Title: Journey to the Prize
Author: Karl Peterson
Publisher: Citiofbooks, Inc.
ISBN: 9781963209181
Pages: 176
Genre: Action & Adventure
Reviewed by: Subhrajit Saha
Hollywood Book Reviews
Journey to the Prize by author Karl Peterson is a genre-blending adventure set in 1933 Paraguay. This thrilling tale is a mashup of coming-of-age, rom-com, and political drama, alongside action-adventure, and offers an unforgettable journey. The story follows the lovable Manuel Guzman, aka Manny, a twenty-year-old who lives with his close-knit family in Alonsi, a town in southern Paraguay. The Guzman family owns a stable there. Manny shares a strong bond with his brother Sebastian, mother Elena, and his horse Majesty. Alex Dorman is Manny’s best friend, for whom he can trust with his life. Together, Manny and Alex navigate life’s challenges, avoiding troublemakers Juan Hernandez and Hondo.
Meanwhile, Alex receives a desperate letter from his cousin Alois Dorman, warning that his family is in imminent danger. Without hesitation, Manny joins Alex on a life-changing journey to save the Dorman family in Alstadt, Germany. Their adventure takes them from the quiet green valley of Alonsi to the volatile, tumultuous Germany, where they encounter Adolf Hitler, face off with the Gestapo, dodge bullets, witness how people get influenced by hatred, and so on. Alongside the thrills, the story weaves in human drama, subtle comedy, and a blossoming romance, making Journey to the Prize a multi-faceted and captivating read.
Journey to the Prize vividly fleshes out its central character, Manuel. Mature, loving, and ever-helpful, Manny never hesitates to assist anyone in need. In Germany, he promises to help a Jewish family he meets briefly, and readers can find Manny giving his best to help them later. Despite Juan’s several misdeeds, Manny forgives him and wishes him well. Manuel also gets scared by his enemies, bullets, or a worse situation, still, his never-say-die attitude makes the character special. His bond with Sebastian and their heartfelt, bittersweet moments, will resonate with anyone who has experienced sibling love. The complicated love triangle with Maria in the center adds emotional depth, making readers empathize with the characters. Even the sidekicks like Felipe and Mario, also given enough space to flourish in the journey of Manny.
The thrilling scenes in both Germany and Paraguay take the flow of the story to the next level, including the chase by the German Gestapo on the way to Alfred Sternberg’s place, a dramatic night at the German border, and a gripping climax. Karl Peterson’s narrative is enriched with insightful commentary. There is a character named Louise who makes a significant comment on generalizing people or a community based on isolated events, asking to tell the people outside the then – Germany – that everybody there is not in the destruction mode. Significant moments like the Red Rooster Tavern scene and the bullying of a child from the Eislieben family further deepen the story’s impact.
Journey to the Prize is a gripping read filled with exciting set pieces. Karl Peterson’s writing is perfect for young adults who enjoy action-adventure, complemented by elements of comedy, romance, human drama, social commentary, and family bonding. This multifaceted story promises an engaging and memorable experience for its readers.