Review: The Vision of the Blind King by Ako Eyong

The Vision of the Blind King

Ako Eyong

Publisher: Ako Eyong (March, 2013)

Genres: Historical Thriller, Time Travel, Supernatural Elements

Tour Dates: January, 2013

Available in: Print & ebook ,353 pages, with illustrations

About the novel

This is the story of Melenoc, a very power hungry man with a particularly uncommon fear of death; a toxic combination of emotions that ultimately drive him into an unending quest for immortality. As he digs deeper it becomes obvious that he will stop at nothing to achieve this goal, even to the point of crossing lines that may compromise the security and well being of a whole kingdom.

It is a tale that pits good against evil, taking us deep into an ancient African society where the survival of the same kingdom will come to rest on the shoulders of another individual; a General who must rise above personal trauma and self doubts, and find a way to pull a nation away from the edge.

As powerful forces collide and the struggle intensifies, unexpected turns and twists will catapult the plot into a four thousand year journey that spills over into the contemporary age; from the rugged camp of a bitter African rebel leader to the concrete jungles of Los Angeles, spawning characters who have no idea that their lives are being affected by a four thousand year old quest.

Purchase Links

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Praise for The Vision of the Blind King

"If historical fiction (or any kind of adventure story) is your thing then you are going to love this book. TVOTBK takes you on a journey back into ancient times where an assortment of luring characters and captivating events are thrust together seamlessly while leaving you in the dark just enough so that it's impossible to put down. It becomes even more intriguing when you realize that a much larger game is at hand and that everything is just a piece being put into position on a giant chessboard stretching over counties and centuries. As intricately clever as it is enjoyable. "-Kevin, Amazon Reviewer

 

"THE VISION OF THE BLIND KING intertwines seemingly unrelated tales, spanning continents and millennia, into an engaging story of political and spiritual intrigue. Believable characters and well written dialogue capture the imagination and carry the reader on a suspenseful journey through the ages, tracing the path of an amulet that is endued with a mysterious and supernatural power.

On the journey, the reader encounters many characters - from royalty to rogues of forgotten ancient cities; politicos and journalists in the former French colony of Cameroon; rebels and their captives in the jungles of Africa; and, assassins and pawns in the modern day streets of Los Angeles. Through, protagonists and antagonists alike, the author deftly examines universal aspects of human nature, from compassion and acceptance to greed and prejudice. My only disappointment came when I realized I had reached the last page. In short, J.R.R.Tolkien has his "Ring" - Ako Eyong has his "Amulet".  I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did!"-Donald Pitts, Amazon Reviewer

 

"Right off the bat, incredible drama with careful plot enigma. Main character in ultimate morally and physically challenging terrain engaging me to want to know more before I even know what's going on. And these are real issues that pertain to all of us. The backdrop is very interesting, and this book within first 30 pages definitely got me thinking = classic Hollywood feature film story. All the right elements = both historical and current today but causing wonder, passion, desire to know the outcome. I give this author an A+ in creative relevant drama.  Perfect story for a feature film!"-Cary O'Neal, Amazon Reviewer

My thoughts

Author Ako Eyong’, a political refugee from Cameroon, gives us a true historical fiction novel firmly written against an actual historical backdrop.  That is the Hykso invasion of North Africa in 1720 BC. This event provides Eyong with the setting for his novel that deals with the themes of corruption, fate, war racism, and religion. 

The Vision of the Blind King begins in modern-day Cameroon, travels back to the Kingdom of Kesmet and brilliantly as he imparts the tale of one man, a king, whose intense fear of death and who is intoxicated by power.  This should sound familiar, Hitler or Bonaparte, perhaps even Alexander the Great, are good examples of this volatile personality combination.

As this king’s fear of death increases begins a quest to obtain an ancient relic, a piece of jewelry, and the possession of this object will grant him what he wants most: immortality.  The almost uncontrollable desire for the jewelry and its powers causes the king to ignore As powerful forces collide and the struggle intensifies, unexpected turns and twists will catapult the plot into a four thousand year journey that spills over into the contemporary age; from the rugged camp of a bitter African rebel leader to the concrete jungles of Los Angeles, spawning characters who have no idea that their lives are being affected by a four thousand year old quest.

The story was gripping with history weaved with action and adventure and the supernatural quest for immortality create a rocket of a read with an underlying reminder that history impacts us unknowingly throughout time through to the present day.  Only by studying the past can we change the future as through that knowledge comes power.   

The Vision of the Blind King is not only excellent historical fiction it is embedded with truths about humanity that most of us turn a blind eye on.  I especially enjoyed Eyong’s connection of the effects of the history of the Continent of Africa; here specifically Cameroon, with the modern problems Africans and the world face today.  There is a tremendous lesson within the pages of the novel for understanding the continent itself.

 

About the author

Ako Eyong is a Cameroonian national, whose critique of government policy (as a journalist) has led to an existence in America as a political exile. Presently, while working on the sequel to The vision of the blind king, he is taking the first steps into the world of public speaking. He has spoken at several locations in the country, including Oxnard College in California, Coconino community college in Arizona, Ventura college, Ventura Chapter of Amnesty international, Rotary club of Malibu at Pepperdine university, just to name a few. He holds a bachelor's degree in history and a diploma in political science.

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