Book Title: James' Journey (The Master of Whitehall Book 5)
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Pages: 225
Author: Rick H. Veal
Date Published: 24 July 2016
Synopsis:
“This then is the story of my life and how I came to be what I am …”
In this highly anticipated final installment, James Thomas Dubois, The Master of Whitehall himself, narrates his tale and brings the classic love story of the epic saga full circle. James recounts his journey, born in eighteenth century colonial Charles Towne and raised to be a planter like his father before him. Share in the joy when he marries the love of his life, making him complete. Suddenly widowed at the height of his happiness, he spirals helplessly into the depths of endless grief. Stand fascinated with him when Charlotte Ann bestows upon him the Gift of Life and reveals the true Fountain of Youth. Travel with him across the centuries as his transformation from human to vampire; untrained fledgling to powerful immortal unfolds. The story of James’ life, both mortal and immortal, illustrates the role Fate plays as it guides him toward that one special day in the twenty-first century that will forever change his life, and finally fulfill his destiny.
“This then is the story of my life and how I came to be what I am …”
In this highly anticipated final installment, James Thomas Dubois, The Master of Whitehall himself, narrates his tale and brings the classic love story of the epic saga full circle. James recounts his journey, born in eighteenth century colonial Charles Towne and raised to be a planter like his father before him. Share in the joy when he marries the love of his life, making him complete. Suddenly widowed at the height of his happiness, he spirals helplessly into the depths of endless grief. Stand fascinated with him when Charlotte Ann bestows upon him the Gift of Life and reveals the true Fountain of Youth. Travel with him across the centuries as his transformation from human to vampire; untrained fledgling to powerful immortal unfolds. The story of James’ life, both mortal and immortal, illustrates the role Fate plays as it guides him toward that one special day in the twenty-first century that will forever change his life, and finally fulfill his destiny.
Review:
James' Journey: The Interlude by Rick H. VealMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. I also purchased a copy to add to my collection.
This is the fifth and final book in The Master of Whitehall Saga. I loved it!
James Dubois is a fascinating character. I really liked him when he was first introduced in the first book of the series. Although he's a vampire, he is a quintessential gentleman. This is his story and follows events leading up to his meeting of Charlotte Ann in 1752 and how she changed his life by making him an Immortal, then meeting Katelyn Corbin in 2012 when his life changed once more.
Having read the other four books in the series, I was excited when the author contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reading this one. I jumped at the chance and was not disappointed.
I was quickly pulled into the story and was swept away into the past. The author has done a lot of research into the history in which this book is set. His descriptions brought the past to life, as well as certain characters.
This book is told through the eyes of James and it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I found myself empathizing with him as he dealt with the terrible loss of his wife and child. It is not easy to lose someone you love. I was a little envious of Charlotte Ann for finding a wonderful companion and friend in James though. I must admit I felt sad about the state of Whitehall manor after the Civil War, but happy that James managed to get it back to its glory. James has lived a long and sometimes turbulent life, and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking a journey through history and his memories of them with him. I hope that he and Katelyn will have many more years to make new memories in the future. I reached the end of the book with mixed emotions - happy that things have come full circle, but sad that the saga has ended.
Rick Veal has written an intriguing series of love, loss, friendship and emotional growth that will take the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion. His characters are lifelike and likable. His writing style has improved a lot and is faster paced than ever before. The flow of the story is wonderful, and this kept me turning the pages. I would definitely read more of this authors work in the future.
There are some scenes of a sensual nature that are a little on the hot side (although not as explicit as some books I have read), so I do not recommend this book for younger readers. I do, however, recommend this book (and series) if you love paranormal romances with sexy vampires or immortal beings. - Lynn Worton
View all my reviews
Rick H. Veal was born sometime during the last half of the twentieth century in the upstate of South Carolina and has spent the majority of his life there. He joined the Navy immediately out of high school becoming an aircraft mechanic. During a six year span he sailed four times around the world and had the pleasure of visiting eighteen different countries. He says of that time that he did about two thirds of everything there was to do and was accused of taking part in the other one third.
After returning home he attended The University of South Carolina graduating with a double Associates Degree with Honors. He completed his education at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in History and Education. Since that time he has worked in the education field as a teacher and in various management positions in industry. He currently lives alone and shares his home with his 'daughter', a six year old Tuxedo cat who graciously allows him to think he actually owns the house. Her name is 'Daddy's Pretty Girl' but she will actually answer to anything except 'Late for Dinner'.
His two favorite authors are Anne Rice and Clive Cussler. He enjoys Cussler's storytelling ability and Rice's attention to detail. He considers Anne Rice, The Grand Dame of Vampire Writers, to be the architect of the modern vampire genre. Her works are the foundation on which current writers continue to build and expand the field. He believes that current writers of vampire lore owe her a huge debt of gratitude for laying that foundation. Clive Cussler, his other favorite author, is the quintessential American storyteller, one who is able to spin a yarn that draws the reader in from the very beginning. Both of them have a way of bringing their characters to life so that you feel as if you personally know them. Veal hopes that his readers will be able to see the influence of those two great writers in his writing as he tries to convey the same believability with his characters.
He has been a reader for most of his life and enjoyed much of what he's read. He has always enjoyed reading about and watching movies on the subject of vampires. He was completely hooked by Barnabas Collins in 'Dark Shadows' way back in 1966. After reading all the vampire books he could ... Rice, Smith, Harris, Craine, Meyer ... he decided that if they could write a vampire story, then so could he and he set out to do just that.
He decided that a setting with a rich history surrounding it would be ideal for a paranormal love story. Charleston and the surrounding Low Country of South Carolina, replete with an abundant history of ghosts and the unknown, combined with the lore of Vampire stories just seemed to be made for each other. So tying the two together he formed the initial idea and built on it from there.
The result of his efforts is The Epic Saga of The Master of Whitehall, a sweeping three volume narrative set in historic Charleston and the surrounding Low Country of South Carolina. A forth novel, the first of a two volume prequel to The Master of Whitehall, is in progress with one more planned for a total of five volumes in the series.
His other works include Jennifer's Ghost, a short story set in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina and Hannah's Heartache, a Master of Whitehall novelette, set in Savannah, Georgia.
It has been said that that if you want to write, you should "write the book you want to read, and then others will want to read it too". That is exactly what he hopes he has accomplished in his own writings.
All of his books, Katelyn's Chronicles, Lexi's Legacy, Dale's Descent, Jennifer's Ghost and Hannah's Heartache are available at Amazon.com in both print and e-book formats.
Should you wish to receive a personally inscribed and signed copy of any of his books please contact him directly for more information. He can be contacted via e-mail at author@prtcnet.com, his website, TheMasterOfWhitehall.com, or on Facebook at Rick H. Veal.
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