Promised Valley Rebellion

Promised Valley #1

by Ron Fritsch

Promised Valley Rebellion, the first book in the Promised Valley series of four novels by Ron Fritsch, is a story of forbidden love. The farmers’ king refuses to allow the marriage of the coming-of-age prince to the daughter of the farmer who saved the king’s life in the last war with the hunters. Her brother decides he has to help his sister and the prince, his boyhood friend, correct the flagrant injustice.


That decision leads them and their allies into a youthful rebellion against the king and his officials, who rule the kingdom from their bluff-top town. The far more numerous farmers in the villages below, who despise the officials but not the king, and who admire the prince, are in a position to determine whether the rebels will succeed or face execution for treason.


Kirkus Indie “The story is very likely as old as human civilization. It encourages the reader to ponder the universal elements of the tale. A strange, primitive world that feels winningly real.”


Feathered Quill Book “Promised Valley Rebellion explores human differences in many forms—physical, psychological, and cultural—with keen insight and tasteful honesty. Fritsch develops his characters with sensitivity and depth, and their youthful optimism and enthusiasm ring so genuine that only the most cold-hearted reader could resist rooting for them. Shining through the simple but expressive prose is an underlying affection for the human vulnerable, frequently confused, but always capable of great heroism and love. This is ambitious fiction, at once entertaining and bursting with thought-provoking allegory.”


The US Review of “Fritsch’s is a good tale that feels real, with a strong promise and a good twist at the end. A good book to read by the fire in wintertime, Fritsch presents us with a primitive society, in the manner of Jean Auel’s books, but with much more compassionate characters.”


Reader “You’ll enjoy Promised Valley Rebellion if you like in-depth characters, a mystery that’s not easily solved, and a subtle twist that could change everything.”


Promised Valley Rebellion was the winner of the gold medal in the Literary Fiction category of the 2010 eLit Awards competition, the first-place winner in the Gay and Lesbian and Transgender Fiction category of the 2011 National Indie Excellence Awards competition, and the winner of the silver medal in the Historical Fiction category, as well as a finalist in the General Fiction category, of the 2011 Readers Favorite Awards competition.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Gay Fiction, Prehistoric

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2010

About the author

Ron Fritsch grew up on a farm in northern Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois and Harvard Law School. He lives in Chicago with his partner of many years, David Darling.

Fritsch is the author of ten novels: Who Killed Coriolanus?, Helen's Orphans, The Lord Chamberlain's Daughter, Cordelia Lionheart, His Grandfather's House, Elizabeth Daleiden on Trial and the four-book Promised Valley series (Promised Valley Rebellion, Promised Valley War, Promised Valley Conspiracy and Promised Valley Peace).

Reviews

[Misha]

*DNF
Unfortunately, I could not finish this book. I really tried because I am almost obsessive about finishing books. But somewhere around page 170 , I gave up. This is only my second DNF, the first being Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. To be fair, I haven't rated the book.

Set in the Prehistoric era, Promised Valley Rebellion is centered on the love between Morning Sun, the King's son and Rose Leaf, a farmer's daughter. They are forbidden to marry each other right from the time they are children. Blue Sky, Rose Leaf's brother, who grew up with them, supports his sister and his friend. Soon, a rebellion breaks out.

I have never read anything set in the prehistoric era, so I was really excited to read Promised Valley Rebellion. I started the book weeks ago, but it took me a long time to finish even 100 pages. Maybe the book is not for me or maybe I read it in the wrong time. Let me not deter you from trying the book yourself.

The main problem was I couldn't connect with the characters or the story. I felt so distant from everything happening in the book and the writing style didn't really appeal to me. After trying for days to get into the book, there came a point, where I kept losing track of the plot and kept forgetting the names of the characters . Most probably I wasn't in the right mood to fully appreciate this book.

I will encourage the others to try the book. It's all a matter of individual perspective after all. Your views maybe completely opposite mine.

Promised Valley Rebellion is the first of four Promised Valley novels, a what-might’ve-happened tetralogy asking whether civilization and history, with their countless heaven-sanctioned wars and genocides, could’ve begun differently.

[Bryn Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by prehistoric fiction, but haven't found much I'm happy with... so glad to come across this set of novels. What I liked: the characters are fully human, intelligent, with attitudes we recognise, either to go along with or argue with. Stories set in the distant past can assume people were dumber than us, which is unscientific I believe. The characters are engaging, I like and admire our hero, who's a bit of a fighter for free speech and rights; and the crisis situation turns out to be a sort of conflict of nobility on both sides. I hope that isn't a spoiler. The end is heart-warming. I like the portrait of war, people's attitudes to war (again, we can assume people of the distant past were savage bloodthirsty idiots). I like the shamans - they're called tellers here - and their way of life, distinct from the community. And I like the pitting of hunter-gatherers against early farmers: the issues, the prejudices each has against the other. There are questions also of kingship and what tyranny is and isn't; and questions on religion and the gods. It's an examination of these matters, through a story that's strong and easy to get involved in. Best, we don't have to leave the world: there's a sequel and more to come.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Fritsch's Promised Valley Rebellion takes readers into a prehistoric world and a clash between the valley people/farmers and their more primitive opponents, the hill people.

There are many themes running through PVR including: epic battles, forbidden love, war, reluctance to advance and adopt change, and the coming of age.

You'll think of Jean Auel's Earth's Children when you read PVR, as this prehistoric time comes alive with the character Fritsch created.

Award-winning and deservedly so.

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is truly distinctive about Fritsch's series is the prehistoric setting where the settler-people of the valley (farming and land tending folk) live in guard against the marauding people of the nomadic hunting barbaric people of the hills. Blue Sky and Morning Sun are best friends, coming of age together and part of their rite of passage is to go up to the hill borders of their valley to stand guard against attacks from their enemy. Morning Sun has been forbidden develop any relations with is best friend’s sister Rose Leaf – no reason given for this command from his father the King of the Valley People. Blue Sky is gay and unfortunately has feelings for his straight best friend, the Prince. Up in the hills rebellion is fomented amongst the younger males as they struggle to comprehend the illogical commands and mores as set down by their elders and the political and religious leaders. In so questioning the system – they threaten to bring down their society as well as the security of their land. History is written by the victors they say and when Blue Sky’s path crosses with an enemy warrior – the truth is unleashed ripping open hidden family secrets; Blue Sky, Morning Sun and Rose Leaf discover who their enemy is really.

This is not a gay romance – more a pre-historical title with some gay characters. I loved this book – the writing style is unusual and the character names took some getting used to but the reading takes me back to my appreciation for books by Jean M. Auel’s Earth Children books. The forbidden love (both for the straight characters as well as for the gay characters) components were well done. This is the starting title of a series of four books, three of which have been released; I believe the final title is due out sometime this year.

[Kim Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rich in characters that have depth and substance – so much so that in the beginning of the book I had a difficult time keeping up with them! But, this author has made it bit easier by including a list of the characters at the beginning of the book, along with a brief description of them. I really loved this! Not only did it help me keep up, but it helped provide a mental picture of what each of these characters look and act like. I wish other authors would take the time to do this!

Set in a prehistoric society, most of the characters are farmers (valley people) and tend crops for a living; although they are considered the more “affluent” in the society. The hill dwellers have a deep jealousy of the farmers. Always pushing boundaries even though the punishment for crossing into each others territory is death.

This book reminds you a bit of Romeo and Juliet as its a tale of forbidden love. It is a coming of age tale of the the prince of the valley people and a farmers daughter. Although these are this life long friends, his father is the King, which means their friendship can only go so far. When the prince falls in love with the farmers daughters, they are strictly forbidden from marrying. What ensues is a rebellion against the rulers, and everyone will be tested in one way or the other.

If you liked (or read) Clan of the Cave Bear, I can promise you will love this book! Promised Valley Rebellion is the first in a series of four books and I’m lucky enough to have the second one, Promised Valley War, to read as well. After reading this book, I can tell you I’m very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Leigh K Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to enjoy and love about Promised Valley Rebellion. First, it is chock full of well-developed, unique characters, and in case you get lost with the number of players in this suspense-filled historical piece, the author has kindly included a Character List, which I read after I had finished the novel as a way to re-cap the story.

I also really enjoyed the way Fritsch incorporated gay issues into prehistoric times - this has to be a first I'm sure, and created a fascinating juxtaposition as we tend to have a preconceived notion of prehistoric man. I'm interested to see what other current issues Fritsch might incorporate in the series.

In summary, Fritsch has managed to merge historical fiction, suspense and gay issues in a character-filled novel set in prehistoric times. It's no wonder Promised Valley Rebellion has gold medals to show for his efforts.

Do yourself a favor and read it for yourself.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me the novel started off a bit slow and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. However I kept on reading and I am glad I did as once I read the first couple of chapters I really began to enjoy this novel.

At times throughout the novel I found myslef unable to connect with the characters and this is something that is important to me. However I should mention that there were some characters I could connect with and this is what made the novel really enjoyable.

I will be looking out for the next book in the series as I really enjoyed this book once I got over the initial hurdles.

A copy of this book was recieved for free and all thoughts are my own through reading this book.

This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com

[Laura Eno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promised Valley Rebellion is a rich tapestry of prehistoric life, examining the questions and conflicts humans still struggle with today.

Ron Fritsch weaves a tale of intelligent people in a structured society, farmers trying to preserve their way of life in the valley while guarding against incursions from hunters in the hills. Questions arise as to their way of life, casting doubt on the history the shamans have preserved.

The story has some surprising twists and turns, with sympathetic characters and a courageous younger generation caught between seeking the truth and honoring their elders.

This was an impressive read. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and continuing the journey that Ron has laid out.

[Derek Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting pre-historic novel in the tradition of Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bears. If you were disappointed by Auel's latest "Land of the Painted Caves" (as was nearly everyone) you should try Promised Valley Rebellion.

The author aims, in part, to chronicle the challenging transition from a traditional life of hunting, gathering, and roaming to a radically new life of farming, settling and creating towns.

But the relationships and conflict between characters also makes for engaged reading, full of material for later reflection. This is a book to be devoured slowly.

[Michelle Stockard Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many know that I love historical fiction and I have a particular interest in prehistoric times. Ever since first reading The Clan of the Cave Bear, Book one in Jean Auel's Earth's Children series, prehistoric stories have fascinated me. When I was offered a chance to read this book, I jumped at the chance. What Ron has done with this book is truly amazing. He gives us a glimpse of what a civilized prehistoric society might have looked like and brings interesting characters and themes into the stories. I see the main character as Blue Sky and he is a great character because he questions everything. Many of the themes in the book actually come about from Blue Sky's challenging the norm.

The first thing I found very interesting was the presence of a gay/lesbian lifestyle within this society. I thought this was an excellent way to present the case that homosexuals have been present throughout history and not always kept under wraps. The lifestyle is a normal part of life in their community and no one is ostracized because of it. I found this idea refreshing.

The book takes an interesting twist from being so accepting of homosexual lifestyles and yet cannot accept the possibility that the people who live in the hills, the hunters/gatherers, could very well be a similar people. Not the evil and hideous invaders that legend has portrayed. This is one of the issues that Blue Sky questions and seeks to bring truth to the fore.

One of the main plot points surrounds Blue Sky's sister, Rose Leaf and Morning Sun, the prince of their land. Morning Sun's father, king Tall Oak, has forbade them to marry, but no reason is given. It is made known that if they marry or procreate, their child will be killed. This is an outrage to Blue Sky. He believes that the king should not have absolute power to make and carry out decisions like this. So another theme in the book is the issue of absolute power. Should a ruler have this kind of power with nothing holding him in check? An age old question that many societies, including our great nation. have asked and fought to change. Where the people have the right to choose. A favorite quote is when Blue Sky confronts his father, Green Field, an old friend and loyal supporter of the king:

"When you were a youth," Blue Sky said, "rebelling against a misguided and fearful king was called bravery. Those who did it are still, to this day, considered heroes. And rightly so, in my opinion. When they were young, they were fearless. But sadly, as they grew older, they let fear rule their lives and the kingdom. I'll have nothing further to do with you. I'll say goodbye to my mother now and be gone. You, though, can forget you ever had me for a son."

What a tell off! Blue Sky has decided to take a stand and champion the cause of Morning Sun and Rose Leaf. He is determined that the people of the kingdom will be equally outraged and a demand for change will come about. You will have to read the book if you want to know what happens!

I really liked Promised Valley Rebellion because of what I mentioned above, but also because of how Ron explored the differences between the hunting/gathering society and the societies of the farming towns and animal herders, showing that these societies coexisted for a time and that there was animosity between them. It is an interesting exploration of prehistoric life wrapped up with elements of conflict, love and lust.

[Janelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF.
I guess I thought this book was a re-imagining of prehistoric life. I understand that we don't know the ins and outs of ancient people groups, but this is a weird sloshing together of recently emerged farmers in a world of hunter gatherers and a medieval style farm community. As a student of prehistory, I just can't handle it.
And then there's the part where the whole story revolves around a fairly unbelievable community of homosexual tribesmen (and they are happy about population control? Ancient farming communities were all about having as many children as possible). This may be a personal objection, but I don't any work that constantly tells me about (every) character's "chiseled shirtless torso".
In the end though, it was the telling that killed my attempt at this book. Every writing manual and teacher repeats the same mantra: Show and don't tell. I'm not super strict on it, and I think that some telling is ok when showing would just be long and tedious, but this book is all telling. I have read 150 pages of explanations about the way the village thinks, what it's customs are, and why certain people are revered. It's like an anthropological study of a people group, but not interesting because it is all made up. This is the sort of backstory that an author should write up so that they know everything about their characters, but they don't need to convey all of it to the reader.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the ---- is this about?

Who can keep the characters straight? This reads like George Jones' song "And the race is on", but with names like the characters in this book, perhaps the Redskins should change their name to "Washington Native-Americans With Somewhat Different Complexions." Positions will no longer be called Running Back, Wide Receiver or Quarterback but Loping Buck, Man Outside the pow wow and Person Who gets too close to large man who puts ball between his legs. Please change "man" to "Person".

[Allison Fetch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really disappointed with this read. It was compared with Jean Auel's books, but is nowhere remotely in the same area. I wouldn't have even known that this was a prehistoric setting if it hadn't been explained in the reviews! Much of the writing felt like a history book, but with nothing actually historical....it could have been set on an alien planet just as easily as prehistoric earth, there was so little detail. The whole thing felt really stilted and I didn't care for the writing. I'm very disappointed.

[Tilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I gave up at 37%.
Maybe I'm the wrong reader for this book, but I saw no point in going on with it.
I guess the author tried to write his own version of "earth's children" but it was a failure
Could it be a YA book? Because it was fairy tale-like, naive and kind of romantic.
I also noticed an effort to appeal to a gay audience.
Whatever it was, it failed to keep me interested.
I have already deleted it from my kindle.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to read this as I saw that other people thought it was a great book. I, however, could not get past the stilted way in which it was written, the scattered introduction of so many "cutesy" named characters, and the fact that the beginning seemed to concentrate too much on the character who was gay, which made me wonder if the whole book was going to be about his struggles. I decided to move on to something more interesting.

[Ksb Nh]

Too plodding to hold my interest. Also, I had difficulty keeping the characters - or their genders - straight.