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The Red Monk of Roha
Inspired by actual events.
Betrayed and left for dead, a soldier in 13th century East Africa winds up in hiding as a monk in Roha (Lalibela). He soon gets romantically entangled with a wealthy heiress as he struggles to maintain his monastic vows. However, when old enemies re-surface and threaten those he has come to care for, he secretly picks up the sword again, offering salvation by day with the Bible, but secretly exacting deadly vengeance and justice by night with the sword.
Betrayed and left for dead, a soldier in 13th century East Africa winds up in hiding as a monk in Roha (Lalibela). He soon gets romantically entangled with a wealthy heiress as he struggles to maintain his monastic vows. However, when old enemies re-surface and threaten those he has come to care for, he secretly picks up the sword again, offering salvation by day with the Bible, but secretly exacting deadly vengeance and justice by night with the sword.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
20 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Nana Kwamu
4Ìýbooks12ÌýfollowersAnthony spent six years as a history, literature, and geography teacher in Douglas County, Georgia. Following that, he decided to broaden his horizons by pursuing a career in the US Army, and is now an active duty US Army officer. He is an avid history enthusiast who spends much of his time trying to convince his wife that his taste in period movies is much better than her taste in horror and mysteries. They currently move about with their son wherever Uncle Sam requires Anthony's services.
[email protected]
Twitter: @kwamu22
Instagram: @kwamu22
[email protected]
Twitter: @kwamu22
Instagram: @kwamu22
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 19, 2022
It is clear the author has strong admiration for and a desire to share the history and religion of Ethiopia. As a part of the world often not depicted in Western media, the rich culture and history comes to life on the page in a way absent from traditional sources of information. The book often defies traditional expectations of literary conventions in a way that can be refreshing, but also jarring. I feel this story leans too heavily into the religious aspects of the narrative and neglects some story-telling elements, but builds a world in which more stories could be told and fit into an overall theme. I found this story engaging, interesting, and educational, and I'm interested to see where the author goes next.Ìý
April 23, 2023
Riveting store you can’t put down.
I must confess, I do not know much about the region of Ethiopia prior to the 1800s. The storyline instantly had me sucked in never boring always exciting. I really want to see how this will play out. Ending was excellent. I would highly recommend it.
I must confess, I do not know much about the region of Ethiopia prior to the 1800s. The storyline instantly had me sucked in never boring always exciting. I really want to see how this will play out. Ending was excellent. I would highly recommend it.
July 9, 2023
Heavy on history of a relatively little known history of Ethiopia and its affiliation with the Christian church, we are presented with a story that is based on truth. How much is true is impossible to answer mainly due to the limited historical knowledge of the average reader. But the author has created an excellent venue to showcase Ethiopian history by introducing a scout in the army of Lord Groda who is hoping to reacquire his family’s land and wealth stolen by Groda with faithful service. Kiros is an expert and accomplished swordsman, reminiscent of Japanese samurai, and in charge of the scouts. His men are slaughtered and he is left for dead by the man he serves. He goes into hiding as a monk and becomes a disciple of his country’s Christian faith. Making new friends, he discovers old enemies, but seeks to level the game by becoming the red monk of Roha. In the end he and Groda face off with a kingdom at stake. Here lies adventure and history told by an author familiar with warfare and the history of his subject. He tells a story based on truth that reads like high adventure stories of Conan. Some reviewers mention a high amount of religious babble but for me this background was not only essential but enlightening! I highly recommend this book to everyone! Who doesn’t need to know more about Ethiopian history? In fact this will be my next recommendation to book club.
November 29, 2023
I knew I was going to like this book, but I wound up loving it. Being inside the conflicted, yet complex mind of Kiros was a very entertaining ride and the bits of history regularly integrated throughout the story kept me wanting to see how it ends. The ending was definitely bittersweet, but I would say that all the main characters got good endings. Can’t wait to see what this author pumps out next
9.5/10
9.5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2023
This book is a re-telling (with artistic license apparently) of a legend/story of a historical figure from Ethiopian history (the book cover says "inspired by actual events." It would have been interesting if a historical note had been included to tell of the background like Bernard Cornwell tends to do with his historical fiction. This was an enjoyable read about a time and place that gets very little attention. This follows the story of a wronged Ethiopian nobleman who is hunted by a corrupt lord, and so must hide out in a distant monastery. The protagonist eventually must face down his enemy against all odds. This story reads very much like the telling of a tale or a legend, and so isn't really like a Cornwell novel. This story is full of action, and really gets cooking about a third of the way in. I really liked the author's focus on and explanation of the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox Church and its various beliefs, rituals, and legends. This is a book I would heartily recommend to others.
September 23, 2023
MORE PEOPLE Need to Know About this Book!
Holy cow. I stumbled across this book one day and thought it sounded interesting. I knew a little bit about the Ethiopian Christian church but had no idea that would be a factor in this tale. My accidental finding turned out to be an exciting, spell-binding work of historical fiction that both entertains and informs.
This story has great elements: lords and ladies of the North African continent, Christians and Muslims attempting to overcome the holy war era of the Knights Templar, monks who roam the vast land collecting alms for the poor and providing instruction as well, and private armies that still terrorize villagers and those who do not follow their interpretation of their god. There is so much packed into this novel. Classic themes of deceit, disloyalty, redemption, and revenge are strong throughout this story as a highly respected soldier is betrayed and left for dead. But having survived, he hides in monk's robes until he can seek his revenge. He makes a new name for himself, however, as he provides protection and justice for those he has come to trust and care for.
Among the interesting finds in this tale is the idea that J.R.R. Tolkien used some of the location names as well as certain people located within for his "Lord of the Rings." As I was immersed in this fascinating story I was overcome with the thought that this story is so exciting and so well-written that I was surprised more people hadn't experienced it yet. The audiobook was well narrated, and I was intrigued by Atta Otigba's gentle accent. It was easy to understand and yet evoked a great feel for the area that would have been lost if it had been done by a narrator with a standard mid-west accent.
Do yourself a favor. If you enjoy action, adventure, fantasy, heraldry, historical fiction, or even comic book heroes- this book is for you! Don't miss it.
Holy cow. I stumbled across this book one day and thought it sounded interesting. I knew a little bit about the Ethiopian Christian church but had no idea that would be a factor in this tale. My accidental finding turned out to be an exciting, spell-binding work of historical fiction that both entertains and informs.
This story has great elements: lords and ladies of the North African continent, Christians and Muslims attempting to overcome the holy war era of the Knights Templar, monks who roam the vast land collecting alms for the poor and providing instruction as well, and private armies that still terrorize villagers and those who do not follow their interpretation of their god. There is so much packed into this novel. Classic themes of deceit, disloyalty, redemption, and revenge are strong throughout this story as a highly respected soldier is betrayed and left for dead. But having survived, he hides in monk's robes until he can seek his revenge. He makes a new name for himself, however, as he provides protection and justice for those he has come to trust and care for.
Among the interesting finds in this tale is the idea that J.R.R. Tolkien used some of the location names as well as certain people located within for his "Lord of the Rings." As I was immersed in this fascinating story I was overcome with the thought that this story is so exciting and so well-written that I was surprised more people hadn't experienced it yet. The audiobook was well narrated, and I was intrigued by Atta Otigba's gentle accent. It was easy to understand and yet evoked a great feel for the area that would have been lost if it had been done by a narrator with a standard mid-west accent.
Do yourself a favor. If you enjoy action, adventure, fantasy, heraldry, historical fiction, or even comic book heroes- this book is for you! Don't miss it.
August 12, 2023
A rich tapestry of culture, spirituality, and human emotion
The narrative unfolds in a way that skillfully merges the ordinary with extraordinary. The authors vivid descriptions bring the city of Roha to life, Immersing readers in its bustling markets, serene monastery's, and lush landscapes. Kwamu masterfully explores themes of faith, destiny, and the interconnectedness of all things. A stand out feature is it's blending of historical accuracy with elements of magical realism. Kwamu effortlessly merges real historical events with mystical occurrences, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and thought provoking.
The narrative unfolds in a way that skillfully merges the ordinary with extraordinary. The authors vivid descriptions bring the city of Roha to life, Immersing readers in its bustling markets, serene monastery's, and lush landscapes. Kwamu masterfully explores themes of faith, destiny, and the interconnectedness of all things. A stand out feature is it's blending of historical accuracy with elements of magical realism. Kwamu effortlessly merges real historical events with mystical occurrences, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and thought provoking.
December 2, 2024
The best part of this book is the Ethiopian medieval setting and the facts about the spread of Christianity in their country. Such a rich history of vibrant faith. You hardly learn anything about African history in school so I found it very informative. Loved the culture and how the characters brought it to life. Plus it was based on a true story. Excellent.
The story itself is good. Very predictable but still it was an enjoyable read. A true 3.5 stars book if there ever was one. I recommend reading it.
The story itself is good. Very predictable but still it was an enjoyable read. A true 3.5 stars book if there ever was one. I recommend reading it.
June 29, 2023
I picked this up through an audible daily deal and found that I actually liked the book in spite of the religious tangent (mostly at the beginning). I learned a lot about Ethiopia and it's storied past. I even had to reevaluate my beliefs on the morality of modern day missionaries... But I truly wasn't really vested until the, oh say last third of the novel when the Red Monk decides to finally take action...
July 29, 2023
I got this via Audible daily deal and as many others was fascinated by the story and people. Downside is not knowing spelling, etc as I would love to look these places up on the Internet to see them. Very good look into early Ethiopia. Plus I love military history too which was piqued by the military, leadership, and unfortunate theft of lands that were part of the story.
September 6, 2023
No spoilers:
This is a rare find and I'm so happy I read it. The story is about a man who is betrayed by not only by his friends but also his wife. He pretends to be a monk to hide from his enemies and unleashes his revenge on his enemies and wrongdoers.
The pace is strong and the characters are well written. I highly recommend it.
This is a rare find and I'm so happy I read it. The story is about a man who is betrayed by not only by his friends but also his wife. He pretends to be a monk to hide from his enemies and unleashes his revenge on his enemies and wrongdoers.
The pace is strong and the characters are well written. I highly recommend it.
September 27, 2023
This was book was a treasure!
September 28, 2023
This was a fantastic book. It had action, adventure, history, honor good vs evil. I loved this book. I will read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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