The Matty Graves Novels

KIND WORDS:

"The War of Knives give us a tour of the Haitian Revolution that would make Harry Flashman doff his hat and drop his jaw. Along with all the excellent fun of this book, Broos Campbell seems to know the subject rather well, though he certainly is never dull about it."


"Entertaining ... an elaborate swashbuckling tale that will appeal especially to fans of high historical adventure."


“Battles with swords, muskets, and cannons run rampant [and] blood flows like water every time one group of patriots meets another. Everyone is some sort of patriot ...”



"Matty Graves and The War of Knives are sure-fire winners ..."


"Don't start this one at bedtime; you'll be up all night!"

Sent ashore to observe Toussaint L'Ouverture's siege of Jacmel in southern Hispaniola in 1800, Acting Lieutenant Matty Graves unveils a murderous conspiracy, becomes entangled in a race war, and discovers a dark secret about his own past.

Here's a nice review of The War of Knives in the Journal for Adolescent and Adult Literacy. Also a friendly interview in the same place. (Scroll down a bit to "Interview with Broos Campbell.") Both pieces are by James Blasingame, who not only is a nice guy but obviously superintelligent for liking my books.

Review from Young Adult publication Voice of Youth Advocates:

Campbell, Broos. The War of Knives: A Matty Graves Novel. McBooks Press, 2007. 320p. $23.95. ISBN 978-1-59013-104-6. Glossary. 4Q 3P J S A/YA
Matty Graves, acting-lieutenant aboard the Rattle Snake in 1800, is still dealing with the loss of his captain, his cousin Billy, when Commodore Gaswell outlines a new mission for him. Matty is to make his way to the Jacmel in Saint-Domingue to gather information about a plot to raise a slave rebellion in the Southern United States. He is chosen for the mission because of his familiarity with the Creole dialect and as Gaswell says, "Because I need an officer to go ashore that can pass for Creole." Well aware that Creole "can mean someone that ain't all white, and it can mean a European that was born in the colonies," Matty realizes that Gaswell has raised a question of great concern to him, that of his mother's race. He embarks on the dangerous mission preoccupied by how he will be received by both whites and men of color. Matty is imprisoned and surrounded by death as he makes his way on and off the island.

The second book in the Matty Graves series following No Quarter (McBooks Press, 2006/VOYA June 2006), this work fictionalizes historical figures such as Toussaint L'Ouverture and fills in gaps in the history books with realistic details of the brutality of war. This blending results in an exciting adventure novel. A glossary of naval terms will help readers who are not schooled in nautical fiction. Those who enjoyed the first book will like this one, and new readers will have no trouble becoming involved in Matty's adventures.—Christine Sanderson.

Note the review codes on VOYA, above in bold:

4Q Better than most, marred by occasional lapses.
3Q Readable, without serious defects.
2Q Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q.
1Q Hard to understand how it got published, except in relation to its P rating (and not even then sometimes).
Popularity
5P Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday.
4P Broad general or genre YA appeal.
3P Will appeal with pushing.
2P For the YA reader with a special interest in the subject.
1P No teen will read unless forced to for assignments.
Grade Level Interest
M Middle School (defined as grades 6-8).
J Junior High (defined as grades 7-9).
S Senior High (defined as grades 10-12).
A/YA Adult-marketed book recommended for teens.

Did I mention that Publishers Weekly likes it? Click here to read the full review.

Now in general release. Borders carries it, as do many libraries. It can be bought for a discount online through Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other major outlets. The publisher, McBooks Press, will be glad to arrange for personalized copies.