Review
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Title: Zion’s Call
Author: Jeffry Maughan
Publisher: Grape Soda Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Year Published: 2015
Number of Pages: 222
Binding: Paperback
ISBN13: 978-1-51423-789-2
Price: $7.99
Reviewed by Kristie Wilkins for the Association for Mormon Letters
When Howard Egan stepped off the gangplank of the Gallatin and on to the docks at Salem, Massachusetts little did he imagine he was stepping into an entirely new life. Within a short time he encounters the fiery, independent Tamson Parshley and knows that his future does not lie on the sea. Howard sets forth determined to make a life and a name for himself in Salem and win Tamson’s heart. However, in an impulsive act of courage and integrity Howard sets himself against the son of one of Salem’s most influential citizens. From that time forward Howard is faced with tremendous opposition as he strives to build a business with his new friend and partner and become a respected member of the town.
In “Zion’s Call,” promising author Jeremy Maughan shares a story of faith, endurance, determination and love based upon the experiences of the author’s own ancestors. Howard Egan left his home in Canada at a very young age and spent the next decade at sea. Life in Salem was vastly different from what he had known. Even the very definitions of friendship and honor appear to conflict with his prior experiences. The relationships between Howard and the men who enter his life and become his mentors are some of the highlights of the book. As Howard faces repeated episodes of challenges to his faith and character he is guided through those trials by men who each teach him something about himself and how to become a better man.
Among those whose influence guided Howard’s path were his employer/business partner, a town leader, and a friend from his ship whose moral compass may have been askew at times but whose ideals of friendship never varied. One of the blessings of the opposition that Howard faces is the opportunity to provide protection for, and begin a friendship with, a Mormon missionary, Erastus Snow, although Howard does not recognize it at the time. Only after the conversion of his own Tamson and a remarkable meeting with Brigham Young where Howard witnesses a healing does Howard give place to his new friends’ teachings and allow religion in his life.
I found Mr. Maughan’s characters to be well developed and interesting. Each of his characters had their flaws and their strengths, which give depth and validity to their interactions. Maughan weaves a great story with a good amount of adventure to round out the journey of faith and the romance. In this way his story will appeal to a wider audience. “Zion’s Call” is a nicely presented book as well. The cover art is beautiful and artistically portrays the complexity of the main character’s relationship.
Some readers may become distracted from the story by the grammatical and editing errors throughout the book. There are places, especially at the conclusion of the book, where plot holes leave the reader wondering what they missed and how the characters arrived in certain circumstances. A good editing before widespread publication would eliminate those distractions and allow the story to really shine.
I believe that Jeremy Maughan’s ancestors would be pleased that their story and legacy has been preserved to inspire future generations. I would very much enjoy reading more about their journey to join the Saints and the way the Egan’s faith continued to develop as they faced the difficult challenges of moving west with the Saints and building a new life in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains.