Reviews for EMPIRE FOR LIBERTY

Dangerous Lullaby

 

       


 


 

EMPIRE FOR LIBERTY Dangerous Lullaby      

 

 

'This is one of the best fiction stories I have read in a long time, regardless of genre.'

NSW Writers’ Centre Review by Kate Matthew (14 November 2011)
 

Empire for Liberty is the second book of The Liberty & Property Legends, and tells the story of an ambitious journalist (Emmaline Roberts) who travels to Cheyenne for a job and finds herself caught up in the ongoing investigation surrounding the events in the first book. Empire for Liberty is a very clever second book – enough of the story so far is recapped in conversation between characters and, as Emmaline begins to understand the back-story, so does the reader. Although you don’t need to have read the first one to enjoy it, there is always a sense that enjoyment would be heightened by having read them in the right order.

This is one of the best fiction stories I have read in a long time, regardless of genre. As historical fiction it works incredibly well due largely to the fact that historical detail is firmly in the background. It is an accepted part of the story, and therefore natural and unobtrusive. The story holds a subtle post-colonial undertone and a more obvious early-feminist thread, but neither of these are explored in detail and they don’t need to be. They are simply part of the fabric of a strong story.

The decision to write in present tense is interesting, and very occasionally feels slightly strange for the reader, but it does create both a sense of urgency and a lack of omniscience that works very well for this story.

 

‘If captivating historical fiction - and a family saga at that - is your preference, then this second book in the Liberty & Property Legends series will nicely fit the bill.’

PS News Book Review by Rama Gaind (8 February 2012)
 

If captivating historical fiction—and a family saga at that— is your preference, then this second book in the Liberty & Property Legends series will nicely fit the bill. Terri Sedmak has again produced a sequel that is rich with characters, where we get the chance to observe the best and worst of humanity, a narrative that’s warmed with humour and romance. However, it will make for a more enjoyable experience if you read the prequel Heartland: On the Side of Angels.

The second instalment continues the story of Luke Taylor’s journey for justice, introducing intriguing and impertinent lively new characters who shed light on the darkness surrounding betrayal and murder. Set in Cheyenne, Wyoming, 1885, the narrative sets a fast pace. In the State Penitentiary in Colorado, prisoner Five One Three serving a life sentence is in poor health. Laramie County Sheriff, Cliff, has trouble extracting pertinent information from him. All the while, Cliff himself is surrounded by controversy with rumours circulating that he and prosecutor, Cam Faraday, have conspired to hide evidence. Disturbing consequences result after motivated journalist Emmaline Roberts is given the task of investigating these claims.

Each chapter tells the story through the eyes of a different ‘person’, well developed – just like in the first. It’s easy to get immersed in the vibrant history, walking along with the individuals, having to remind yourself that they are only fictional. As you are swept into the lives of an engaging Cliff and a feisty Emmaline, you start caring for the characters. Another emotional rollercoaster is assured with Empire for Liberty, a second instalment in a six-part series.

This Australian author certainly knows how to paint a vivid picture!

 

‘This second instalment in the Liberty & Property Legends… makes for compulsive reading.’

That’s Life! Fast Fiction Review by Anthony Lambert (Autumn 2012)
 

This second instalment in the Liberty & Property Legends trilogy sees the ghastly consequences of Ed Parsons’ land grab, and the accompanying murder, begin to spread. Ambitious reporter Emmaline Roberts arrives in Cheyenne to investigate and is soon relying on the not-so-tender mercies of Sheriff Cliff Ryan to stay alive. A sprawling Western, with the scope and intrigue of a great soap, this story makes for compulsive reading.


 

'The characters are once again developed well and are people you will want to read more about.'

Rebecca’s Reads Review by Kam Aures (11 September 2011)
 

This second instalment in the Liberty & Property Legends trilogy sees the ghastly consequences of Ed Parsons’ land grab, and the accompanying murder, begin to spread. Ambitious reporter Emmaline Roberts arrives in Cheyenne to investigate and is soon relying on the not-so-tender mercies of Sheriff Cliff Ryan to stay alive. A sprawling Western, with the scope and intrigue of a great soap, this story makes for compulsive reading.

“Empire for Liberty” is the second book in Terri Sedmak’s “The Liberty & Property Legends” series of books. This second installment picks up in the year 1885 and the scene begins in the State Penitentiary in Colorado. Prisoner Five One Three, serving a life sentence, is in poor health. Cliff, the Laramie County Sheriff, enters the solitary confinement cell in an attempt to see if the prisoner will give him the information he needs. Trying to extract this information proves to be quite difficult.

Cliff himself though is surrounded by controversy as there are rumors circulating that he and Cam Faraday, the prosecutor, have teamed up to hide evidence. Young journalist Emmaline Roberts is given the task of investigating these claims which proves to have harrowing consequences.

“Empire for Liberty” is written in the same style as the first installment, “Heartland: On the Side of Angels.” Each chapter is told through a different character’s eyes which provides more depth to the story. The characters are once again developed well and are people you will want to read more

about. If you are looking for an intriguing historical fiction family saga, read first “Heartland: On the Side of Angels” and then move on to this next book, “Empire for Liberty.”

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