From Pirates to Popes: The Wild Journey Behind a Sweeping Historical Epic with Author Kent Merrell

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Kent Merrell, author of the book The Conquest of Liberty. Meet A. Kent Merrell, a man whose creative spark has ignited award-winning advertising campaigns, inspired global leadership talks, and now fuels the pages of his vivid historical fiction. With his latest book, The Conquest of Liberty, Kent invites readers on a rollicking journey through the reformation in Europe, the discovery of the New World, and the dramatic fall and liberation of the Inca Empire. His storytelling, steeped in travels to far-flung lands and two years living atop the Andes, breathes life into history with a flair only a master of “ideas that work” could muster.

 

Kent’s creative journey kicked off in a small Utah town, where he co-founded an advertising agency fresh out of Brigham Young University. His knack for crafting messages that make phones ring and perceptions shift drew heavyweights like Disney, VISA International, HBO, and Comcast to his doorstep. Recognized as a creative trendsetter in direct marketing, Kent’s trophy case boasts 27 international awards, and his creative presentation expertise has lit up stages from Europe to Latin America. In the mid-1980s, a Madison Avenue legend advised him to stay in Utah, promising the work would come—and it did, in spades.

 

But Kent’s story isn’t just about ads that pop. Leadership runs deep in his veins, sparked by watching his father, an entrepreneur with no formal power, wield profound influence through honorable character. After his father’s passing when Kent was 16, he devoured leadership books and seized every chance to lead—from Boy Scout troops to serving as President of Utah’s Vocational Industrial Clubs of America in high school. Later, Dr. V. Dallas Merrell tapped him to transform “Leading Global Principles” into accessible wisdom, crystallizing Kent’s understanding of influence and impact. Whether guiding corporate giants or mentoring youth, Kent’s leadership is as creative as his advertising, always aiming to inspire and engage. Kent’s take on leadership brings with it tasty chocolate chip cookie recipes with each leadership principle. Soon to be published will be the first ever delicious leadership recipe book “Leaderchip Cookies.

 

Now, Kent channels his global adventures and creative prowess into historical fiction. His debut, The Blade of Safavid, whisks readers across Ancient England, Persia, India, Africa, and the Americas. The Conquest of Liberty continues this tradition, blending meticulous research with storytelling zest. When he’s not penning epics, Kent’s busy with his wife of 46 years, raising five children and doting on 22 grandchildren. Follow his literary adventures at www.kentmerrellauthor.com or catch his broader musings at www.kentmerrell.substack.com.

 

With Kent, expect a tale well-told and a legacy that inspires.

 

In my book review, I stated The Conquest of Liberty is a detailed, many POV, Renaissance historical fiction. We follow the journey of several people - all of whom have incredible stories - and it isn't until the very end that we find out how all of these stories wind together into one. I was immediately hooked despite knowing next to nothing about the Moors, monarchs, and monks of the time.

 

Kent is a master at creating characters. For instance, Miguel, an archbishop's right hand man who lives in Granada should be very foreign to me. But within a few pages, I felt as if he were alive in my living room as he fled persecution, was kidnapped by pirates, and found himself questioning both his King and his Pope. Then, there is Alessandro, a young boy in the care of Balboa, the explorer, Maria, a women who fled her home and lived with the Gitanos, and Vano, the next leader of the Gitanos, not to mention Sayyida al-Hurra, a Morracan Privateer, Jalaf Morisco, a Morracan Exile, and Talavera, the Archbishop accused of heresy.

 

This novel is far more than a historical fiction - it contains within the pages action, adventure, mystery, and love. You won't be able to put this book down.

 

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Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290

 

You can follow Author Kent Merrell

Website: https://kentmerrellauthor.com/

FB: @KentMerrell

IG: @akmerrell

LinkedIn: @A Kent Merrell

 

 

Purchase The Conquest of Liberty on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3HqCg6A

Ebook: https://amzn.to/43ZaOFQ

 

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

 

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

 

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