The Abdication
By Justin Newland

Abdication takes readers on quite a fantastical and in many ways, a biblical and spiritual quest, which is full of trepidation as two lands that had come together, are now less than harmonious. I would say that Dan Brown fans, especially, would enjoy this, as well as fans of Justin Newland’s other books. You can find out more about his other books, in order, and links of where to follow and buy, after my review.
Thanks to Zooloo Book Tours for inviting me to review and to Justin Newland for sigining my book and to Matador for gifting me the book. My review remains unbiased.

About the Author

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers – that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real peoplefrom history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

Blurb

The town of Unity sits perched on the edge of a yawning ravine where, long ago, a charisma of angels provided spiritual succour to a fledgeling human race. Then mankind was granted the gift of free will and had to find its own way, albeit with the guidance of the angels. The people’s first conscious act was to make an exodus from Unity. They built a rope bridge across the ravine and founded the town of Topeth. For a time, the union between the people of Topeth and the angels of Unity was one of mutual benefit. After that early spring advance, there had been a torrid decline in which mankind’s development resembled a crumpled, fading autumnal leaf.

Following the promptings of an inner voice, Tula, a young woman from the city, trudges into Topeth. Her quest is to abide with the angels and thereby discover the right and proper exercise of free will. To do that, she has to cross the bridge – and overcome her vertigo. Topeth is in upheaval; the townsfolk blame the death of a child on dust from the nearby copper mines. The priests have convinced them that a horde of devils have thrown the angels out of Unity and now occupy the bridge, possessing anyone who trespasses on it. Then there’s the heinous Temple of Moloch!

The Abdication is the story of Tula’s endeavour to step upon the path of a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.

Review

The Abdication (the title all becomes clear as you read the book), blends fantasy, biblical, and spiritual references well. Firstly, Tula is met and she takes readers into Topeth, a highly regarded town, now in decline due to how mankind are developing. The writing is elegant and edges along between the complete fanatastical and parts of reality that all humans can recognise.

Tula ends up on a quest to meet the angels, but it isn’t as easy to cross the bridges between Topeth and Unity, which were once united and working harmoniously together and now that relationship is in perilous danger of disappearing as evil is abound.  There are also people, such as Sarah’s daughter, Opal, mysteriously going missing.

It’s a quest that has so much trepidation as there is evil around. There’s a strong supporting cast, whose lives are also in danger at times and times of desperation for their Creator to help them out.

Readers will also, amongst so many characters, such as Ruth and Abel, which are biblical, but also Taurus, fom horoscopes. It’s an interesting mix of characters who readers are introduced to, to see if they can move passed the ‘Old Guard’ and move their nations into better and more peaceful times.

Further Books by Justin Newland

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the

skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the

mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind.

 

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set

during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of

China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the

beginnings of modern times.

 

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of

the Industrial Revolution.

 

 

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery.

Links

 

Follow him at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.author/
Website : http://www.justinnewland.com/

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Abdication-Justin-Newland/dp/1800463952

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Abdication-Justin-Newland-ebook/dp/B098PHD84Y