Now an award-winning novel

Posted on29/04/201806/05/2018AuthorDJ Munro

Great news: Slave to Fortune did rather well at the Chanticleer International Book Awards over in Washington State last weekend (21-22 April 2018).

Amid some stiff competition, it was a First Place category winner for historical fiction (Chaucer Award). It was also the First Place category winner for young-adult historical fiction, and then picked up the Grand Prize for young adult fiction (all categories – the Dante Rossetti Award).

Handily, my daughter was on hand to capture some of the moments (official photos to follow).

Don’t expect this to be the start of a rush of awards – these were the only awards that Slave to Fortune has ever been entered for, and I’m now going to quit while I’m ahead (it’s probably time-barred now from entering other competitions anyway). But it was certainly worth the effort and the long journey.

In between flights, we took in a few of the sights on a rapid tour of Vancouver and Seattle and beautiful Washington State (by Jeep, of course).

Vancouver – Capilano Bridge

The Chuckanut Drive

Seattle (From Volunteer Park water tower)

The lighthouse belonging to the fabulous Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham, WA – the awards ceremony was held in the ballroom.

And here’s a picture of me taken by my daughter in Bellingham, WA – against a suitably American backdrop!

Many congratulations to all the other category winners and shortlisters!

I am so glad to have found this book!!!! It is by far the best book I have read and I don't say that lightly. Full of historical facts and a little fiction as well. Buy the book, you will be glad you did!!! Chris Gordon (on Amazon.com)

Truly excellent. An extremely well written account of a young Englishman's trials and tribulations. Great characterization, that was well researched and developed. The intrigue and intensity kept you turning the pages with anticipation. - S. Chapin, Chaplain, Amazon.com

I read hundreds of books a year, primarily historical fiction. This is at the top of my list - great story. - F. Menser, Amazon.com

READ THIS BOOK ! If you like Mr Cornwell , Mr Hosker, Mr Ashman and, Mr Jecks and other Historical Writers ---YOU WILL surely enjoy this book by DJ Munro. - howard, Amazon.co.uk

Wonderful writing and story. I felt like I was in the exotic places so beautifully described and walking with Tom and Edward - Jean, Maryland, USA

Probably one of the best books I have ever read on galleons and pirates with lots of twists in the plot. The splendour of Algiers, Malta and Venice
skilfully captured... A whirl-wind ride of well researched historical facts that you don't normally hear about in countries not many of us have had the chance to visit. - J Seifert (on Amazon Australia)

A very rare gem for all readers. This book really is excellent. I read a couple of books each week and I've not come across such a quality read since the Aubrey/Maturin series years back. - Rog, Nottingham (on Amazon UK)

Best book for me this year and I read three books a week. Now and again you find a book that takes over your life and you can travel the world whilst sat in your favourite chair. This for me was such a book. - mash, (on Amazon UK)

One of the best books I have read. This book made me realize what modern man has lost, mainly the ability to make the best of extremely difficult times and how these difficult times that may come your way are real opportunities for growth and knowledge, let alone gaining the ability to survive. - B Kiper, (on Amazon USA)

A worthwhile read and future classic. I picked up Slave to Fortune and couldn't put it down. The characterization is first rate, the plot riveting with interesting and unexpected ups and downs. You see the growth of the main character Tom Cheke from a scared boy to a man of the world. If you are looking to for not just a good read; but a book with some lessons you can use in your own life, I highly recommend Slave to Fortune.
S J Tonissen, Chicago IL (on Amazon.com)

Probably one of the best books I have read. Full of historical fact (as well as a good dose of fiction) - Dave, Bristol (on www.goodreads.com)

The writing is so very exciting I could not stop reading until done - even while sitting on the beach at Myrtle Beach, SC. - Charles, Richmond, VA

Excellent read, one of the best books I've read. - Alison A. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

If you are the type of person who wants to know what is over the next hill, around the next corner or what lies beyond the sun set each day this book if for you. I am that type of person, and I guess that is why I served in the U.S. Navy many years ago. So I could see those foreign ports and cities I had only read about. I got to see a lot of them and now 50 odd yrs. later that desire still burns within me. GREAT BOOK. - Everett S. (on www.amazon.com)

Unable to put down. I had my head stuck in my kindle. Found it fascinating and a real gripping story. - Mr G Sharp. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

I couldn't put this book down. Though it's not my usual era or genre of book, once I opened it I was hooked. - Mrs S Wilby (on www.amazon.co.uk)

...reminded me of the serials I would watch at the Saturday morning cinema when I was lucky enough to go. Definitely worth the 6d I paid. This book was likewise great value. I'd recommend it wholeheartedly. The places described spring to life in your imagination and you find yourself running down the old streets and sitting in the old inns... the heroes and villains portrayed appear vividly almost as if they are real. A fantastic read, thank you. - R. Sk. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

Absolutely fascinating stuff!! Fantastic... just disappointed it's finished! - Garry, Aberdeenshire.

It's a real 'page-turner' and on several occasions made me late for appointments as I just had to read one more chapter! - Anne, Teacher (retired), Isle of Wight.

I can't rate this highly enough! Engaging, exciting, intelligent, brilliantly researched - very much looking forward to the next book. - C Seymour, Cambridgeshire.

An exciting and insightful account of piracy, slavery and of politics in the Middle East and Europe. The author is appropriately respectful of Islam... He shows a sound understanding of the perils of currency debasement and the evils of inflation... This work is much more than a novel in the style of Daniel Defoe or Robert Louis Stevenson; but it is also a great read. - John F. (on www.amazon.com)

It's great... a good read! - Ryan, Commander, Royal Navy (retired), Plymouth.

One of the best novels I have ever read, a must for anyone who likes a good tale well told. - Mrs D S Watts, Amazon.co.uk

Excellent Read. Enjoyed this book immensely... Great book very well written by a master. MCA, Amazon.co.uk.