Reviews
Reviews for Thy Mother Is A Lioness
A scrupulously mounted portrayal of a captivating time.
—Kirkus Reviews
“This is an impressively rigorous portrait of a profoundly fascinating woman, imagined with great dramatic power. Catherine emerges as a kind of Machiavellian savant, a marvel of cold prudence, and it is thrilling to see the gradual evolution of Marguerite, a daughter born into both privilege and peril. . . . This is a deeply engrossing work, and a portion of its immersive quality might even be the result of the demands it makes upon the reader. For those in search of a fascinating historical novel—one which challenges as it entertains—this is an excellent choice. A scrupulously mounted portrayal of a captivating time.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Catherine de Medici’s story is a testament to the power of patience, cunning, and political acumen. The novel features lead female characters who are daring, intelligent, and symbols of power. If you enjoy historical fiction with leading female characters, you'll find this book very interesting. Not only will you be wowed by the brilliance and courage of these women, but their tactical way of ruling will impress you too.”
—Manhattan Book Review, Star Rating: 5 / 5
“Sam’s book captures your attention with its lyrical language and immersive descriptions, drawing you into its pages. Its strong female characters are quite fascinating and inspiring, reminding us never to underestimate the feminine charm and strength.”
—Los Angeles Book Review
Reviews for American Pied Piper
“A highly readable and engaging narrative. . . . This book skillfully explores themes of individuality and collective identity, offering readers multiple perspectives on how best to make a community thrive. A solid final volume.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“An engrossing historical trilogy. . . . Sam Foster has crafted a compelling exploration of a town’s transformation over a century . . . [with] winding turns and captivating plotlines. Foster’s storytelling perfectly captures the essence of a changing era and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.”
—Readers’ Favorite
“Sweeping across four generations, Foster’s take on the American Adamic myth is sure to spark lively debate. . . . I’m sure you’ll enjoy the trip.”
—Mike Zarro, forty-year member of the State Bar of California
Reviews for Beardstown
“. . . [A] thoroughly researched, well-written book. I loved the first book in the series, so I’m aware of the author’s ability. Strong characters [and a] cameo appearance by Abe Lincoln.”
—Indie B.R.A.G.
“A wonderfully done historical novel on the battle for the Midwest. I can’t wait to read the third book in the American Trilogy series . . . and anything else Sam Foster writes.”
—Catraphoenix, book blogger
“At times tragic and at times triumphant, Beardstown serves as both cautionary tale and blueprint for any would-be city builder. In this literary tour de force and part two of an American trilogy about western frontier expansion, Foster pens a novel so wrought with ambition, grief, exultation, and relief that the sheer weight of emotion overwhelms the reader while reminding us that the grueling work of placemaking is never done. Foster brings all of this to life in rich detail, with just the right amounts of detachment and sympathy. He’s a master at his craft and one who’s fun to read. I can’t wait for part three.”
—Ron Starner, executive vice president of Conway Data, Inc.
“4 out of 5 stars.”
—San Francisco Book Review
“Informative and engaging, with solid pacing and engaging dialogue that keep the plot moving steadily over its half-century timeline. Foster has a deep knowledge of the history of both the region and the era, and his well-developed characters transform a timeline of events into a captivating tale. An epic novel.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Sam Foster’s tale of life on the midwestern frontier relates very well with current issues facing industrial development. . . . [an] amazingly entertaining story.”
—Ron L. Frierson, director of economic policy, City of Los Angeles
“Once again Sam Foster has delivered an incredibly delightful novel. As a man setting out to build a modern American city two hundred years after Tom Beard showed up on the banks of the Illinois River, I really identified with the characters. Especially Tom Beard, who is asked, ‘Who will build the churches and schools?’ by his business partner. ‘We will,’ he says, ‘because we are empire builders, the others are just in it for the money.’”
—Randy Kendrick, developer of Hayden, Texas, America’s city of the future
Reviews for A Panther Crosses Over
“Absolutely stunning. A Panther Crosses Over is either time travel or reincarnation, a tactile trip of immense believability.”
—Charlie Newton, award-winning author of Traitor’s Gate, Privateers, and Canaryville
“The author does an excellent job of staying true to historical detail while making his characters fully realized individuals who drive the plot to an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Foster deftly presents the conflict from an Indigenous perspective . . . a solid tale with a firm historical grounding that examines early American conflicts.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Foster is a brilliant writer of historical fiction, covering times and places less well known than many others. A Panther Crosses Over is the latest and first of a trilogy that will cover a unique period of American historical life not so fully reported, involving characters we come to find fascinating and love . . . I was so deeply involved from the first pages that I stayed up all weekend to consume this wonderful tale of the Midwest’s founding.”
—Jay Weston, film producer of the Academy Award–nominated Lady Sings the Blues and Billy Wilder’s final comedy, Buddy Buddy
“In A Panther Crosses Over, book one of his American Trilogy, Foster tells the epic story of a clash of civilizations in the vast Northwest Territory bounded to the north by the Great Lakes. Decades of war and shifting alliances of tribes, confederations, and empires culminate in the historic Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. By then, Tecumseh, the great Shawnee warrior and statesman, has assembled a coalition of Native tribes to drive white settlers from the territory once and for all. William Henry Harrison, governor of the Indiana Territory, has other ideas.
“Foster has written a work of fiction that brings the history to life and enriches and fills in the gaps with the novelist’s art and insight. The tale he tells is Homeric, not just in the savage grandeur of the subject and the complex nobility of the heroes but in the poetry of the smallest details and the hidden mysteries of the hearts and minds of its great cast of [real] characters.”
—Chris Flannery, host of The American Story podcast, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute
Reviews for Non-Semper Fidelis
“It pulled me in from the first page.”
—Nancy Rossman, Amazon review
“Sam uses his Marine experience to mesh reality with fiction in this fantastic read. It kept me awake for two nights.”
—Amazon review
“Excellent writing and a thoroughly engrossing read. Highly recommended!”
—Amazon review
Reviews for Alpha Male
“Riveting and compelling. I loved the suspense, drama, and romance. . . . A must buy.”
—Ann Marie Meyers, Amazon review
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Suspense, romance, twists in plot, ethical dilemmas, intrigue, and downright ruthless tactics by the antagonist all make this a good read.”
—Todd Clarke, Amazon review
“Alpha Male is a riveting story. Foster takes us into a world that most of us don't know about and few would expect to be grist for a suspenseful drama. He makes that world understandable and accessible, though, and crafts a plot where we're always dying to know what happens next.”
—David B. Cohen, Amazon review