Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
A common theme perhaps the most common theme in "alternate history" speculation and stories is some flavor of "what if the Nazis won World War II". It can be a challenge to take this theme and make it seem interesting and fresh. Tony Schumacher, in his novel "The Darkest Hour", echoes Mister T. as Clubber Lang in Rocky III: "I reject the challenge, because it IS no challenge."
John Rossett is a decorated British war hero. Rossett did not join the "British Government in Exile" and flee to Canada. Rather, he stayed behind in London and did his job. Unfortunately, his job in the police department changed; he was now responsible for rounding up Jews. Until one old man who remembered Rossett as a young boy entrusted the embittered man with his treasure. This treasure turned out to be the man's grandson, who was hidden away while the rest of his building was being emptied of its Jewish residents.
The novel deals with Rossett's attempting to determine just who he can and cannot trust his employers, or the resistance, or members of the London populace and how many have their own agendas besides the one that would be expected by their affiliation. It addresses Rossett's conflicting emotions of just wanting to get by vs. doing the right thing as he understands it.
And it was a great read. Schumacher successfully juggles morality with suspense, mystery with characterization. The sequel, "The British Lion", has been released, and I have added it to my "To Be Read" list.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded down to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not accepted.
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded a free copy of this book in a random draw. No requirement of a review was made, let alone any conditions on the tone / content of a review, however, it was hinted that winners who write and post honest reviews have a better chance of being selected to receive future books.
John Rossett is a decorated British war hero. Rossett did not join the "British Government in Exile" and flee to Canada. Rather, he stayed behind in London and did his job. Unfortunately, his job in the police department changed; he was now responsible for rounding up Jews. Until one old man who remembered Rossett as a young boy entrusted the embittered man with his treasure. This treasure turned out to be the man's grandson, who was hidden away while the rest of his building was being emptied of its Jewish residents.
The novel deals with Rossett's attempting to determine just who he can and cannot trust his employers, or the resistance, or members of the London populace and how many have their own agendas besides the one that would be expected by their affiliation. It addresses Rossett's conflicting emotions of just wanting to get by vs. doing the right thing as he understands it.
And it was a great read. Schumacher successfully juggles morality with suspense, mystery with characterization. The sequel, "The British Lion", has been released, and I have added it to my "To Be Read" list.
RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded down to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not accepted.
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded a free copy of this book in a random draw. No requirement of a review was made, let alone any conditions on the tone / content of a review, however, it was hinted that winners who write and post honest reviews have a better chance of being selected to receive future books.
