Sunday, July 3, 2011

The Moonlight Brigade-Sarah Jane Stratford

The Moonlight Brigade
Sarah Jane Stratford
St. Martin’s Griffin, Aug 2 2011, $14.99
ISBN: 9780312560140

Having been a Roman Republic general, Mors detests the Fascists especially their Nazi allies in Italy. The rare twice Millennial Vampire vows to kick the Nazis back to Germany though he has been fighting in Berlin. During a fight against Nazi vampire hunters, one of Mors’ allies Cleland goes missing.

The clues to Cleland’s disappearance lead back to Mors’ beloved home Rome. Once back in Italy, his fervor to free his country from the Fascists grips his soul while he believes he should serves as the first leader of a democratic Italy. Mors meets Giulia of the Italian resistance. They along with other vampires and humans train and fight together even as the pair falls in love.

Though for the most part limited to the WWII years (though there are inserts of Mors’ history), this exciting entry like its predecessors (see The Midnight Guardian) will remind readers of the Saint Germain’s historical vampire thrillers by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. Character driven, the story line provides an intriguing look at WWII through an alternative paranormal filter. Although the action can decelerate especially when the fascinating but disruptive Mors’ history is inserted, sub-genre fans will enjoy this entertaining military historical fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

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