Malchus: A Christian historical fiction novel (Upward Way Chronicles Book 2) by Madeline Brock

Malchus: A Christian historical fiction novel (Upward Way Chronicles Book 2) Reviews

• 
  Brenda Roberson

  MALCHUS is the second book in the Upward Way Chronicles. We first met Malchus in "Tatiana" where he was the mute "handy man" of Ananias Wolfe, a Man of the cloth who employed Tatiana to take care of his household and children after his wife had died. Now in this book we learn more about Malchus and his early years as well as how he became known as Malchus. This book will then, with a look at utter poverty and the wonderful gift of grace, entwine with the first book to display a wonderful and appealing bit of literature.
  
  Malchus Hemmings, at the age of 4, was thrown out of his home by his father because he would not talk. Little did his parents know, Malchus could hear but could not talk. Malchus lived on the streets of Philadelphia for the rest of his childhood and into his teenage years, mostly hungry, cold, alone and despised. Malchus finally meets up with two other "street scum" boys, Darby and Jim, who accept him as he is. He was given the name of Topper by the leader, Darby. Through the perils of street "life" the three boys, who only had each other, got along as best they could. During one of the trios capers, a young girl said a prayer for Topper/Malchus that touched his heart in a way that he had never felt before and would have a strong impact, whether he knew and believed it or not, on his life forever. Come along on the trail of a young boy who was "never completely comfortable but whose senses became less fearful and dulled to the horrors that surrounded his daily life".
  
  Madeline Brock is a gifted storyteller. Her mastery at telling a tale that is mixed with sadness, the ugliness of "mans inhumanity to man" and the truth and grace of those who believe in God will have you turning the pages of her books with a hunger for more. I feel truly blessed and can honestly say that she has captured my interest. I look forward to all of the books this young author cares to write. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Dana Kamstra

  With a unique voice, Madeline Brock continues her Upward Way Chronicles with a new character, Malchus.
  
  Malchus is a novel that takes readers to the slums of Philadelphia with a cast of characters who are both needy for physical things, but also spiritual. The story is simple but has a strong message of reprentence and salvation. I enjoyed getting to know Malchus and found him to be a very unique character. It isn't often that we come across characters in fiction that are unable to speak. This was handled quite well and played strongly into Malchus's character.
  
  As far as the plot, the story felt quite episodic. While most of the time I didn't mind, I did miss a bit of the complexity a more developed plot line would lend to a novel.
  
  Malchus was a light and quick read with some good messages tucked into it's pages.
  
  **I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
  
• 
  C.M.

  Not bad. A good, short, but slightly tragic redemption story with a somewhat abrupt ending.
• 
  Mary Vogelsong

  "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
  
  The mute boy in this story is thrown out of the house by his cruel father at a young age. He takes up with two other orphan boys who live by their wits and thievery, and the rare handout by a kindhearted person. As the mute boy cannot speak, he cannot tell his new comrades his name, so they name him Topper.
  
  As Topper grows, at times through the years he is exposed to someone who prays for him or shows him kindness in Jesus' name. But he also experiences rough and hateful treatment and does not feel worthy of God's love. At times Topper's progress seems to be two steps forward and one step back. When he is cleaned up and living with a family, people still do not trust him because of his background. This disheartens him so much he runs away, back to his old life.
  
  At another point, we think Topper has finally conquered his demons, and the next thing we know he is on death row. This aspect of the book is very realistic: to affect real lasting change in an individual who has not grown up with consistent love and positive influence requires patience and a determination not to give up.
  
  This audiobook is clean with a positive message. I recommend it!
• 
  Lynda

  Realistic read
  
  Malchus, for me, was not an easy read. So many times he makes the wrong decisions. And pays for them dearly. He is a child of the streets. Growing up in a hovel. Never really taught right from wrong but instinctively seems to know the difference. He is blessed more than he knows.
  
  While there are no offensive cuss words, the nitty-gritty of his life is constantly there. His father hated him and literally threw him out when he was just a little boy.
  
  Very well written and shows a part of society and lifestyle in the 1800s that is hard to imagine. Well told. My four-star rating? Well, the book was sorta sad for me at least.
• 
  Donna

  Inspiring!
  
  Loved this exciting edge of your seat story! The Lord works all things together for good in these pages! Fantastic
• 
  Kathryn Spurgeon

  A good read
  
  The story of the endearing boy Malthus was well-written and enjoyable. I especially liked the theme of Gods love and redemption
• 
  Donadee's Corner

  In a world where everyone has something to say, Malchus Hemmings has nothing to offer but silence. His alcoholic father has no patience for his mute son and throws Malchus out of the house at only five years of age. The lad adapts to life on the streets—and survives by scrounging and begging. He neither seeks nor welcomes companionship until four years later, when he is faced with a choice. After stumbling into the crude living quarters of two orphan boys during a storm, he is offered a bed for the night. In an instant, the young Hemmings is drawn to the charismatic "Darby," who is two years older and takes Malchus’ inability to speak in stride. Jim, a sullen ten-year-old, grudgingly accepts the newcomer into their partnership. Life becomes a series of ups and downs as Hemmings learns the art of thievery from his companions. He suffers abuse from other street children, murderous gang leaders, and his own father, who seems to lurk in every shadow. Malchus longs to be forgiven of God but is held back by his burden of sin. When the chilling hand of death strikes a severe blow to the young man, his fragile faith falters and Hemmings comes to the end of himself. With both his soul and life on the line, Malchus realizes his desperate need for a savior.
  
  What did I like? This is the second book that I have read by this author and I must say that I am very impressed with her style and how far she has come in her books. This again is a book that has a little religion in it but not a religious book. I like the way that she tied it all in and made the whole book feel as if you are right there going through this terrible time for this boy. The time period and the horrible things that this child had to endure just because he could not speak is amazing.
  
  What will you like? As I just stated this book is amazing and I don't think you will be able to lay it down till you turn that last page. The author has developed this style that draws you in and it is incredible the feel of realness. You will also like the complete story line and will be angry, sad, mad, downright happy and ecstatic at the ending. You will certainly feel and see the details and the depth of research that she did to make us feel the time period settle around us as we read. I like this in an author, if the surroundings don't feel real and touchable while your reading the whole story line will fall and just not hold the story together. The characters are fascinating and yet so poor that you will fall in love with them, Root for them and yet want to smack them, either to wake up or don't be so stupid. This is a really good read and will hold you till Ms. Brock comes out with the next book in the series
  
• 
  Maria

  FREE today (November 27, 2021) on Amazon.
• 
  Mary Hall-Rayford

  Madeline is an anointed storyteller and this one keeps people on edge until the end. With a "Charles Dickens-ish" approach to telling the story about Malchus, one can jump right into the story and feel the brunt of Hemmings hate, the fear and frustration and the smell of death and despair.
  
  Throughout the name transitions, the character is viable and likable even though he is easily misled and barely gets a chance to live life away from his horrid beginnings.
  
  To say that Madeline's faith underscores her every thought would be an understatement, but she reminds those who know God just how forgiving and wonderful is He and that He allows us to choose our paths, never forcing His will, but always waiting for us to return to Him.
  
  I can only imagine how creatively she weaves the story of yet another character to engage her readers.
  
  I received a free copy from the publisher and was only too happy to read and review this talented author's work.
• 
  Cynthia Graf

  Sweet story of redemption
  
  This book kept me wanting to read on when it was time to stop. It is a wonderfully sweet store about God's grace and mercy. It tells of the transformation that is possible with the Lord in your life. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
• 
  Doni Healy

  Very Good
  
  Well written and a great plot.kept me on the edge of my seat and the best part,no foul language or bedroom scenes but still realistic.