*Editorial Book Review*
Volition (Vain & Valour, Volume 3)
By Justan Autor
By Justan Autor
Publication Date: 26th November 2024
Publisher: Staten House
Page Length: 282
Genre: Historical Fiction
The game changes.
So must the players.
From ballrooms to battlefields, a spy is forged.
1792 draws to its close. Liberté, égalité, and fraternité echo through the streets and squares. For the Swiss confederacy, these are treacherous times indeed. Amidst the swelling upheaval and uncertainty, a secret war rages — a war waged in the shadows.
No longer retreating, Valentin rises to confront a deadly conflict weighing both Switzerland’s fate and the balance of European power. The Tatzelwurms have revealed their reach — but not their master. Time is running out to unmask the architect behind it all.
With every step, Valentin is drawn deeper into a world of espionage and danger. One misstep could unravel everything. In this lethal game of deception and counter-deception, will he emerge victorious? Or, like so many before him, fall victim to the Tatzelwurms’ grand design?
The stakes have never been higher. But, backed by loyal companions and a stroke of good fortune, our hero might — just might — pull this off... if he can keep his wits and nerve about him first.
“The world is changing, Corporal, and not for the better. The rabble, once content with their lot, now clamour for rights and representation. And with revolutionary ideas inching ever closer to our city’s walls, we must do what is necessary to protect what is important.”
With the aristocracy’s inability to treat the common man with respect and dignity, it is no surprise that the events unfolding in France may spill over into Switzerland, despite its desperate attempts at neutrality.
Valentin has stopped running; he knows who he is and what he must do. However, there are forces that will stop at nothing to prevent him from uncovering the truth behind the unfolding plot.
Can Valentin survive? And what will become of his beloved Switzerland if he does not?
“Volition (Vain & Valour, Volume 3)” by Justan Autor is a captivating instalment that immerses readers in a world where unpredictability reigns supreme. With each turn of the page, unexpected twists and rich character development unfold, inviting the reader to explore the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead. Prepare for a journey filled with suspense, action, and intrigue, where anything can happen, and the stakes have never been higher.
The narrative employs a somewhat omniscient third-person point of view, allowing the reader to glimpse both the characters’ inner thoughts and outer actions. Autor also engages the reader directly, weaving in comments that provide context and foreshadow unfolding events. This approach fosters a sense of intimacy, drawing readers into the heart of the story and inviting them to participate in the emotional journey. However, this closeness can also create a slight detachment from the characters’ immediate experiences, making it challenging to fully immerse oneself in their struggles and triumphs. Furthermore, the narrative’s frequent shifts between timelines and abrupt transitions from one setting to another can leave readers feeling momentarily disoriented, akin to a whirlwind journey through the narrative landscape.
The writing is rich in descriptive language, creating vivid images of people, places, and events. The descriptions often appeal to the reader’s senses of sight, sound, and smell. The dialogue is generally well-crafted, with each character having a distinct voice, although some of it can feel somewhat formal and stilted, reflecting the 19th-century style. Although the writing maintains a generally clear and coherent style, the frequent digressions and asides can occasionally interrupt the smooth flow of the narrative. This tendency to meander may leave some readers feeling disoriented. Additionally, the language is often embellished, which can render it overly ornate and make it challenging to navigate for those who prefer a more straightforward read.
This series resembles a comedy of errors, with even the most sensible characters, especially the main character, coming across as utterly incompetent and ridiculous. Many characters are also portrayed as caricatures, particularly those from poorer backgrounds, which can lead to uncomfortable reading for modern audiences. Is it appropriate to ridicule someone for their weight or to use their lack of education as a source of comedy? However, it is encouraging to see in this volume that the working poor are not solely depicted as a target for mockery. At last, Valentin, who typically looks down on those he views as beneath him, begins to understand how generous the poor can be with their limited resources compared to the wealthy. But he has done a lot of damage to his reputation, and the “common folk” have long memories.
In this novel, Peter/Valentin emerges in a much more favourable light than in the previous two instalments. Although he doesn’t become a true hero, his moments of sobriety reveal a deeper awareness of his actions. When he isn’t drunk or nursing a hangover, he displays a complexity that adds depth to his character. However, there are still instances where he behaves reprehensibly, particularly in his treatment of Ernest, which elicits a strong sense of loathing from the reader. His sense of entitlement often leads to painfully cringeworthy interactions, painting a picture of a man grappling with his flaws. In this narrative, Valentin embodies the essence of an anti-hero—flawed and unlikable yet undeniably human. Despite this, there are tender moments interspersed throughout, where he shows glimpses of vulnerability and empathy. These fleeting instances allow him to resonate with the audience, evoking a rare sympathy that makes the reader reflect on the complexities of his character.
This novel features a vast array of characters, creating a complex tapestry that can sometimes make it challenging to keep track of their identities and motivations. Du Pont emerges as a treacherous villain, with his duplicity evident in every calculated move. He is a cold-blooded antagonist, unafraid to embrace violence and betrayal to achieve his ambitions. In contrast, Bernhard is a powerful and enigmatic figure, operating from the shadows and skilfully pulling strings while amassing vital information. Pier/Otto is resourceful and cunning, driven to desperate measures to protect his family. His unwavering loyalty is commendable; he remains steadfast once he has pledged his allegiance. Adolfus is another antagonist, depicted as manipulative and shrewd, always staying a few steps ahead in the game of deceit. Amidst the tension, Ludwig provides much-needed comic relief with his light-hearted antics and his struggles with a particular clock, yet he consistently demonstrates loyalty to those around him. Corporal Aeschlimann is ambitious but easily swayed, often falling prey to the schemes of others. In stark contrast, Keller stands as a paragon of integrity, with his moral compass guiding him through the murky waters of the story. Matron Edmunda, a beloved character, is portrayed with less ridicule in this book. Her charming mishaps in pronunciation are more endearing than absurd, adding to her overall warmth and relatability. There are many more characters in this novel beyond those mentioned, and each plays a pivotal role in the development of a multifaceted story that unfolds throughout the narrative.
The political landscape during this tumultuous period is intricately depicted, with Switzerland striving to maintain its neutrality. The revolutionary fervour engulfing France poses a significant threat to Switzerland, which is working tirelessly to prevent the chaos of the revolutionary wars from spilling over into its serene and peaceful country. Meanwhile, the plight of French émigrés seeking refuge from the upheaval raises profound concerns among the Swiss populace. Many people are torn between their compassion for those fleeing the turmoil and their fear that providing support could destabilise their own society.
“Volition (Vain & Valour, Volume 3)” by Justan Autor features rich, vivid descriptions that immerse readers in its world. The narrative is filled with intriguing mysteries that invite readers to uncover their secrets, while the complex characters come to life, each with their distinct motivations and depth. Although this instalment does not stand alone, it adds another layer of intrigue to the captivating saga, encouraging returning readers to explore the unfolding drama more deeply.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Justan Autor
Justan Autor is a newcomer author to the world of novels, bringing a passion for the arts to historical fiction.
Throughout his youth and adulthood, Justan has been painting, landscape gardening, tailoring, playing the pianoforte, and composing classical music. It was only 5 years ago that he discovered his true calling in narrative and novel writing.
As a descendant of Swiss merchants and courtiers in the Neuchâtelois court, and inspired by a love of 18th and 19th century literature, Justan strives to immerse readers in the sights, sounds and struggles of revolutionary Europe. Justan’s first series delves into seldom-told tales of political turmoil in 1790s Switzerland.
With multilayered characters and dramatic storytelling accented by threads of wit, satire, and burlesque reminiscent of classic authors like Dumas and Fielding, Justan’s diverse passions shape his unique authorial voice — inviting readers into a living past.
Justan invites you to be transported back through his vivid prose and rediscover the intrigues of turbulent Switzerland alongside ancestors who shaped an epoch.
Connect with Justan Autor:
No comments:
Post a Comment