Nine years after time-traveling Lt. Commander Ky helped forge the Britannic Empire from the ashes of a Carthaginian-conquered world, peace shatters. In The Wings of Mercury, the second volume of the Imperium series, Travis Starnes delivers a thrilling sequel. Five years of hard-won peace are destroyed by a technologically advanced eastern power, forcing Britannia to lead a new Western Alliance into a desperate war. Facing an enemy wielding weaponry mirroring their own advanced technology, Ky and the Britannic Empire must once again fight for survival and the future of a Europe forever changed by his arrival. This first book in a six-part sequel series plunges readers into a captivating blend of alternate history and military science fiction.
Review The Wings of Mercury
Oh, man, I just finished The Wings of Mercury and I'm buzzing! It's a fantastic continuation of Ky's story, picking up right where the first book left off, but throwing us headfirst into a completely new conflict. That five-year peace? Gone. Poof. Replaced by a brutal, unexpected war with a mysterious Eastern power wielding technology on par with Britannia's – seriously, talk about a gut punch!
I loved how Starnes immediately throws us into the thick of things. There's no long, drawn-out exposition; it's straight into the action, showcasing the impressive scope of this alternate history. The sheer scale of the conflict, the desperate struggle for survival, and the intricate web of political maneuvering kept me completely captivated. We're seeing battles unfold across multiple fronts – Germania, the high seas, even the streets of the now-rebuilt Carthage – and it all feels so incredibly visceral. You can practically smell the gunpowder and hear the clash of steel.
The pacing is fantastic; the story just moves. It's a whirlwind of espionage, political intrigue, and daring military campaigns. The characters, both familiar and new, are richly developed and their motivations feel believable, even amidst the extraordinary circumstances of the setting. Ky’s journey continues to be compelling, showing the weight of his actions and the ever-present challenges of leading a newly formed empire facing a foe unlike any seen before.
One thing that struck me was the technological leap. The swift transition from the relatively primitive technology of the earlier books to the near-WWI-level warfare of Wings of Mercury is breathtaking. Starnes masterfully conveys the rapid advancements spurred by the initial conflict and Ky's influence, resulting in a fascinating technological arms race with this enigmatic Eastern enemy.
Now, some readers have questioned the motivations of this new enemy, and I can see where that criticism comes from. The sudden, unprovoked attack does feel a little abrupt, lacking the detailed backstory we’ve had for other conflicts. It feels a little…convenient, if I'm honest. However, I'm willing to give Starnes the benefit of the doubt. It's clearly setting up a larger mystery, a deeper intrigue that will hopefully be unravelled in the subsequent books. It's adding another layer of suspense, making me even more eager to see how this conflict unfolds.
Overall, The Wings of Mercury is a thrilling and engaging read. While a few questions remain, the sheer action, the intricate plotting, and the compelling characters make it a worthwhile addition to the Imperium series. Highly recommend it for fans of alternate history and military sci-fi! Bring on the next installment!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 464
- Publication date: 2024
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