Empires of Bronze: The Dark Earth (Empires of Bronze 6)
In 1237 BC, the entire Mediterranean world is becoming embroiled in existential peril. The threat comes in multiple guises: environmental droughts and earthquakes, shifting political alliances, intrigue and betrayal within ruling families, and mysterious, seemingly unstoppable, invading hordes made up of disparate peoples. The Trojan War has relatively recently concluded, and three formerly dominant empires are holding on precariously: the Hittites, Egyptians and Assyrians.
King Tudha takes the Hittite throne at a most inauspicious time. The Hittite Empire is composed of upper and lower halves surrounded by an array of smaller vassal tribes and statelets. Compounding Tudha’s political difficulties are strains and suspicions within his own family. His mother has been a source of strength and unity after the death of his father, but he is not sure about the rest of his kin. One possible source of hope is the potential for the Hittites to be the first to master the secrets of iron-making and then mass produce weapons and armor to overwhelm his enemies’ bronze armament. But it’s a race against time and events.
This is an epic historical novel of sweeping events covering decades. It is replete with multitudes of colorful characters and details. As it’s part of a series, it is recommended that readers start with the first book. The thorough research conducted by the author is evident throughout and only heightens the interest in the themes of mastering iron working and the mystery of the Sea Peoples. Graphic but period-genuine battle scenes are excellently rendered. My only minor quibble is the extended length of the book with its protracted dream sequences. Still though, The Dark Earth is a superb imagining of a historically neglected empire and time which will captivate the reader. Recommended.
