CELTICLADY'S REVIEWS: Fortunate Son by David Marlett Review!

Meet James Annesley, son of 18th Century Ireland. Though you may have never heard his name before, his story has already touched you in profound ways. Now, for the first time, novelist David Marlett brings that incredible story to life.

Stretching from the dirty streets of Ireland to the endless possibilities of Colonial America, from drama on the high seas with the Royal Navy to a life-and-death race across England and up the Scottish Highlands, from the prospect of a hangman’s noose to a fate decided in the halls of justice, FORTUNATE SON is a powerful, relentless epic. Here nobility, duels, love, courage, revenge, honor, and treachery among family, friends and ancient enemies abound. And at its center is the most momentous trial in Irish history – the trial of Annesley v. Anglesea from which our modern “attorney/client privilege” was forged, and our concept of a “jury of ones peers” was put to the test.

Carefully researched, vividly evoked, and lovingly brought to the page, FORTUNATE SON is an unforgettable work of fiction based on fact, one that will resonate deep within you long after you finish it.

Read an excerpt here.

"A masterful blend of historical fact and detail of adventure and peril and courtroom drama. This rousing murder-mystery adventure that was the life of James Annesley and his battle to reclaim his stolen heritage in the precedent setting case of Annesley v Anglesea, also gives us the story of the first Kennedys in America.”
– Vincent Bugliosi, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of HELTER SKELTER

“An epic and thrilling tale of adventure and drama. Beautifully written and
painstakingly researched, it’s a book for fans of action and history alike.”
– Ethan Cross, International Bestselling Author of The Prophet and Blind Justice

“I could tell that Mr. Marlett knew his subject inside and out and I truly believe that this is what made this book so very readable…. The blood, sweat and tears, of the characters and the author are ever-present in this book. I really recommend this book to adventure fans, historical fans, and legal fans. It’s a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!”
– Tales of a Book Addict

“I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good historical read.”
– Shelly’s Book Shelves

“The reader will sense the drama about to unfold at the end, but be resistive, and not wanting the book to end, having become lost in the tale. It's much like coming out of a warm pool to the bracing cool air. It is hard to believe that Marlett has written such a in depth, imaginative, reality based drama. Let's hope the movie rights do get sold- I for one would love to see it brought to the big screen, but know it could never to his prose justice!”
– Bless Their Hearts Mom

David Marlett is an attorney, artist, and self-trained historian who grew up in a storytelling Texas family. He attended Texas Tech University where he earned multiple degrees in finance, economics and accounting. Subsequently, he earned his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. He is also a photoartist (you can see some of his work at www.DMarlett.com) and an expert on crowdfunding. David occupies a unique place in popular fiction, as his novels focus on some of history’s most famous trials. Vincent Bugliosi, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter called Fortunate Son, “"A masterful blend of historical fact and detail of adventure and peril and courtroom drama.” David will follow this in the fall of 2014 with American Red, a novel about the legendary murder trial of deadly, one-eyed union boss “Big Bill” Haywood.

My Review

Fortunate Son is the fictionalized story of James Annesley, Irish born to Arthur Annesley 5th Baron Altham and Mary Sheffield. He was abandoned by his father and raised by another woman, Joan Landry. After the death of his father, James is kidnapped and sent as an indentured servant to the American Colonies at the behest of his uncle Richard who has the titles. After serving 12 years he returns as a free man to Ireland to claim his title of Earl of Anglesea and all that went with the title. I loved this fictionalized version of this long forgotten historical Irish person who is said to have been the inspiration for the book Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. The addition of a lifelong friend Sean, his lawyer and James wife make this a very interesting historical read. It has heartbreak, love, murder, honor and a court trial called the greatest trial in Irish history that will keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to the Irish/English history.

I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.