Interview with Wes Wetzel

Recently we had the opportunity to ask Wes Wetzel, author of 1001 A.D. a few questions.

What motivated you to write this book?

My motivation to write 1001 A.D. grew out of the experience of having lived for a year in Iceland and also a visit to L’Anse aux Meadows.

What drew you to this time period and these characters?

The timeframe came about as that was when Leif Ericson lived, which in turn coincided with the time the Vikings discovered North America. However, there exists, to my knowledge, no evidence that it was Leif Ericson who was in the discovery party.

If you had to choose one thing that is most memorable that you learned researching 1001 A.D.?

The most interesting thing about researching for the book was finding the real names of Leif’s wife and children

What do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

I hope my readers read the book for enjoyment, but most people do not know about the Viking site in Newfoundland.

Do you have plans for any more books in the future?

My second novel is about half finished and is about the American Indian in the year 912 A.D., long before they had horses, sheep, or goats. It will be called Etched in Stone.

1001 A.D.

By Wes Wetzel

On a U.N. sponsored expedition, a team of scientists discover an ancient village nestled on a channel of a hidden fjord in Greenland.  There archeologist Jonathan Henry makes a find of a lifetime: Nordic scrolls written on reindeer hide, hidden and preserved inside a stone casket.

In his debut novel 1001 A.D., author Wes Wetzel ventures back through the pages of history. As the scrolls are carefully translated, readers are transported to the life and adventures of none other than the famous Viking explorer and navigator Leif Ericson and his loyal companion and friend Eric Thorson. Escaping the regime of a tyrant named Lord Gustav, Leif, Eric and others set off to establish a new village in a new land. Unlike the popular expectation of Vikings who pillage and plunder, these adventurers focus on exploration and discovery of a new world. Drawn in by this exceptional tale, readers will experience their wonder, mourn with them through their losses, read with trepidation their great trials and rejoice in their triumphs.

Well researched, 1001 A.D. is written in such a manner that at times readers might forget it is a work of fiction and almost expect to see photographs of the expeditions, both present day and ancient. In this work, Mr. Wetzel opens the door of possibility and leaves his readers desiring to know more about this time and these adventurers. This reviewer couldn't put the book down until its conclusion and then immediately set about researching Leif Ericson. For fans of historical fiction or of Viking lore, this is the book for you.


This book was provided for review by the author.
 
The review was submitted by Kristin  - Kristin is a wife, homeschooling mom and the founder of The Book Trotter.  She wrote her first review over 20 years ago and has been reading and loving books ever since.

The Drug Rep

By Daniel House

What would you do to win back the love of your life? To what lengths would you go?  In author Daniel House’s new book, “The Drug Rep,” former Army infantryman Jimmy Harden will go any length necessary to win back his love and ex-wife, Beth.   

Lured by the promise of immortality, and believing that fame by any means would send Beth flying back to his side, Jimmy sets out on a path that will leave terror and destruction in his wake. Prompted by a magazine article that suggests being a serial killer is the quickest way to become famous, Jimmy hatches and follows through on a plan to that will leave readers both amazed at the ease and horrified at the consequences.

This story has an interesting premise and in this reviewer’s opinion could have great potential. Mr. House has created a character that readers will have a strong reaction to, and the author is to be applauded for that achievement. He uses his own history and knowledge as a drug rep to create a scenario that few, if any, would have thought of. His story also leads the reader to ponder the questions: What motivates a man to kill innocent strangers? And what circumstances would lead you, the reader, to such a decision? Unfortunately, the thought process of the main character is difficult to believe, and the whole account is so full of crude language and multiple detailed accounts of bodily functions that this reviewer had a difficult time getting through the story.


This book was provided for review by the author.
 
The review was submitted by Kristin  - Kristin is a wife, homeschooling mom and the founder of The Book Trotter.  She wrote her first review over 20 years ago and has been reading and loving books ever since.