"
Tor, Jun 2001, 27.95, 558 pp.
ISBN: 0312865597
In the seventh century, the Roman Empire is under siege on two military fronts and one natural front. Mohammed of Mekkah and his army defeated Theodore and the war with Persia led by the inhuman sorcerer Damawand continues unabated. Adding to the gloom is the eruption of Vesuvius that has destroyed several cities.
The last real hope for Rome and Constantinople lies with Prince Maxian, who has tried to destroy the magical Oath that protects the city. An epiphany strikes him and he realizes he is taking a destructive path that could kill many innocents. He turns to the past, raising Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, to abet his cause of saving the great empire from its two front war.
THE STORM OF HEAVEN is an extremely complex alternate historical fiction novel that includes a well-written introduction explaining key events from the first two novels. However, in spite of that, most new readers and repeat fans will find it much easier to follow the myriad of plots by perusing the previous novels (see THE SHADOW OF ARARAT and THE GATE OF FIRE) because this is an extremely elaborate tale. This reviewer stopped early on because she understood that like Rome wasn't built in a day, this is not one day reading. The audience will feel they have been transported to the ancient world as the vivid depths of detail bring the senses alive. That and the numerous subplots that brilliantly tie together make Thomas Harlan's novel (and The Oath of Empire series) a must read for the sub-genre audience.
Harriet Klausner
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Harriet Klausner, Resident Thomas Harlan Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- alternate history
War or Invasion
Yes
Major kinds of combat:
- hand to hand
- sword fights
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Age:
- 40's-50's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- mage/magician
Has magical powers?
Yes
Magical/mental powers of main antagonist:
- mind reading
- can see into the future
- can cast all sorts of spells
- can read emotions
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an average amount
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Earth setting:
- during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
