Rating: 
Summary: The Storm of Heaven
Review: A fantasy Roman Empire? What better story is there now. This is much better than Wheel of Time by Jordon because the " Oath " series is historical and has a reality feel to it.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good book
Review: Excellent book, highly realistic battles, lots of sorcery and enough mysteries to make the forth and final book highly a must have.
Rating:
Summary: The climax of "Storm" eclipses a volanic eruption
Review: Having just re-read Thomas Harlan's third installment in his epic "Oath of Empire" series, the "Storm of Heaven," in anticipation of the next and final novel, I must say that the books just keep getting more enthralling. "Storm" follows the further actions and fates of the characters introduced in the earlier novels. Without revealing too much, we learn what has become of Thyatis, Maxian, Mohammad, Nicholas, Dwyrin, and their companions. And let us not forget Gaius Julius, Alexandros, Dahak, "The Boar," the Queen of Cats, and many other characters...Yes, Thyatis does battle in the arena, in among the most vivid and adrenaline-producing descriptions of gladiatorial combat this reader has ever experienced. Yes, Maxian does grow a bit wiser, and yes, Dwyrin comes into the fullness of a power only hinted at in the previous novels; Harlan's brilliant imagery of sorcerous combat produced as much a rush for me as his heart-pounding descriptions of more "conventional" battle. As Rome attempts to recover from the disaster of Vesuvius, the reincarnated Julius Caesar finds great opportunities, which entwine his fate with other characters. Alexandros marches off to war, for Rome, but not with Romans. Mohammad communes and continues to act as a channel for his god, but who is using who? There are so many twists of fate and events of such magnitude that even the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius at the end of "Gate of Fire" seems to pale in comparison. Much is resolved, but more remains unresolved, and as the climax of each novel eclipses the one before it, "The Dark Lord" should have an ending that will be literally earth-shattering. I, for one, can't wait!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent ending to a fascinating trilogy
Review: In the seventh century, the Roman Empire is under siege on two military fronts and one natural front. Mohammed of Mekkah and his army defeated Theodore and the war with Persia led by the inhuman sorcerer Damawand continues unabated. Adding to the gloom is the eruption of Vesuvius that has destroyed several cities. The last real hope for Rome and Constantinople lies with Prince Maxian, who has tried to destroy the magical Oath that protects the city. An epiphany strikes him and he realizes he is taking a destructive path that could kill many innocents. He turns to the past, raising Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, to abet his cause of saving the great empire from its two front war. THE STORM OF HEAVEN is an extremely complex alternate historical fiction novel that includes a well-written introduction explaining key events from the first two novels. However, in spite of that, most new readers and repeat fans will find it much easier to follow the myriad of plots by perusing the previous novels (see THE SHADOW OF ARARAT and THE GATE OF FIRE) because this is an extremely elaborate tale. This reviewer stopped early on because she understood that like Rome wasn't built in a day, this is not one day reading. The audience will feel they have been transported to the ancient world as the vivid depths of detail bring the senses alive. That and the numerous subplots that brilliantly tie together make Thomas Harlan's novel (and The Oath of Empire series) a must read for the sub-genre audience. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Excellent ending to a fascinating trilogy
Review: In the seventh century, the Roman Empire is under siege on two military fronts and one natural front. Mohammed of Mekkah and his army defeated Theodore and the war with Persia led by the inhuman sorcerer Damawand continues unabated. Adding to the gloom is the eruption of Vesuvius that has destroyed several cities. The last real hope for Rome and Constantinople lies with Prince Maxian, who has tried to destroy the magical Oath that protects the city. An epiphany strikes him and he realizes he is taking a destructive path that could kill many innocents. He turns to the past, raising Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, to abet his cause of saving the great empire from its two front war. THE STORM OF HEAVEN is an extremely complex alternate historical fiction novel that includes a well-written introduction explaining key events from the first two novels. However, in spite of that, most new readers and repeat fans will find it much easier to follow the myriad of plots by perusing the previous novels (see THE SHADOW OF ARARAT and THE GATE OF FIRE) because this is an extremely elaborate tale. This reviewer stopped early on because she understood that like Rome wasn't built in a day, this is not one day reading. The audience will feel they have been transported to the ancient world as the vivid depths of detail bring the senses alive. That and the numerous subplots that brilliantly tie together make Thomas Harlan's novel (and The Oath of Empire series) a must read for the sub-genre audience. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Powerful series, exciting action
Review: The leaders of Rome, both east and west, seem hopelessly sunk into grief and guilt. Meanwhile, a revived Persia and the desert armies of Mohammed win victory after victory over the dispirited Roman armies. Even Prince Maxim, who has tried to break the Oath of Empire that holds Rome together while preventing any progress, seems unwilling to do anything to prevent destruction. In this third novel in the OATH OF EMPIRE SERIES, players with more minor roles in the earlier books come to the fore. The revived Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great have to act independently because Maxim refuses to give them direction. The wizard-boy Dwyrin has found incredible powers. Thyatis has lost her memory and must fight for survival on her own. With two books under his belt, Harlan has mastered the impressionistic style. His plot still jumps from one action-center to the other across the Roman and Persian worlds, but these transitions are less jarring and the overall plot moves forward more smoothly than in the earlier novels. I look forward to the next volume in this fascinating series set in a 7th century world where magic works and where the power of the Oath has kept Rome from falling.
Rating:
Summary: A Compelling Tale of an Alternate Roman World
Review: The Storm of Heaven, (TSoH) is the 3rd book of author Thomas Harlan's compelling tale of an alternate world where magic is real, and Rome never fell. It is 624 A.D. In the previous 2 books, the Emperors of the Eastern and Western Roman empires had joined forces to devast and defeat Persia. But the tactics of the Eastern Emperor cost some of his allies dearly, resulting in the destruction of the city-state of Palmyra. Prince Maxian, youngest brother of Galen, Emperor of the West, had discovered that there was an Oath which cast restrictions on the Empire, attacking and destroying anything that the Oath perceived as a threat to Rome. Maxian set out to destroy the Oath, convinced that the Oath was actually harming Rome. He was blessed with healing magical talent, and quickly grew in power, resurrecting Julius Caeser and Alexander the Great. But there are other plots and stories, all intertwined. A young student named Dwyrian, from far off Hibernia (Ireland) is drafted into the Roman army, and gains magical powers far faster than he should. Dwyrian's teacher, coming after him, meets a merchant named Mohammed of Mekkah. And there is an evil, inhuman sorcerer, Dahak, who is in league with Persia. There is Thyatis, an agent in service to the Emperor of Rome, and more characters and subplots than you can shake a stick at. Book 1, The Shadow of Ararat, was sheer brilliance. Book 2, The Gate of Fire, was well done, but not as good as the 1st volume, due to a host of new elements which were introduced without enough foundation being laid. The Storm of Heaven is not as good as Book 1, but it is better than book 2. Maxian deals with the devastation that he wrecked by accidently causing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Thyatis deals with her own survivor's guilt, and ends up in the arena of the Colosseum. Dwyrian grows in power. Mohammed leads, along with Dwyrian's one time companion, Zoe, who is now the Queen of the destroyed city of Palmyra, the march for vengence against the Emperor of the East. Empress Martina of the East struggles to hold the Eastern Empire together for the benefit of her young son, while her husband is wracked by an illness of mysterious origin. Her Uncle, Prince Theodore, the brother of her husband, has his own plans for who should rule the Eastern Empire. Gaius Julius Caesar and Alexandros, have their own dreams of power, which they have not given up, even though they have been cast aside by their master, Prince Maxian. Oh, and the Persians are on the march as well. ALthough a long book, TSoH, suffers from covering too much ground with too few pages. THe author's note at the end indicates that the author exceeded the size limit which had been decreed by the editors, and excised portions are available via a website. Still, despite that flaw, author Harlan has created a highly detailed alternate Roman world, with compelling characters and a complex and entertaining storyline. I look forward to Book 4 of this series.
Rating:
Summary: A Compelling Tale of an Alternate Roman World
Review: The Storm of Heaven, (TSoH) is the 3rd book of author Thomas Harlan's compelling tale of an alternate world where magic is real, and Rome never fell. It is 624 A.D. In the previous 2 books, the Emperors of the Eastern and Western Roman empires had joined forces to devast and defeat Persia. But the tactics of the Eastern Emperor cost some of his allies dearly, resulting in the destruction of the city-state of Palmyra. Prince Maxian, youngest brother of Galen, Emperor of the West, had discovered that there was an Oath which cast restrictions on the Empire, attacking and destroying anything that the Oath perceived as a threat to Rome. Maxian set out to destroy the Oath, convinced that the Oath was actually harming Rome. He was blessed with healing magical talent, and quickly grew in power, resurrecting Julius Caeser and Alexander the Great. But there are other plots and stories, all intertwined. A young student named Dwyrian, from far off Hibernia (Ireland) is drafted into the Roman army, and gains magical powers far faster than he should. Dwyrian's teacher, coming after him, meets a merchant named Mohammed of Mekkah. And there is an evil, inhuman sorcerer, Dahak, who is in league with Persia. There is Thyatis, an agent in service to the Emperor of Rome, and more characters and subplots than you can shake a stick at. Book 1, The Shadow of Ararat, was sheer brilliance. Book 2, The Gate of Fire, was well done, but not as good as the 1st volume, due to a host of new elements which were introduced without enough foundation being laid. The Storm of Heaven is not as good as Book 1, but it is better than book 2. Maxian deals with the devastation that he wrecked by accidently causing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Thyatis deals with her own survivor's guilt, and ends up in the arena of the Colosseum. Dwyrian grows in power. Mohammed leads, along with Dwyrian's one time companion, Zoe, who is now the Queen of the destroyed city of Palmyra, the march for vengence against the Emperor of the East. Empress Martina of the East struggles to hold the Eastern Empire together for the benefit of her young son, while her husband is wracked by an illness of mysterious origin. Her Uncle, Prince Theodore, the brother of her husband, has his own plans for who should rule the Eastern Empire. Gaius Julius Caesar and Alexandros, have their own dreams of power, which they have not given up, even though they have been cast aside by their master, Prince Maxian. Oh, and the Persians are on the march as well. ALthough a long book, TSoH, suffers from covering too much ground with too few pages. THe author's note at the end indicates that the author exceeded the size limit which had been decreed by the editors, and excised portions are available via a website. Still, despite that flaw, author Harlan has created a highly detailed alternate Roman world, with compelling characters and a complex and entertaining storyline. I look forward to Book 4 of this series.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable, at least to a history dweeb such as myself
Review: This book is very long, the type is small, and Harlan still cut out so much stuff to hit this length that he has whole chapters on his website that just couldn't fit. I haven't read those chapters, though, because the book works very well as is: somebody, either Harlan or his editors, did an excellent job of cutting without butchering. His world isn't quite our world in the same era, of course: the Roman Empire never fell in his. But he brings the era alive and carries a complex story through many twists and turns without losing the reader's attention. A very enjoyable book, full of lots of interesting historical nuggets.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable, at least to a history dweeb such as myself
Review: This book is very long, the type is small, and Harlan still cut out so much stuff to hit this length that he has whole chapters on his website that just couldn't fit. I haven't read those chapters, though, because the book works very well as is: somebody, either Harlan or his editors, did an excellent job of cutting without butchering. His world isn't quite our world in the same era, of course: the Roman Empire never fell in his. But he brings the era alive and carries a complex story through many twists and turns without losing the reader's attention. A very enjoyable book, full of lots of interesting historical nuggets.
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