** Defeat is More Interesting **
One of the most satisfying elements of a fantasy or sci-fi sequel is the opportunity to explore the consequences of the original story. Usually, the protagonists saved the world, but whatever the danger was had to have some sort of impact right?
In Wrath of Empire, the protagonists lost the battle for the city they hoped to protect. Effectively, Napoleon has invaded Russia with easy early victories, but now rather than Kutezov needing to draw the French army out, there is a treasure hunt to find the remaining godstones. Tolstoy this is not, but I enjoyed the tactics and tone, which kept the pages turning far beyond when I should have been sleeping.
I found the Ben Styke plot line a bit boring, but it’s still worth finishing the story from here.
** 83rd book of 2021 **