Marlo Schalesky Reviews

Added July 1, 2007

Veil of Fire

Author: Marlo Schalesky
Publisher: Cook Communications Ministries
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2007
Genre: Fiction: Historical/Christian
Format: Trade paper
Price: $13.99
ISBN-10: 1-58919-077-7
ISBN-13: 9781589190771
Author Email/Website: www.marloschalesky.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Veil of Fire crackles with suspense! Based on the actual firestorm that blazed through Hinckley, Minnesota in 1894, the author adds a dash of creativity to give her cast of characters a genuine feel.

The historical records show that in a little under four hours, 418 people were killed, as flames raced across this area. Homes were destroyed and hearts were broken, uniting everyone in this devastating loss. As the survivors returned to build new lives out of the ashes, a rumor of a badly burned person hiding in the nearby hills strikes a note of fear. The scars of this hermit may be concealing a terrible secret that could cripple the recovery of this community.

Basing the story line on this rumor, author Marlo Schalesky sketches a believable tale that touches the citizens of this quiet town. The focus of each chapter shifts to the various characters and their individual situations and problems, yet dovetails at the end for an exciting conclusion. The journal entries of a young girl, combined with flashbacks and dynamic dialogue gradually reveal a corruption that wasn't burned away with the fire. The thoughts of this mysterious person enter the narrative, dropping hints to a past that can't be easily extinguished.

The historical aspect of this novel offers readers an anguishing glimpse into a terrible tragedy. The characters' determination to survive is powerful and poignant, while the intriguing mystery keeps the pages steadily turning. The author leads readers along a trail of clues, slowly scattering the ashes of the fire to uncover a past that still smolders with sin. Christian principles of forgiveness, repentance, love and hope are naturally shown in the story, bringing the view of this novel to a higher level.

Veil of Fire is the perfect combination of history, mystery and good old storytelling!

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