Jill Heins

The following are my writing samples. Jill M. Heins The Fox by M. N. J. Butler The poetic language of The Fox is reminiscent of the glory and tragedy of ancient Sparta. Historical quotes from writers like Plutarch and the author’s en passant mention of Herodotus set the stage for this epic tale. Phrases read like proverbs, for example, "The old, having to do as well as talk, occasionally said something wise." M.N.J. Butler's dynamic writing style captures the mystical past ambiance and sprinkles a breath of wisdom among the pages. Each chapter has a memorable anecdote, such as "Oh, the pleasure of dining where men can differ spiritedly without anger, and become merry without drunkenness." I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars. If The Fox underwent editorial work I would revise my rating to a 4 of 4, but the minor grammatical issues did not detract from my enjoyment of it. The author immerses you in the historical background with wry, lively humor. In contrast, many modern books throw facts at you like text messages instead of depicting a scene with the archaic beauty and wit it deserves. For example, Butler writes, "Whatever it was incited a storm of protest from the Athenians. One was even provoked to brevity." It's impossible not to respond positively to Leotychides, who later added, "We recalled we were civilized men and moderated the tone." This is the story of Prince Leotychides who grew up in ancient Sparta and its military absorption with legendary heroes like Leonidas and mythical champions like Apollo and Agamemnon. Leotychides' father is King Agis, but their relationship is problematic. When Leotychides was fifteen years old and away at flock (which is more military training than school), his father becomes ill and a power struggle ensues. If you enjoy the writing of Simon Scarrow and Steven Saylor, you will undoubtedly enjoy M.N.J. Butler. Setting the tone with lyrical backdrops such as a priestess singing a hymn to Aphrodite as Leotychides approaches Corinth effectively portrays the elegiac ambiance of ancient Greece. Memorable phrases like, "It is a wonder that imbecile Sphodrias is alive; but, by the Twin Gods, he is a splendid man to have at your side in battle!” remind me of a Robert E. Howard adventure. Butler creates well-developed characters so likable that it’s difficult to put the novel down. The reader comes away feeling he knows authentic people in ancient times. The names of the characters are lengthy, but there's a handy glossary in the front in case you confuse Pausanios with Peisander. I would highly recommend The Fox to any fan of well-crafted historical fiction. Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm Zuleika is a vain and shallow girl who breaks hearts wherever she goes. She makes a living as a stage magician, getting by more on her looks than her skill. Since she lives for being admired, this gives her the perfect career. Zuleika didn't enjoy being a governess and never stayed in any situation long since the older sons in the family inevitably became enamored of her, prompting their family to let her go. When she visits Oxford, you can't help rooting for the Duke of Dorset when he proposes to her. As much as I adore Max Beerbohm's literary style, irony, and wit, this is a rather dismal book in which men destroy their lives in droves over their unrequited love for the narcissistic Zuleika. I suspect that Sir Beerbohm did not have a very healthy attitude toward women. The Wolf-Leader by Alexandre Dumas Alexandre Dumas is best known for his adventure novels such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. This novel is not his usual action-filled tale, but the writing is just as poetic as his more famous works. This is the story of Thibault, a covetous cobbler who makes a deal with the devil. Thibault envies those more successful than he, particularly the Baron of Vez. Thibault covets the game from the baron’s forest, and Agnelette, an attractive girl that caught the Baron's eye. Envy seems to rule Thibault's life, and his grasping personality is his downfall. One of the devil's minions appears to him in the form of a werewolf, but the townspeople claim that it is Thibault who is actually the werewolf. He discovers, "Each time he had held a good hand, each time he had felt sure of the game, it was the devil after all who had won," in the same vein as the movie Bedazzled. As much as Thibault enjoys his new power, it is redemption he longs for in the end. The Black Wolf Pack by Daniel Carter Beard This is a boy’s adventure story which occurs in the Rocky Mountains in 1911. When Don is in high school, he discovers that he is adopted and goes on a quest to find his biological father. His search leads him to the wilderness, where a wild man accompanied by an eagle and a pack of wolves rescues him from a grizzly. Could this enigmatic man be his father? Memoirs of Marguerite de Valois by Marguerite de Valois This is the autobiography of Marguerite, the Catholic Princess who advocated freedom of religion and rescued a number of Huguenots from the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre. She married Henri, King of Navarre, but later agreed to dissolve their marriage. After the death of her mother (the queen) and her brothers, she lived alone in an isolated castle. She was deceived by her own family -- they seem to give the Borgias a run for their money, and she led a challenging life. Marguerite was ahead of her time in advocating for that most basic of freedoms, the freedom of belief. It is interesting to read the historical events as told from her own point of view, but also rather melancholy. The Mission by Frederick Marryat This Victorian-era novel features the usual florid descriptions and ornate language of the period. Sir Charles Wilmot‘s daughter was lost in a shipwreck years ago, presumed dead. But when he reads in the London newspaper that there were survivors, his grandnephew Alexander Wilmot volunteers to go to Africa to see if she survived. This quest for Alexander's Aunt is the mission of the book’s title. On the way to Cape Town, Alexander befriends Mr. Swinton, a naturalist working in Africa. Big game hunting was a source of fascination during the Victorian era, so naturally there's a foray into this world. The novel is written as an old-fashioned adventure, similar to the novels of Victor Hugo or Charles Dickens. It’s enjoyable, but the modern reader may feel that it takes a while to get underway since nineteenth century travel was time consuming and this is described in its entirety. The unnecessary hunting carnage bothered me--I only gave it three stars. If you are less squeamish you may enjoy it more than I did. Playing with Fire by Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr This is the fictional story of Reverend Dr. Ian Macrae family in Glasgow, Scotland. Reverend Macrae is a widower who lives with his two children, Marion and Donald. Lady Cramer's son Lord Richard falls for Marion, but her father wants her to marry Allan Reid, the sneaky rich kid on the block. When Lady Cramer begins flirting with Reverend Macrae, it takes him longer than you would expect to realize that she is up to no good. The book gradually reveals that the good reverend's family may be closer to God than he is. While Reverend Macrae is known for his phenomenal preaching skills, his spirituality is of the head and not the heart. He has a lot to learn from both his family and his redeemer if he will open his eyes.