The Motley Chronicles

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Title:  The Coldest War

Authors:  Ian Tregillis

Language: English

Publisher: Tor Books (macmillan)

Format: Hardcover/Kindle

Expected Release Date: July 17, 2012

Summary from Amazon:

In Ian Tregillis’ The Coldest War, a precarious balance of power maintains the peace between Britain and the USSR. For decades, Britain’s warlocks have been all that stands between the British Empire and the Soviet Union—a vast domain stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the shores of the English Channel. Now each wizard’s death is another blow to Britain’s national security.

Meanwhile, a brother and sister escape from a top-secret facility deep behind the Iron Curtain.  Once subjects of a twisted Nazi experiment to imbue ordinary people with superhuman abilities, then prisoners of war in the immense Soviet research effort to reverse-engineer the Nazi technology, they head for England.

Because that’s where former spy Raybould Marsh lives.   And Gretel, the mad seer, has plans for him.

As Marsh is once again drawn into the world of Milkweed, he discovers that Britain’s darkest acts didn’t end with the war.   And while he strives to protect queen and country, he is forced to confront his own willingness to accept victory at any cost.

Here’s Why: 

Historical fantasy is always a favorite for me when done right and some big names (George RR Martin, Publishers Weekly, Booklist) are already touting this as one of the great reads to hit the genre this year.  Personally, I’d like it better if Martin finished his next installment of the Fire and Ice series but you can’t hold that against this up-and-comer.  Not that the critics know everything but the little bit that has been published indicates a great pace and depth with a unique story line that seems to have staying power.