A New Voice“Liberty or Death” the debut novella of David Cook is a tour de force, a superb struggle through the battles of the Irish troubles of 1798. David re-creates Georgian Ireland, vividly weaving the hero Lorn’s mission to bring Colonel Black, a maverick brutal monster who kills for pleasure to justice, into a wealth of period detail and description. Fast moving and bloody, this is an adventure that is not for the faint hearted. David has a wonderful style and “Liberty or Death” left this reader wanting much more of his writing. Brilliantly characterized, you feel for both sides of the hostilities, the conflicted loyalties of the men whose heritage was Irish yet fought for the British.If you want to know more about the period, then “Liberty or Death” is an excellent place to start. It may leave you with more questions about the causes of the struggles and confound some of your entrenched opinions. I look forward to David’s further books in which I expect to avidly read Lorn’s further adventures against his nemesis the French spy and agitator De Marin. David is a new voice in the historical genre and should be snapped up fast by a main-stream publisher. While not comparing their styles, if you love Bernard Cornwell then you will be pleased to find an excellent alternative in David Cook. I didn't know where to start so I just bought it having a penchant for any historical novel. My faves are Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell, Jane Austen, Ken Follet, Patrick O'brien - I was not disappointed. The narration is well-researched and is an easy and enjoyable read.Liked the battle of New Ross, it really puts you in the midst of the fighting and the terrible retribution committed afterwards. I heartily recommened this and will download the next one in the series.
What do You think about Liberty Or Death (2014)?
One of the best that I have read in a while! Very intriguing!
—Baiyyinah
Cook makes history entertaining. An enjoyable read!
—Jesse
