EXPLORATION

Daisy Nell

Riveting adventure and history, told through the journals of the engaging Isaac Stanfield.

David Tory delivers a rip-roaring adventure story in his new historical fiction, Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles. An historical fiction, yet with many of the actual people and events from this critical period of history, the story comes to life as young Isaac Stanfield navigates his path from shipmate, to spy, then critical confidant to the key strategists of those tumultuous times.

Peter C

Grabs your interest on page 1

Wonderful writing, smooth and really gets your interest

joligula

 Incredible

There are some books you read and then there are some books which just pin you to the floor and attack every mode of sense you have. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read and probably ever will read. Mr. Tory has taken a world that for most is limited to text books, bias and frumpy museums. The author is a natural and wields the pen as if he were a surgeon. Well written, engrossing, thoughtful and heartbreaking.

CaptnBill470

 Gripping historical fiction

It was hard to put down, always entertaining and well written.

Leslie S.

 Swashbuckling, historical adventures with a dash of romance

Author David Tory does an admirable job of blending historical research including actual historical figures with an engaging story. There is a dash of romance as well as swashbuckling adventures and sorrow. The combination creates a historical narrative which appeals to all readers

Seagull Inn

 Rousing adventure story based on little-known history

This book is one of the best historical fictions I’ve ever read.

Dave W.

 A Great Tale Wrapped in Historical Facts

This is real history and terrific adventure all at once. the best historical fiction I’ve read since Hilary Mantel.

PAPA

 Incredibly well written . . . fascinating story filled with historical information.

Tory has a magical way of presenting Historical Fiction that becomes a page-turning read.

Stuart G Sellars

 A great read with some fascinating history.

A superb literary accomplishment.

David Farzan

 Thank you, David Tory

The story is captivating, the research exquisite.

Juliet

 Engaging historical tale revealing early efforts to settle New England

Not only did I learn about rough conditions in England in the beginnings of the 1600’s, but I also fully immersed myself in the rollicking story of the young adventurer.

Bryan & Julie

 A truly fascinating book to read.

The combination of Isaac’s adventures on a backdrop of historically interesting factual information, about life in the 1600’s makes this book extremely hard to put down. One of the best books I have read in a very long time

Laura

An amazing story that is written in journals and letters that suck me (the reader) in right from the get go. Difficult to put down, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures, relationships, explorations, wittiness and kindness of this young man, Isaac Stanfield. His journey’s engage him with trial and triumph and each character met throughout this book has purpose.

The book was well written in the setting of the early 1600’s. It covers so many key details through eyes of Isaac, as he set off on each adventure/exploration. Each chapter of the book takes the reader on a new adventure. The expeditions are well thought out by each character capturing the importance of their movements. The details captured the essence of landscape, wildlife, inhabitants, trade and ship routes nautical references, and weather patterns (just to name a few), all of which were key to pave the way for settlement in New England.

There is also the emphasis on building relationships and personal growth along the way, which I feel makes this book even more personal to the reader.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historical content of this book both on land and sea, watching Isaac Stanfield grow and build lasting relationships throughout this story. It is a GREAT read especially with the coming holidays.

Rose

 Wonderful imagery of a man’s adventures

During the time of New England’s infancy and exploration, David Tory builds a world around a young boy’s adventures and struggles to adulthood and maturity. I felt the miles pass below my feet as I delved into the journey. Bravo!

Helliondeadwoman

A fantastic coming of age story set in the early 1600s. I loved how the story was told in letters and journal entries, it really felt like I had stumbled upon some long forgotten cache of personal effects and I was sucked in to Isaac Stanfield’s life and adventure from the get go. This novel had an incredibly interesting take on New England prior to the Pilgrims, I don’t feel like this section of time is written about too often and it was fascinating looking at the landscape, wildlife and inhabitants through Isaac’s eyes and I really enjoyed his interactions with the Native Americans in the area.. As well as reading how the characters plan their expedition to New England in order for the pilgrims to start a colony, and the preparation undertaken before their arrival/

Bridgette

This story was very well written you can tell David Tory has a great love and passion for the time period and places he writes about. I really enjoyed the way the fictional characters interacted with real life historical figures and I never felt like the historical facts and details were omitted or modified.

Exploration by David Tory is a wonderful, historical book set in the early 1600s. From the moment I began reading, I felt like I was transported back to this time period and living through the events in real time. Wonderful mix of history, religion, action, politics and romance. The flow to the story is really nice. Highly recommend!

RETRIBUTION

Lezsedoni

Exceptional

I LOVED this book. It’s a thrilling next chapter in the Stanfield Chronicles but stands alone as well. Yes, it’s a real page turner and the adventure and excitement never stop but it is also the most tender of love stories, filled with lovingly written depictions of the most charming of families. Life aboard the seas and life in the English country side are both brought to the page in vivid detail. Clearly the author has an intimate knowledge of both and most generously shares his love and knowledge. The story is rich with male friendships and exotic locales. It bares witness to the basic kindness and decency of people along with the absolute treachery of others. Every page of this story enchants, educates and never lets up on the excitement. The characters are forever etched in my heart and mind. It’s an epic journey that I feel privileged to have been been a part of….if even just by reading. I very much hope there will be another book. I want more. I truly recommend it. You will not be disappointed. In fact I will be buying more copies to give as gifts. The is nothing better than a really great book and this is one of the great ones.

 Bryan & Julie

Exploration Book #1 and Retribution Book #2 are a great read, both exciting and factual.

A really exciting adventure, combined with detailed historical facts related to New England and Europe in the 1600’s. The book covers the very real hardships that both the European settlers and the indigenous people of that time had to deal with. The harsh winters, disease and often death were prevalent. Not to mention the lengthy dangerous trips traveling back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, you have the inevitable politics of the time. All of which were factors for both the European settlers and the indigenous people to consider, as they strived to adjust and adapt to their new lives in America. I read both of this author’s books and can’t wait for any possible up-coming third book.

 

Seagull Inn

Another sterling historical adventure story from David Tory!

David Tory has done it again. The instant it became available I bought the second book, Retribution, in his Stanfield Chronicles series. As with Explorations, I found the story-telling top-notch – I couldn’t put it down – a first-rate adventure story to begin with. But also as with Explorations, the depth of historical background and details woven into the story were fascinating for a New England history buff, with the added revelation of little-known aspects of early life in Bermuda. And the beautifully drawn characters and human emotions in the story made it even more compelling. I highly recommend this book and will be looking forward to the next one!

 

Asherhill

A great action packed read

Having enjoyed Exploration, the first book in this series, I was looking forward to reading about Isaac’s continuing adventures. Retribution did not disappoint! This is a fast moving tale, interwoven with the history of the early settlements in New England and Bermuda, and the significant challenges of establishing permanent communities. I appreciated the maps in the front of the book, and frequently flipped to them to see where the action was taking place. Mr. Tory has a knack for developing his many characters, and I hope it isn’t a long wait until the next installment. Combining meticulously researched historical fiction with an action-packed narrative made for great reading.

 

Pepper

Wonderful story and an accurate description of early colonial history of New England & Bermuda

Excellent sequel to the first book – Exploration – in the Standfield Chronicles. Retribution, is filled with interesting details of early colonial history of New England and Bermuda. The book also describes the condition of England in the 1600’s which led to the impulse for exploration, economic ventures and later settlements in North America. Anyone interested in the history of early North American history will find the book rich in details, all of which are woven into a wonderful story about a young Englishman and his family deciding to move to America. I can’t wait for the third book in this series to be written !

 

Steven Brazis

Excellent read

Very compelling story told in a refreshing format. Mr Tory has captured the early colonial period of North America with strong reliance on historical facts and tied it into the prevailing political times in England with masterful fictional characters telling a thoroughly compelling story.

 

Jack J. Santos

The adventure continues!

The Stanfield Chronicles bring the early years of English settlement of New England to life through a fictionalized interpretation.

Adventure, humanity, romance. A great telling of the back story of English colonization continues from the first book (“Exploration”); this book focuses more thoroughly on Isaac and his adventures, family, and challenges, and less about the historical context of colonial expansion – although the context for Plymouth, Salem, and Boston’s settlement is still an integral part of the story of piracy, kidnapping, and revenge. I loved the additional intertwining of Bermuda’s settlement into the mix – an aspect often not included in most American’s knowledge of their history.

Can’t wait for the third chapter of Isaac’s saga!