Book Review: Only the Dead

In Only the Dead, author Hamilton Wende brings together his journalistic experience of covering war-torn zones, and his interest and research into ancient mythology in a compelling tale. The story has a number of threads running through it to create a fascinating tapestry. Again, as in his previous book House of War, Sebastian Burke reappears; this time he is invited to assist psychologist Tania Burke as she tries to help children traumatised by a war in Uganda, a terrifying army of children led by the megalomaniac General Faustin, assisted by his mysterious shaman figure, Papa Mephisto, and his blood-seeking machete Chonge. If this sounds like a weird mix, it is not. Child armies are a sad truth of Africa and the tragedy of these children ripped from their homes, forced to fight, brainwashed into mindless violence by a mesmerising and charismatic leader who fulfils the role of father figure in their lives is all too familiar to readers who have some idea of politics and war in Africa. Papa Mephisto introduces his benefactor General Faustin to the mysterious lion cult, claiming powers that would make the general and his young army invincible. Sebastian Burke’s interest in lion mythology weaves into this dark, tangled web of atavistic beliefs and fears. At the same time, Islamic terrorist activities and the American interest in protecting the USA and the world from a nuclear threat also underpins this tragic scenario.

Despite the horror of this bleak wasteland of the soul, faint glimmers of hope appear, namely in the main character of one of the child-soldiers, Okuto. He has suffered the same fate as his fellow soldiers, his parents perhaps killed, his village burned. Scarred emotionally and physically by his experiences, only the general and Papa Mephisto mean anything to him. That is, until Victoria, a fellow conscript makes an impact in his life. His love for Victoria is the only thing, ultimately, that has any meaning, and it is his redemption. Between these threads the reader will also learn about the Islamic terrorist, whose love for his daughter, killed accidently by a US drone attack meant for him, drives him to perpetrate a horrific vengeance. A sad but necessary character is the man who pushed the button, a man we don’t really get to know, but his tragic story resonates throughout the book. Love, loss of love, and redemption form a strong element here, and one that lifts the book out of a dark resignation. War is an inevitable part of human society, and the collateral damage is also inescapable. The pace of the book drives the reader on to keep turning pages. The author also intersperses references to the lion culture and myths and legend throughout in little tantalising snippets. There are subtle references that the keen-eyed reader will pick up and not so subtle ones, such as the story of Faust (General Faustin) and his pact with the devil (Papa Mephisto). The conclusion is open-ended, and one wonders if there will be more books. A great read from a talented author who manages to draw you into the hearts and souls of both the characters and the land they inhabit. Five Stars!

Book Review: House of War

House of War by Hamilton Wende has a number of story threads running through it: British academic Sebastian Burke’s life-long quest to find the lost Royal Diaries of Alexander the Great, detailing his life with Roxane, slave bride and love of his life; Claire Finch, an independent American documentary producer, who has her own dark secrets to resolve; the murder of two American servicemen by terrorists in a hotel bar in Tashkent. Add to that the various goals and ambitions of lesser characters involved with Sebastian’s quest. The setting is Afghanistan, the ultimate destination being the city of Ay Khanoum, specifically the Temple of Ares now in ruins and guarded by a militant warlord, hoping to claim his place in history. Woven into this story is Sebastian’s anguish over the death of his brother in Rhodesia, when Sebastian was just a boy.

I’m a sucker for anything to do with ancient history and archaeology. Alexander the Great is also one of my favourite characters. A quest, both internal and external, an archaeological dig, politics, romance, what could any reader want more than this exciting mix? Author Hamilton Wende has created a compelling, spell-binding read, and the main question that will possibly rear in readers’ minds is: do the Royal Diaries actually exist, and will Sebastian find them? Apart from this overriding theme is another, darker theme underpinning the entire book. The theme of obsession, coupled with that of war. Characters, both modern and historical, are beset with obsessions and surrounded by war. Alexander’s obsession to conquer took him on a path of rampant war and destruction. His inner insecurity and turmoil within his soul turned him at times into a monster. Sebastian wrestles with the demons of his past, the background of the war in Rhodesia, and his inability to accept things about himself. Claire, too, has issues that will not go away. Their background is war-torn Afghanistan and the physical dangers surrounding their journey.

Alexander fighting King Darius III of Persia at the battle of Issus.

The characters are interesting but, in many places, overshadowed by Alexander. He looms large over everything. The author cleverly intersperses snippets from Sebastian’s manuscript about the Royal Diaries into the text, following the path of the modern-day protagonists as they get nearer the dig site. Such tiny teasers told me so much about Alexander, a giant among men, prone to violent rages, overweening pride, and terrible cruelty, and yet capable of great compassion, tenderness, kindness, and generosity. A compelling, charismatic leader whose personal magnetism drew people to his side and kept them there. In fact, I was delighted when, at the end of the book, the author indicates the full manuscript is available on his website. I urge readers to take the time to hop over there. It is well worth it.

Alexander is the subject of the book and, whether by accident or design, he tends to cast the others into the shade. Sebastian comes across many times as weak, indecisive, and filled with self-pity; Claire starts out with an abrasive domineering attitude that is often annoying. The other players in the game of war engineer some interesting plot twists, and of course several are not who they appear to be. Political enthusiasts will have plenty to chew over regarding the 2002 Iraqi invasion, an added angle that has its place here. There is a wonderful shoot-out ending that was the only possible resolution to this fascinating story. The only part I did not really like was the romance between Sebastian and Claire. For me it was as if two broken people had drifted together out of desperation. And yet, real people are imperfect, indecisive, torn with unresolved issues, and perhaps this is what makes these characters work well within the context of this story. This is a fascinating read and I am busy with the author’s next book about Sebastian Burke.