The Light In The Darkness: A Titanic Novel

by Carla Robinson

Everyone thinks they know the story of the Titanic. No one has heard the story told quite like this before …Fred Barrett, Lead Fireman of Boiler Room 6, spends his days and nights working to extinguish the coal fire that has been plaguing the Titanic’s hull for weeks. Lady Cecilia Gresham is travelling across the ocean with her family for her arranged marriage to Thomas Vanderbilt, heir to the Vanderbilt fortune. When Lady Cecilia meets handsome fellow first-class passenger Henry Hamilton, an avid photographer, travelling to America to meet with the Biograph Company, she falls in love, defying her entire family. Third-class passenger Adene and her daughter, Isla, are travelling to emigrate to America after the death of Adene’s husband, Robert, some months prior. They are joined by Claire, a young Irish girl, and her niece, five-year-old Nora. Claire is reunited with a long-lost love … but is their love star-crossed?Howard Fitzwilliam tells the story of Titanic’s dead, as he collects them from the ocean, serving on the Mackay-Bennett.

Genres: Historical Fiction

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honest opinion

Unfortunately for me this ended up pretty much a
DNF as I skipped Over sections to jump forward .
I was kean to try out an historical style novel and the theme of the titanic did really grab my attention
But as I was reading I found it difficult to connect with the characters and I found parts of the story repetitive (something maybe another round of editing might assist with ? Or even getting some
Beta readers onto finding where this happens?)
For these reasons I won’t be continuing on with the story at this stage .

[Ariel Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My actual score for this book was 3.5. Carla Robinson deserves every part of a star I gave her. This is an ambitious undertaking, and one of my first forays into historical fiction.

Because I can't say anything in fewer than 1000 words, here's a link to my blog review!

[Northern Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all know the story of the Titanic and it's voyage to New York. This book mixed the real story with the story of fictional characters from different parts. From the very richest who think they are the most important to the men keeping the boilers well stoked.

It's a great story and the author really draws you in to the extent that the story feels real and you're invested in what will happen.

The Gresham sisters major concern is marriage. One is travelling to marry someone she's never met for the sake of the family but meets up with a cine photographer. He of course is very different from her parents choice.

In steerage life is very different. We learn of difficult circumstances that brought them to the Titanic. People join forces to help each other through. It becomes real when we are told of the measures taken just to have a bath.

I found the scenes in the boiler rooms most moving. The conditions the men are working in are described so well and sound horrendous, the heat must have been horrific. Regular breaks are needed just to continue.

This is a good read especially for those like myself who are interested in the Titanic. We can only imagine what actually went on and this book helps the reader to do that although in reality we'll never know.

Each chapter is headed with the name of the person who is central to it which does help to differentiate between people.

Knowing what's coming very soon adds to the drama. It's almost as if something can be done to change the course of history.

I look forward to reading the next book and learning what happens to the people we've come to know.

I received this book for free and the views expressed are solely my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this entire series within a little over a week…I could NOT put it down and tried to find every second of spare time until it was finished.

I wish I could rate this 2 part book series with 10 stars it was that good!!! Very sad ending but I truly felt like I have now survived the titanic myself (yes this book literally was so vivid I had dreams about being the characters depending on what part I was on) and been part of the body recovery crew, the carpathia crew and everyone in between.

There is A lot of characters but if you know any history about the important people that actually lived through that time this book puts you in every aspect…I was even a fireman/stoker down in the hot sweaty boilers that were on that ship and lived to tell the tale and loved every second of it.

I have read many many titanic books and I had my favorite one…this series replaces that by a long shot.

My only criticism is I would’ve LOVED to have been the editor on this book because there are quite a few spelling or wording errors but if you can get past those it is truly a rollercoaster, love-hate, bitterness and forgiveness and SO much more. I’m so happy I have this in my collection to read over and over and over again.

Beyond recommend

[Sharon Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors descriptions of the bodies frozen in their last moments are particularly heartbreaking. Reminding the reader what an awful job body recovery really is. The book has lots of different characters and families. It us not apparent in this book if they are linked and the book finished abruptly without tying up loose ends or even completion. The subject of titanic is very interesting and I was enjoying getting to know the characters. However some of the background information was both historically and politically incorrect although if you didnt live in Ireland you probably wouldn't realise that. I need to read the 2nd half of the book to reach conclusions.

[Claire Molesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through Voracious Readers. I have read a lot of books about the Titanic, both fiction and non fiction and this one is up there with some of my favourites. I instantly fell in love with all of the characters and wanted to see how they all got on. Luckily, the author also sent through book 2 so I could see all the characters stories through to the end.

Some of the characters were real people on the ship and the fictional characters experiences were based on testimony of some of the survivors, which makes this book even more interesting.

Would recommend.

[Mst · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I mean it's about the Titanic so it isn't hard. I have to admit I liked reading about the crew of the Titanic more than the passengers. What I didn't care for was the number of characters to follow in this book, it was hard to remember who was whom and what was going on with them as the book would jump from person to person, which is why I was more interested in the crew. I did not know there had been a coal fire which could have contributed to the weakening of the Titanic's hull. I did look it up and sure enough there had been one.

I also wasn't fond of the cliffhanger it ended on and I'm not sure when I'll be able to start the second.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows the Titanic. This story brings new stories of life aboard the ship. All walks of life. It's a story of love, family and friendship. The writer brings together just enough non fiction with fiction and you get so lost in the book that you no longer care that not all of the characters were really on board the actual titanic. The telling of the scene where the other ships pass by and the ships that come to get those that didn't make it is heart wrenching and brought me to tears. There is a part two of this book

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not yet finished the book, but I just wanted to write to review and say wow, what a book. I can not put it down, every spare 5 mins I'm reading it. Certain chapters whilst reading you can picture what is going on and how it is, some parts are upsetting but then we all know the sinking of the titanic wasn't pleasant

[Kelly Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from voracious readers only:
I absolutely love it!!! The fiction is very well blended with the historical. I have always been obsessed with the Titanic and this book kept me savoring each page. I can't wait to read "The Light in the Darkness: A Titanic Novel (book two) to find out what happens next!

[RICHARD C MAZZARELLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than most Titanic story

Part 2 not only tells of the well known sinking but of also of a class structure that shaped the lives of the women in the main characters' family. and the patriarchal society capable of destroying them. Complex characters against a backdrop of one of the most horrific tragedies in history!

[Luna Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited. Let’s go.

God, I can’t. I have read better fanfictions based on the events of Titanic, and those events were literally based on the film and not the actual events, like all fanfiction writers do because they don’t want to do the research of the real deal. It feels like this person wrote this just to write it and get some money, because it’s an obvious cashgrab.

[Scott Bouckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a compelling setup! To have such a dramatic story running in such a vividly told setting! All the while we know the timer is counting down and all these people that we care about can't even see that the story is about to take a dramatic turn!

[Brittany Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Light in the Darkness Book One was a great opening to a two book plot. At first it is a little difficult to keep up with all of the characters and remembering who is who, but eventually you remember and get drawn into each of the character’s stories. It’s suspenseful in knowing that each character is building stories of their own while not knowing the fate that they are heading towards with the Titanic sinking. I definitely recommend this book, and have already bought book two to read on and find out who lives and who dies. I will definitely be reading more from this author! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.

[Stacy N · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book! I can’t wait to read book two and find out the fate of all the characters. It’s beautifully written and I can envision each character and setting. I was drawn into the character’s lives and can’t wait to read more.

[Pina Mangion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only, disappointed that I have to wait to read the next part. Enjoyed that there is are several stories for the different society tiers. Enjoyed all the characters and am looking forward to reading Book 2.

[ROCKY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so such an interesting book being able to read from the eyes of other ppl that were on the Titanic & the also the workers that were responsible to come pick up dead. Omg it was so sad I can't read book 2!!!

[Alan Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention to detail.....astounding...

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heart breaking story, I definitely recommend Kleenex with this one

[carmen torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and heartfelt

Well written ... Couldn't put it down. Transformed you back in time. Enjoyed every minute and I recommend it highly.

[Cecily Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book!♥️😊🙌

[Toni D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

The story line is good. But was it proofread at all? So many errors and typos makes it hard to read.

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Great retelling of a horrible night in history. So many didn't survive that night and to hear stories of those that did but were shattered for the rest of their lives. Very well written.

[Derrick College · Rating 2 out of 5]

A titanic story?.. heck yes! But unfortunately I have to dnf it. I couldn’t follow the story or the many characters.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Storytelling!

This book had me hooked from start to finish. Such a contrast of characters. I can’t wait to begin Book Two!

[LaREE BROGDON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book but

I have never read a book with so many proofreading errors!!
That said the story is fascinating and sad. Even though I knew who did not make it I held out hope. The classes of British society were shameful while a sinking ship exposed how disgusting it was.

[Kathleen Knowles · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I simply could not finish this book. There's only so much description that I can take. This one spent most of its time describing everything. I just couldn't get into the characters either.

After reading a third of the book, I found I was forcing myself to read it. When that happens, I eventually drop the book, as I did here.