Book Review: Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world’s freedom in World War II.
Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
The town’s lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye’s new minister or end up in jail.
At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he’s taking over for a young female missionary who’s held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy’s past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult.
Rowdy’s a man used to solving problems one of two ways: with his rifle or with his fists. Will he be able to thwart his old friend’s evil schemes while remaining true to his new higher calling?
This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.
Marcus Brotherton is a new name to me and as an avid reader, I’m ashamed to admit that. Feast for Thieves is his debut fiction work.
This story starts with action and doesn’t let up. Rowdy is a WWII vet down on his luck when an opportunity to turn things around comes up. He ends up as Reverend Rowdy and he, nor the people of Cut Eye, Texas, will ever be the same.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started Feast for Thieves. I don’t always love post WWII era books. Although I write in first person, it’s very hard to pull off. The voice has to be strong. Rowdy is a character I’m so glad is in first person POV. He’s a strong, multi dimensional character and the author painted an equally strong setting and secondary characters. There’s conflict, humor, bar fights, sermons you won’t forget, and everything in between. I read 2/3 in one evening and would have kept going had I not needed to be somewhere else.
I truly enjoyed Feast of Thieves, and I think you will, too.
To purchase Feast of Thieves, click here.
I received Feast of Thieves from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than 25 books.
Notable works include We Who Are Alive and Remain, a New York Times bestseller, A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/Western Front books, and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War.
Marcus’ books have been praised by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, MSNBC, Entertainment Weekly, Associated Press, Booklist, Publishers Weekly and more. Critics have called Marcus’s books “…fascinating…” “…brilliantly arranged…” “…magical…” and “…refreshingly frank…”
He has been interviewed by the New York Times, Washington Post, BBC World Today, and The John Batchelor Show, and was featured in the documentary film A Company of Heroes, which aired on PBS stations around the country.
Collaborative works include projects with Lt. Buck Compton (one of the original Band of Brothers), apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias, NFL quarterback Colt McCoy, psychologist Dr. Nancy Heche, fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs, Austin Stone pastor Matt Carter, Bronze Star winner Colonel Susan Luz, Alabama restaurateur Martha Hawkins, humanitarian Susan Scott Krabacher, speaker Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, youth ministry expert Doug Fields, radio show host Steven Arterburn, First Place weight loss program CEO Carole Lewis, musician Tommy Walker, youth speaker Ryan Dobson, university chancellor Rev. Wayne Cordeiro, and more.
Born in Canada in 1968, Marcus earned a bachelor’s degree in biblical education and journalism from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s degree in practical theology and writing from Talbot Seminary at Biola University in Los Angeles, where he graduated with high honors.
Marcus lives with his wife and children in Washington State. More information about Marcus can be found online at www.marcusbrotherton.com
