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An Inevitable Choice
The Romanov Legacy II: Ahead of the Storm follows two Romanov children in the final days of Imperial Russia, who, with the help of loyalists in the White Army, travel to safety in London. What was your inspiration for the wild journey you take readers on in this novel?
As the story continues from the first book in the series, the children are entrusted to the protection of Captain Tupolev and his special company of men for the secret escape from Yekaterinburg east to freedom. He leads them and his attachment along the Trans-Siberian railway as part of the retreat of the White Army toward Vladivostok on the Pacific coast. The actual historical flight of the White Army and their Czech allies is one of the great human feats of the last portion of the Russian civil war. The escape of the children as part of this historic event was an inevitable choice.
Each of the main characters in your novel faces unique challenges and brings different perspectives to the situation. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Maxim Petrov was one of my favorite characters because he had to lead the transition of the nation and family from their protected life within Imperial Russia through the revolution and beyond while maintaining his secret life as both a spymaster but as the master of the great plan to free the family from danger and deliver the Tzar’s legacy against all odds. He had to be a master of all roles.
Alexei was difficult to develop because he had to transition from a bright child into a man so quickly under duress. Keeping his role believable and yet having him become a warrior and future leader was challenging.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to define the conditions that actually existed at the time historically. There were many people struggling to survive during this period. Survival was a necessity, and that tested many people’s courage and loyalty under the worst of situations.
What readers can expect in the third book of the series, and when it will be available?
Readers can expect to see an exciting and satisfying conclusion that leaves them with hope for the future and a feeling of continuity of the story. The third book is written and will be out early to mid-next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Maxim Petrov takes on the role of the White Hand, head of a league of royalist spies, to undermine the new government and clear the way for the children to escape Russia. He also carries out his promise to preserve the tsar’s legacy by preserving the wealth of the empire. He relocates to London to lead the shadow government there.
During the many months of escape across Siberia, Alexei, the heir to the throne, and his adoring sister Anastasia, grow into young adults who can take on the challenges of this chaotic life and gain survival skills they will need for the new empire. Yekaterinburg, Omsk, Irkutsk, Vladivostok, and finally safety for a time overseas.
Will the entourage reach the safety of a new incognito life in London? Will the dreaded Cheka assassins find them again? Will the Romanov legacy be preserved for the Russian people? This is a continuation of the exciting tale of a family thrown from power and desperate to survive to fight another day.
Bottled Lightning
Bottled Lightning, by L.M. Weeks, is a gripping legal thriller that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, global intrigue, and relentless action. Set in the bustling, vivid streets of Tokyo, the story introduces Tornait “Torn” Sagara, an elite technology lawyer who becomes ensnared in a deadly web of corporate espionage. Torn’s client, Saya Brooks, is a brilliant inventor whose revolutionary lightning-on-demand technology could transform the world by eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels. Yet, its disruptive potential makes her a target for powerful forces willing to stop at nothing—murder included.
The novel wastes no time plunging readers into chaos. An exhilarating motorcycle ride through Tokyo turns violent as Torn and Saya come under attack, thrusting them into a ruthless fight for survival. With assassins in pursuit and conspiracies unraveling, Torn races across borders—from Japan’s neon-lit streets to Russia’s unforgiving terrain. Along the way, he battles not only external enemies but his own inner demons, all while grappling with complicated feelings for Saya. The danger mounts. The stakes rise. And Torn’s entire existence—career, relationships, and life itself—hangs by a thread.
Weeks crafts a story that moves at breakneck speed but never sacrifices depth. The novel’s premise is both timely and compelling: Saya’s groundbreaking invention collides with the dark underbelly of corporate greed and energy politics. The result is a sharp exploration of technology’s promise and the forces determined to suppress it. Saya emerges as an engaging, multidimensional character—brilliant and ambitious, yet vulnerable enough to resonate with readers. Torn, by contrast, is a fascinating study of contrasts: a flawed lawyer wrestling with duty, desire, and the weight of his past. His personal struggles—his fractured moral compass and complex relationships—infuse the narrative with emotional heft.
Weeks offers a masterful portrayal of Tokyo’s culture, the nuances of Japanese legal systems, and the intricacies of advanced technology. These elements ground the story, giving it a realism often lacking in thrillers. Equally compelling is the emotional layer underpinning Torn’s journey. His growing bond with Saya, paired with his internal conflicts, adds depth to a plot that brims with action and suspense.
Fans of thrillers that deliver high-stakes espionage, electrifying twists, and a dash of romance will find Bottled Lightning impossible to put down. The pacing is relentless, the tension unrelenting, and the narrative rich with surprises. Torn’s evolution—both as a lawyer and as a man—provides an engrossing anchor for the story’s pulse-pounding momentum. Weeks doesn’t merely deliver thrills; he offers thought-provoking commentary on technology’s transformative power and its unintended consequences. Bottled Lightning stands as a remarkable entry in the legal thriller genre. Combining dynamic action with layered characters and an intelligent premise, it’s a story that captivates, challenges, and leaves readers hungry for more. This is more than a thriller—it’s a standout experience.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0B31JFHH2
LITERARY TITAN 