Title: Crossroads of Empire
Author: Michael J. Cooper
Publisher: Koehler Books
ISBN: 979-8888245125
Pages: 368
Genre: Historical Fiction / World War I / Mystery
Reviewer: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
Within the grand scheme of things, namely during times of war, people can feel small or overlooked when global events are taking place. Yet far more often than not, the biggest stories or the most heart wrenching stories occur on a more personal level, from the child who protected their family during a brutal battle to the nurse who stayed behind to care for injured soldiers and so much more. It is often during these pivotal, large-scale events people find themselves and come to terms with the personal challenges in their lives up to that point in time.
In that same vein, author Michael J. Cooper shared a remarkable and challenging historical fiction narrative in the book Crossroads of Empire, the sequel to the author’s first novel in the series, Wages of Empire. The story follows sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair, who finds himself immersed into some of the largest theaters of war during WWI, from the trenches of France and Europe to the hotly contested lands of the Middle East. As Kaiser Wilhelm II seeks to make his dreams a reality and become the Holy Roman Emperor of the large Arabian oil reserves and the Suez Canal, Evan comes into contact with some of the war’s more prolific figures and faces the hardships of his life in an effort to recover memories lost during an injury, including secrets that his family has dating back to the age of the Crusades.
The balance between historical records and rich fictional storytelling was remarkable to behold in this book. The author crafted characters (both historical and fictional) which felt accessible and realistic, and the imagery in the author’s writing style felt both vivid and intense at the same time as readers are drawn into these brutal conflicts on a global scale. The storytelling itself is incredibly detailed, finding a way of delving into the intensity of the actual military conflicts while also showcasing the behind-the-scenes decisions and actions of leaders and political figures alike.
For those who enjoy history, especially WWI history and historical fiction, as well as character driven dramas and coming of age stories set during historical time periods, this narrative will speak to them. The immersive nature of the author’s writing style will feel transportive, and the way this plot highlights the long-term effects the global war had on the Middle East for years and decades to come added a more geopolitical nature to the novel overall, drawing this reader in more and more with intrigue and insights galore. Evan is a strong and relatable protagonist, and keeps the reader engaged as the world erupts into chaos all around him. Cooper’s deep research and sophisticated storytelling illuminate not just the panorama of history, but the very human choices that shape it. Michael J. Cooper blends fact and fiction with finesse, making this a rewarding addition to any recommended reading shelf.