Axe of Iron: The Settlers

 

In his novel, Axe of Iron, author J.A. Hunsinger takes readers back to the year 1008 and tells a Viking tale of exploration and adventure. The story centers on two Northmen explorers, Halfdan Ingolfsson and his second in command, Gudbjartur Einarsson, who lead an expedition to explore and establish a settlement along the coast of North America. Their journey takes them from Greenland to what is now known as Baffin Island, Canada, and then entering Hudson Bay, via the Hudson Strait. Their voyage terminated on the east coast of James Bay, at the extreme south end of Hudson Bay, where the settlement, Halfdansfjord, was built.

The plot of the story concentrates on the trials and tribulations facing the settlers as they try to make a life in the new world. The journey is filled with many deadly challenges such as the brutal force of nature, encounters with the native peoples of North America, as well as social struggles among the settlers. Themes that develop include: the role of family and women, loyalty, betrayal, slavery, religious practices, as well as learning to work with the Native peoples instead of fighting them

As historical fiction, the author successfully captures a glimpse of the life of the Norsemen. It becomes quite clear that a great deal of research went into creating the story. The attention to detail is quite remarkable. That is, the author’s descriptions of Norse ships, Norse customs, dress, the day to day struggles to survive that include hunting techniques, food preparation, weapons, and tools. As well, Hunsinger provides a detailed historical perspective of the time period, a glossary, and a map to assist readers in following the journey. The author clearly shows his knowledge and expertise on the subject.

For readers who enjoy the historical fiction genre, Axe of Iron is a must-have. The descriptive writing makes you feel as though you are a part of the journey. The novel is an entertaining story that will give readers an appreciation of the brutal life endured by the Norsemen.

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THE BIG LIE

 

We live in a society where there is a belief that to be happy one must achieve career and material success. In his book, The Big Lie, author Stan Sanderson asserts that “the problem is that it doesn’t work. It never has, and it never will. And the reason that it doesn’t work is that happiness is not the by-product of the acquisition of anything. We already have it! Our Creator endowed us with perfect joy, happiness, and freedom in the beginning, which we have somehow forgotten.”

In The Big Lie, Sanderson introduces readers to the Spiritual Coach Program, which teaches that true happiness can only be experienced through discovering who you really are, and developing a personal relationship with the God of your understanding.

Using universal spiritual themes rather that religious doctrine or theory, Sanderson outlines and explains his seven concepts and seven strategies that integrate material success with spiritual awareness. Concepts include: acknowledging the Big Lie and debunking it; embracing the God Thing in ones life; benefits of the Power Shift; recognizing undesirable behavior patterns through the Renovation Process; finding forgiveness in the Release Factor; and discovering the joy of living the 200 Percent Life (100 percent material and a 100 percent spiritual).

Sanderson explains how the seven strategies are used to help personalize the concepts. Strategies include: knowing yourself; defining your God; delegating authority, taking personal inventory; implementing forgiveness; techniques for prayer and meditation; and developing inner-peace and the knowing-feeling of security.

In a lifetime of spiritual study that includes transcendental meditation with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and the continued practice of A Course in Miracles, Sanderson clearly and successfully presents a step-by-step spiritual guide to discovering sustainable joy, happiness, and freedom in each and every moment of each and every day. The Spiritual Coach Program provides a number applications and concepts that one can implement on their spiritual journey. It is an easy to understand program that all readers will find enlightening and motivating. As well, Sanderson invites readers to continue and enhance their spiritual journey by registering at thespiritualcoach.net to receive his free Coach’s Weekly Message by email.

For readers who are at a crossroads in life, or are searching for true happiness, The Big Lie is a must have. In a world where embracing religious doctrine is seen by many as having moved away from the spiritual to the political and militant, The Big Lie will bring readers back to their spiritual roots and as Sanderson states: “allow them to live as God intended in the beginning.” It is highly recommended to readers of all faiths and backgrounds.

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