Firestorm

I'm beginning to think that I was hoodwinked. What started out as a nice little trilogy has become a 6-volume series with the promise of more on the way. When my copy of FIRESTORM arrived in the library, I pushed aside the very well-crafted space opera book I was well into so I could swim in the waters of Taylor Anderson's alternate earth again.

After the increasing scope of the last two books that added enemies to the east in addition to the Grik in the west, the story stabilized and allowed the current plot elements to grow. Yes there were additions such as another Japanese warship and the "others" the Grik want to entice to hunt, but mostly the battles centered on the invasion of Ceylon, the securing of the Empire's home islands, and the beginning of the fight with the Holy Dominion. The story moved along smartly, but there is still so much more to do before it can even reach a point that can be called complete. At least Mr. Anderson publishes his books in a timely manner. The next book is slated for summer and hopefully follow-ons will continue at their six-month intervals.

If I had any real complaint with this book, it would be in the cover. Why would they depict the pivotal battle scene for all to know what was coming. The details were hinted throughout the book, but only until the attack was launched did Mr. Anderson give us dirigibles. Cover designers and editors, please don't spoil the book on the cover. Still dirigibles are cool and my daughter learned a new word by asking about them.