STRENGTH and HONOR II: Dark Wind

By Michael Pandolfo

Sequel to 2022 WINNER FIREBIRD BOOK AWARDS - Historical Fiction Editorial Review: Overall, I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and two thumbs up! Looking forward to the next book in the series! Shey Saints Reviews (Full review below.) Author Note: Royalties from the sale of this book (less publishing expenses) are donated to St Jude Research Hospital for Children. The Story: DARK WIND continues the saga of the award winning CÆSAR'S GAMBIT. A tale of the new empire, Rome, where treachery, brutality, and murder are expected; while loyalty, kindness, and salvation are anything but common. The STRENGTH AND HONOR series is set against the backdrop of the expansive Roman Empire from Hispania in the West to Judea in the East, Gaul in the North to Nubia in the South; DARK WIND like its predecessor will keep you guessing because this is a time when anything can and does happen. It is 12 AD. Legate Micah Antonius Equinus is nearing the end of his two-year tour as commander of the III Legion Cyrenaica in Egypt. Other than the first month of the assignment that saw him deal with just about everything from a rebellious pleasure slave to a governor turned traitor in a plot to take down the imperial family, it's been fairly quiet - too quiet. In the South, the Nubian King perceives weakness in Egypt, a weakness he is prepared to take advantage of. With one daring stroke he can retake Rome's most valuable resource, choke off the grain supply, and bring the empire to its knees. Only one person stands in Tambal's way, his mother, Amanirenas. Full Editorial Review: More than anything, I am very impressed with all the additional information that supplements or backs up the story. The insight into the workings of the Roman Empire in this early period makes the story authentic and adds depth to the characters. On top of its entertainment value, this book is educational as it contains factual historical events and details which are fascinating. It also has a great cast of all too human characters and a smooth narrative flow that is impressively great in scope. Loved the characters, the setting, the writing style, and the dialogues that I can easily understand because they were adjusted to a more conventional and modern way of communication rather than that of what was really used during ancient times. The end of the story which said, "Far From the End," put a smile on my face because it's such a comical tease to entice readers to another book coming. Overall, I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and two thumbs up! It was very informative, highly entertaining, humorous, and exciting! Highly recommended to readers who love historical fiction. Looking forward to the next book in the series! Shey Saints Reviews

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0D6R2L69P
• ISBN13: 9798327150881
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"