 years) he withheld his affections. I know, I know, I'm giving some of the story away, but sooooooooo much of the book was about that, and his idiotic thoughts about "appearing" to be pure before the congregation. And by pure, you gather what I mean. Ugh. It was too long and protracted, and down right boring. I kept wishing the author would get on with it already.
The saving grace was all the little plots that were happening around that couple. Far more interesting. But his preaching, his rules, his distorted view of a marriage relationship with a demanding, punishing God...
I grew weary.
This was a colony the people were supposed to be setting up for Sir Walter Raleigh in Virginia. Not being farmers in England, their first year was pretty bad, so their leader set out back to England for further provisions and more colonists. So the colonists in Virginia waited and waited for their return. In the mean time they did what they could to survive, including making friends with a tribe of Indians. This saved them for years to come. Plus they brought the gospel to them.
Would I recommend it?...I'm not sure. Probably not. But some of it was quite interesting on the historical front.
March 7, 2018
2.5 stars
I picked this one up because it's about the Lost Colony at Roanoke which is a topic I've always found intriguing. I end by feeling rather torn about the rating. On the one hand the research was clearly well done. The writing was vivid and detailed and gave a very clear picture of just what things might have been like for the colonists. I liked the main female protagonist well enough and in the end I thought the theory it presented for the possible fate of the colony was plausible.
There was a lot of religion in this book. As I don't like books to preach at me I would have found this far more off-putting if it did not fit so well with the period and the likely attitudes of the settlers. So that by itself was not as objectionable as it might have been in another context.
Along that line however, we come to the part of the book that did cause an issue for me. And that is the main 'hero', Thomas Colman. I found him tolerable for the first couple chapters he appeared in, but for the majority of the book he was frustrating and far to easy to completely despise. I spent the majority of the book hating him for his stupidity and unreasonable behavior. I suppose in a way that may have helped with the story the author wanted to tell, but personally I prefer that the characters whose point of views I read are not ones I end up loathing.
It was a bleak book, but that was something I quite expected. It was an interesting read but not one I'm sure I'd choose to recommend, unless, like me you find the topic of particular interest.
I picked this one up because it's about the Lost Colony at Roanoke which is a topic I've always found intriguing. I end by feeling rather torn about the rating. On the one hand the research was clearly well done. The writing was vivid and detailed and gave a very clear picture of just what things might have been like for the colonists. I liked the main female protagonist well enough and in the end I thought the theory it presented for the possible fate of the colony was plausible.
There was a lot of religion in this book. As I don't like books to preach at me I would have found this far more off-putting if it did not fit so well with the period and the likely attitudes of the settlers. So that by itself was not as objectionable as it might have been in another context.
Along that line however, we come to the part of the book that did cause an issue for me. And that is the main 'hero', Thomas Colman. I found him tolerable for the first couple chapters he appeared in, but for the majority of the book he was frustrating and far to easy to completely despise. I spent the majority of the book hating him for his stupidity and unreasonable behavior. I suppose in a way that may have helped with the story the author wanted to tell, but personally I prefer that the characters whose point of views I read are not ones I end up loathing.
It was a bleak book, but that was something I quite expected. It was an interesting read but not one I'm sure I'd choose to recommend, unless, like me you find the topic of particular interest.
December 5, 2011
When I discovered that Angela Elwell Hunt, author of The Note, had tried her hand at historical fiction, I was eager to give it a try. I had enjoyed The Note as evidenced by my favorable review here on GoodReads. In addition to inspirational romance, historical fiction is always a favorite for me.
Now, anyone with even an elementary grasp of American history knows that any book with the title of Roanoke should not expect a light and flowery tale of romance, so I wasn't surprised that it was frought with hardship and difficulty that might border on the depressing. I expected mystery and challenge, but here's the problem: it goes on FOREVER! Page after page after page of miserable time on ships, battles, people getting sick and dying... but worst of all was the relationship between Jocelyn and her minister husband. Although I respect the message that she fought for her marriage and loved him through so many desperate days, I grew sick at heart in this seemingly-endless story of a woman trapped in loveless marriage. I fought my way to the bitter end of the book, hoping to end with at least a sense of satisfaction. Nope. I was merely relieved it was over.
Does this mean I won't be reading the rest of the series? Most definitely. I am still interested in giving another Hunt book a chance. Perhaps her Biblical fiction will hold my interest a bit longer.
Now, anyone with even an elementary grasp of American history knows that any book with the title of Roanoke should not expect a light and flowery tale of romance, so I wasn't surprised that it was frought with hardship and difficulty that might border on the depressing. I expected mystery and challenge, but here's the problem: it goes on FOREVER! Page after page after page of miserable time on ships, battles, people getting sick and dying... but worst of all was the relationship between Jocelyn and her minister husband. Although I respect the message that she fought for her marriage and loved him through so many desperate days, I grew sick at heart in this seemingly-endless story of a woman trapped in loveless marriage. I fought my way to the bitter end of the book, hoping to end with at least a sense of satisfaction. Nope. I was merely relieved it was over.
Does this mean I won't be reading the rest of the series? Most definitely. I am still interested in giving another Hunt book a chance. Perhaps her Biblical fiction will hold my interest a bit longer.
November 25, 2015
It left me intrigued and wondering... so I simply must continue on to read Jamestown, the second book in this series. However, I will say that Roanoke: The Lost Colony wasn't without multiple frustrations! First off, the main characters die in the end. That usually ruins a book for me... but seeing how the daughter miraculously escapes... I don't know, it was tolerable this time.
Ugh, Thomas was infuriating! His view of God, of his family, of the Indians... made me want to scream, "Stop, stop! You're ruining your life and everyone else's with yours." He was so wrong, and it frustrated me as he hurt not only himself, but multitudes of others.
Anyway, this was an interesting rendition of the mysterious tale, or lack of, of the colony on Roanoke... which disappeared. But as I said, my interest is piqued, and I think I need to read the continuing story; no matter how agonizing and brutal Roanoke: The Lost Colony was! I will say, despite the deaths of the main characters in the end, it did have happiness.
Ugh, Thomas was infuriating! His view of God, of his family, of the Indians... made me want to scream, "Stop, stop! You're ruining your life and everyone else's with yours." He was so wrong, and it frustrated me as he hurt not only himself, but multitudes of others.
Anyway, this was an interesting rendition of the mysterious tale, or lack of, of the colony on Roanoke... which disappeared. But as I said, my interest is piqued, and I think I need to read the continuing story; no matter how agonizing and brutal Roanoke: The Lost Colony was! I will say, despite the deaths of the main characters in the end, it did have happiness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2019
Long Book if You Need Something to Kill Time
I thought this book was interesting enough to keep me reading but the plot was kind of aimless. I thought it would be a nice romance but boy was I wrong. The book basically describes the daily lives of the main characters over a span of twenty years. The plot wasn't really exciting but I kept reading on because I was just astonished by how horrible Thomas was. Really. He was awful. The end of the book was just like... I was not satisfied. I read almost 500 pages to get to that? I wouldn't bother reading the sequels. The referral to the bonnets the characters wore was also a bit bothersome since the women of that time always wore coifs with either a hood, attifet, caul, or some sort of hat on top. A God fearing woman, as this book heavily likes to include, would never ever go out with her hair uncovered but I believe this happens on numerous occasions. Just something to think about.
I thought this book was interesting enough to keep me reading but the plot was kind of aimless. I thought it would be a nice romance but boy was I wrong. The book basically describes the daily lives of the main characters over a span of twenty years. The plot wasn't really exciting but I kept reading on because I was just astonished by how horrible Thomas was. Really. He was awful. The end of the book was just like... I was not satisfied. I read almost 500 pages to get to that? I wouldn't bother reading the sequels. The referral to the bonnets the characters wore was also a bit bothersome since the women of that time always wore coifs with either a hood, attifet, caul, or some sort of hat on top. A God fearing woman, as this book heavily likes to include, would never ever go out with her hair uncovered but I believe this happens on numerous occasions. Just something to think about.
January 2, 2008
Double Wow! I really don't have words to describe this book except heartwrenching and amazing! As the title suggests, Hunt gives her take on what happened to those colonists on Ronoake Island, and her suggestion seems very plausible. Her writing style is phenomenal and the story line and characters captivating. But this book isn't just happy go lucky. Sometimes it is so sad, you wonder how you'll ever go on. Some parts are gruesome, so I wouldn't recommend it for young people, but if you are ready for a story that will grip you and tear at your heart, here it is! *This is the first book in the "Keeper of the Rings" Series, and I know she has at least four other books in the series, which I haven't read, but want to read them sometime.*
March 23, 2008
I do not usually read books like this. The first one that I read was Uncharted by this author, but this is really a different book. I remember in history learning about Roanoke, but nobody really knew what happened to it. Angela Hunt tries to create what she thinks might have happened to that lost colony. A very believable story with great characters that seem believeable. I got to where I could not put the book down. This book continues with other tales. The next one is called Jamestown and I am excited to read that too. I really enjoyed this book.
June 14, 2012
We North Carolinians are a bit biased in terms of our favorite of history's mysteries. Great historically accurate detail. Eminently plausible supposition for what befell the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke. I loved Jocelyn and the depiction of the coastal plains Indians. I did not care for Thomas as the romantic hero. He was a jerk and his behavior inexcusable.
February 17, 2008
First off, a confession. I knew very little about this lost colony of Roanoke before beginning this book. This book is clearly very well researched. I literally couldn't put it down. A great read, and now I'm off to try and find the next book in the series!
November 26, 2017
This book made my heart soar with joy and then broke it with searing pain and loss so many times! I loved this story! The characters were very realistic. I loved the author’s faithfulness to the the facts we do have in history of The Lost Colony. Can’t wait to read the others in this series!
November 14, 2015
Best book in this series, by far!
November 26, 2008
One of my favorite books. I love historical fiction, and this has strong Christian themes. I think I cried during each book of this series.
August 26, 2012
I gasped when I realized I had come to the end of this novel and had to say goodbye to characters I had come to love. I see now that it's #1 in a series? I'll be seeking out the next volume.
December 7, 2016
It was slow starting out for me, but oh my, by the end, I couldn't put it down. I was sad when it was over. I've already gotten the #2 book in the series. I can't wait to read it.
October 3, 2020
"Love that reaches us to God is Worship"
The origins of one of the America’s oldest unsolved mysteries can be traced to August 1587, when a group of about 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. John White, governor of the new colony, returned to England for supplies and another group of settlers, but when he returned no sign of the colony was ever found.
Hunt brings to life a speculative story based on research and diaries that details the horrors of the trip to the new colony as well as the lives, circumstances, and terrors of trying to settle a new land. I found this book fascinating reading as the settlers learned from some Indian tribes and were killed by others. The lives of Anna and Eleanor were interesting to follow. Watching Thomas destroy the love Eleanor had for him as well as his obsession with the rules of the Old Testament while forgetting the love of the New Testament drove me crazy along with the other settlers.
Great historical read for those interested in this time period in American history.
The origins of one of the America’s oldest unsolved mysteries can be traced to August 1587, when a group of about 115 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina. John White, governor of the new colony, returned to England for supplies and another group of settlers, but when he returned no sign of the colony was ever found.
Hunt brings to life a speculative story based on research and diaries that details the horrors of the trip to the new colony as well as the lives, circumstances, and terrors of trying to settle a new land. I found this book fascinating reading as the settlers learned from some Indian tribes and were killed by others. The lives of Anna and Eleanor were interesting to follow. Watching Thomas destroy the love Eleanor had for him as well as his obsession with the rules of the Old Testament while forgetting the love of the New Testament drove me crazy along with the other settlers.
Great historical read for those interested in this time period in American history.
May 27, 2020
Plot: Jocelyn Coleman is forced into a unwanted marriage with a brutal marriage but she is torn when she becomes a widow weeks after the wedding. What happened to the colony of Roanoke and her husband? Will she ever find happiness?
Warning: strong themes of sexual abuse, domestic violence, epidemics, and murder
Rating: 3 stars
Recommend: for lovers of unknown history
Warning: strong themes of sexual abuse, domestic violence, epidemics, and murder
Rating: 3 stars
Recommend: for lovers of unknown history
January 18, 2018
The majority of this book was very slow and the characters not very appealing. While interesting from a historical perspective, I found the main character of the minister annoying and repetitive. The last third of the book the pace picked up but overall it was not a favorite.
June 25, 2024
#BookReviewFriday
#2023readingchallenge
#42aboutthenewworld
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 42 About the New World
Book: Roanoke
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt
This book would have been 5 stars, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it because I was was too triggered by one of the main characters. This book is dark, so be warned. Includes a few brutal scenes of murder and off screen rape.
Angela gave us a double entendre. If you know the history of the lost colony of Roanoke, you know historians don’t know what happened to the colony. She decided to go the route of not only speculating on what happened to the colony, but showing that the colony was lost physically due to the fact that they were already lost spiritually…but not in the way you think. They weren’t living the Heathen life, they had an inept shepherd.
It was well documented that the colonists had a goal in mind of converting the “savages�, and
that the Puritans were there to bring the gospel to the new world. Angela decided to focus a lot of her energy on one Puritanical Minister, he becomes the worst leading man I’ve ever read about. Period. I will never forget him.
Angela is one of my favorite authors and this book was well written and engaging from the start. We meet Jocelyn a sweet and effervescent ingenue with her whole life in front of her. Through a series of unfortunate events, Jocelyn ends up married to a man that is clearly being used by Satan, even as he believes he is serving the Lord.
Thomas single handedly put the colony on a course for destruction and destroys the light and love in his young, sweet wife, simply by misinterpreting his Bible, proving how dangerous it can be to interpret scripture without asking God for guidance. Thomas believes he hears from God, but consistently misinterprets scripture with fatal consequences. I believe Angela’s goal was to show us how dangerous the teaching of the Puritans really was when taken to the extreme. Thomas is a psychological and emotional abuser, problem is he doesn’t know it. I had way too many scenes with him.
Thomas made me angry, he made me cry and he made me slam the book down in frustration.
But, the beauty of Angela is the story of the colony and the colonists was still engrossing and engaging. I loved this dark and haunting tale. I fell in love with the side characters of Rowtag, Audrey and their family, and lived for their few moments on screen.
All that said, if you are in the mood for a dark, atmospheric saga, that makes you FEEL, not a love story-I highly suggest you pick this one up.
#2023readingchallenge
#42aboutthenewworld
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 42 About the New World
Book: Roanoke
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt
This book would have been 5 stars, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it because I was was too triggered by one of the main characters. This book is dark, so be warned. Includes a few brutal scenes of murder and off screen rape.
Angela gave us a double entendre. If you know the history of the lost colony of Roanoke, you know historians don’t know what happened to the colony. She decided to go the route of not only speculating on what happened to the colony, but showing that the colony was lost physically due to the fact that they were already lost spiritually…but not in the way you think. They weren’t living the Heathen life, they had an inept shepherd.
It was well documented that the colonists had a goal in mind of converting the “savages�, and
that the Puritans were there to bring the gospel to the new world. Angela decided to focus a lot of her energy on one Puritanical Minister, he becomes the worst leading man I’ve ever read about. Period. I will never forget him.
Angela is one of my favorite authors and this book was well written and engaging from the start. We meet Jocelyn a sweet and effervescent ingenue with her whole life in front of her. Through a series of unfortunate events, Jocelyn ends up married to a man that is clearly being used by Satan, even as he believes he is serving the Lord.
Thomas single handedly put the colony on a course for destruction and destroys the light and love in his young, sweet wife, simply by misinterpreting his Bible, proving how dangerous it can be to interpret scripture without asking God for guidance. Thomas believes he hears from God, but consistently misinterprets scripture with fatal consequences. I believe Angela’s goal was to show us how dangerous the teaching of the Puritans really was when taken to the extreme. Thomas is a psychological and emotional abuser, problem is he doesn’t know it. I had way too many scenes with him.
Thomas made me angry, he made me cry and he made me slam the book down in frustration.
But, the beauty of Angela is the story of the colony and the colonists was still engrossing and engaging. I loved this dark and haunting tale. I fell in love with the side characters of Rowtag, Audrey and their family, and lived for their few moments on screen.
All that said, if you are in the mood for a dark, atmospheric saga, that makes you FEEL, not a love story-I highly suggest you pick this one up.
March 23, 2019
Historical fiction is not my usual fare, but the mystery of Roanoke was too tempting for me to pass up, particularly when the ebook was free.
The prose is nice, sometimes beautiful. The premise is interesting. The characters are richly drawn and believable.
Well, the White characters, anyway.
The various Natives American characters are alternately referred to as "Indians", "heathens", and "savages", as if the terms were synonymous, and within the private thoughts from the point of view of a 15th century English settler, I suppose that makes sense, but it doesn't make much sense for an omniscient narrator. There's a lot of Native men standing around stoically and crossing their arms across their chests, and what little dialogue they have is in service of the plot only. They have no personalities to speak of and they come and go as glorified plot devices and set-dressing. Chief Powhatan's priest, who I can only assume is an invented character, as a quick Google search yields no historical reference to him, is named "Matchitehew", which apparently means "he has an evil heart", and yeah, I'm about done.
The main plot of this book is not really what happened to the colonists on Roanoke, but rather the struggling romance between the seventeen-year-old Jocelyn and the thirty-year-old Thomas, which is fine, but much too thin to serve as the main plot of a novel. It would have functioned better as a subplot.
I thought I was getting an historical mystery, but instead I got a drawn-out May December romance between a pair of emotionally stunted religious imperialists proselytizing their conservative values to a bunch of dull-eyed forest sprites.
I am less than pleased.
This is the first book of a series, and while it does end on a cliffhanger, it ends on the cliffhanger of characters who were introduced late in the book, and about whom I know practically nothing, so I'm not terribly interested in what happens next.
The prose is nice, sometimes beautiful. The premise is interesting. The characters are richly drawn and believable.
Well, the White characters, anyway.
The various Natives American characters are alternately referred to as "Indians", "heathens", and "savages", as if the terms were synonymous, and within the private thoughts from the point of view of a 15th century English settler, I suppose that makes sense, but it doesn't make much sense for an omniscient narrator. There's a lot of Native men standing around stoically and crossing their arms across their chests, and what little dialogue they have is in service of the plot only. They have no personalities to speak of and they come and go as glorified plot devices and set-dressing. Chief Powhatan's priest, who I can only assume is an invented character, as a quick Google search yields no historical reference to him, is named "Matchitehew", which apparently means "he has an evil heart", and yeah, I'm about done.
The main plot of this book is not really what happened to the colonists on Roanoke, but rather the struggling romance between the seventeen-year-old Jocelyn and the thirty-year-old Thomas, which is fine, but much too thin to serve as the main plot of a novel. It would have functioned better as a subplot.
I thought I was getting an historical mystery, but instead I got a drawn-out May December romance between a pair of emotionally stunted religious imperialists proselytizing their conservative values to a bunch of dull-eyed forest sprites.
I am less than pleased.
This is the first book of a series, and while it does end on a cliffhanger, it ends on the cliffhanger of characters who were introduced late in the book, and about whom I know practically nothing, so I'm not terribly interested in what happens next.
September 8, 2018
This ebook took me quiet a while to wade through. It wasn't because it was particularly long, however it was not very engaging. When I read the description of this book I thought I would get a fictionalized tale of what happened to the town of Roanoke. And in part I did, but that plot line was over shadowed by the romantic and emotional interworkings of Jocelyn and Thomas. So you would get intresting aspects of the English settlers lives and how things progressed over there 20 year time in Virginia, this was however quickly replaced by the constant repeat relationship drama mentioned before. And to make matters worse this drawn out relatiinship bullshit could all have been fixed with a simple conversation, that wasn't had until the last 10 or so pages of the book. While there were moments where the couple talked and even moved past the relationship issues they eventually back beddled right into them again. This dragged the story and made it unsufferable and took away greatly from other more intresting parts. Also Thomas was an insufferable idiot, a dominating husband, and general ass of a character who brought on nothing but suffering and pain for other characters because he couldn't get over his own bullshit, while nothing happened to him personal. However this never stop his woe is me bullshit. All around the relationship and character arcs of Jocelyn and Thomas ruined the possibly slow burn intresting plot this book might of had a real shame.
October 19, 2016
If you want a comfortable, enjoyable book, this is not the title for you.
Roanoke deals with the trials and heartaches of the first colonists to the New World. In addition to the outward perils there are inward struggles with sin, selfishness, and fear. The protagonist has a warped view of sex, which is explained discreetly, but still rankles.
There's plenty of tacked-on religious jargon for people who want a "Christian" novel. I didn't mind the natural way the colonists talked about God. But Jocelyn's constant evangelistic preaching (in very modern language) to her husband bugged me. Also Thomas' desire to bring salvation to the Indians never jibed with how much he despised them.
No one can fault Hunt on her careful research. The historical facts mixed with suppositions were interesting and believable. Sadly, the novel's main fault lies in its characters. It's hard to slog through a book when you don't really care about its protagonists.
Another disappointing CF entry.
Roanoke deals with the trials and heartaches of the first colonists to the New World. In addition to the outward perils there are inward struggles with sin, selfishness, and fear. The protagonist has a warped view of sex, which is explained discreetly, but still rankles.
There's plenty of tacked-on religious jargon for people who want a "Christian" novel. I didn't mind the natural way the colonists talked about God. But Jocelyn's constant evangelistic preaching (in very modern language) to her husband bugged me. Also Thomas' desire to bring salvation to the Indians never jibed with how much he despised them.
No one can fault Hunt on her careful research. The historical facts mixed with suppositions were interesting and believable. Sadly, the novel's main fault lies in its characters. It's hard to slog through a book when you don't really care about its protagonists.
Another disappointing CF entry.
September 21, 2015
While I shelved this as "historical fiction", I really felt like I was reading history. The author did her research. A lot of it. And it shines through in this novel. I found myself hoping I could grab some time to read 'more'.
You will recognize some names as those as based on facts; a few are created. Each is brought alive in this novel. The author addresses the lives they lived, why no ships arrived for a long time, where the colonists went and even what could have happened.
I highly recommend this book. It's a great read. But the 'historical' aspects of it make it fascinating to the history buff as well as a genealogical researcher. I'm thankful this was a free Amazon Kindle download. And as I write this review, it still is.
You will recognize some names as those as based on facts; a few are created. Each is brought alive in this novel. The author addresses the lives they lived, why no ships arrived for a long time, where the colonists went and even what could have happened.
I highly recommend this book. It's a great read. But the 'historical' aspects of it make it fascinating to the history buff as well as a genealogical researcher. I'm thankful this was a free Amazon Kindle download. And as I write this review, it still is.
March 31, 2022
I have a few different books about the Lost Colony because I have been vacationing in the area for over 30 years. This is the first one I have ended up reading. I didn't really enjoy it that much. I am not in the position to comment on how well researched it was because I haven't read the actual history, but I am willing to accept what others have said positively regarding it. Thomas was as unlikeable as they come and I could not muster up any empathy for him. That being said, another reviewer sated that the second book was better, and I may give it a try. I hope some of the other books I have on it are more enjoyable. I get that it isn't a happy story, but I needed to be able to engage better with the characters.
February 9, 2016
Although this book frustrated me to some extent, I kept reading. Disregarding any historical inaccuracies (it is, after all, fiction), I thought the first half of this book was richly detailed. I became irritated towards the last quarter of the book when dates started to run together (and beargut was replaced by catgut, although no cats were ever mentioned anywhere else in the book), and disliked how the relationship between Jocelyn and her husband was concluded (I mean, you spent at least a third of the book hating him, right? Hard to just *poof!* magically fix that). I'm tempted to seek out the second book, but honestly, I don't think I'd want to pay for it.
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