Bloodroot

IPNE (Independent Publishers of New England)  2022 FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR!

2024 HFC (Historical Ficition Company) BOOK OF THE YEAR -RUNNER UP

The beauty and the horrors of Jamestown 1609

Set against the stark and harrowing backdrop of America's first settlement, Jamestown, Virginia, in 1609, this narrative transports readers to a time of profound struggle and transformation.
 
Matthew, an Englishman, is skeptical of his friend Richard's tales of a paradisiacal Jamestown, soon finds himself engulfed in the brutal reality of this so-called paradise. Arriving in Virginia, he is initially struck by the unspoiled beauty of the land, a stark contrast to the dark undercurrents of greed and conflict that soon emerge. The community, gripped by gold fever, grows increasingly hostile towards the native inhabitants, foreshadowing imminent bloodshed.
 
As the narrative unfolds, Matthew's journey becomes a gripping tale of survival against all odds.
The harsh winter ushers in "the starving time," a period marked by extreme deprivation and moral decay. Wracked with guilt over his transgressions against Richard and tormented by forbidden desires, Matthew teeters on the brink of despair.
 
In his darkest hour, choosing death over a life sullied by depravity, Matthew finds unexpected salvation among the Powhatan, his erstwhile enemies. This twist of fate propels him into an entirely new existence, challenging his beliefs and loyalties. The story poses the question: what does this new life hold for Matthew, and can he endure amidst such tumultuous change?

Daniel V. Meier Jr. is a celebrated American author known for his gripping historical novels, thrillers, and literary fiction. With a passion for storytelling rooted in history and adventure, Meier brings a wealth of diverse experiences to his craft.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, with a degree in History, Meier later pursued American Literature at the University of Maryland Graduate School. His life journey has been as dynamic as his writing, encompassing roles as a U.S. Navy veteran, flight instructor, FAA pilot examiner, and high school English and History teacher.

Meier's literary career spans decades, beginning in 1980 when he published a mystery/thriller under the pen name Vince Daniels. He has also contributed to aviation magazines and served as a journalist for the Washington Business Journal. After retiring from his role as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA, Meier embraced writing full-time, crafting stories that captivate readers with their depth and authenticity.