The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest
Eight year old Rena, daughter of a voodoo priestess, pale enough to pass for white, sneaks out of a slave cabin late at night to watch her mother and other slaves perform a voodoo ceremony. But the master and his overseer happen upon the scene and her mother is sentenced to a savage whipping. The use of language in “The Power” is that of an extraordinary writer. Phyllis T. Smith.
“Gone with the Wind” never got this real. Jim Duggins’ debut novel edges uncomfortably but vividly close to the times, the moment that our country was in the worst abuses of slavery. Patricia Nell Warren, Author and publisher, West Hollywood, California .
Excellent character development.—I could visualize each individual in my mind’s eyes. Plot grabbed me right away and moved me along rapidly to the end. Dinsey. San Francisco, California
Jim Duggins’ dynamic opening captures the primal heartbeat of slaves practicing their ancient tribal rituals, imprisoned souls escaping to the only freedom possible on the plantation in the 1840s. The slaves entranced minds and impassioned bodies succumb to the mystical power of exotic Lucy, their voodoo queen, Lucy’s Reyna bears witness to the brutality that will stay with her for the rest of her life -- white’s control and dominate blacks. But Lucy knows there are unseen shades, older than men’s gods. Duggins’ descriptive language and realistic dialogue paint vivid scenes and bring the story alive. Theodore Miller, Las Vegas, NV
Duggins’ historical drama not only entertains, it informs. I felt as if I were there. The “there” taught me so much that I didn’t know historically. Hugely enjoyable. David C. Myler, Library Director, Oaxaca, Mexico.
In Duggins’ novel we are precipitated into his vision of plantation culture as it may have existed in George in 1840, and a celebration of occult religious rites practiced by members of a number of West African tribes brought there against their will as slaves, all seen though the eyes of a precocious child. The setting is romantic and fantastical, thought made concrete and presented in a dynamically visual, cinematic idiom. A. J. Garnett “Bibliophile” Northern California.
Most of my reading is non-fiction history, but Duggins’ approach with this story seems so real hat it is hard to remember that it is, after all, fiction. Starting in the period just after the failed Nat Turner rebellion, I sensed the feeling of fear and dread that the plantation owner must have felt in observing the voodoo ritual. In places I felt as if I were actually observing the voodoo ritual. In places I felt as if I was reading poetry. His vivid description of a land I was raised in brings back vivid memories of a society split between races. The writer is articulate in his web of excitement. Clearly worth my time. Robert House, Santa Rosa, California.
Resounding voodoo drums split the air like snapping whips as Jim Duggins’ “The Power” leads us into a forest where surprise reigns alongside the voodoo queen, Lucy, a defiant slave girl in a world of harsh masters. Eight year old Reyna watches the ritual from her secret corner, surprised to see her mother as the ringleader. The alchemy is broken when the plantation’s owner and his overseer break into the circle sending the slaves back to wait for punishment. Duggins makes us feel the pain of the lash before the slave master raises the salted strap. Beautiful prose, clean and visual and precise. Steve Scott, Rancho Mirage, California
In “The Power,” the author takes the reader to the dark side of humanity. During a full moon over the 1840s south, the reader witnesses conflict between the power of superstition, the power of heritage, and the power of brute force. The descriptions are vivid and well developed. Recommended for those wanting a raw and yet mystical read into the forces that power takes hold of the human heart and soul. P.Willingham, “ne1uno” California.
Jim Duggins has created imagery with his prose that leaves the reader wanting more and more. Set in the distant past when slavery was in full force and effect, the book demonstrates the power that human beings have over others who are in a less fortunate position. Winston Lett, Miami, Florida.
I found the story compelling and powerful. As an historical context takes what would have been an unbelievable story and makes it believable. Kept my interest and makes me want to read more from Duggins. Harold H. Miller. Historian, Oaxaca, Mexico.
In a novel clearly intended for a wide audience, these pages of “The Power” promise a vividly written portrayal of an important historical period that deserves far greater prominence in our popular fiction. Katherine V. Forrest, Author and Editor. Half Moon Bay, California.
