Storm From the East

In this second book of the “Glass Alliance” series, war has begun. Athan and Aurelia’s infatuations with each other continue as General Dakar, Athan’s father, declares a revolutionary war on the last royal kingdom in the south. Many pages of this book are spent on world building, which provides a long, slow buildup to war. As in the first book, Dark of the West, chapters alternate between the two protagonists, providing insight into the experiences of each. As a bomber pilot, readers live Athan’s encounters engaging in battles, killing countless civilians, and losing fellow fighter pilots. As a civilian, Aurelia experiences the horrific results of the war.

All of the novel’s power plays in this World War I-esque world are motivated by greed and revenge. Diplomacy and dialogue are only ever mentioned as past failures. Athan and Aurelia are not much different, making it difficult for readers to sympathize with them. For example, when Athan finally confesses to Aurelia that he has killed countless civilians, she immediately and utterly forgives him and “…my heart begs him not to tell me anything that will destroy the perfect vision I hold of him.” Curiously, it is the subsequent admission of his lineage that she finds unacceptable and which drives them apart (again).

Athan’s descent from a young, infatuated boy to a battle-hardened young man is difficult to read. At one point, he contemplates suicide. To this casual reader, terminology and euphemisms for violence and killing, though possibly realistic, are extremely disturbing (softening resistance, getting planes down, putting a few down, etc.).

Secondary characters include Athan’s father General Dakar, two brothers Arrin and Kalt, best friend Cyar, and Aurelia’s mother, the Queen of Etania. The General and Arrin are both power hungry and use war in an effort to seize it. No nuances to these characters are offered. The character of Aurelia’s mother is never fully explained. Why does she do what she does? Why does she not tell her truth? Readers may find answers as the series progresses. Kalt and Cyar would both benefit by being more fully fleshed out.

Fans of historical/war fiction and in-depth world building may enjoy Storm From the East and books in the “Glass Alliance” series.