IT ALWAYS RAINS IN ESTARAN

Boyner’s ambitious political thriller plunges readers into the fractured Republic of Estaran near the Iberian Peninsula, where idealism clashes with ruthless pragmatism.

In 1940, Sark Efni, Estaran’s president-select who once served as the nation’s Minister of Interior, struggles to maintain control of a country in turmoil as insurgencies erupt and loyal allies fall. His main adversary, though, is the enigmatic Esin Largaz—the Chief of the General Staff, who orchestrates a ruthless military coup that reshapes the nation. The relatively brief narrative features high-stakes political maneuvering, full of tense standoffs, assassinations, and strategic gambits, which make for an intriguing contrast with the more intimate, reflective moments between Sark and his significant other, Ely: “Every night before bed…Sark and Ely lay close to one another after tangling the sheets and just spoke. They talked about politics, philosophy, economics, theology, the past, the future... everything.” Throughout, the book’s plotting is intricate, and the stakes are convincingly dire. However, the prose often falters under the weight of its ambition. Lengthy expository monologues and repetitive ideological speeches slow the pace and sometimes feel more like lectures than organic dialogue: “But there is an enormous gap between those who are here and those who, for example, live in rural regions. The cultural gap is growing, and one day it will be so wide it will be impossible to close. Resentment will take root, assuming, of course, it has already not done so.” As such, the novel is thematically rich but uneven in style. In addition, abrupt shifts between violent action and introspective musing may jar the reader. Still, the story’s exploration of power, loyalty, and the fragility of idealism is compelling, and the tension between public chaos and private intimacy gives the book emotional depth. The ultimate sense of suspense—leaving readers with the promise of rebellion and upheaval—ensures that the narrative lingers in the mind. Fans of meticulous dystopian political thrillers may appreciate its scope, although those seeking fast-paced, character-driven storytelling may find it heavier going.

A thought-provoking novel for readers willing to navigate its dense political and philosophical terrain.