Rulers of the Darkness

March 18, 2002
The author of the Worldwar and Great War series displays his virtuoso command of the details of WWII in this fourth book (after 2001's Through the Darkness) about a conflict between mythical feudal kingdoms using magic instead of science as the basis for technology. Aficionados will enjoy picking out the parallels—the Japan-analog Gyonghos Empire, for example, fights "the grinning dwarves of Kuusamo" (i.e., the United States). On the equivalent of the Eastern front, the German-based Algarvian Empire recovers from its losses in the frozen urban hell of Sulingen and prepares for its usual summer advance against the forces of King Swemmel of Unkerlant, leading to a replay of the battle of Kursk. Turtledove's great strength has always been the depiction of ordinary characters who have to live with the consequences of their superiors' decisions—an Algarvian policeman in Forthweg objects to rounding up Kaunians, while a group of theoretical magicians must work on a thaumaturgical Manhattan Project. Alternate history derives half of its fun and all of its significance from the understanding it fosters of the ur-conflict, but when the Algarvians begin mass killings of the Kaunian minority in Forthweg to incorporate their life energies into potent sorceries against their opponents, only to be matched by Swemmel's willingness to slaughter his own peasantry for a similar magical advantage, one doesn't feel that our understanding of the Holocaust is advanced. Turtledove may offer few insights into WWII, but he sure knows how to use the facts to entertain.

April 15, 2002
The worldwide conflict known as the Derlavaian War grinds on as the armies of the Algarvian empire sweep through country after country, using magic powered by the blood and suffering of a peace-loving captive nation. In desperation, former enemies unite against the merciless conquerors, and mages from the lands of Kuusamo and Lagoas strive to create a new kind of magic powerful enough to stand against the Algarvian might. The fourth novel in the "Darkness" series (Through the Darkness, etc.) brings Turtledove's retelling of World War II in a fantasy setting to a turning point. The author's grasp of military tactics as well as his talent for translating the accoutrements of modern warfare into fantasy equivalents makes this a standout choice for fantasy collections.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.