| What Others Are Saying About Gary Varner's Debut Novel... |
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Read the article recently publshed in West News Magazine: CLICK HERE! Recently a HUGE endorsement came my way from Pulitzer Prize nominee Robert Vaughan. Robert Vaughn has had nearly 300 different novels published, making him one of America's most prolific authors. He won the Porgie Award in 1976, for Best Paperback Original Novel, and was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame in America in 1996. Writing under his own name, and 42 pseudonyms, Robert has hit the Best Seller Lists of the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. His TV documentary, Vietnam Homecoming was nominated for 6 Emmys and a Peabody.Below is his endorsement in full: “Like a jumper being pulled across the ground by a wind-blown chute on the DZ, Gary Varner’s THE GREAT HOUR STRUCK grabs the reader with the opening chapter and drags him, non-stop through the story. It might have been told by James Jones, Norman Mailer, or WEB Griffin, a tale that is gritty and human with compelling characters and an intriguing plot.” - ROBERT VAUGHAN – Author- THE AMERICAN CHRONICLES, THE WAR TORN, and ARMOR OF GOD
Additional Noteworthy Authors:
“The Great Hour Struck has the ring of truth. Like the way a woman grabs your imagination until she’s all you think about. It tantalizingly entices the reader on and on. The combat feels real, the way a fresh wound surprises more than hurts, it’s razor sharp and fast.” - Johnnie M. Clark, author of Guns Up! (in its 28th printing!), The Old Corps, and No Better Way To Die. Johnnie M. Clark is also a highly decorated Marine combat veteran.
"Gary Varner's eye for vivid detail and punchy, realistic dialogue draws the reader into the lives of these heroic World War II soldiers and those around them." - C. Kelly Robinson, author, BETWEEN BROTHERS and GOD ONLY KNOWS (writing as Xavier Knight) “Evocative and haunting. Varner’s action scenes are fantastic …he really brought me into D-Day. I felt like I was there. When I wasn’t reading it, I found myself thinking about The Great Hour Struck and wondering what would happen to Sam and the boys. That’s a mark of great writing.” — Jefferson Scott, aclaimed novelist, author of the Operation Firebrand series The Great Hour Struck Select Reader Reviews: (Please note, I have never met ANY of these readers.) AS TALENTED AS SHAARA AND GRIFFIN!: Greg G. from Florida: “…Once I started the book, I couldn’t put it down. The skirmishes in France were very vivid, and I was sucked right in. Probably 80% of what I read is history, and the other 20% is historical fiction, such as Jeff Shaara, and W.E.B Griffin, and I feel Gary Varner is every bit as talented.” COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!: Christina C. from Chicago-land, Illinois: “Once I began reading this book, I became so engrossed that for the few instances when I wasn't reading it (due to the minor details of sleep & work), it was all I could think about. The descriptions of WWII battle were heartbreakingly detailed. The way Varner portrays his characters makes you feel for them (or despise them). I have a newfound sense of respect for my grandfathers who fought WWII. I have to say I was actually sad when the book came to an end. You become so involved with the characters that you feel as if you're leaving your friends when you finish this book. Can't wait for Part II!” ASTOUNDING!: Clint M. from the Lone Star State: “The Great Hour Struck is an amazing read. I picked up this book, and within minutes I was struck by the vivid imagery and fluid prose. Varner, has developed an intimate story of love, life, war and peace. The juxtaposition of characters and plot lines intertwine to paint the story about the greatest generation and the honor with which soldiers served. The entire novel is tied together with an underlying message that has resounded for millennia and strikes at the core of human existence. A great read for all, I cannot wait until part 2 comes out.” ONE OF THE BEST!: Randy K. from St. Louis: "My favorite reading has always involved stories during the WWII era. My wife gave me the book as a Christmas gift. I didn't recognize your name and wondered why she skipped giving me one of the authors I normally read… To be honest, my first thoughts were to assume the book would be poorly written, amateurish, and not very enjoyable. WHAT A SURPRISE! I had trouble putting it down the first night. You have a flair for using great detail without it becoming overwhelming. The characters and the landscape descriptions were outstanding. I read your comment regarding visiting every area described in the book. Be assured it paid off!! "I found your book to be outstanding and one of the best books I've read in recent years." From the SON OF A D-DAY PARATROOPER!: Casey M. from Idaho: “I just finished reading your book “The Great Hour Struck”, I enjoyed it very much. I am the son of (Sgt.) Walt Maguire, who served in First Platoon of Company D, of the 501st. Your book really created the feel, and the overall atmosphere that these young paratroopers experienced in combat. Very well done! "Your historical novel brings a strong human element and a well developed story line into a famous WWII battle, the characters are memorable, and the details and historical facts were done with a startling accuracy. I look forward to Part II.”
The Great Hour Sturck recently received the prestigious Editor's Choice designation from iUniverse's editorial board. Less than 7% of all iUniverse titles currently receive this honor.
Even more recently, The Great Hour Struck earned iUniverse's Rising Star designation. This is awarded to authors of titles deemed highly marketable with the potential for commercial success. Very, very few of iUniverse's titles receive both the Editor's Choice and Rising Star. The Rising Star is also a first step in getting The Great Hour Struck on the shelves of regular brick-'n-mortar bookstores. Here's hoping that the star potential of The Great Hour Struck keeps on rising!
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