Vermilion Flames (Midnight War #1), by Adam Fernandez
31 Jul 2024The Book
Synopsis:
In the pursuit of progress, how much of your soul are you willing to sacrifice?
In the shadow of a ruined Earth, the Republic and its church claim to offer safety and security while burning ideas and people alike. No moon or planet is free of flames and bloodshed, even as the rebel organization, the Vermilion Coalition, seeks to dismantle the Republic’s oppressive regime.
On a terraformed Mercury, Kaya al Vardan hopes to find the truth behind her mother’s murder; a difficult task when everyone insists it was a tragic accident. When Kaya’s adventurous spirit leads her into the forbidden Great Desert, she’s sent to the Republic’s capital on Mars to study under the watchful eye of the all-powerful church she despises. There she unravels mysteries about her mother’s life and faces a choice: fall in line or risk everything to take up her mother’s mantle.
Silas Beckett, High Commander of the Pandora Fleet and hero of the Republic, can feel his time running out. Fighting terrorists has been his life’s mission, but his nemesis Hex—leader of the Vermilion Coalition—still eludes him. As his failures mount and his allies abandon him, he has few chances left to bring Hex to justice. Can Silas secure peace for his family and for the entire solar system?
Vermilion Flames is the first book in the Midnight War series, an action-filled epic set long after the destruction of Earth.
My Review
Vermilion Flames is the first book in the science fantasy series Midnight War, an ambitious proposal written by Adam Fernandez. This book was totally a cover pick, as it has strong vibes of Warhammer 40k and I can say that not only found something of that, but complex characters, rich worldbuilding and a great plot that sets all for a second volume.
A story that is carried by two main characters, Kaya and Silas, from different origins, but whose subplots will end being intertwined; initially Fernandez puts the focus on Kaya, a nobleman's daughter that is sent to Mars to be educated as a bishop, mostly as a punishment for her rebellious behaviour against the rules. However, instead of going calmer, we can see how Kaya passes from the teen years rebellion to a more focused activism, entering into contact with the rebels against the established order. We can see how she matures and grows, while still trying to discover the cause behind her mother's death.
In comparison, Silas starts his story just being a high range military officer who is in the search of capturing the mysterious Hex, leader of a rebel faction against the Empire; with him, Fernandez puts together action filled scenes, especially at the start, progressing towards a more complex net of politics and showing us how he struggles to keep contact with his family. Silas is a loyal to the power soldier, but his convictions will be shaken.
The worldbuilding was also quite interesting for me. A multi-planet Empire inspired by the Roman Empire, in which the Church plays an important control role; rebel factions and neutrals that try to survive. The politics between different noble houses are complex, and the mix between futuristic technology and more classic elements is a blend that works really well.
The pacing is a bit too frenetic in occasions for me, especially regarding how some reveals are done; said that, Fernandez's prose is accessible, adapting well to the tone of the scene, mixing together action and conversation.
Vermilion Flames is a promising first instalment for a science fantasy proposal; I'm really curious to see how Midnight War will evolve with the next books, and definitely, if you are looking for something W40K vibes, you definitely should try this one.
The Author/s
Adam Fernandez
Adam Fernandez was inspired to create the world of the Midnight War Series during long trail runs through other-worldly forests and desert canyons. As both a geologist and philosopher by training, Adam’s writing presents an interesting perspective on the crossroads of faith and progress. His debut novel, Vermilion Flames, explores what lengths people will traverse in support of their beliefs as they seek to create a better world. Adam Fernandez is a first-generation Cuban American from New Jersey. He enjoys spending much of his free time outdoors- running, hiking and rock climbing through both local and National Parks.