3 stars
If you like historical fiction dealing with early American history and action-adventure stories of searching for lost treasure against unknown adversaries and a ticking clock, you might get a kick out of this book. Author David R. Leng breathes life into the story of General Edward Braddock and his secret mission to secure the British miltary's payroll ahead of looming upcoming battle, set in the early days of the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The story moves between events of 1755 and modern times where Jack Sullivan and crew are meticulously searching for Braddock's "lost gold", in a determined bid to discover the final resting place of this historical treasure.

Having looked up the author's profile on Goodreads, I now have a clearer understanding of why this book reads the way it does. His other publications are non-fiction business writings on topics like insurance and risk management strategies, and that makes total sense because this writing style is super formal, quite verbose, and geared towards providing as much information and exposition as possible. I found it to be an overwhelming amount of precise and detailed descriptions in just about every scene or interaction, which honestly made for a less exciting and more pedantic read throughout.

Overall, while I enjoyed aspects of the story and was initially intrigued by the subject matter, I don't think this is one adventure novel I will be recommending all that much. It is an incredibly well-researched and detailed story, but I am simply not a fan of the writing style.

Thanks to NetGalley, author David R. Leng, and White Publishing for providing me a digital ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Echoes of Fortune is a historical adventure set against the backdrop of the French & Indian War. The story follows Jack Sullivan and his team as they embark on a thrilling quest to uncover a hidden treasure, left behind by the legendary British Major General Braddock. The book masterfully blends historical intrigue with modern-day suspense, making each chapter a page-turner. I loved reading this novel for its rich historical context and the pulse-pounding action that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Hold onto your hats and buckle up for Echoes of Fortune—a wild ride through history and treasure hunting! This book is a total blast, with Jack Sullivan and his pals diving headfirst into danger, decoding ancient clues, and dodging traps like pros. It’s got everything: history, mystery, and a treasure hunt that’ll make you want to keep flipping those pages. If you’re into thrilling adventures and epic quests, this one's for you! 🎉