The Storm of Heaven

Having just re-read Thomas Harlan's third installment in his epic "Oath of Empire" series, the "Storm of Heaven," in anticipation of the next and final novel, I must say that the books just keep getting more enthralling. "Storm" follows the further actions and fates of the characters introduced in the earlier novels. Without revealing too much, we learn what has become of Thyatis, Maxian, Mohammad, Nicholas, Dwyrin, and their companions. And let us not forget Gaius Julius, Alexandros, Dahak, "The Boar," the Queen of Cats, and many other characters...Yes, Thyatis does battle in the arena, in among the most vivid and adrenaline-producing descriptions of gladiatorial combat this reader has ever experienced. Yes, Maxian does grow a bit wiser, and yes, Dwyrin comes into the fullness of a power only hinted at in the previous novels; Harlan's brilliant imagery of sorcerous combat produced as much a rush for me as his heart-pounding descriptions of more "conventional" battle. As Rome attempts to recover from the disaster of Vesuvius, the reincarnated Julius Caesar finds great opportunities, which entwine his fate with other characters. Alexandros marches off to war, for Rome, but not with Romans. Mohammad communes and continues to act as a channel for his god, but who is using who?There are so many twists of fate and events of such magnitude that even the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius at the end of "Gate of Fire" seems to pale in comparison. Much is resolved, but more remains unresolved, and as the climax of each novel eclipses the one before it, "The Dark Lord" should have an ending that will be literally earth-shattering. I, for one, can't wait!

The leaders of Rome, both east and west, seem hopelessly sunk into grief and guilt. Meanwhile, a revived Persia and the desert armies of Mohammed win victory after victory over the dispirited Roman armies. Even Prince Maxim, who has tried to break the Oath of Empire that holds Rome together while preventing any progress, seems unwilling to do anything to prevent destruction.In this third novel in the OATH OF EMPIRE SERIES, players with more minor roles in the earlier books come to the fore. The revived Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great have to act independently because Maxim refuses to give them direction. The wizard-boy Dwyrin has found incredible powers. Thyatis has lost her memory and must fight for survival on her own.With two books under his belt, Harlan has mastered the impressionistic style. His plot still jumps from one action-center to the other across the Roman and Persian worlds, but these transitions are less jarring and the overall plot moves forward more smoothly than in the earlier novels.I look forward to the next volume in this fascinating series set in a 7th century world where magic works and where the power of the Oath has kept Rome from falling.

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

Thomas has achieved a level of detail in historical fiction second to none, in my opinion. I rank him right up there with Elizabeth Moon (The Deed of Paksenarrion) and Morgan Llewellyn (Red Branch) as far as the gritty details and "brass tacks" of his world are concerned.He's certainly in my top five favorite authors list: Frank Herbert, Neal Stephenson, Tad Williams, *Thomas Harlan* and Terry Pratchett. Which is good company indeed!

Excellent book, highly realistic battles, lots of sorcery and enough mysteries to make the forth and final book highly a must have.