RUINS BOOK ONE

A debut historical novel focuses on Africa during World War II.

The year 1942 sees German officer Baron Hauptmann Dieter Reineke serving in Libya. Reineke, “despite his whims and moods,” is a capable commander. When he receives a visit from the much-feared SS, he is not pleased. He is also disturbed that men under his command have a female prisoner who appears to be a teenager. The girl has suffered abuse, yet it seems she will live. But Reineke wonders: “Who could she possibly be?” Meanwhile in Cairo, Dr. Michael Delegianis arrives looking for Maj. Justin Charles of the Royal Air Force. Michael is an American physicist who walked away from the Manhattan Project and carries himself with a "Jimmy Cagney swagger." Justin is a tough sort with “few failures and an impressive list of successes” in his time working for England’s Secret Intelligence Service. Justin and Michael go way back, albeit the former tends to keep the latter at arm’s length so he “wouldn’t kill him.” Justin’s immediate concern is over potential enemy munitions depots in western Libya. Michael, on the other hand, is hoping to find a missing woman who happens to be Justin’s stepsister. The narrative weaves an elaborate, espionage-filled web featuring characters with myriad motivations. And Giles’ engrossing series opener does not stop at the standard heroes and villains of the war. Rich elements like the British control of Palestine and the Troubles in Ireland play a part. While it can be a challenge to keep it all straight, the true vastness of the global conflict is made apparent in this complicated tale. But at over 900 pages, the work is lengthy. Part of the bulk comes from dialogue that involves trivial statements such as “Is everything all right?” and “The war is coming!” Still, the compelling story poses a key question: Who, if anyone, will emerge unscathed from a time of such ever present danger?

A winding, engaging, sometimes wordy drama about the complexities of war.