I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am sorry to say that after three separate attempts I was never able to finish this book. I made it just past the halfway mark and had to call it for the sake of my sanity. The premise of the book is interesting, however I found the story to be too convoluted to ever really enjoy. I felt like I was with a group of people, all of whom knew the inside joke, and none of them would share it with me.

The storyline was a mix of linear and non-linear, but not in any way that worked for me. I generally can read stories that are linear or non-linear, however I apparently don't handle it well when one book follows both paths at different points in time. I think the author was trying to use the change in method to help drive the storyline, but sadly for me it served only to further confuse it.

This book may be a winner for those with stronger feelings about aliens and history. I will say that the author did a decent job of drawing parallels between the characters in the story and our actual history here in the USA. ( )

The second installment of Robert G Pielke’s series A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator will make you waiting for the next book to come out. This compelling account of Aliens in a Lincoln-esque time is so well written that I was caught up on page one and didn’t stop until I had finished the book. The first book, NBOF: The Visitor laid down the plot line and this continues with new issues thrown in. You might want to read it prior to this one as it really does make more sense if you do.
As most time travelers are aware, if you play with history it never ends well. Edwin’s memory is failing or is it that he has altered history enough that what he knew isn’t any longer. His blinding headaches may also be a result of his tampering – does he still exist?
The “pests” as Edwin calls them apparently operate on a hive mentality. What one knows the others automatically assimilate. The captives are communicating in Indian sign language first, then switch to Morse code after a demonstration. This enables the captors (Lincoln and John Hay plus the armies) to learn more about them. In between dealing with pests, Lincoln is also running the Civil War from a tent in the field.
For history buffs, the examination of Lincoln and his closest advisors is fantastic and for sci-fi buffs, this continuation of a trilogy well begun will be a “must”. ( )

I became hooked on this book from the first chapter and I really hope there is going to be a second book as I can’t wait to read it. This is the kind of book that you read in one sitting and it leaves you hungry for more.

The writing style of Pielke is heartwarming and it really draws the reader into the story. I found the historical accuracy of the novel in places extremely accurate and help bring a certain authenticity to the novel and its characters.

The ending of this book really caught me off guard and wasn’t what I was expecting to happen. I really hope this novel gets the credit it deserves and with the right publicity it has the potential to become a best seller around the world.

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