This post was most recently updated on February 18th, 2014

Publisher: Three Clover Press (February 1, 2013)
Category: Vietnam War, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller
Tour Dates: May 2013
Available in: Print and ebook 384 Pages

Awarded Runner Up in General Fiction at the 2013 Beach Book Festival. Awarded honorable mention general fiction 2013 New York Book Festival!

In this suspense thriller set during the Vietnam War, Victor Ortega is a rogue CIA agent, and he needs someone to blame for his crimes. Recon Marine Ethan Card is the perfect patsy. As a teen, Ethan ran with a Chicago street gang, and he has a criminal record. He also has a secret lover, Tuyen, who is half Vietnamese and half French.

Tuyen is a stunning, beautiful Viet Cong resistance fighter.

Since she was a young child, Tuyen has lived under the control of her brutal, older, sexually abusive half-brother, Giap, a ruthless and powerful Viet Cong leader, who has forced her to kill Americans in battle or die if she refuses.

When Ethan discovers he is going to be court marshaled for weapons he did not sell to the Viet Cong and Tuyen will be arrested and end up in an infamous South Vietnamese prison, where she will be tortured and raped, he hijacks a U.S. Army helicopter and flees with Tuyen across Southeast Asia while struggling to prove his innocence.

Victor Ortega and Giap—working together with the support of an unwitting American general—will stop at nothing to catch the two, and the hunt is on.

The star-crossed lovers travel across Laos to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat; to Bangkok, Thailand, and then to Burma’s Golden Triangle where Ethan and Tuyen face a ruthless drug lord and his gang.

In the rainforests of Burma, Ethan also discovers Ortega and Giap have set in motion a massive assault on his Marine unit’s remote base in South Vietnam with the goal of killing the man he admires most, Colonel Edward Price, who is the only one who believes Ethan is innocent.

Ethan must risk everything to save Price and his fellow Marines. Will he succeed?

Read Chapter One.

Praise for The Concubine Saga Lloyd Lofthouse’s previous book):

“One of the best-researched books I have ever read–at least, in regard to historical fiction. I can guarantee you that the time you invest in reading this unbelievable book is worthwhile.  There was honestly never a dull moment in this book. 
The detail in this book is fascinating. I appreciated the non-judgmental attitude with which the author wrote. I would have struggled to remain objective, but it is clear that the author wrote with objectivity and with heart–a rare combination. This is a book I would recommend to lovers of historical fiction”– Ruth Hill, My Devotional Thoughts

“Told in descriptive detail and such beauty of the Chinese culture that I did not want it the story to end. A very well written and impeccably researched story that I highly recommend to the historical fiction fan. A lot of history but not written like a history book. This book does have a lot of sexual content in it but told in a very tasteful way. I really enjoyed this book.”- Kathleen Kelly, Celtic Lady

“I really enjoyed reading about the internal struggles Robert had with his new found life in China versus his upbringing in Ireland. The conflict of religion, customs and attitudes was so real and heartfelt that I completely understood his position and thinking throughout the book.
Robert’s concubine Ayaou is extremely well written. This book is a great read for anyone traveling to China, anyone studying Chinese and/or Chinese History or just loves Historical Novels”.– Alysia, My Little Pocketbook

“ This book is not just history. Intrigue, violence, and romance fill the pages of The Concubine Saga. It is difficult for a reader to be bored, even if there is not constant physical action, the book itself is fast-paced.
This book could be enjoyed by most people. Although historical, Lofthouse wrote The Concubine Saga for all readers. Anyone interested in history would love this book.  This book is more entertaining and informative than most any history lesson. Historically accurate and interesting, this book earns five out of five stars.”-Krystal, Live To Read 

“The Concubine Saga by Lloyd Lofthouse is the perfect blend of when fact meets fiction. When this novel first came to my attention, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. I am glad that I did decide to give it a try or I would have missed out on a very entertaining book.
This book really has two story lines. The first is Robert’s political career and the second is the love story between Ayaou and Robert. Both story lines mesh together to create a captivating story.
The character development of both Robert and Ayaou is very strong. The Concubine is an epic saga about the trials and tribulations that took place during the Opium Wars. The characters are strong and inspirational and will move you. There is action, adventure, romance, heartache, and loss. This is definitely considered a To Read.”-Marcie Turner, To Read or Not To Read

“Mr. Lofthouse is a brilliant author who makes China come alive to the reader. I was simply swept away through the eyes of Robert Hart as he experienced all the nuances of China and its people and customs for the first time.
The romance of Robert and Ayaou is gorgeously written in all aspects. Just a beautiful rendering of an epic love story.
I found myself wanting to carry this book around with me to sneak another page of reading in wherever I could…it’s that engaging.
Lofthouse has a firm grasp on characterization. His studies of people, relationships and their actions and reactions are so in perfect pitch that there can be no question they existed. They feel alive. I fell in love with several of them. It was difficult when the novel ended.
This is a book for those who love reading about the Orient, but it’s also for those who simply love a good historical fiction novel. It’s lush in details of Chinese culture. It’s a wonderful read. Like the beautifully stitched quilt on the book’s cover, this novel is delicately woven and created using choice selections of all sorts. It will keep you wanting more from the author…not wanting the book to end.”- Deborah, The Bookish Dame

About Lloyd Lfthouse:

Lloyd Lofthouse, a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran, served in Vietnam as a field radio operator in 1966. Back home, Lloyd was a heavy drinker until 1981, never talked about the war and suffered from PTSD. In the early 1980s, he confronted his demons by writing about his war experiences in an MFA program.

Running with the Enemy started as a memoir and then evolved into fiction.

His short story, A Night at the “Well of Purity”, named a finalist of the 2007 Chicago Literary Awards, was based on an event Lloyd experienced in Vietnam.

His novel My Splendid Concubine has earned ten honorable mentions in general fiction—a few examples: the 2008 London Book Festival; 2009 San Francisco Book Festival; 2009 Los Angeles Book Festival, and the 2012 New York Book Festival, etc.

In 1999, his wife, Anchee Min, the author of the memoir Red Azalea, a book that was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year in 1994, introduced Lloyd to Robert Hart, the real-life character of My Splendid Concubine.

After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines in 1968, Lloyd went to college on the GI Bill to earn a BA in journalism, and then worked days as a public school teacher for thirty years (1975 – 2005) in addition to nights and weekends as a maître d’ in a Southern California nightclub called the Red Onion (1980-1982).

Loyd’s Website: http://lloydlofthouse.org/

Lloyd on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lflwriter
Lloyd of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.lofthouse

Follow the Tour:
So Many Precious Books May 30 Review & Giveaway
Book Dilettante May 31 Review
M. Denise C. June 4 Review
M. Denise C. June 5 Interview
JoyStory June 6 Review
My Devotional Thoughts June 7 Interview
Sweeps4Bloggers June 10 Review & Giveaway
Dab of Darkness June 11 Review
Romance & Inspiration June 12 Review
A Booklover’s LibraryJune 17 Spotlight
A Booklover’s LibraryJune 18 Guest Post
DWED Blog June 20 Review
DWED Blog June 21 Interview
Tabula Rasa June 26 Review
A Book & Lattee June 27 Review
A Book & Lattee June 28 Interview

This post was most recently updated on September 30th, 2012

Publisher: Balboa Press- July, 2011

Category: Historical Fiction

Tour Dates: September, 2012

Available in Print and eBook, 448 pages

The tour in May went so well, that were doing it again!  Don’t miss your opportunity to read this excellent historical fiction!

Written In the Ashes has been optioned by Mark R. Harris, Academy Award-Winning Producer (Crash, Gods & Monsters) for a TV mini series!

Who burned the Great Library of Alexandria?

When the Roman Empire collapses in the 5th century, the city of Alexandria, Egypt is plagued with unrest. Paganism is declared punishable by death and the populace splinters in religious upheaval.

Hannah, a beautiful Jewish shepherd girl is abducted from her home in the mountains of Sinai and sold as a slave in Alexandria to Alizar, an alchemist and successful vintner. Her rapturous singing voice destines her to become the most celebrated bard in the Great Library.

Meanwhile, the city’s bishop, Cyril, rises in power as his priests roam the streets persecuting the pagans. But while most citizens submit, a small resistance fights for justice.

Hypatia, the library’s charismatic headmistress, summons her allies to protect the world’s knowledge from the escalating violence. Risking his life, his family, and his hard-earned fortune, Alizar leads the conspiracy by secretly copying the library’s treasured manuscripts and smuggling them to safety.

When Hannah becomes the bishop’s target, she is sequestered across the harbor in the Temple of Isis. But an ancient ceremonial rite between a monk and priestess inside the Pharos lighthouse ignites a forbidden passion.

Torn between the men she loves, Hannah must undertake a quest to the lost oracles of Delfi and Amun-Ra to find the one thing powerful enough to protect the pagans: The Emerald Tablet.

Meanwhile, the Christians siege the city, exile the Jews, and fight the dwindling pagan resistance as the Great Library crumbles.

But not everything is lost. . .

Praise for Written In the Ashes:

“A stunning epic about the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria, Egypt from a brilliant young novelist whose depiction of the ancient world is sure to capture the hearts and readers everywhere.”- Mark R. Harris, Academy Award-Winning Producer (Crash, Gods & Monsters)

“Written in the Ashes is one of those rare novels that sets ‘history’ afire, to bathe readers in the glow of a greater, hotter truth. Fans of The Mists of Avalon will find this romantic/alchemical/feminist/spiritual epic equally captivating.” – Tom Robbins, international/ New York Times bestselling author Even Cowgirls Get the Blues and Jitterbug Perfume

“Van Zandt’s vivid description of the Great Library instantly transported me to a lush fifth century Alexandria. Her lyrical writing style and breakneck storytelling kept me riveted to the very last page.”-Robin Maxwell bestselling author of The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn and Signora da Vinci.

“In her captivating debut novel, Written in the Ashes, K. Hollan Van Zandt brings to life a fascinating and forgotten woman of history: Hypatia of Alexandria, who may have been one of the greatest female minds of all time. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk the streets of long ago Egypt, then look no further. You will be enthralled!”-Michelle Moran, international bestselling author of Nefertiti and Cleopatra’s Daughter

“Written in the Ashes is a story that could have been ripped from today’s headlines. It opens the door into a magical, fascinating and frightening era in our history.  With hope, it’s one we will not be doomed to repeat.”-Josh Conviser, Executive Consultant HBO’s Rome, author Echelon and Empyre

“This book has been optioned for a TV mini-series by Academy Award-winning producer Mark Harris (Crash 2005). I cannot wait to see this beautiful story on my TV.   Once I started this book I worked my way through it in 2 days. And when I say work, I mean it was a perfect read.  It is clear that a lot of research has gone into this book, which is perhaps most beautifully expressed in the description of the Library of Alexandria.  Next to a beautiful story, the book also shows respect for the time in which the story is set. As a historical fiction novel it is one of the best I have read in a long time. Kaia has truly achieved creating a story that is both captivating and interesting. With beautiful attention to detail and tradition, it is bound to ensnare every reader.”-Juli, UniverseinWords.Blogspot.com

“The story is extremely detailed in historical fact, but by no means is it dry and dusty. The author manages to weave the facts seamlessly into the exciting and romantic fictional story. So much so, that it becomes difficult to separate the two while reading – it just sucks you right into 5th Century Alexandria. I found myself absolutely riveted while reading this book! I highly recommend this book for anyone that appreciates a strong female character or two.” Theresa Jones, frugexperments.com

What some book bloggers from the tour said:

“There were so many things that I loved in this book.  VanZandt does a fantastic job with recreating what it must have been like to live back in Alexandria during the 400s. You can see the sites of the port in your mind’s eye. You can imagine the clothing of all of the different kinds of people that made their way to Alexandria.  Historical fiction lovers who want a full bodied experience must read this book (emphasis on the must; this is not optional)!”- Meg, A Bookish Affair

“This story surpassed my expectations.  For a first novel it is amazingly competent on every level of craft: pacing, dialog, plot, character, description, narrative, setting, theme, symbol, metaphor, historical veracity.  The ending though it wrapped up many of the story’s threads satisfyingly left a few of them for a sequel. I understand this is to be a trilogy and I can’t wait to read the next one.  I’m also anxiously awaiting the TV miniseries that is in the works”.- Joy Story

“The first thing I noticed about this novel was how beautiful the writing is. Van Zandt is extremely talented at making what could be an ordinary description of a day turn into poetry. I was immediately drawn into the book and could not put it down because of how well written it was. After I fell in love with the writing, I fell in love with the characters.  The scene is set beautifully and I couldn’t help but feel as though I were taken back in time and walking the streets of Alexandria and looking on the wonders held in the Great Library. Overall, this was a fascinating novel and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.”- Siobian, The Owl Bookmark

“I became instantly attached to the characters and the events that transpired. The characters were wonderfully written.  I have to give high praise to the author for the atmospheric world of Alexandria and beyond that she brought to the page.  I thought that this was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend. Not only do we get treated to a beautiful view of Alexandria but the story is one that deserves to be told. I can’t wait for this to be brought to the screen”!- Heather, The Maiden’s Court

About K. Hollan Van Zandt:

K. Hollan Van Zandt has always loved libraries, oceans, ancient history and migrating birds. Her mentor, novelist Tom Robbins, instilled in her an abiding love and respect for language.She lives in Southern California, and dreams of a home in Greece. This, her first novel, took ten years to complete.

K. Hollan Van Zandt’s website.

Tour Dates:

To Read or Not to Read         Sept 4 Review
To Read or Not to Read         Sept 5 Giveaway & Interview
Griperang’s Bookmarks         Sept 5 Review
J.A. Beard                              Sept 6 Review
Peeking Between the Pages Sept.7 Spotlight & Giveaway
J.A. Beard                              Sept 10 Interview
History & Women                 Sept  11 Review
Teacher Writer                     Sept. 12 Review
Butterfly-o-Meter Books       Sept 12 Giveaway & Excerpt
Jenny Loves to Read           Sept  13 Review
Wormhole                          Sept. 17 Review
Book Spark                        Sept 18 Review
Book Drunkard                  Sept 18 Review
The Wormhole                  Sept. 18 Spotlight
Book Drunkard                  Sept  19 Giveaway & Interview
The Wormhole                  Sept 20 Review
Historical Tapestry            Sept 21 Guest Post
Over Cup’s of Coffee        Sept 24 Review
Over Cup’s of Coffee        Sept 24 Giveaway
Celtic Lady                        Sept 21 Spotlight
Creatures ‘n Crooks         Sept 25 Review & Giveaway                           |
Creatures ‘n Crooks         Sept 26 Interview
Peaceful Wishing             Sept 27 Review & Giveaway
Joy’s Book Blog                Sept 27 Review
Joy’s Book Blog                Sept 28 Giveaway & Interview
Book Thingo                     Sept. 28  Review
Peeking Between the Pages Sept 28 Review
Em Sun                            Sept 30 Review