Hi guys we have R.E. Nelson stopping by on his tour for Palace Dog, we have a great excerpt and brilliant giveaway and Prime’s review, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link

Palace Dog

R.E. Nelson

In April 1975, as the government in Saigon is falling, Michael Andrews prepares to make his way back to Vietnam to find the love he was forced to leave.

But Michael’s journey begins four years earlier. He joins the Air Force to keep out of the Army and out of Vietnam, but his first assignment is teaching English in Saigon to members of the Vietnamese military in an Army program called Palace Dog.

As an artist, and a man, before his time in Vietnam, Michael found life lonely and unsatisfying. In the midst of war, Michael searches for direction and meaning. He ultimately finds love and hope with Thao, a young Vietnamese art student, only to have their already uncertain future wrenched from them when he is pulled out of the country.

For Michael, his return in 1975 is inevitable and without question, though the outcome he hopes for is anything but assured.

Excerpt

The cyclo had bumped across the bridge, following the curve in the road, then moved quickly down the final straight stretch, past houses and shops, past rows of trees and walls and occasional open spaces, past vendors who lined the street’s edge selling gasoline in glass bottles. Motorcycles, Lambretta mini-buses packed with people, cream-and-blue Renault taxis, pedestrians with baskets and boxes—all crowded the street. Noises, smells, and smoke came from everywhere, and as the driver increased his speed, I smiled, gripping the metal frame tighter and pushing slightly with my feet as the moist wind rushed around me.

Speeding through the streets of Saigon, wearing the green Air Force-issued jungle fatigues, my life of a year ago seemed unreal.

About R.E.

R.E. Nelson was born in Texas and raised in Southern California. He has been writing for as long as he can remember. One of his earliest recollections related to writing is winning an essay contestin sixth grade–something patriotic about the American flag. When he travels, his preference is staying in select areas for an extended period of time and learning about that place. He has lived in both Vietnam (twice, actually) and Saudi Arabia, and also spent time in Egypt, South Korea, Shanghai (his only China visit thus far), and Dubai. Now he is happy to call San Francisco home.

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Review

Title: Palace Dog

Author: RE Nelson

Genre: Historical (1970s)

Length: Novel (206 pages)

ISBN: 9781632165381

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (27 Feb 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Prime

Blurb: In April 1975, as the government in Saigon is falling, Michael Andrews prepares to make his way back to Vietnam to find the love he was forced to leave.

But Michael’s journey begins four years earlier. He joins the Air Force to keep out of the Army and out of Vietnam, but his first assignment is teaching English in Saigon to members of the Vietnamese military in an Army program called Palace Dog.

As an artist, and a man, before his time in Vietnam, Michael found life lonely and unsatisfying. In the midst of war, Michael searches for direction and meaning. He ultimately finds love and hope with Thao, a young Vietnamese art student, only to have their already uncertain future wrenched from them when he is pulled out of the country.

For Michael, his return in 1975 is inevitable and without question, though the outcome he hopes for is anything but assured.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6098

Review: I have to outright say this because even though I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I found myself more drawn to the historical aspects of it concerning the Vietnam War rather than the story of the characters. I don’t think that quite makes sense, because at the same time it was a nice story played out between the main characters, Michael and his long-time love Thao.

This was a hell of an intense read – there were a number of times that I was truly nervous for Michael and Thao. It was the history that drew me into this story. The ending is around right before the Fall of Saigon, which also is an indication that we also get through some real intense modern history and had me thinking of some of the footage that often gets shown and really brought it to life for me.

As I said, I got more out of this in the historical sense, than I did from the actual romance between Michael and Thao. However, I think a little bit more conclusion at the end would have been nice to sufficiently settle my nerves.

I don’t want to go into things too much because going in blind about this one had a great effect on me and I hope that it is the same for others.

I recommend reading this one slowly, because it is intense and it is still reverberating in my mind in the hours since I’ve finished the last page.

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