Finding Billy Battles: (Book) - 9/3/2019 2:51:38 PM
As a child, Billy Battles would never have imagined the extraordinary paths his life would take. In this beautifully crafted novel, readers are immediately immersed in Billy's exciting and adventurous times in the Wild West. Fact and fiction are perfectly blended. The cast of impressive characters add much to the story as does the author's use of the vernacular of the time period. Filled with danger, surprises and incredible attention to detail, this book is a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through AuthorsDen. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Lost Years of Billy Battles (Book) - 6/23/2019 7:30:46 PM
'The Lost Years of Billy Battles' is Book 3 in the "Finding Billy Battles Trilogy' and it wraps up nicely the entire series. All three books are a great stand-alone, but I immensely enjoyed reading them in sequence and think you will also.
Billy Battles is a very unique character, a good man, that unfortunately does have his share of misfortune and mishaps in his life. The trilogy begins when Billy Battles is just a young teenager. Book 2 takes use through the first 50 years of his life. 'The Lost Years' or book 3 covers the final years of his life story. Book 3 begins around 1914 and some of the most enjoyable reading material of the entire trilogy is reflected in the changes taking place in the different centuries, such as the introduction of the automobile, the changes in attitudes regarding women or the carrying of a firearm. Quite entertaining! The book is rich in history.
The writing style of Ronald E. Yates is awesome. The location descriptions are amazing, literally taking the reader there. The character descriptions paint a picture in the readers mind of each person in the story line and helps the reader to decide if they like or dislike the character. Another interesting facet of the author's writing style is the inclusion of the foreign names with the descriptions of the foods and/or dinners or including some phrases and parts of conversations in the foreign language that is being spoken. All of this tells me that the author spent a lot of time doing research and it really added to the integrity of the novel. Nice job!
Although I highly recommend "The Lost Years', book 3 as a great stand alone......I most definitely, even more so, highly recommend that you read 'The Finding Billy Battles Trilogy' in its chronological order! I assure you, you will not be disappointed. Definitely a "thumbs-up." Five outta five stars.
The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles (Book) - 5/25/2019 8:36:40 PM
Excellent continuation of the Billy Battles saga. 'The Improbable Journeys of Billy Battles' picks up the story from 'Finding Billy Battles.' Could definitely be a stand alone, but I am enjoying reading the trilogy in order...either way, check them out! This book takes us oversea's as Billy works as a foreign correspondent sending stories back to the paper he had been working for in Denver, but also landing himself in more than a few "situations."
Just the descriptions of locations is amazing, very detailed, but the development of the characters has you picking who you really love and who you really don't...feeling like you know them personally...a talent in and of itself for author's to exhibit. I love the use of historical fiction throughout the novel. This is another easy-read by Ronald E. Yates. Most definitely 5 star of 5 material! Can't wait to read book three and find out how Ronald E. Yates wraps it all up. Check it out!
Finding Billy Battles: (Book) - 4/18/2019 4:04:59 PM
Our storyteller, Ted, tells us an interesting saga about the life and times of William Fitzroy Raglan Battles, his great-grandfather, based on journals he inherited when his great-grandfather died. Although, initially, Ted was too young to truly appreciate the immense wealth of knowledge and life experiences his great-grandfather had recorded in several volumes of journals, he kept the journals and later told the tale.
I was unsure about reading 'Finding Billy Battles' as it isn't my usual genre, but I am thrilled I elected to read it. Not only is it well-written, but it is also very entertaining. I actually found myself wanting to read non-stop, not wanting to put it down, as it is a real page-turner. The occasional mentioning of a true-life character from the "wild, wild west," that everybody will recognize, just adds another intriguing element to the novel. I highly recommend you read this book. Ronald E. Yates has an easy-flowing, easy-read writing style that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. 'Finding Billy Battles' is the first book of a trilogy and I can't wait to read the other two. Definitely a "thumbs-up"!!! Five star material...
The Lost Years of Billy Battles (Book) - 6/30/2018 12:37:05 PM
I'm fond of historical fiction, particularly fiction that stays true to the history and doesn't drift off into fantasy. From your chapter 3, it reads like a travel brochure describing Veracruz. It is obvious you are trying to create an ambience of the time, 1914, with the discussion of the place, the people, clothing, food and music. You've done a very thorough job. Felt like I was there. That's good research.
From your reviews, I would say you are on the right track with this trilogy.
Ron
