Publishers Weekly called it an "impressive debut [that] fuses fantasy with alternate history, reversing the British Empire's conquest of India. Wilson's version of 19th-century England has been invaded and conquered by the Indian empire of Rajthana, which rules all of Europe with vast armies and a magical source known as sattva...The mix of Arthurian legend and Hindu mysticism make this breakneck-paced adventure a rich and engaging read.”
Well now the sequel to the book is out: The Place of Dead Kings. Published last month in paperback, check out the description I got from the publisher:
The rebellion of 1852 has failed and brutal General Vadula governs England. Only a few small bands of English rebels still hold out against the Rajthanan empire.
Jack Casey, reluctant hero of the resistance, has survived to live with his daughter in the remote wilds of Shropshire, training young rebels to use the conqueror's magic. But he is gravely ill, with only two months to live...
Then rebel spies bring news of a rogue Indian sorcerer in Scotland. Mahajan has discovered a mysterious power in the uncharted country to the north - a power that could be the legendary Holy Grail. The Rajthanans have already assembled an army to search for Mahajan. Jack has nothing to lose now. He agrees to lead his own men, disguised as porters for the conquerors, on the same gruelling march.
They hope to find a weapon that will free England from her oppressors. But they discover something that is beyond what any of them ever expected.Geoff was kind enough to score me a copy, but I will be posting the actual review over on Amazing Stories during my upcoming series on steampunk. Don't worry, if you follow The Update on Facebook or Twitter, you will know when the review is posted. In the meantime you can purchase The Place of Dead Kings on Amazon and Amazon.uk.
And if I like the book, we may even hold a giveaway. We shall see...
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update, a blogger on Amazing Stories and a volunteer editor for Alt Hist magazine. His fiction can be found at Echelon Press, Jake's Monthly and The Were-Traveler. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
I'm glad that I received a review copy too. Last year I reviewed the book, posted and interview and hosted a giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLike you I hope a lot of people find their way to this series.
I look forward to read your review.