Bringing To Light the Blood-Stained Roots of Freedom
A powerful historical odyssey set amid the slave insurrection in Saint-Domingue, where justice, faith, and prophecy collide.
Discover a story where history breathes, truth endures, and the echoes of rebellion still whisper today.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Charles Dean Domingue was raised in the quiet countryside of Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, where the echoes of Creole language and culture shaped his earliest memories. His grandparents were sharecroppers who worked the vast sugarcane and cotton plantations of the South, and their stories of perseverance and faith became the foundation of his creative voice.
A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Engineering and Louisiana State University in Law, Domingue spent more than three decades practicing patent law and leading innovation management at his alma mater. Yet, his passion for storytelling never left him. In 1983, he studied under the acclaimed novelist Ernest J. Gaines, whose mentorship deepened his connection to Louisiana’s literary and cultural roots.
Today, Domingue brings that heritage to life through historical fiction that bridges fact and folklore. His debut novel, inspired by the Haitian Revolution and the birth of Creole identity, explores justice, faith, and the spirit of truth for the poor.
About the Book
Temple of the Sun: a book that is reborn through the eyes of those who refuse to surrender. Set in the late 1700s, the novel follows individuals whose lives are caught between freedom and fear on the island of Saint-Domingue, now modern-day Haiti. A young woman named Justine Chante escapes the brutal world of slavery with the help of a maroon fighter, finding both love and spiritual power through the Vodou faith. Across the ocean, a sailor named Angelo Hernandez leaves the Canary Islands in search of his lost brothers, only to find himself in the middle of revolution, betrayal, and destiny.
Their paths cross in a land where faith, courage, and prophecy rise against the evils of tyranny. From the burning plantations of the Caribbean to the birth of New Orleans, their story reveals how the struggle for justice and freedom gave rise to a new culture, the Creole identity, that still shapes Louisiana today.
Why This Novel Matters
Every so often, a book comes along that makes us pause and think about who we are, where we come from, and what freedom truly means. This novel by Charles Dean Domingue does exactly that.
Born and raised in the heart of Louisiana’s Creole country, Domingue grew up surrounded by stories of faith, struggle, and endurance. Drawing from his roots and years of historical research, he brings to life a world where courage is tested and hope is reborn, set against the real events that shaped Haiti and New Orleans.
Readers who love history, human stories, and spiritual mystery will find this book unforgettable. It’s perfect for those who are curious about the Haitian Revolution, the origins of Creole culture, or the hidden power of Vodou. Yet even beyond the history, this is a story for anyone who has ever fought for justice, truth, or redemption. The author weaves real events, ancient prophecies, and human emotion into a story that feels alive, reminding us that history is never just the past; it’s a mirror reflecting who we are today.
In Domingue’s storytelling, we see how ordinary people faced extraordinary odds, how faith became their weapon, and how their legacy continues to shape the soul of Louisiana. His characters are not just figures from long ago; they represent all of us who have struggled, believed, and endured. The novel’s vivid scenes, of rebellion, resilience, and redemption, capture both the pain and beauty of humanity’s endless fight for dignity.
This is more than a historical tale; it’s a story of the human spirit. Whether you are a student of history, a lover of powerful fiction, or simply someone searching for meaning, this book invites you to look deeper, into the past, into yourself, and into the truth that goodness can survive even the darkest storms.
Featured In
Blogs
The Sea vs. The Cane Field: Finding Freedom in the Caribbean Blackout
In the brutal cane fields of Saint Domingue, where whips cracked louder than prayers, freedom seemed impossible. But Temple of the Sun reminds us that
The Corsair’s Code: Where Does the Privateer’s Honor Lie
In the wild waters of the 1790s Caribbean, the line between privateer and pirate was razor thin. Captain Angelo Hernandez sailed under a French letter
The Temple of the Sun: Prophecy and Power in the Haitian Revolution
Before Haiti won its freedom with swords and blood, it fought another battle, one of spirit. High in the Pic la Selle mountains, Justine Chante,
A Sailor’s Delight: Destiny and Love in the West Indies
“Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” For Angelo Hernandez, the saying was more than folklore, it was a shadow. He had already lost too
What Readers Say
What an incredible blend of fact, faith, and fiction. The author brings history to life in a way that feels both educational and emotional. It reminded me that goodness can endure even in the darkest times.
Olivia Carter
I was drawn in by the historical setting, but stayed for the story. The writing is clear, powerful, and full of heart. You don’t have to be a historian to love this book; it’s for anyone who appreciates truth and humanity.
Daniel Ross
This novel feels like a bridge between two worlds, the old and the new, the seen and the unseen. It’s beautifully written and deeply spiritual. I finished it days ago, but it’s still on my mind.
Marie Boudreaux
A must-read for fans of historical fiction. The attention to detail is amazing, and the story of faith and survival feels timeless. It’s the kind of book that makes you think long after you close it.
Anthony Rivera
From the first page, I felt transported. The author’s storytelling is both poetic and grounded in truth. If you want a book that moves your soul and expands your understanding of history, this is it.
Robert Greene
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“Stories of faith and history that continue to shape who we are.”