What other authors are saying about P.J.Parker's novel ROXELANA AND SULEYMAN:
•A vibrant historical with well-developed characters. Impeccable
attention to detail. Arresting settings. Lively dialogue. Opulent narrative.
Well thought out plot. Splendid writing.
•PJ, great pace. Well-researched, well-written. Your main
characters have emotional depth; A & D come alive.
•Ok, I got all the
way to Chapter 29 when I realized I was still reading …. I really got caught up
in all of this--you've captured the essence of several cultures and your
descriptions are superb. Plus, the story is just too good to stop reading.
•The narrative voice is strong and authoritative, and the
research is impressive. Sentences do not go on and on and the choice of words
is adequate to what is being conveyed.
•Not my genre, I'm
afraid, but I read enough to admire your command of language and appreciate the
pace and excitement generated.
•This is a powerful read words just seem to explode of the
page and push us forward until the last page.
•I find this compelling. The historical elements are an
education in themselves and an eye-opener. It was a pleasure following
Aleksandra's story so far.
•A magnificent rich pageant
of historical fiction. Lush, dramatic and so very, very readable,
•Fascinating story, and you tell it very well. The opening
scenes with the Tartars attacking were described so vividly, I felt I was
there. …, your careful research into the history and geography of the period is
evident. The book makes an exciting read and should do well here.
•Roxelana and Suleyman is an enthralling historical novel
which has benefited from your extensive research. Backed with enthusiasm.
•A fascinating look
into a world I don't know much about. You do a great job of describing the
environment and setting. I can envision it as I read. Aleksandra is a great
main character, strong, determined, and definitely intriguing. She's one you
can't help but love and follow on her journey. Great job with this, the start
is intense and sets the stage well for what is to come.
•You bring the reader
into the heart of the Tartar attack and its aftermath very well. Relationships
are quickly established and we immediately feel for Aleksandra and her situation.
You get inside her head very well and we see with her eyes the unfolding
dilemmas. Well-crafted and engaging, evidence of historical research adds
authenticity.
•P.J., you've created quite a story, with fascinating
historical detail of the Ottoman Empire. The raids on the village are presented
in terrifying clarity and detail, with Aleksandra and brave Dariusz, and her
proud Father. A mighty opus, indeed, and backed with every good wish for your
success.
•Thrilling from the first moment. An intriguing tale with
much to keep the reader captivated.
•So unique and well written - obviously you have spent time,
research and passion in writing this novel. Backed with pleasure.
•An excellent interpretation. Well written, good strong
characters and a lavish intriguing story, backed with pleasure.
•You have written a
very interesting and unique historical storyline, which I do like, and created
a most memorable main character in Aleksandra. The dialogue is realistic and
well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your
descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read.
•A great beginning
with plenty of impetus, which carries the reader into a world much larger than
Alexandra's valley. It flows nicely, nothing seems out of place. You have
picked some great characters to work with, I think you have done a fine job of
evoking the feel of place and time.
•Exciting, right from
the start. The wonderful writing pulls the reader along to face the horrific
situation along with the young girl.
•An interesting
fictionalized account of the life of a much-neglected historical character and
episode, and a good depiction of what it was like to be captured by Tartar
raiders.
•This is a very
powerful piece of writing and must be based on extensive research. There does
seem to be a gap in the market for this era of historical fiction so it should
do well. Your characters are believable and the dialogue, often, a big letdown
with historical writing, never jars. I am very impressed by the authority of
the work and will back you without hesitation.
•I was riveted to my seat with this. A story should
transport the reader from their own mundane reality into the exotic and show
them other worlds to challenge their own conceptions. You have achieved this
perfectly. I knew this story but by the names of Roxanne and Suleiman. Your
research has probably shown that we corrupted the names years ago. An excellent
read set in a tempestuous time, well done.
•I appreciate the way you begin with action, filling in the
character as we go. You have some really great sentences here with obvious
attention paid to word choice.
•You seem to have a
fascinating tale. You have a vivacious vocabulary and I wish you luck with your
endeavour.
•I love the way you write. Your ability with words to craft
an original read is amazing. The characters have decided to take up permanent
residence but i will insist they leave soon to go home. ha!
•Dear PJ. I absolutely love your writing style. You have a
wonderful turn of phrase that I found irresistible. Great yarn, too!
