The Korr Stigmata by Tim Dugan

The Korr Stigmata
Author: Tim Dugan
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Tim Dugan
Release Date: 2016
Pages: 355
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: In September 1940 the German blitz began pounding England in preparation for invasion, and it looked for all the world as if mighty Britain would be the next European state to fall to Nazi Germany. Graduate student Grace Arundel, who recently ended a long engagement, finds herself suddenly alone in the middle of the war and her world is in complete turmoil. The crisis throws her together with historian John Perceval and a new relationship blossoms, and it is at that time that the incredible begins. Arthur, the once and future king, appears to Grace and tells her she is “important” to the unfolding conflict. 

     Shaped around actual WWII events, including the SS search for the Holy Grail, the story becomes a desperate race for the lost Grail, the mysterious but powerful key that will turn the war in favor of its possessor. Grace is caught up in the chase along with Arthur, John and the druid Merlin, and before it’s over she discovers the staggering secrets passed down from her ancestors that eventually make her the object of the race. The Korr Stigmata is an adventure, and it also has mystical elements. But at the core it is the story about Grace at the most pivotal point in her life, and what she has to do and learn and overcome in order to find out who she truly is.

     My Review: It is the year 1940, and the Germans are preparing to invade England. Grace Arundel is a graduate student who plans on finishing college. However, the war forces her to put her plans on hold. One day, she witnesses the return of King Arthur. King Arthur has come to save England in its darkest hour. He asks Grace and her boyfriend John to help him with the task. As Grace goes on a dangerous mission to find the Holy grail and save England, she finds herself on a journey to learn who her ancestors were and who she truly is.

      At first glance, I thought Grace was a Mary Sue character. She is smart, beautiful, and is described as special. However, as the novel progresses her character evolves. She becomes a very relatable character. There were moments when she was afraid of the mission she was assigned and wanted to run away. However, when she realized her responsibility to save her country, she felt brave and capable enough to do her task. She never stops seeking to find her identity. Therefore, Grace was a likable character. However, I was disappointed when she became a damsel in distress at the end.

     I thought that the romance between John and Grace was not developed enough and could easily have been left out. John was a very passive character and did not have much of a role in the story, except as Grace’s boyfriend. While I did not get to know more  about Arthur and Merlin’s new abilities that were mentioned many times throughout the novel, I thought they were the best characters in the story. They were very fun, and I sensed a deep friendship between them.

     Overall, this book is about self-discovery, responsibility, and love. The characters for the most part are very static characters with not much character development. Despite the novel’s flaws, it was a very light and enjoyable read. It moves at a rapid pace, and it is filled with mystery, action, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As an Arthurian fan, I thought that it stayed true to the myths of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. I not only recommend this to fans of the Arthurian legend, but also for fans of time-bending stories and those interested in the early days of World War II England.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars