Leanne Dagan 1Nov23 | 5.0
Two Rivers is a well written historical story that has stayed with me long after reading the last page. I will probably refer to it throughout my life. It’s a piece of American history that still battles on even today. Slavery being the main focus, it has been extensively researched and the characters are realistic even the ones that I despised. Some characters I came to truly care about, and I developed deep feelings for them and there hardships. I found some things hard to read as it breaks my heart the way other humans can treat each other but through that camaraderie and kindness also shines through. It was not a easy book to read but it knowledgeable and it’s a vital piece of history.Angela Thompson at Book Corner News & Reviews
I love the author’s writing style. He has an extraordinary ability to transport readers to another time and place. His historical research brings the past alive through a historically accurate setting and strong character interactions. While the story’s true nature gives readers insights into the past, the emotional human journeys faced by the characters create a compelling and engaging story that is impossible to set aside. This is a well-written novel with wonderful characters and an eye-opening storyline.
Jamie Michele Reviewer at Readers’ Favorite | 5.0
Rogers does not show his hand all at once and instead tells the story with the restraint of a gifted writer. Very highly recommended.
Lilliyana Reviewer at The Faerie Review | 5.0
Historical fiction is always a hit-and-miss for me, but Two Rivers just hit it out of the park. This is a well-written one, with characters that are hard to forget. I’ve encountered plenty of novels that gloss over that dark reality, and I applaud Rogers for not backing away from giving the reader a raw look at it. I was blown away by how real the characters feel, even the ones that you can’t help but despise. This is definitely one of those books that stay with you after you’ve finished the final page. Two Rivers is a must-read for all historical fiction lovers.
Susan Mills Wilson Suspense & Mystery Author | 5.0
Some stories stay with you long after you finish reading the book. Rogers has masterfully woven two classes of society in this pre-Civil War era novel. This book is an eye-opener to the cruelty and inhumanity inflicted on enslaved people. Rogers has it right when he refers to the plantation as a slave labor camp where people have no choice in their lives. I highly recommend this book to those who want a compelling historical novel brought alive by the extensive research and descriptive narrative of the author.
Kirkus Reviews
[Two Rivers is] a fast-paced tale of enslaved people in a land on the brink of war…a novel about the iniquities of slavery in pre–Civil War South Carolina. …interpersonal conflicts unfold against the broader backdrop of growing forces that will eventually culminate in the Civil War, as predicted by U.S. Sen. John C. Calhoun (one of the novel’s several real-life characters) and anticipated by [the character] Posey… Rogers very skillfully works these and other historical elements, including the South Carolina hurricane of 1854, into the interlocked, dramatic subplots of his narrative, which proceeds at a brisk pace throughout.
Asher Syed Reviewer at Readers’ Favorite | 5.0
Rogers is an excellent storyteller, and his words feel authentic. …[We hear] what Posey and all the other slaves are saying as they would have said it.
Low Country Lady Reviewer on Amazon | 5.0
Bob Rogers has a way of opening hearts and minds with this beautifully written story. I appreciate the time and research invested by the author to make the historical period come alive.
K.C. Finn Reviewer at Readers’ Favorite | 5.0
Bob Rogers packs so much into this fascinating and heart-breaking novel that it’s hard to know where to start. For me, the standout feature of the work is its ensemble cast and the passion and emotional intelligence that Rogers displays in crafting so many different, realistic, and fully fleshed-out viewpoints…Two Rivers is intricately penned with much to experience, be intrigued by, and learn from.
MLMOPINIONS Book Reviews November 6, 2023 | 5.0
[Two Rivers] had me going through a cluster of emotions. Two Rivers stays with you long after you put it down. You are seeing the world [in 1854] through the eyes of an 84-year-old slave, Posey. I fell in love with this character, and boy did my heartbreak multiple times for him, and everyone else.
Bob Rogers is a phenomenal writer. This book was gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. It is about as realistic as you’re going to get. I highly recommend [Two Rivers] to anyone and everyone.
Amy C. at Locks, Hooks, and Books | 8Nov23 | 5.0
I have had the pleasure of reading previous works from the talented author Bob Rogers and was pleased to know I had the opportunity to read his Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See. I believe this book is an important one to read.</p>
I am giving Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction, Mr. Bob Rogers has earned himself a new fan. I will be on the lookout for more new releases from him in the future. This one should not be missed.</p>
Amy Wilson at Novels Alive 8Nov23 | 4.0
Long-held myths about enslaved individuals in the South are confronted in a rich historical account of life on a rice plantation in South Carolina. Author Bob Rogers demonstrates his research abilities in bringing characters to life in Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See. This book introduces a unique peek into the lives of those living on the rice farm in 1854. Regardless of skin color, the characters share common ground, except for one color being free while the other is enslaved. The manager of the farm underestimates the workers, thinking he can kidnap a slave’s wife for his own selfish interests.Led by an octogenarian, change soon comes. The author adds plenty of description to illustrate the struggles of being considered less of a person during this time period.
Two Rivers provides a thoughtful look at history with a solid mix of real and fictional characters.Gina Rae Mitchell | 9Nov23
My thoughts on Two Rivers “Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See” by Bob Rogers is a gripping historical fiction novel set in July 1854, Colleton District, South Carolina, a half-dozen years before Abe Lincoln’s inauguration. This book vividly portrays the collision between European immigrants and African abductees, revealing a story that doesn’t end well.“Two Rivers” is a richly detailed narrative filled with unforgettable characters. It delves deep into courtships, infanticide, homicide, rape, rebellions, revenge, sabotage, storms, high-stakes gambling, grave-robbing, counterfeiting, and more. The book powerfully highlights the cruelty inflicted by fellow humans and offers a heartbreaking look at the history of … Americans during this period.
Bob Rogers’ storytelling is reminiscent of Southern Gothic, and he skillfully weaves together history and fiction to create an immersive reading experience. “Two Rivers” is a must-read for those who seek to understand the complex and painful past of … Americans during the antebellum era.
MLM Opinion’s Reviews 30Oct | 5.0
Did you ever read a book so beautifully composed, but it’s not quite a beautiful story? That is how I feel about First Dark. I could vividly picture each scene and feel every emotion of the characters. This is the coming of age story about Issac Rice and his journey to becoming a soldier, and his experience thereafter. Along his journey, we see him witness all kinds of horrors, make friends, and fall in love. I am putting this book on my teenage son’s reading list. Highly recommend.
Book Corner News & Reviews Angela Thompson 26Oct | 5.0
The author’s well-researched, well-drawn writing style gives readers a realistic account of Isaac’s story. As the story-line flows, the author adds historically accurate details and political and social figures that add to the novel’s drama, emotions, and depth.
I loved the diverse cast of well-developed characters that Rogers wove into Isaac’s story. Every character played a part in the action-packed drama and emotional journey. Characters from various backgrounds and cultures come together in this novel to engage and even educate readers about the struggles of this time in history. If you enjoy realistic, historical fiction that pulls you into the past and stays with you beyond the last page–this is an excellent, fast-paced, emotional journey into our past.Leanne Dagan at Leannebookstagram
31 October 2023 | 4.0
This is definitely a story that I will not forget any time soon! It tells the story of Isaac as he is coming of age in a tough world. The characters in this book are certainly memorable and the knowledge and research that has gone into the writing is extensive and obvious. The danger and suspense made me hold my breath while trying to learn more about our history. I have never read a book like this and it is a piece of history that many know nothing about but it certainly shines in my mind.Amy C. at Locks, Hooks, and Books | 1Nov23 | 5.0
First Dark is a fabulous introduction to the talents of Bob Rogers. It was a nice change and refreshing to read something different. It was full of danger, action, suspense, and adventure. The author obviously did an excellent job on his research to bring Isaac and other characters to life. I liked the author’s writing style and the historical details were so vivid that made me feel as though I was transported back in time to Isaac’s time. Overall, I thought this a great book to read.
First Dark is most definitely a five star read. I will be eagerly awaiting another release from Bob Rogers.Gina Rae Mitchell | 2Nov23
First Dark is a powerful historical fiction novel that offers a captivating glimpse into a tumultuous period in American history. Rogers’ extensive research and attention to detail shine through in the novel, immersing readers in the authentic atmosphere of the 19th century. The story is not only a historical narrative but also a coming-of-age tale, an adventure, and an exploration of the complex emotions that drive human nature, such as hate, hope, desire, love, loss, grief, revenge, and forgiveness. One of the notable strengths of First Dark is its ability to balance the harsher aspects of the historical period with moments of humor and lighter tales.First Dark is a well-researched, well-written, and captivating historical fiction novel that brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a diverse group of young Americans during a turbulent period in the nation’s history. It is a must-read for those interested in United States history and the Buffalo Soldiers, and it deserves its place on the shelf of excellent historical fiction.
