“A Land Apart” is historical fiction and based on actual events that happened in 1634 in New France which will eventually become Canada. It’s the story of the Wendat and the Iroquois as seen through the eyes of a Frenchman who had “gone native” in a manner of speaking.

For some strange reason, “gone native” has a bad connotation, as if the person had gone rogue or made a bad choice. Personally, I don’t see it that way and in terms of the book, the lead character Etienne Brulé actually made a good choice to adapt the way of the Wendat because it showed that Brule respected them.

“A Land Apart” is different from other books I’ve read because it is full of illustrations. The author Ian Roberts is an artist; the paintings in the book are his work. But, this is not the narrative I had read that features illustration. Books by Brandon Sanderson, specifically his “Stormlight Archive” series always include illustrations.

What made the paintings in “A Land Apart” different is that it seemed that they were a storyboard in a manner of speaking. That assumption on my part became stronger when I found out that the author rewrote the book from a script! So, okay, the illustrations were partly storyboard material.

So, what can I say about this book? Do I recommend it? For those who likes historical fiction, then yes, you will enjoy this book. But it is hard to get into. There were times when I felt I was reading a history tome. If you can get over that, then your interest will be piqued.

Just a few personal notes: It’s hard writing a review when I cannot go back and re-read the passages I need to. The ARC was sent via Adobe Digital Editions and like I expected, there was an expiration date. I finished reading “A Land Apart” sometime ago but never had the time to write the review. Now, that I’m ready, I just found out that time had expired.

So, let me just say that I winged this review. Sorry about that. It sounds so unprofessional. But I liked the book including all its quirks. And, though “A Land Apart” is not my usual cup of tea, I was asked via email to review it. I gave my word that I’ll read and review it. So, here it is.

A Land Apart

Summary

Description

“The flintlock releases with a click and then three powerful, exhilarating sensations hit him at once: the kick of the musket hard into his shoulder, the deafening roar, and the dense, acrid smell of burnt powder smoke. As the crashing echo of his shot rolls back from across the lake he knows the blow of the musket ball would be lethal to Wendat flesh. Totiri knew before lifting the musket that he wanted it. Now the desire consumes him.”

It’s 1634 in New France. Etienne Brulé has lived with the Wendat and helped them develop the fur trade with France for 25 years and fought beside them against the Iroquois. When the English sell the Iroquois guns, Brulé is the only one who can get guns for the Wendat. But he knows the price everyone will pay in the end.

A gripping story of adventure and courage set in a magnificent wilderness with the French, English, Iroquois and Wendat just starting to do battle for what would become Canada and the US.

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