The rebel caprices of Enzo Ferrando have dire consequences. His father, the war hero, is gunned down on his own veranda. His son, Lucca, is forced into hiding as a deckhand on a merchant ship. Enzo himself is conscripted into the Italian army to wage war on the African Horn.
Terribilita is a historical fiction novel set in the second half of the 19th century. This deftly crafted story combines revenge saga with a coming of age tale about family, love, and the redemptive power of violence. In this drum tight novel readers will encounter Bashi-Bazouk mercenaries, blackbirding pirates, Ethiopian army hordes, and historical figures of the era. Stalwarts of Joseph Conrad and Jack London will love this historically detailed work of fiction that has just the right amount of adrenaline coursing through it.
2020 National Indie Excellence Award Winner
2020 Royal Dragonfly Award Winner for Historical Fiction
Shelf Magazine’s 2020 Best Indie Books
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Here’s what some very smart people have been saying:
"Shore captures not only the war and politics of thetime period, but the romantic lens through which the characters view their world" (Kirkus Reviews)
“It’s a wild ride.” (Bristol Herald Courier)
"Reminiscent of Victor Hugo's emotional explorations, Terribilita is a vivid saga of patriotism, love, family honor, and the monumental task of forgiveness." (Self-Publishing Review 4.5/5)
"Shore has told a most wonderfully engaging, powerfully propelled tale about family and romantic love, with bold adventures both on sea and land, during absolutely fascinating times, and in thoroughly exotic places." (Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite (5/5 Stars))
"'Terribilita' is a term used to describe how apiece of art evokes emotion from a viewer, be it awe, terror, or a subtler reaction. Good art makes you feel. Author Ben Wyckoff Shore delivers plenty of thrills, chills, and romance in his novel TERRIBILITA." (IndieReader)
"Mastery of storytelling makes Terribilita a powerful and emotive read that all literary, historical and family drama fans will devour." (K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite(5/5 Stars))
Here are some related articles written by the author, published on popular media outlets:
The 3 “M”s of Writing Historical Fiction: published on Write It Sideways