Heather’s Bookshelf: Banner of Dawn
Author: Francis Pio
Released: 08/15/24
Genre: Historical Fiction/Thriller
“I stared at the object on my kitchen table for what seemed to be an hour. The events of the morning were racing through my head. This was far from an ordinary day.”
“Banner of Dawn” follows Hackworth “Hack” Lancaster, a young man working uninspired jobs to make ends meet who is suddenly contacted by his estranged ex-girlfriend, Pepper Stillwater. When their college professor, Professor Mac, ends up dead, Hack and Pepper find themselves in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy.
Before his death, Professor Mac, gave Pepper an antique 12-star American flag and warned her of finding the truth. Initially, Hack doesn’t know what to make of Pepper’s panic, but when people begin following him and break into his apartment, he realizes the seriousness of the situation. And then the news breaks about Professor Mac…
Reuniting with Pepper, the two childhood friends and exes must put their challenging history aside if they are to find the truth and save themselves from those who would rather harm them than reveal their secrets to the world.
Trigger Warning: violence, murder, arson, torture
Overall, I was torn on this one. On the one hand, there’s a lot of interesting references to American history and an intriguing mystery surrounding the unique flag. There are quotes at the beginning of each chapter which help establish the historical aspect. I also enjoyed the main protagonist, Hack, and the story told through his POV. Hack is a young man set in his ways in a relatively mundane life. His interactions with Pepper are both complicated from their history and simple for their trust and love in each other. Pepper is a strong-willed and intelligent, young woman who brings confidence aspects of adventure and determinism to the story. Two major items hindered the tale. Unfortunately, the author delves into some clear personal political views about 2/3 into the book and then continues to perseverate on them …again and again. It feels forced, awkward, and cringey. The historical aspects were also often convoluted, hard to follow, and somehow also redundant at the same time. Items were not built upon or developed, just regurgitated. The lack of development followed through with inconsistent character growth. Clearly derivative of stories like The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure, this one ultimately feels like a poorly realized knock off with some fun portions along the ride.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A thriller/historical fiction focused on American history with two leading, intriguing protagonists. Challenging character/story development and personal author views hinder the storyline.
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