"The World Turned Upside Down" By Steven Mendel: Review/Giveaway

Review by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

Where is Abagail? She thought the same thing. She’d been brutally awoken, bound, blindfolded, and gagged, and carried down into the depths of the palace. She’d been thrown into a dark cave with only an old, seemingly crazy, woman as company. Princess Margot would save me, she thought, once she discovers the terrible mistake. But, when Princess Margot found Lady Abagail gone, she received no answers about her whereabouts from her mother, Queen Henrietta, or her father, King Charles I. She was no longer the child whose whims were indulged and whose friend and lady-in-waiting was always at her side. She was soon to marry Prince Leon of Spain, a way to end a terrible war…reparations masked as a dowry, a daughter to seal the deal.

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As for Abagail, her journey starts with a shocking revelation provided by the old woman who calls herself Beatrice. She is the queen’s younger sister and, wait for it…Abagail’s mother long missing these past fifteen years. But, the most shocking news is King Charles is Abagail’s father. A plan is devised for their escape, but she regrets it will come about by the death the young guard who had treated her well. Despite Abagail’s success and new found freedom, it is her mother’s final sacrifice that would haunt her. When the queen learns of her sister’s death and Abagail’s escape, she is distraught, saddened, and emphatic that Abagail must be found…immediately!

It is 1645, and England is in the midst of great social turmoil: “People First,” “End the War Tax,” and “Freedom of Worship” are the cries heard in the streets. Abagail tries to keep herself hidden, away from the man who assaulted her and vows to kill her for the scar she gave him as well as the palace guards who are looking to capture her and the father of the young guard who wants revenge, but is she prepared for all that is to happen? Can she trust the goodness of some—a woman at the bakery, a family with an illegal trade, a man who turned away from the clergy? With the streets a powder keg prepped to explode and the monarchy in jeopardy, will she be caught in the middle as a savior or a pawn?

The World Turned Upside Down Earns 5/5 Traitorous Plans…A Compelling Epic!

Steven Mendel has turned my world upside down with an engaging epic weaving historical figures and events from the English Civil War of 1645 with the fictional storyline of an illegitimate heir to the English throne along with her awakening view of what life could and should be during a time where many want a future less laid out by unfair laws and circumstances. With palace intrigue, disquiet from the citizenry, a dubious dynamic between half-sisters, traitors, loyalists, lies, truths, one man’s drive to exact murderous revenge, and a trial of the century, Mendel’s drama is complex and compelling. Although there are some satisfying, if not happy, endings, there were a couple of loose ends left to the readers imagination. The story also had fascinating debates about divine right to rule, the role of the church and the monarchy, and the corrupt nature of society during the 1600s. Abagail is a fascinating character who finds the path she’s on better suited for her, but the dangers are real and her dilemma difficult to manage…on what side of the revolution is her loyalty—freedom or family? James, once set to become a member of the clergy, in many ways shares Abagail’s quest for freedom and love, but their approaches are different. Well-written. Diverse characters. Couldn’t put it down!

To enter to win an ebook or print copy of The World Turned Upside Down, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "upside,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 7, 2022. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.