Eagle and Empire

Starred review from March 13, 2017
The final volume of Smale’s Clash of Eagles trilogy is relentless, with characters and readers hardly getting a breath before the next threat comes crashing down. In an alternate 13th century C.E., the thriving Roman Empire has penetrated North America—called Nova Hesperia—as far as the Mississippi River. Gaius Marcellinus led troops into battle against the midwestern Cahokians but lost badly and became their prisoner. Years later, he’s a willing resident of Cahokia, and he has helped broker a tenuous peace between Romans and Hesperians. But all are about to face annihilation when the Mongols, led by Chinggis (aka Genghis) Khan, cut a bloody swath across western and southern Nova Hesperia, butchering everyone who resists and enslaving those who surrender. And if somehow the Mongols are defeated, Nova Hesperia may still ultimately be subjugated by Rome—costing Marcellinus both of his nations. The book is harrowing, and there are no easy victories. Smale’s hard-hitting and satisfying conclusion will be a must for his readers, as the trilogy will be for any fan of alternate history. Agent: Caitlin Blasdell, Liza Dawson Associates.