The Break

by John Reinhard Dizon

In 1960's Brooklyn, NY, troubled teen Billy Delaney's life takes a drastic turn. After Billy and his high school friends get arrested during an attempted armed robbery, their lives are torn asunder. Billy struggles with unresolved issues of guilt over his friends' misfortunes. Obsessed to help them get back on track, he continues to seek "the break" that can redeem their lives. But the easy money along the criminal path is enticing, and soon Billy finds himself consumed by the moral struggle between good and evil. This novel contains violence and strong language, and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2014

About the author

John Reinhard Dizon was born and raised in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, NY. He participated in local and high school sports at Bishop Loughlin MHS, excelling in wrestling, hockey and football. The lead vocalist of the Spoiler and the Ducky Boys, he was a key figure on the Brooklyn rock scene during the Punk Revolution of the 70's. Relocating to San Antonio TX in the 80's, he moonlighted as a pro wrestler while working as a legal assistant. He successfully pursued a BA at UTSA and degrees in Korean martial arts during the 90's. He currently lives in KC MO where he is studying for his MA in English at UMKC. Mr. Dizon has been studying and writing about Irish history for over twenty-five years.

Reviews

[John Dizon]

The Brand is a historical fiction novel centered on the War of Independence at the American Colonies of the 18th Century. This is an action-adventure saga focusing on Anglo-Irish, Native American and women’s issues set against a revolutionary backdrop. This revenge tragedy sets the major protagonists against an oppressive regime in Northern Ireland, resulting in their migration to the Colonies to seek vengeance against the forces of the Crown. The conflict finds resolution as the insurgents earn their victory and the Irishmen wreak their own vengeance at a terrible price.

Sean Coleraine is a British prisoner having been branded by his captors with the SS symbol (Sower of Sedition). He and his friends migrate to England at great risk to seek the aid of legendary highwayman Flynn Ravernet. They tell him of a transfer of bullion worth £100,000 en route to Boston via New York where it will be invested in a ‘superfort’ designed to paralyze the rebel logistical system in the Colonies. A skeptical Ravernet is eventually persuaded to accompany his fellow Irishmen to America where rebel forces await their arrival.

Major Keith Blackmore has been entrusted to build the fortress at Boston Harbor, and delegates responsibility for the gold shipment to Captain James O’Connell. The Captain’s weakness is his daughter Beth, who has become sympathetic to the rebel cause as an act of defiance against her father and the chauvinistic Colonial society. Sean infiltrates the British inner circle in New York and develops a relationship with Beth. Flynn seeks to hedge his bets by reaching out to Captain Diego Torquemada of the Spanish Army, whose Imperial overlords are seething over their gradual relinquishment of their territories to the British Empire. Flynn uses his charms to win the favor of the Captain’s daughter Magdalene, and convinces her father to support the Irishmen’s sting operation. Though the schemers are reluctantly accepted by the Patriots, men such as Benjamin Franklin find value in the conspirators and eventually provide support to the bloody but successful act of vengeance.

This work of historical fiction has both action/adventure dynamics enhanced by romantic interests and essential social discussions resonating with present-day dialogues. The author’s trademark elements of irony, snappy dialogue and Shakespearean tragedy stand in bold relief of this compelling page-turner. The Brand is a cross-genre classic not to be forgotten.

[S.A. Check]

John Reinhard Dizon produces an admirable and well thought out historical fiction novel with The Brand. The story focuses on the early days of the American Revolution and the turbulent times faced in the birth of a nation. Dizon piques the history aficionado’s interest by making reference to several pivotal points in early American history and special guest appearances by some of the country’s forefathers. The author spins it again by introducing an intricate heist into the book that stretches across continents and forms unlikely partnerships and budding romances.

Sometimes heroes are born, others are made. Irish native Sean Coleraine never asked for his fate but played the cards life dealt him back, in spades. Picking up an array of allies consisting of a legendary thief, a warrior princess, and a rebel pirate, Coleraine travels an ocean seeking revenge and finds a country torn seeking its own independence while still under British rule. He and his colleagues must uncover and stop the secret plans of a super fortress that would crush any hope of rebellion and forever change the course of history. Playing a cat and mouse game of trust and power, Coleraine and his crew walk a fine line between danger and death, relying on their wits to lead them back home.

The whole book had an Ocean’s Eleven feel with a Colonial American twist that I found entertaining and engaging. Any fan that enjoys a high stakes romp through the early history of America will enjoy John Reinhard Dizon’s The Brand .

[Natasja Hellenthal]

'The Brand' by John Reinhard Dizon is a well written historical tale that will captivate the reader from page to page. The combination history/fiction works well here and will interest many readers, not only people who are interested in early American colonial history with surprisingly interesting facts on politics, torture, Indian involvement, the Irish and Spanish to name a few.
It reminded me slightly of The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon for its combination of history (though Scottish) set in the same time-frame and action/mild violence and adventure.

If you’re looking for a fresh good action/adventure with well fleshed out characters read The Brand!

I especially loved the strong female protagonists in this story who aren’t anything less than the male leading roles. Although they are treated as love interests by the men they can very much hold their own. Iroquois princess Nightshade and the mysterious female pirate leader were my favourites. Can I sense a follow up with their adventures? If not, can I have one please?

[Gregory Gourlay]

Caper enthusiasts, along with history buffs, will love this one. A clever heist pulled off in the midst of the American Revolution. One gets a clear sense of the era, its commonplace brutality etc., acted out on stage by the book's larger-than-life, colorful characters.
Sean Colerain, the young hero, has been branded for sedition in his native Ireland, which makes him an easy recruit for a plot to waylay the King's gold bullion being sent to the New World to finance the construction of a superfortress to defeat the American rebels.
Along the way, Sean meets and falls in love with the lovely Beth O'Connell, daughter of a British officer.
Twists and turns abound in 'The Brand'...a fast-paced, smooth read told in a most entertaining manner. Step back to the 18th century and America's War of Independence and enjoy this one.

[P.S. Winn]

I feel like I just stepped back in to this century from 1777. Sean Colerain was branded for his beliefs. It seems that wartime strategies don't change much through the ages as we follow Sean on his adventures in America during its early years struggling to become a nation and fighting wars to do it. This novel is also a love story as Sean meets the love of his life while at the same time trying to escape danger. An unlikely hero is found in Sean during his escapades. This novel is well written and really does take the reader back in time and history. Thanks to the author for yet another wonderful adventure. This is a great read told by a great storyteller.

[P.S. Winn]

I feel like I just stepped back in to this century from 1777. Sean Colerain was branded for his beliefs. It seems that wartime strategies don't change much through the ages as we follow Sean on his adventures in America during its early years struggling to become a nation and fighting wars to do it. This novel is also a love story as Sean meets the love of his life while at the same time trying to escape danger. An unlikely hero is found in Sean during his escapades. This novel is well written and really does take the reader back in time and history. Thanks to the author for yet another wonderful adventure. This is a great read told by a great storyteller.