Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Antony Barone Kolenc. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Antony Barone Kolenc. Sort by date Show all posts

Monday, 13 November 2023

Lucy and the Forsaken Path - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Lucy Mysteries 03 - A Harwood Mysteries Short Story

Lucy and the Forsaken Path
A Harwood Mysteries Short Story 
The Lucy Mysteries 03
Antony Barone Kolenc
Harwood Press
ASIN B09V1HHKWH

Lucy and the Forsaken Path - Antony Barone Kolenc

This is the third of three currently available Lucy Mysteries that I have read. I have also read the first two novels in the Harwood mysteries and greatly enjoyed them, and I intend to read the other three. But when I stumbled across these Lucy Short Stories I had to give it a try, and share them with my youngest daughter. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in Summer of 1185. This story takes place three years after the previous Lucy story. And Lucy is now at Harwood.  The description of the volume is:

“Lucy and the Forsaken Path is the third story in The Lucy Mysteries series of short stories, which follows the life of Lucy--one of the most admired characters in the award-winning YA medieval series, The Harwood Mysteries. In Summer 1185 A.D., Lucy is stranded upon a mysterious road while traveling with her father. When she discovers where it leads, she must confront dangerous threats from without and turmoil from within.”

If you have already read any of the Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with Lucy, but this is the third standalone story featuring her. It first appeared in the anthology Ashes: Visible and Invisible from the Catholic Teen Books Collective. I have read that anthology three times so reading this standalone version of the story is the fourth time I have encountered it. And I admit reading it as a standalone instead of in the anthology had a deeper impact. 

This is a very impactful story. I have a deep personal devotion to Saint Damien of Molokai, or Damien the Leper. So reading this story of Lucy’s interaction with the Leper colony and the father and son whose lives she touched was deeply moving. As usual Lucy gets in trouble but this time it is because her horse bolts and throws her after being spooked by lightening. Lucy tries to help make things better for people she meets, and finds out that she had a lesson to learn herself. 

Writing short fiction is very different than novels. And not all authors can pull off both, especially authors like Kolenc who write epic historical fiction. But he pulls it off. This is a very well written story. It leaves me desperate for most standalone stories featuring Lucy and her family. Unlike the previous volume this one does not allude to another but we can hope. 

The story and main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. It is a very well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this work Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike. And leave you desperate for the other Lucy stories and the 5 novels in the Harwood Series. A deeply moving story I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 
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Friday, 20 October 2023

Lucy and the Hidden Clover - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Lucy Mysteries 02 - A Harwood Mysteries Short Story

Lucy and the Hidden Clover
A Harwood Mysteries Short Story 
The Lucy Mysteries 02
Antony Barone Kolenc
Harwood Press
ASIN B09V1HHKWH

Lucy and the Hidden Clover - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Lucy Mysteries 02

This is the second of three currently available Lucy Mysteries that I have read. I have also read the first two novels in the Harwood mysteries and greatly enjoyed them, and I intend to read the other three. But when I stumbled across these Lucy Short Stories I had to give it a try, and share them with my youngest daughter. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in March of 1185. This story takes place three years after the previous Lucy story. And Lucy is now at Harwood. This story previous appeared in the Treasures: Visible & Invisible - Catholic Teen Books Anthology. It was great to read it again as a standalone story. The description of the volume is:

“Lucy and the Hidden Clover is the second story in The Lucy Mysteries series of short stories, which follows the life of Lucy--one of the most admired characters in the award-winning YA medieval series, The Harwood Mysteries. In March 1185 A.D., Lucy must track down a mysterious relic for a dying nun, which will uncover a secret hidden at Harwood Abbey for over forty years. When Lucy learns the truth, will she follow the rules and reveal it to the mother abbess?”

Chronologically this would be the first time we encounter Lucy. But if you have already read any of the Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with her. I believe this story falls between books 1 and 2 in the main series thus making it our third encounter with Lucy. Sister Brigitte is expected to pass away at the beginning of the story. Lucy asks to pray with the old nun. Brigitte sends her on a strange task to find a clover, and not any clover a clover in a cave. The errand and the results have a huge impact not only on Brigitte but someone else who has been at Harwood for many years.

It was wonderful to reread this story as a standalone volume. I greatly enjoyed it again this time through. Writing short fiction is very different than novels. And not all authors can pull off both, especially authors like Kolenc who write epic historical fiction. But he pulls it off. This is a very well written story. It leaves me desperate for the third, Lucy and the Forsaken Path which I have already picked up. And for the third which would fall before the next novel in the main series I have to read. Unlike the previous volume this one does not allude to another but we can hope. 

The story and main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. It is a very well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this work Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike. And leave you desperate for the other Lucy stories and the 5 novels in the Harwood Series. A wonderful and deeply moving story I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 
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Wednesday, 6 September 2023

Lucy and the Deadly Rule - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Lucy Mysteries 01 - A Harwood Mysteries Short Story

Lucy and the Deadly Rule
A Harwood Mysteries Short Story Book 2
The Lucy Mysteries 01
Antony Barone Kolenc
ASIN B096TBXPYK

Lucy and the Deadly Rule - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Lucy Mysteries 01

I have read the first two novels in the Harwood mysteries and greatly enjoyed them, and I intend to read the other three. But when I stumbled across this and another short story focused on Lucy I had to give it a try. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in the summer of 1182. Lucy is a strong willed child, with a lot of questions, an inquiring mind, and simple honest faith. But good intentions are often not enough. And Sometimes Lucy crosses a line. The description of the book is:

“Lucy and the Deadly Rule is the origin story of Lucy--one of the most admired characters in the award-winning YA medieval series, The Harwood Mysteries. In Summer 1182 A.D., young Lucy wants nothing more than to be treated like her older brothers, but the rules of her manor place limits on girls. When a thief plunders the manor in the night, will the rules prevent Lucy from saving a life? Fans of The Harwood Mysteries, as well as new readers to this historical fiction series, will cheer on Lucy as she struggles against fear and her community to solve the mystery and to do what is right and just.

Lucy and the Deadly Rule is the first in a series of Lucy short stories. It takes place two years prior to Shadow in the Dark, the award-winning Book 1 of The Harwood Mysteries series, when Lucy still lived in her manor before she arrived at Harwood Abbey. Future Lucy short stories will be released that take place prior to Book 2, The Haunted Cathedral, as well as Book 3, The Fire of Eden.”

Chronologically this would be the first time we encounter Lucy. But if you have already read any of the Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with her. This is sort of her back story or her origin story. We meet her, her father and her siblings. We also get a glimpse into life in the 11 hundreds. There have been thefts of the town supplies. And the locals blame a man and his son. Lucy is convinced of their innocence. And even though she gets in trouble, she is determined to prove that. Sometimes it is who we least expect. And sometimes the reasons are as important as the act. But to find out the what, the who, and the way, you will need to read this excellent little mystery.

Writing short fiction is very different than novels. And not all authors can pull off both, especially authors like Kolenc who write epic historical fiction. But he pulls it off. This is a masterfully written story. It leaves me desperate for the second, Lucy and the Hidden Clover, which I have already picked up. And for the third which would fall before the next novel in the main series I have to read. 

The story and main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. It is a very well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this work Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike. And leave you desperate for the other Lucy stories and the 5 novels in the Harwood Series. A great story I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan! 
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Sunday, 2 March 2025

Incarnate - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Series Book 1

Incarnate
Incarnate Series Book 1
Antony Barone Kolenc
ISBN 9798887090764
eISBN 9798887090757
ASIN B0DMGF55YR

Incarnate - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Series Book 1

This is the first volume in a new series from the masterful pen of Kolenc.  I have read most of Tony’s books. All but one that is not available digitally. And I have read stories from 3 anthologies he has contributed to, and 3 stories he co-wrote. Everything I have read has been well worth the read. And I eagerly anticipated this volume for over half a year. The description of the volume is:

“October, 2007. Joshua Christiansen thinks he's just an ordinary teen, ready to graduate high school and infatuated with his best friend Rachel...until Agent Samson shows up and tells him who he really is. Now, while dodging ruthless zealots and evading government plots, he must test the limits of his mind and body as he seeks the truth about himself.

Was he truly cloned from the blood of a Eucharistic miracle? Does he really have the power to trigger the End of Days? Or will he be killed, captured, or brainwashed by one of the many people who want to use him for their own ends before he can learn the truth?”

About the author we are informed:

“Antony Barone Kolenc is a law professor and author. In addition to writing fiction for Chrism Press and Our Sunday Visitor, he is the author of The Harwood Mysteries, an award-winning medieval series for teens published by Loyola Press. He teaches at Ave Maria School of Law, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. He and his wife, Alisa, live in Florida.”

But back to the volume at hand, I was originally going to read the story with my son, maybe alternating chapters. But I started the first chapter and could just not put it down. It was so good I already look forward to reading it with my son as a second time through!

This story moves at a brisk pace, with travel across a few states. And with encounters with a cult, a terrifying government agency, and a former pastor set on executing a young man to prevent the end times. The story revolves around Joshua Christiansen I and his finding out about his origins, and trying to figure out what is real in this situation and what is fantasy or just plain crazy. He has the assistance and loyalty of his best friend, Rachel, he needs some help to put the pieces together. 

The story set in the US, but revolves around places named after biblical locations, and a group trying to bring about the rise of the beast from revelations. When you combine the science or science fiction components and the romance, with a bit of spy thriller and you have an epic story. This book was terribly hard to put down, only work and family commitments pried it from my hands. 

This is a very intense story. Written as a Young Adult novel but it could be ready by anyone who loves a good story. It reminds me of some of the Science Fiction I read many years ago, especially The Eye’s of Heisenberg by Frank Herbert and even Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land; but written with a very clear Christian or Catholic undertones. The way the story ends reminds me of Declan Finn, and I cannot help but picture the action ramping up from here. This is a great story and excellent beginning to a series. I can easily recommend it for mature teens, YA or anyone who love a great story.

A thrilling beginning to a new series from the skilled pen of Kolenc! 

Warning: This book is much better than a lot I read as a tween and teen. But there are some intense and sensitive items in this volume and some parents might object. We witness more than 1 murder. There is discussion of pornography. And there is a cult ritual with sexual overtones and fantasies. And our protagonist is drugged to be more susceptible to unsavoury influence and thoughts. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Harwood Short Stories:
The Lucy Mysteries:
…

Incarnate Series:
Incarnate
…

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Thursday, 2 April 2026

Begotten - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Book 2

Begotten
Incarnate Series Book 2
Antony Barone Kolenc
ISBN 9798887091464
eISBN 9798887091471
ASIN B0GF92VCT7

Begotten - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Book 2

This is the second volume in a new series from the masterful pen of Kolenc.  I have read most of Tony’s books. All but one that is not available digitally. And I have read stories from 3 anthologies he has contributed to, and 5 stories he co-wrote. Everything I have read has been well worth the read. And I eagerly anticipated this volume for over a year, since finishing the first in the series. The description of the volume is:

“Summer, 2012. After five years on the run from perilous government assassins, Joshua Christiansen—the purported clone of Jesus Christ—has taken refuge in a monastery, but skeptical religious authorities still fear he may become the Biblical antichrist. Stalked by cultists who believe he’s a long-awaited prophet and struggling to control his growing psychic abilities, he and his best friend Rachel must cross the globe to uncover the true source of his creation.

Is he really the clone of Jesus, or is he part of a diabolical hoax foisted upon the world? Can he learn to control his formidable powers without turning into the very thing he dreads? Or is his destiny inevitable—to trigger the End of Days and the final battle between Evil and Good?

In this sequel to the groundbreaking thriller Incarnate, Joshua will face enemies both old and new, but the battle with the highest stakes still rages inside his own soul.”

About the author we are informed:

“Tony is the award-winning author of a gold-medal YA historical fiction series released by Loyola Press--"The Harwood Mysteries"--which takes place in 12th century England. You can learn more about him at www.antonykolenc.com.

Tony is a professor at Ave Maria School of Law in Florida. He also writes a legal column for homeschooling families in "Practical Homeschooling" Magazine, and he speaks at legal, writing, and home education events. His family has homeschooled their five children.

Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He previously taught at the University of North Texas and Florida Coastal School of Law, and he has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.”

When I read the first volume I could not put it down. That was the case again with this second in the series. I admit to staying up too late to finishing in one evening.

This story moves at a brisk pace, with travel across a back and forth between Europe and the states. Joshua’s previous cult shows up where he is in hiding, and the priest and monks hiding him are aware he has been exposed. There is a terrifying government agency still set on his recapture or death if need be. They have even unleased 2 other subjects in order to capture or kill him. A former pastor set on executing him to prevent the end times, is in prison and received a ‘word’ and some outside assistance. 

The story again revolves around Joshua Christiansen he has spent 5 years hiding since the last story. Being taught and mentored. He still doubt s the truth about his origins but is also cautious enough to fear his powers. His best friend, Rachel, has graduated university and started her career, but her life is soon to be upended again. 

This second book was terribly hard to put down, it was only work and family commitments pried it from my hands. 

This is a very intense story, though in many ways not as intense as the first. This one is more of a slow burn mystery or thriller then the non-stop action of the first story. Written as a Young Adult novel but it could be ready by anyone who loves a good story. I said it in my last review and state it again, it reminds me of some of the Science Fiction I read many years ago, especially The Eye’s of Heisenberg by Frank Herbert and even Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land; but written with a very clear Christian or Catholic undertones. The way the story ends reminds me of Declan Finn’s many works. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here. This is a great story and in an excellent series. I can easily recommend it for mature teens, YA or anyone who love a great story.

A thrilling story in a series from the skilled pen of Kolenc! 

Warning: This book is much better than a lot I read as a tween and teen. But there are some intense and sensitive items in this volume and some parents might object. We witness more than 1 murder. There is discussion of pornography, sex trafficking, including a scene in a brothel. 
 
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Harwood Short Stories:
The Lucy Mysteries:
…

Incarnate Series:
Incarnate
Begotten
…



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Sunday, 3 November 2024

The Merchant's Curse - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 4

The Merchant's Curse
The Harwood Mysteries Book 4
Antony Barone Kolenc
Loyola Press
ISBN 9780829454277
eISBN 9780829454284
ASIN B0B2VSQQX6

The Merchant's Curse - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 4

This is the fourth of five currently available in the Harwood Mysteries that I have read. I have also read the three short stories in the same were published as the Lucy Mysteries and greatly enjoyed them. The author has indicated the series will conclude with a sixth volume due out in 2024. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in the middle of August A.D. 1186. This story takes place nearly a year after the previous novel in the series. The description of the volume is:

“In this thrilling installment of the award-winning Harwood Mysteries series, Xan leaves the Abbey for far-away Lincoln to apprentice with his uncle. But he quickly learns that all is not well. Uncle William has fallen in debt to a heartless moneylender called the Master. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.

Why are the Master’s thugs lurking near Uncle William’s shop?

Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?

Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?”

This particular novel has won numerous awards including:

2023 Illumination Book Awards Gold Medalist, Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Middle Grade
2023 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite, Book Cover Design Fiction
2023 Catholic Media Association Book Awards, First Place, Books for Youth
2023 Association of Catholic Publishers Excellence in Publishing Awards, Third Place, Children's Books: Teens

If you have already read the other Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with many of the characters. I must admit this volume gets even darker than some of the others. The challenges Xan faces are more numerous and at a number of points his life is in danger from three different directions. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I will be up front I had figured out the main culprit fairly early in this volume, and even how the crime was being committed. But the two subplots took me by surprise. And Watching Xan struggle to put the pieces together and even to figure out his own future was a greatly entertaining read. 

As the previous volume ended Xan has chosen to return to his uncle and work as a merchant’s apprentice. His uncle William has also gone into partnership with a wealthy man, and Xan has suspicions from the beginning about this partner, the partner’s nephew Nigel, and even his own uncle going into debt again. Some of those prove valid and some now. There is a lot of action in this volume including a witch who curses the partner and his immediately taking ill. Xan being cursed, but pushing through to try and solve the mystery even if it is the last thing he does. A surprising turn with the legendary ‘Master’, and even an old foe returned using a new name and causing even more problems than previously. 

Tony did another masterful job of finding balance between telling a new tale and staying true to historical fact and places. This volume is very well researched and the author’s historical note at the end is well worth reading. The characters are well written, it is a soiled plot with several twists and subplots woven well into the tapestry of the story. And it moves at a great pace. It was a hard book to put down. 

It was great to watch Xan’s growth in this story and his interactions with Lucy and Father Andrew through letters. This story and the main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved them. This is a well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this world that Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller in both long and short form fiction. It is a story guaranteed to entertain, readers young and old alike. It will leave you desperate for the next volume. It is a great story in a wonderful series. I can easily recommend it. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Other Books:
Penny and the Stolen Chalice
…
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Sunday, 20 October 2024

The Fire of Eden - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 3

The Fire of Eden
The Harwood Mysteries Book 3
Antony Barone Kolenc
Loyola Press
ISBN 9780829448146
eISBN 9780829448153
ASIN B0888BLF7B

The Fire of Eden - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 3

This is the third of five currently available in the Harwood Mysteries that I have read. I have also read the three short stories in the same would published as the Lucy Mysteries and greatly enjoyed them. The author has indicated the series will conclude with a sixth volume due out in 2024. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in September of A.D. 1185. This story takes shortly after the previous novel in the series. The description of the volume is:

“Xan and John are orphans at Harwood Abbey. They are also enemies, but now John, blinded by an accident, struggles with bitterness. In his latest adventure, Xan of Harwood Abbey joins forces with this most unlikely of allies to uncover the mystery of the loss of the Fire of Eden, a priceless ruby coveted by many . . .
Who took the ruby--a dishonest monk, a traitorous member of Her Lady's guard, or the frightening magician who dwells in the woods?

Will Xan and John permanently mend their ways? Or will the quest for the ruby destroy any hopes of lasting friendship?

To find out where this next adventure leads Xan and his friends, you'll have to read The Fire of Eden.”

If you have already read any of the Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with many of the characters. I must admit this is my favourite book in the series to date, even though the ending took me by surprise. But I am getting ahead of myself.

The author in the Historical note section at the end of the book states:

“Although the characters and events in The Fire of Eden are fictional, the novel takes place in a historical place and time. The story is set in medieval England in September of A.D. 1185, during the final years of the reign of King Henry II (1153—1189). Xan, the main character, is a peasant boy who has been orphaned and is being raised by the monks of Harwood Abbey, a fictional monastery in Yorkshire. His best friend, Lucy, has recently returned from her travels with her father throughout England. In the novel, Xan and Lucy find themselves together again away from the abbey grounds, this time at a smaller fictional Yorkshire monastery: Grenton Priory.

In The Fire of Eden, I sought to balance the seriousness of the first two books in the series with the playful and quirky cast of characters at Grenton Priory. I also wanted to explore another side of two key characters: Brother Andrew and John. We sometimes forget that our holiest mentors, such as Brother Andrew, are mere humans, with personality flaws, dysfunctional families, and quirky hang-ups, like the rest of us. Too often we also forget that even the rudest and worst bullies among us, like John, have hurt feelings and insecurities that have shaped the negative ways in which they respond to the world. In short, we all deserve compassion and understanding.”

I think he did a masterful job of finding that balance. This was a very moving story. Especially as a father of three teenagers, and seeing them striving to find their place in the world. I find fiction like this novel speaks to me as a parent, and I hope will speak to my children who I convince to read it. I know my youngest two will be open to it, but the 18 year old is pushing boundaries. 

It has been fascinating to watch the grown of Xan and Lucy through the first three novels in this series. And to see the changes in John in this volume. It truly is a tale of loyalty, friendship, encouragement and even second chances. The mystery in this one is a little more complicated and Xan needs to learn he can trust others to help.

The story and main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. This is a well written story and one that will leave you excited for more stories set in this world that Kolenc has created. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike. And leave you desperate for what happens next. A deeply moving story I can easily recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Other Books:
Penny and the Stolen Chalice
…
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Saturday, 23 November 2024

Murder at Penwood Manor - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 5

Murder at Penwood Manor
The Harwood Mysteries Book 5
Antony Barone Kolenc
Loyola Press
ISBN 9780829455540
eISBN 9780829455557
ASIN B0CBWFWQBK

Murder at Penwood Manor - Antony Barone Kolenc - The Harwood Mysteries Book 5

This is the penultimate book in the Harwood Mysteries. I have really enjoyed the 5 novels so far, I have also read the three short stories in the same world published as the Lucy Mysteries. The author has indicated the series will conclude with a sixth volume due out in 2024. This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in the middle of April 1187 A.D., about 7 months after the previous story. The description of the volume is:

“Xan and Christina embark on a journey to Harwood Abbey, where they reunite with their old friends, Lucy and Joshua. When a brutal murder occurs at nearby Penwood Manor, all evidence points to Laurence, a Crusader recently returned from the Holy Land. Unconvinced of the man’s guilt, Xan and his friends must act swiftly to solve the crime.

Who could have committed such a horrible killing, and is anyone safe?
Is Laurence tormented by demons, or is he haunted by some other secret?
And will Xan be forever changed by the choice Lucy and Christina present to him?”

This particular novel has won numerous awards including:

2024 Independent Press Award Winner, Childrens: Religion Fiction
2024 Illumination Book Awards Silver Medalist, Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction
2024 ACP Excellence in Publishing Awards, First Place: Children's Books: Teens

If you have already read the other Harwood Mysteries you will be familiar with many of the characters. This volume is not as dark as the previous, but it does deal with murder, and the sins of pride and envy. Envy is a theme running throughout the story and some learn to turn away from it and some do not. The challenges Xan faces are very different, including physical confrontations, serious threats against him and his friends, and a mystery that even at times he doubts he can solve. 

I has some suspicions by the midpoint of the story, but was not proven correct until much later. Watching Xan struggle to put the pieces together and even to figure out his own future was a greatly entertaining read. Though the consequences for others especially Lucy are very surprising.  

The author in the historic note at the end of the volume states:

“For Murder at Penwood Manor (Book 5), I wanted to write a medieval murder mystery, with a focus on the little-understood and rarely discussed vice of envy.

I’ve also tried to build key historical focal points into each novel. In Book 1, I set the medieval stage with a demonstration of feudalism and monastic life in the twelfth century. In Book 2, I illustrated the Norman Conquest of England by William the Conqueror, as well as the amazing history behind the real-life Lincoln Cathedral. In Book 3, I introduced the political intrigue and politics that led to so many problems in the medieval Church in its struggle with secular powers. In Book 4, I set forth the dysfunction in King Henry II’s personal life, including the many rebellions of his sons against him. All the while, I have been planting seeds about one of the most important events in medieval history: the Crusades.

In Murder at Penwood Manor, I wanted to explore the mentality of the average medieval crusader. Laurence represents those men who vowed to keep Jerusalem and the Holy Land in Christian hands, and who would sacrifice much to fulfill their vow. While there are notions of feudalism and monastic life throughout Book 5, the new ingredient is the Crusades generally, and the specific historical depiction of the events that led to the Third Crusade.”

Tony again has done a masterful job of finding balance between telling a new tale and staying true to historical fact and places. This volume is well researched and the author’s historical note at the end is worth the reading. The characters are very well written, it is a solid plot with a few twists and interesting subplots woven well into the story. It also contains a huge surprising cliff hanger ending. The story moves at a great pace. It was a terribly hard book to put down. 

It was great to watch Xan’s and Christina’s growth in this story and their interactions with and others at the Abbey and Convent. This story and the main Harwood series is marketed for Middle grade readers but are great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved them. This is another well written story and one that will leave you desperate for the next volume.  Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story and series, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller in both long and short form fiction. It is a historical fiction story guaranteed to entertain, readers young and old alike. It is a great story in a wonderful series. I can easily recommend the book and the series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Antony Barone Kolenc:
The Harwood Mysteries:
Shadow in the Dark
The Haunted Cathedral

Other Books:
Penny and the Stolen Chalice
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