Warriors of the Storm
By Bernard Cornwell
Harper. $27.99
Although the names of the characters may be a challenge to pronounce while the setting and time period are far back in history, the ongoing saga of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Tales series continues to hold its audience and draw new readers.
The ninth installment of the historical saga set at the beginning of the tenth century, “Warriors of the Storm” features the protracted struggle between the Danes and the Saxons for sovereignty over Great Britain and finds an uneasy peace in the region that includes Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. Ruled by the late King Alfred’s son and daughter, Edward and Aethelflaed, the kingdom is a tantalizing prize ripe for the taking by the Northmen who surround it.
Only Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the central character and narrator of the series, can perhaps keep the Northmen and their Irish allies from sweeping south and overthrowing Alfred’s descendants.
Uhtred, who was Alfred’s protégé and is now Aethelflaed’s general, has more than just family loyalties motivating him in the struggle. His consuming hatred of Ragnall of the Red Ax, the head of the Danish army, means that their ongoing fierce rivalry will once and for all be settled. One of the two soldiers will not survive the conflict.
Not for those with a weak stomach, there are plenty of violent and graphic battle scenes in this novel, which may explain some of its popularity. But take nothing away from author Bernard Cornwell. Not only does he know his history, but his ability to transform dry facts into mesmerizing prose that rivet the reader to the page is also his hallmark as a writer.
Also, after the success of “Game of Thrones” it comes as no surprise to hear that a new, eight part television series which is an adaption of the literary chronicle will soon appear on BBC America. To prepare for this event you might wish to actually read some of the novels in the series.
The Girl From Home
By Adam Mitzner
Gallery Books. $26
Attending a high school reunion can lead to an unexpected but pleasurable situation. Take Jonathan Caine for example. He has returned home to care for his ailing father and when invited to attend his 25th class reunion he decides the diversion might be a good thing. Boy, is it ever!
Jonathan runs into former prom queen Jacqueline Williams, someone who didn’t know he existed when they were classmates, but she now finds him rather interesting.
Perhaps this is because Jonathan has become a currency wizard with a New York penthouse and other perks of great wealth or then again it might be because Jacqueline is saddled with an unpleasant and abusive husband.
Whatever the reason, the two strike up a relationship that will have numerous twists and turns that result in a totally surprising and electrifying conclusion.
In this gripping thriller the reader will discover the protagonist has made some major mistakes in his life. Is the millionaire about to do so again or even take this penchant for disaster to a new and disastrous level?
Predator: A Crossbow Novel
By Wilbur Smith and Tom Cain
William Morrow. $28.99
Private security consultant Major Hector Cross has seen it all. He’s handled assignments from Africa to the Middle East as he’s tangled with warlords, pirates, arm dealers and other miscreants bent on causing pain and destruction.
Cross never falters when it comes to stopping an adversary even if it means taking the law into his own hands and that’s a good thing because his latest “project” involves dealing with a former enemy who has resurfaced.
In a former episode of this series, Cross’ wife was killed by Johnny Congo and another person. While Cross dispatched one of the men by feeding him to a crocodile, Congo was turned over to the justice system. He has since escaped from prison and sworn to get his old adversary, Cross.
The funding behind a terrorist group that has attacked an oil installation in Africa, Congo is now on a collision course with the security firm Cross heads. Obviously both men are driven by an overpowering dislike for the other, which means at times their violent actions will make them hard to tell apart.
When these two sworn enemies meet, it will be a fight to the death. While there’s very little down time in this story, the excess of blood, guts and gore make it a book that some readers will find objectionable. Beware: although a quick and riveting read, “Predator” features so much violence that it will not appeal to all people.
War Hawk: A Tucker Wayne Novel
By James Rollins and Grant Blackwood
William Morrow. $27.99
A spin-off from James Rollins’ popular Sigma series, this novel features military working dog Kane and his handler Tucker Wayne, a former military Army Ranger. The pair was introduced two years ago in “The Kill Switch” and were so well received that a sequel was inevitable.
Well, here it is!
Rollins uses his experience as a veterinarian while Blackwood relies on his past in the U.S. Navy to give their central characters the credibility that their readers appreciate.
When a former colleague, Jane Sabatello, seeks Tucker’s help because her life is threatened, he can’t deny her. To keep the woman and her son safe, Tucker will have to discover who killed a mutual friend. To get the answer to this question Kane and his handler will roam from the swamplands of the Deep South to the beaches and jungles of Trinidad. Along the way they will also need to uncover the secrets surrounding a World War II code breaker named Alan Turning.
At the heart of the enigma is a mystery that involves national security and secrets that could change human existence. Naturally such a cache of sensitive information means there will be people bent on making sure Tucker and Kane fail in their quest for justice.
Drone warfare is an important element of this novel and will give readers plenty of material to mull over after finishing the story. From the relationship between man and animal to the direction new battlefield technology may take society, “War Hawk” is a provocative and entertaining book that operates on a number of levels.