The Place of Dead Kings by Geoffrey Wilson (The Land of Hope and Glory series #2)

The Place of Dead Kings is the second book in the Jack Casey series written by Geoffrey Wilson. Its predecessor Land of Hope and Glory was published last year (2012) by Hodder and Stoughton. The series so far is simply marvellous.

The year is 1855. The English revolt has failed, and brutal General Vadula governs England now. Only a few small bands of English rebels still hold out against the Rajthanan empire. Jack Casey survives in remote Shropshire, training young rebels to use the conqueror's magic. But he is gravely ill, with only two months to live… Then refugees bring with them news of a rogue Indian sorcerer in Scotland. Mahajan has discovered a mysterious power in the uncharted country to the north - a power that could be the legendary Holy Grail. The Rajthanans have already assembled an army to capture Mahajan. Jack has with nothing to lose now. He agrees to lead his own men, disguised as porters for the conquerors, on the same gruelling march. Their hope is to find a weapon that will free England from her oppressors. But they will find something even more powerful.

This book is in many ways similar to its predecessor but whereas the emphasis in the first book was on Jack Casey and providing him with background and character the second book shifts to focus on the alternate England and the result is the addition of a great deal more depth to the story.

The Place of Dead Kings showcases some magnificent battle scenes and as it nears its end the tension really builds… Can Jack find the Holy Grail in time? In this second instalment Geoffrey Wilson further and fully engages the reader in his mystical and now mythical alternate world, featuring an unique concept plus a compelling set of characters.

9/10 An unique concept plus a compelling set of characters.