Son of Babylon

By Daniel Pugsley

Indie author, 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 335 (paperback); 385 (Kindle)

Via: Author Request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is set in Babylon during the tumultuous reign of King Hammurabi. The story revolves around one of the king’s sons, Bani, and his quest to become king. There’s lots of palace intrigue and court politics in between. Also betrayals, lies, spymasters, treachery and double crosses. When Bani’s mother is murdered by a jealous rival and he is shipped off to another country as a “hostage,” the stakes get even higher.

A prophecy foretells that Bani will some day hold the fate of his nation in his hands. But Bani’s not so sure. Frankly, neither are we.

Yea, verily. This is another one of those books that’s getting rave reviews elsewhere. Not here, baby. There’s just a lot in this book that hit us wrong. Like the traitorous and practically invincible “Mutu” who turns against his father the king. Every time we saw ‘Mutu’ we couldn’t help thinking ‘Loki’ in the Marvel movie/comics series.

Ditto references to the goddess “Ishtar.” Hi, Dustin Hoffman, Warren Beatty and Charles Grodin. Sorry. We just couldn’t stop laughing!

Although this book features strong writing, we quickly tired of the violence and cursing. If you’ve been around here for any length of time – say, 10 minutes or so – you know that’s a Major No-No if you’re looking for a glowing review. Mom and I simply don’t put up with that. It’ll get you a one-way ticket to The Big Kitty Litter Box in the Sky. Every time.

A few examples: The animal sacrifice and slave beheading scenes were like, yuck. The character of Silli-sin, the Grade AAA Boorish Lout Bani’s sis is forced to marry?? Well, barf. Ditto the battle scenes toward the end in which Bani & Co. clash with the Assyrians. Did I mention the ending lands like a wet fish out of water? Yeah, this is Book 1 in a series. But still. Thud-inski.

Yeah again, we get that it’s set during wartime. It’s lively and action-packed. So a lot of action/adventure aficionados will enjoy this book. It’s just not our cuppa. So although well-researched and articulate, it scores a 3.0 on the Official Mom and Kimber-o-meter.

Our Rating: 3.0