Feast For Theives: A Rowdy Slater Novel Book 1 By Marcus Brotherton

I received this book from Side Door Communications and Moody Publishers/River North Fiction  for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

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.

My Thoughts: 

Feast For Thieves: A Rowdy Slater Novel is Marcus Brotherton's debut novel and it is fantastic.  As a fan of debut novels and historical fiction this book was one I couldn't pass up. Sgt. Rowdy Slater fought in 101st Airborne during WWII, but now circumstances find him back in the States and without a job or money. Rowdy Slater finds himself in more trouble than he knows what to do with so to stay out of prison and hopefully make a good life he finds himself agreeing to become a Preacher in Cut Eye, Texas for one year to avoid jail time.  A job Rowdy believes will be simple, turns out to be the biggest challenge he has faced yet. Small town politics, a man from Rowdy's past here to collect a debt, and the need to help save a little girl close to his heart turn this into the most difficult situation Rowdy will face.  For someone like Rowdy who is used to solving problems with his rifle or his hands he has to now figure out how to handle these things peacefully. 

Feast For Thieves is the first book in Marcus Brotherton's debut series, The Rowdy Slater Series, and it is FANTASTIC.  As my readers know I am a HUGE fan of debut and historical books so this book was a no brainer for me.  Marcus Brotherton has written non fiction but this is his debut fiction.  Marcus Brotherton has written with authority about Texas, World War II, PTSD, crimes of the time, being a Preacher, and life during this time. The historical facts are very accurate and I loved learning more about this time in history. Marcus Brotherton has a perfect balance of fact and fiction throughout this book.   I enjoyed the characters tremendously, especially Augusta Wayman, a delightful woman who befriends Rowdy at the restaurant. She shows him so much kindness and her devotion to her family especially her husband. I enjoyed her humor throughout the book.  I found myself completely enthralled in this book. From start to finish I couldn't put it down and it kept me guessing until the end.  Marcus Brotherton truly spins a wonderful story of lost faith and finding it in the most unusual places. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical fiction especially WWII, you will not be disappointed. I have found another must read author for my list. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. I give this book 5 STARS.