Spy for The Night Riders - Dave & Neta Jackson

Martin Luther turned to the emperor and said, " Your Majesty, unless I am shown from the Scriptures that I have mistakes, I am neither able nor willing to revoke even one word of what I have written. Here I stand; God help me, I cannot do otherwise."

- Spy for The Night Riders, Dave & Neta Jackson

 

 

Finally, a book about Martin Luther! He is, for some reason, a huge role model to me. So really, I'd like any book involving him in any way, but this was actually really good - whether or not you're a Martin Luther fan.

 

It was a historical fiction that was more focused on the made-up parts of it. The main character isn't Martin Luther, either. Instead it's his servant (more like helper), Karl. So Karl kind of has his own story and things that go on, but all things that would affect Luther. All the adult characters were real, all others were taken from the author's imagination. The story begins from the time Luther's name is posted on the Wittenberg church as a heretic, to the his disguise in a castle as Junker George. We see the trial at Worms and other historical as well as fictional events. I do think this book would've been a little better if it begun earlier. Maybe around the time he posted his famous ninety-five theses. (However, that's probably only my opinion because I watched a movie and it made the posting of his theses this incredibly dramatic and intriguing event.)

 

It was an easy, fun and educational read. I enjoyed seeing the events I knew were true first hand from Karl. It was also interesting to follow the made-up events. Although, I would say that this book wouldn't be best if  you had no clue who Martin Luther was or the events of his life, because it is not written to be a biography. It was, however, a great book after I had learned about Martin Luther. That way, I didn't get fact and fiction mixed up.

 

At the end there was a short biography, which was cool. I just find it cool after reading a historical fiction to read about events that you know are factual, and actually did happen. It feels more honest, I suppose.

 

I really don't know what else to say about this book, other than that it was the perfect book for kids, youth, and adults alike. Very enjoyable.