Exploration Reviews
Daisy Nell
Riveting adventure and history, told through the journals of the engaging Isaac Stanfield.
David Tory delivers a rip-roaring adventure story in his new historical fiction, Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles. An historical fiction, yet with many of the actual people and events from this critical period of history, the story comes to life as young Isaac Stanfield navigates his path from shipmate, to spy, then critical confidant to the key strategists of those tumultuous times.
Peter C
Wonderful writing, smooth and really gets your interest
There are some books you read and then there are some books which just pin you to the floor and attack every mode of sense you have. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read and probably ever will read. Mr. Tory has taken a world that for most is limited to text books, bias and frumpy museums. The author is a natural and wields the pen as if he were a surgeon. Well written, engrossing, thoughtful and heartbreaking.
CaptnBill470
It was hard to put down, always entertaining and well written.
Leslie S.
Swashbuckling, historical adventures with a dash of romance
Author David Tory does an admirable job of blending historical research including actual historical figures with an engaging story. There is a dash of romance as well as swashbuckling adventures and sorrow. The combination creates a historical narrative which appeals to all readers
Seagull Inn
Rousing adventure story based on little-known history
This book is one of the best historical fictions I’ve ever read.
Dave W.
A Great Tale Wrapped in Historical Facts
This is real history and terrific adventure all at once. the best historical fiction I’ve read since Hilary Mantel.
PAPA
Incredibly well written . . . fascinating story filled with historical information.
Tory has a magical way of presenting Historical Fiction that becomes a page-turning read.
Stuart G Sellars
A great read with some fascinating history.
A superb literary accomplishment.
David Farzan
The story is captivating, the research exquisite.
Juliet
Engaging historical tale revealing early efforts to settle New England
Not only did I learn about rough conditions in England in the beginnings of the 1600’s, but I also fully immersed myself in the rollicking story of the young adventurer.
Bryan & Julie
A truly fascinating book to read.
The combination of Isaac’s adventures on a backdrop of historically interesting factual information, about life in the 1600’s makes this book extremely hard to put down. One of the best books I have read in a very long time
Laura
An amazing story that is written in journals and letters that suck me (the reader) in right from the get go. Difficult to put down, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures, relationships, explorations, wittiness and kindness of this young man, Isaac Stanfield. His journey’s engage him with trial and triumph and each character met throughout this book has purpose.
The book was well written in the setting of the early 1600’s. It covers so many key details through eyes of Isaac, as he set off on each adventure/exploration. Each chapter of the book takes the reader on a new adventure. The expeditions are well thought out by each character capturing the importance of their movements. The details captured the essence of landscape, wildlife, inhabitants, trade and ship routes nautical references, and weather patterns (just to name a few), all of which were key to pave the way for settlement in New England.
There is also the emphasis on building relationships and personal growth along the way, which I feel makes this book even more personal to the reader.
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical content of this book both on land and sea, watching Isaac Stanfield grow and build lasting relationships throughout this story. It is a GREAT read especially with the coming holidays.
Rose
Wonderful imagery of a man’s adventures
During the time of New England’s infancy and exploration, David Tory builds a world around a young boy’s adventures and struggles to adulthood and maturity. I felt the miles pass below my feet as I delved into the journey. Bravo!
Helliondeadwoman
A fantastic coming of age story set in the early 1600s. I loved how the story was told in letters and journal entries, it really felt like I had stumbled upon some long forgotten cache of personal effects and I was sucked in to Isaac Stanfield’s life and adventure from the get go. This novel had an incredibly interesting take on New England prior to the Pilgrims, I don’t feel like this section of time is written about too often and it was fascinating looking at the landscape, wildlife and inhabitants through Isaac’s eyes and I really enjoyed his interactions with the Native Americans in the area.. As well as reading how the characters plan their expedition to New England in order for the pilgrims to start a colony, and the preparation undertaken before their arrival/
Bridgette
This story was very well written you can tell David Tory has a great love and passion for the time period and places he writes about. I really enjoyed the way the fictional characters interacted with real life historical figures and I never felt like the historical facts and details were omitted or modified.
Exploration by David Tory is a wonderful, historical book set in the early 1600s. From the moment I began reading, I felt like I was transported back to this time period and living through the events in real time. Wonderful mix of history, religion, action, politics and romance. The flow to the story is really nice. Highly recommend!