Rating: 
Summary: Ignoble beasts...
Review: Turtledove, long recognized as the Grand Master of Alternate History, has now firmly established himself as a fine crafter of off-beat fantasy extravaganzas, as well. His sweeping, multi-volume "Darkness" epic retells World War II with a very bizarre twist: the world is not Earth, and magic takes the place of science. Strange though this may sound, it has made for a very fascinating and entertaining series. Military historians will enjoy looking for familiar places and events, while fantasy buffs will find plenty of interesting magical gadgets. And, as long-time Turtledove fans have come to expect, there is a large and varied cast of characters, representing every nation and all walks of life. From these myriad viewpoints, readers are treated to a full view of the war, in all its bloody detail. In this third volume, the struggle enters its critical phase. Events are taking place that will have a major effect on the outcome of the conflict. Algarve (Germany) gears up for a massive assault on Sulingen (Stalingrad). If they can take this strategically-vital city, the material wealth of southern Unkerlant (Russia) will be theirs for the taking. Meanwhile, down in the Land of the Ice People (North Africa), Lagoan (British) and Kuusaman (American) forces struggle to expell the Algarvians, with massive supplies of cinnabar at stake. This valuable mineral allows dragons to shoot their fiery breaths much further, greatly increasing the air power of whoever posesses it. And in Kuusamo itself, government-backed mages continue to plumb the deepest, darkest depths of magic theory. The further their research progresses, the more astonishing- and terrifying- their findings become. Although some are afraid to continue, no one wants to run the risk falling behind Algarve. All of this is told with Turtledove's usual blend of action, humor, romance, and suspense. And the horror of WWII is never far away: Algarve continues to sacrifice innocent Kaunians in a savage Holocaust, using their life energy to power deadly magical attacks. Against this increasingly terrifying backdrop, the myriad viewpoint characters must fight just to stay alive. In the conquered kingdom of Forthweg (Poland), Ealstan the bookkeeper struggles to keep his Kaunian lover hidden from the prying eyes of the Algarvians. Far to the east, in Valmiera, Skarnu's guerrilla war with the occupying army places his life in increasing danger. Trasone comes face to face with the sheer determination of King Swemmel's (Stalin's) soldiers as he fights for his life in the blasted streets of Sulingen. If you've read the previous books, don't hesitate to buy this one. A gripping and detailed flight of (dark) fantasy, it is a most enjoyable way to spend your leisure time.
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