Starred Review from Library Journal -
"This compelling drama will challenge readers to remember slavery's brutal history, and its heroic characters will inspire them." read more
Review from Publishers Weekly -
"Strom does succeed in capturing how utterly reprehensible any form of slavery is, past or present." read more
"I enjoyed reading the book and it was certainly one that kept my interest. I had just watched the movie, Amazing Grace, and read the book William Wilberforce for the United Methodist Women reading program, so I had in a sense been dealing with the slave issue. The book was very engaging and at times I did not want to put it down. I felt the short chapters made it an even easier read. There were times during the story that I had to stop to question how could this or that happen, especially when the slaves were in Zulina fortress and they were attempting to escape. Some of the descriptions of things that happened did not make sense such as the tunnel in the dungeon being blocked by Lingongo. I thought the character descriptions were good and in my mind I could picture each one. I would recommend it as a good read." ~ Barbara Bone, member of UMW - United Methodist Women's Reading Group
"What happens when the mixed-race daughter of a slave-trading English sea captain and a power-wielding African princess is caught up in a battle for freedom? Kay Marshall Strom has written a riveting story about life in West Africa in the late-1700's. Readers can't help but be sweptaway as Grace Winslow, the heroine, learns the truth about her family's unsavory business dealings. When even her own flesh and blood turns against her, she must draw on her faith and her newfound friends as she stands against the evils of her time. Also the author of Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, Strom is qualified to write a story of courage in the face of injustice." ~ Myra Johnson, author of One Imperfect Christmas
"Timely with Congress working the long overdue apology, this is a strong look at the full slave trade business from deals of all sorts and the treatment of the enslaved. The cast is solid on both sides of the issue; especially surprisingly the Europeans. It is not just the traffickers who see it as the divine right of the superior white man’s burden to “care” for these human animals. The romance between aptly named Grace (as noted in the introduction John Newton went from slave transporter to abolitionist to Amazing Grace hymn writer) and Cabeto seems unneeded and forced. Still fans will appreciate this powerful realistic look at the destructiveness of slavery as Kay Marshall Strom states Zulina is Goree Island in Senegal, enhancing the case we must never forget less we repeat the horrific indignities." read the entire review ~ Harriet Klausner - The Merry Genre Go Round Reviews
"I will admit that THE CALL OF ZULINA has been in my to-be-read pile for awhile, and I’ve been hesitant to pick it up and read it. Another historical, and this one set in Africa. I didn’t think it would be that good. But THE CALL OF ZULINA is far from being just another historical. This one stands head and shoulders above the rest. I couldn’t help but falling in love with Grace, half English, half African, and fitting in no where. I couldn’t help but feel for the Africans captures and torn from their homes and families, and no one caring whether they lived or died. I couldn’t help but hope the prisoners would succeed in their quest for freedom even though the odds where severely stacked against them. The Call of Zulina is a book that I very highly recommend. The story grabbed my intrerest from the first page and held it until the end. Even though the book is in some places very violent, and very graphic, it moves the heart, and I recommend reading this book with a box of tissues close. If you read one book this year, make sure it is The Call of Zulina, book one of the Grace in Africa series. This book is a winner." ~ Laura Hilton - The Suspense Zone and A Romance Review
"Grace Winslow, a pampered daughter of a white slave trader and African princess, has come to a place of decison. Will she marry the rich white man who wanters her as a possession or will she find her way?
Kay Strom brings us a powerful historical novel about the slave trade of the late 1700's in Africa. This story whie fictional, is abased on a true slave house, with a true African/White slave trade couple.
This story unfolds, bringing us a story of horror, of unimaginable cruelty and of betrayal. Grace is betrayed by her parents and in danger of her life, but her own personal tragedy will become triumph as she stays true to who she is. Follow the story as strong leaders emerge from the African slaves, held in the fortress of Zulina. Learn historical and native facts about the way African villages are plundered and pillaged, as the white slave traders, use other slaves to capture more slaves. Meet Mama Muco, a slave in the home of the white slave trader and African princess, who helped to raise Grace, who taught Grace about faith in God and who helps Grace escape.
Truly a story that is emotional, educational, Kay Strom has brought us a wonderful book, that will make us examine the social injustice and the horrible truths about slave trade." ~ Cindy Loven, Cindy's Stamping & Reviews
"Slavery. This is not a topic easily approached by anyone in any time period. I wasn't sure about this book when I first began reading. I was a little uncertain about the author's direction in the story. However, knowing this is the first story in a triology, I kept reading, and I'm so glad I did! The ending of the novel is the perfect setting for future exploration. I won't disguise the difficulty of the subject matter - it's not pleasant. Yet what the reader learns about slavery, true slavery, makes for a satisfying and challenging read. Please look for an opportunity to read The Call of Zulina and learn more about this author." Kim Ford of Window To My World Blog
"The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom is book one of the Grace in Africa series. She starts out as a young naive woman convinced that just around the corner is someone who can rescue her, but after witnessing and experiencing unimaginable violence, she starts to become a strong, spirited woman of God. Strom perfectly renders the utter hopelessness of the slaves in the fortress of Zulina. There is no way out and no place to go if they could escape. The cover of the book is misleading as it looks like a standard historical romance, but this book is anything but with its unflinching depiction of slavery and the characters' fight for hope. I can't wait to read the next book in this series." ~ Christy Lockstein of Christy's Book Blog
"I am so excited to see the variety of settings and plot lines in Christian fiction that I have been reading lately! This story was so original that I absolutely couldn't assume or predict anything - I loved that! The hardest part of it for me as a mother of six was the sheer evilness of her own mother. Revenge runs so strongly in her veins that she doesn't hesitate to not only leave her daughter for dead, but she wants to personally make sure that she and any she cares about are all dead. I would say that is not realistic, except that it makes perfect sense in the context of her own upbringing and how her own father sacrificed her to a white man for his own advances. I am really looking forward to book #2 in this series. Great historical fiction in a new setting with a new story!" ~ Janna R - of paperbackswap.com
"Grace Winslow is in a fight for her freedom. As the daughter of an African-princess, she is royalty. As the child of a wealthy white merchant, she is powerful. As a woman of mixed parentage amid the slave trade in West African in 1787, she is an outcast.
One of Strom's strengths is her ability to show both the brutality and irrational justification of the slave trade. Authentic characters, unique time period, and a captivating setting make this an intriguing saga. However, God's presence working in the life of the heroine is understated; and I found it difficult to like the main character. But the changes in the heroine are dramatic and welcome. Readers who enjoy historical fiction or coming-of-age stories will like this book." Church Libraries Publication Fall 2009 issue - Evangelical Church Library Association