Wednesday, March 25, 2026

The Helmsman of Anthesis by Lee Hodiak #bookreview #giveaway #historical #fiction #Rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

 




Historical Fiction

Date Published: March 12th

Publisher: Acorn Publishing



William Sukara, a gregarious dreamer, emerges from the 1950s an estranged son. In divorce debt and with limited visitation rights as a father, he searches for order in failure. Pursuing self-discipline as an answer, he enlists in the Navy, volunteers for underwater demolition team training, and survives the elite course.

With five other team members, he raises his hand for a clandestine mission, knowing only that it's a “hundred day operation in a warm climate." They are led by a mysterious civilian who alludes that their authorization comes from the Oval Office, and they are to operate with extreme malice. They revolt, escaping under bizarre circumstances.


The Helmsman of Anthesis is a raw, close to the nerve, psychological thriller about a mission gone wantonly mad.

 



Review

This is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then sticks with you after you’re done.

The story feels thoughtful and a bit different from typical Historical Fiction. While the history and time feel prevalent, it’s not just about that, but also about purpose, responsibility, and secrets.

The writing is steady and clear, with some really nice descriptive moments without getting too heavy. 

If you enjoy a mystery that keeps you guessing, character growth, and a story that takes its time, it’s definitely worth the read.



About the Author

At age twenty, Lee Hodiak joined the Navy and spent most of his enlistment attached to Underwater Demolition Team 12. After serving, he joined the San Diego Police Department but realized he needed to follow his passion for wilderness travel and adventure instead. He went on to backpack the Baja California Peninsula, built a thirty-six-foot sloop, and lived in Australia for twenty years.
Now a resident of Central California, Lee enjoys birdwatching and living by the ocean. Sixty years in the making, The Helmsman of Anthesis is his debut novel.

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