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A novel for our times. A saga for the ages.
“Information is a commodity. You’ve got reasons to hide it. I’ve got reasons to see it. Who wins?”
To the Republic is an engaging start to what promises to be an epic series. With such a saga in the works, book one is naturally full of lengthy scene setting, plot building, multiple character introductions, and a fair amount of Texas history and current affairs. With that said, this book is not a light read, but it is engaging, interesting, and definitely a hot button, in terms of several current topics debated across the political landscape. To the Republic is complex yet intriguing and will definitely appeal to readers who love to jump feet first into a meaty novel that will fire up the brain cells and get the blood boiling. The author leaves no stone unturned in this political Texas landmine. And this is just book one!
Despite the slow-moving parts that often make up the beginning of any series, Bruce Clavey definitely knows how to build the momentum of several plot lines, allowing the reader to settle in among the many players in this strategic game taking place in the great state of Texas. Events that seem disparate are actually flowing together into a maelstrom of politics, cut-throat journalism, and human peril, both targeted and collateral. Politics, drug cartels, and illegal immigration take center stage, and To the Republic positions characters on both sides of these debates, based on both personal and political leanings. The author’s voice appears to be decidedly absent in this political fiction, giving all the characters room to speak and express their opinions across the board, some hotly and some passively but all equally, or so it seems.
Pulling off an intricate political thriller takes talent because information overload can sneak in and push the reader away. The good news is that Bruce Clavey achieves that delicate balance between history, personal backstories, and immediate action and dialog with panache. Be forewarned, however, that To the Republic is inevitably not a breezy novel to skim through quickly. This story takes concentration, but the reader is highly rewarded with realistic characters and a plot that will resonate and elicit emotion and deep thought, no matter which part of the socio-political/economic spectrum you inhabit.
Take a deep breath and dive into this provocative novel, but make sure you remember that To the Republic is just the beginning.
“Once you see something with your own eyes, you are never innocent to it again.”
Enter the giveaway below on or before May 7, 2021, for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Bruce Clavey of Round Rock, Texas writes with a passion for exploring the Latin heritage tucked in cultural corners throughout Texas, Mexico, and Central America. In 2017, Clavey’s research into perspectives on state history led to his onsite rediscovery of the Mexico City dungeon where the colonial “Father of Texas” was imprisoned, documented in his book “The Inquisition of Stephen F. Austin.” His interest to illuminate compelling historic junctures brought the creation of several feature dramatizations for state museum in-exhibit performance. Clavey’s release of Book One of The Republic Series in 2020 begins the journey of Texas and Mexican characters who confront the pressure points at today’s vibrant river border, a land that has functioned for centuries as both international gateway and barrier.
THREE WINNERS each receive a prize pack including: Autographed paperback copy of To the Republic; unisex tee with the “Texas Forever” design; baseball cap stitched with the “Texas Forever” design; ceramic lapel pin with the “Mano de Tejas” design; vinyl 5” decal with the “Mano deTejas” design.
US only. Giveaway ends midnight, CDT, May 7, 2021
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As always, an excellent review & reminder about what to expect in a series starter. But WOW! What a series starter this seems to be. I hope to be able to read it when I can not only find time, but find time that I can FOCUS on good characterization & stories. Thanks for sharing!
Ruthie, thank you for the wonderful welcome in this thoughtful review of To the Republic. You seemed to connect with values that I worked to infuse into the story and hoped would be found. Continued best with Reading by Moonlight, and most especially with your current book project!
My pleasure, for sure! I write my reviews from my heart and based on what pops out for me, and your story definitely resonated. And Thank you for your encouragement on my own writing project.