Book: Vanguard of Hope (Sapphire Brigade Book 1)
Author: Kathy Steinemann
Page Numbers: 349 pages
Publication date: February 10th, 2013
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My Review:
When the Kathy Steinemann introduced me to her book, Vanguard of Hope, I have to admit that I was at first not immediately intrigued! I was so fixated on my young adult paranormal book preferences that I almost refused to read anything deviating from that genre. But after reading some really great reactions (no reviews) from other readers I was soon enough frantically flying through the pages of the book, and I quickly came to realize that this was going to be a promising story! Even though Vanguard of Hope is in many ways exactly the opposite of what I normally would read, I was quickly pleasantly surprised by its fascinating content and convinced that this may be a type of book I would want to remember when looking for my next books to read. Now, let's get into the details!
Vanguard of Hope is written in diary entries taking place waaay back in 1890. We follow the life of Hope, who journeys us through her life and through exciting, macabre,and crucial happenings. The diary entries were very much to the point and played out Hope's life in exact detail. This was one of the reasons why this was such a quick read and why I was completely hooked.
Hope was sexually abused by her father at a young age and this becomes the golden thread throughout the story. She soon finds out that she was not the only victim of sexual abuse within her family, nor in her town Lisetville, and slowly becomes acquainted with an activist group who call themselves The Sapphire Brigade. The Sapphire Brigade is a anonymous group who thrive in total secrecy. They will do everything in their power to obliterate pedophiles and condemn those who have done criminal wrongs who have slipped though the fingers of the law, and it is upon them to bring justice.
Hope is a very enticing character to follow. She lives in the time when women were not allowed to vote or run for president, or were hardly permitted to hold a job (and if so it was quite frowned upon), but despite these double standards, her mind was certainly not limited to that era. She envelopes the reader completely in all her (darkest) secrets and I found it beautiful to see her and her relationships with her dear ones flourish into something even more astonishing. I believe, despite her horrific childhood where she was sexually abused by her father and her fluctuating misfortunes along the way, that she is a very lucky woman. She has an abundance of people around her who profoundly care for her and would gladly step in front of a train if it were to help save her life. She possesses and receives so much love and protection from those around her that I think that it says so much about her character's nature!
Overall, I found Vanguard of Hope a great read and it is definitely a book that keeps you thinking about its concept. The thrilling story contained much genuine (but balanced) drama, historical romances (emphasis on the romancES), mystery and suspense! Having finished the book the author really made me think about the Sapphire brigade! Could it be that they really do exist? If so, is this truly the story of how the Sapphire Brigade was born? Did Hope (or a someone like Hope) really exist and are therefor her diary entries real? Are there Sapphire Brigade members walking around us in present time? Would I want to be part of the Sapphire Brigade?
Hope was sexually abused by her father at a young age and this becomes the golden thread throughout the story. She soon finds out that she was not the only victim of sexual abuse within her family, nor in her town Lisetville, and slowly becomes acquainted with an activist group who call themselves The Sapphire Brigade. The Sapphire Brigade is a anonymous group who thrive in total secrecy. They will do everything in their power to obliterate pedophiles and condemn those who have done criminal wrongs who have slipped though the fingers of the law, and it is upon them to bring justice.
Hope is a very enticing character to follow. She lives in the time when women were not allowed to vote or run for president, or were hardly permitted to hold a job (and if so it was quite frowned upon), but despite these double standards, her mind was certainly not limited to that era. She envelopes the reader completely in all her (darkest) secrets and I found it beautiful to see her and her relationships with her dear ones flourish into something even more astonishing. I believe, despite her horrific childhood where she was sexually abused by her father and her fluctuating misfortunes along the way, that she is a very lucky woman. She has an abundance of people around her who profoundly care for her and would gladly step in front of a train if it were to help save her life. She possesses and receives so much love and protection from those around her that I think that it says so much about her character's nature!
Overall, I found Vanguard of Hope a great read and it is definitely a book that keeps you thinking about its concept. The thrilling story contained much genuine (but balanced) drama, historical romances (emphasis on the romancES), mystery and suspense! Having finished the book the author really made me think about the Sapphire brigade! Could it be that they really do exist? If so, is this truly the story of how the Sapphire Brigade was born? Did Hope (or a someone like Hope) really exist and are therefor her diary entries real? Are there Sapphire Brigade members walking around us in present time? Would I want to be part of the Sapphire Brigade?
In conclusion, no this may not be your typical young adult paranormal romance with vampires and werewolves on the cover of the book. But this is undeniably a beautiful and meaningful book which will make you genuinely THINK about morals, values, different instances through various perceptions, and the harsh reality of life. It is a book which will not dissipate out of your minds long after you've turned the final page.
So if you are looking for something different and special, and dare to "take a break" from your usual genre (unless this is your genre), then I would definitely recommend this book to you!
para-bud,
ReplyDeleteits been far too long so sorry i haven't come to your blog lately but ive been soo busy with exams and revising haven't even made a post on my blog since april. Erin my co- blogger( well not anymore) has been writing everything for the blog.
Great review sounds like a interesting read i love novels that are set in another time. love the new look by the way. and your tips and tricks god bless you been trying to play around with it. Oh and i love that slide deck thing but i thought you could only get them on word press i look for one every where
Great review, buddy. It's been long I read a novel set in another era but this one sounds promising. I've just added it to my TBR list. I like the cover too.
ReplyDeleteDo have a great week! :)