Well written but lacking the real story
Review by Chris Turner on August 1st, 2008
I'll start with the good, because despite my comments, it does have some good features. The book is very well written. The alternate history in which the world is set is described in lavish consistent detail such that you could really believe such a world could exist. The characters are well developed. All in all, it's what you'd expect from a good book.
Unfortunately where it falls over flat is the story and plot. The blurb on the back describes the book as being about a world in which the Catholic faith took over the world and after many years, rebellion is slowly brewing. So you'd not be forgiven for expecting the book to be about this rebellion and possibly overthrowing of Rome.
Unfortunately what you instead get is a series of short stories, most of which aren't really connected in anyway that describe the lives of several people in this world as a sort of prelude to the rebellion. It's not until the final chapter that there is any real sign of rebellion, but even that is short lived. The epilogue is then set after the rebellion and briefly describes the events that happen.
It's clear that the author had ideas about the rebellion, but instead chose to write about the events that ultimately cause it. So in some regards I felt cheated by the book and author for having what would have been a really good story and focusing on the rather unexciting prelude to it instead.