Book Review: "The Fiddler's Gun" by A.S. Peterson

America is on the brink of war with England, and Fin Button is about to come undone. She's had it with the dull life of the orphanage, and she's ready to marry Peter and escape the ever-watchful Sister Hilde. But an unexpected bond forms between Fin and the fiddle-playing cook, Bartimaeus, setting her on a course for the high seas of the American Revolution.

There's two types of historical fiction reads for me. One is the historical read that draws from using actual events, historical characters and lots of facts in the story. The other is one that takes place during the time period and uses all the details of the time period to make the story but doesn't feel the need to bog the reader down with facts. I am fans of both of them but they have to be written well in order for me to really enjoy them. Well, this book here is an fine example of the second type of book and a book that I love recommending to other readers.

The prologue that opens up the story made my blood boil. It was a great way to draw me into the story and incite a lot of feeling in me. I hate men like Fin's dad and it immediately made me feel for her. Luckily nothing else about him is really mentioned in the rest of the story or else he would have been one of those characters I would have wished to die a fiery death. Except for him, I enjoyed reading about the rest of the characters. They add a rich depth to the story as they take the reader throughout the book on a rollicking adventure on both land and sea.

Even though the main character in this book is a girl, I think that guys will enjoy reading this story as well. Fin is an excellent heroine,exactly the kind that I love. She is NOT a damsel in distress but neither is she such a tomboy that she acts completely uncouth. I loved her immediately after I met her because she's spunky and feisty without being annoying. There's even some romance but not too much to take away from the story. It's not unnecessary because it's crucial to the story plot but it never makes the story become a historical romance. I think that Peterson has done a really good job with his characterization of Fin. She feels naturally female but a strong female at that.

This was a really good historical fiction read, packed with action, adventure and a darn good story. I would love for anyone who loves early American historical fiction to pick up this book. It's a really enjoyable story. I will be looking forward to reading the sequel to find out more about Fin's adventures! HIGHLY recommended.

The Fiddler's Gun by A.S. Peterson is published by Rabbit Room Press (2009)

This review copy was provided by the publisher