Straight Reading from the Library: The Blood that Cries from the Ground by Gregory Bellarmine

The Library was provided a copy of THE BLOOD THAT CRIES FROM THE GROUND by Gregory Bellarmine for review as part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. You can see the rest of the stops here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/11/virtual-nbtm-review-tour-blood-that.html. Gregory will be awarding a $50 Amazon or BN gift card, or an Anne Stokes Dragon Heart necklace (US ONLY) that symbolises Nicholas and Catherine’s love, to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

“In a loving, heart-shaped embrace, the subtle magic of the Golden Dragon merges with the protection offered by Silver Dragon, and they become as one perfect being. Simply Stunning! Lovingly handcrafted in STERLING SILVER, the Mythical Companions Collection brings Magical guidance for life's journey. Designed by Fantasy artist Anne Stokes, the pendant and comes with a chain and satin gift pouch.”

READ THE BLURB

Italy. A tough master of novices, Father Dante encounters the bold young priest Antonio who challenges his identity and accuses him of being the Saint Nicholas. But despite the Father faking his death, a determined Antonio discovers a rather alive Dante arrayed in kilt and armor.

In return for Antonio’s silence—and to protect the town from attracting all manner of darkness—Dante agrees to tell his life story. Without explanation, Dante orders Antonio to meet him at night in the abandoned Cathedral, the site of a former battle that the Church has kept secret for a generation.

Until today.

The Criskindl. Ice Steeds. The Unborn. Saint.

From the Dark Ages’ when Poet-Sorcerers ruled kings, to the Holy Land when a new civilization was rising, to Revolutionary France where love is lost and gained, Father Dante pursues the one responsible for both his master and his mother’s deaths: Black Peter, his brother.

READ THE REVIEW

The Blood that Cries from the Ground is an intensely detailed book--a look at St. Nicholas you've never seen. As the main character himself says-- he's not jolly-- and resents what society has twisted his character to be. This then is Nicholas' effort to tell the "true story" of his life.

It begins with a young novice in the early 1900s, and his curiosity about Father Damien. Who is this strange man who can ignore the elements and raise the dead? Set in the framework of this young man's questions--Father Damien (Nicholas himself) tells us of his life.

This is not a quick read nor a book that you can just skim through. The author touches on many historical eras and, if you don't read carefully, it's easy to get lost. However, the characters are compelling--Nicholas himself is an intriguing, multi-faceted man. And, the book is well worth digging into.

The book does tend to jump from time to time and that can make it a little confusing at times (I found myself having to go back and reread a bit to find out when and where we were). I also wish the author had better explained the concept of the Unborn --it might have made it easier to understand Nicholas as a person. I'm not a big fan of rereading, but this is one book I definitely plan to reread, because there is so much richness in it that I'm sure I've missed some wonderful parts.

The Blood that Cries from the Ground is a very ambitious dark tale of revenge and I noticed in the back of the book that there are more volumes to come... I'm looking forward to reading those.

WATCH THE BOOK VIDEO



MEET THE AUTHOR

Gregory Bellarmine is the author of the bestselling Monthly Roman Breviary. He lives a happy though sometimes sleepless life in the UK with his wife, two children and rather cheeky Parson Russell Terrier.

WEBSITE:www.FatherDante.com
EMAIL: frgregory@latinmass.org.uk
BLOG: http://www.fatherdante.com
TWITTER: @VRevGB
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18660010-the-blood-that-cries-in-the-ground
Buy the book at Amazon.

“The Blood That Cries in the Ground will grab the reader by the throat with a death grip from which it is impossible to break free.” -Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite Link to the full review: http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/13394