The Room of Lost Steps

Theo Sterling #2

by Simon Tolkien

An American boy with impossible dreams is thrust into the cauldron of the Spanish Civil War in an arresting and thrilling historical coming-of-age epic by the author of The Palace at the End of the Sea.

Barcelona 1936. Theo helps the Anarchist workers defeat the army that is trying to overthrow the democratically elected government, and he is reunited with his true love, Maria. But all too soon, his joy turns to terror as the Anarchists turn on him, led by a rival for Maria’s affection.

Lucky to escape with his life, Theo returns to England to study at Oxford. But his heart is in Spain, now torn apart by a bloody civil war, and he is quick to abandon his new life when his old schoolmate Esmond offers him the chance to fight the Fascists. He is unprepared for the nightmare of war that crushes his spirit and his hope until, back in Barcelona, Theo is confronted with a final terrible choice that will define his life forever.

As Theo’s tumultuous coming-of-age journey reaches its end, can his dream to change the world—so far from home—still hold true?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Spanish Civil War

379 pages, Hardcover

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Simon Tolkien is the author of No Man’s Land , Orders from Berlin, The King of Diamonds, The Inheritance, and Final Witness. He studied modern history at Trinity College, Oxford, and went on to become a London barrister specializing in criminal defense. Simon is the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien and is a director of the Tolkien Estate. In 2022 he was named as series consultant to the Amazon TV series The Rings of Power. He lives with his wife, vintage fashion author Tracy Tolkien, and their two children, Nicholas and Anna, in Southern California. Follow Simon at https://www.simontolkien.com/

Reviews

[Karen’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I finished book 1, The Palace at the End of the Sea, I found myself haunted by Theo’s coming of age story.

The Room of Lost Steps has Theo at the center of Barcelona’s rebellion of the Anarchist workers to defeat the army trying to overthrow the democratically elected government. Theo manages to escape back to England but his heart is still in Spain.

And then Theo manages to get himself back to Spain to fight in the Spanish Civil War.

Lost Steps is an extraordinary novel of the experience of what a soldier actually goes through in the trenches of war. I had to put this one down a few times and go do something else because the reality of what I was reading was too much. Tolkien held nothing back and the action is intense and gruesome.

I had absolutely no knowledge of the Spanish Civil War and how involved the communist Russians were involved. Or that so many different men from all different countries went to Spain to fight the fascists. Americans, British, Germans, French, and so many others.

Simon Tolkien did his grandfather proud with this epic historical fiction novel.

*Thanks so much to partners Amazon Publishing and OTRPR for the gifted ARC!*

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Tolkien, Author has written “THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS”, which is the sequel to “The Palace At the End of the Sea”. This powerful, bold and informative book was worth the wait, but I suggest you read both books. This is the continuation of the journey of the protagonist, Theo Sterling, now a college student. The Genres for this story are: Historical Fiction, Literary Sagas, Political Fiction, and Coming of Age. This story starts in 1936 in Barcelona. Many of the same characters are in this book. Theo is easily influenced by certain friends and people with Political Believes and Ambitions. Theo is now helping the Anarchists, and is hoping to reconnect with his love, Maria. There is betrayal, danger, political unrest, and danger. Another friend gives him the opportunity to fight against the Facists. I appreciate that Simon Tolkien has a diagram that shows that different political changes in Spain. Although Theo does have loyalty, there are tragic decisions that he must make. He is reminded by others, that he should have stayed at college. Theo witnesses the bloodshed and tragedies of the war. Will Theo be able to follow his dreams?
Simon Tolkien has researched this well written story, and vividly describes the political climate, coming of age, and the complex and complicated characters. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.

[Jean Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious to read something written by the grandson of JRR Tolkien. This book and the preceding book, The Palace at the End of the Sea were both excellent. Together they tell the story of Theo Sterling from his childhood as the son of immigrant parents in New York City in the 1920s, through his adolescence in England and Spain, and ending with his young manhood fighting against the Fascists n Spain in the late 1930s. At times, Theo’s naivety and willingness to be influenced by others are maddening. However, gradually, through suffering, he grows beyond boyish passions and idealism. He is fiercely loyal to his friends, but must in the end realize some have used him badly and others are forever beyond his grasp. His evolving relationship with his stepfather, Andrew, is a positive note in a tale that includes many bleak moments when youthful idealism clashes with harsh reality. I think these books take on greater importance in this moment in history when we are seeing the rise of racism, anti-immigrant prejudice and fascism in the United States.

[Bookreporter.com Historical Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS wraps up the Theo Sterling duology that began with THE PALACE AT THE END OF THE SEA. The author, Simon Tolkien, is the grandson of the late, great J. R. R. Tolkien. But this novel is no fantasy.

Those who are unfamiliar with the people and places behind the Spanish Civil War will receive both an education and an indoctrination in this hard-hitting work that never shies away from the brutality and controversy behind it. Theo Sterling is an American who grew up during the Depression and is now living in Barcelona, along with his mother, Elena, and stepfather, Andrew. He also has been reunited with his one true love, Maria.

The action begins in 1936, just prior to the outbreak of skirmishes between the Fascists and the Communists, among others. This also is happening in conjunction with the events surrounding WWII, where there is fear that Hitler and Mussolini may be behind General Francisco Franco in his march to take over Spain. We all know that this will be successful as Franco ruled as their dictator until his death in 1975.

Everything is changing in Theo’s life, and not for the better. He loses his beloved Maria to a military Fascist bully named Primitivo, who swept her away after killing off her ex. Before Theo can contemplate any attempt to win back his lost love, he must deal with his family, who wishes to leave Spain as the uprising is beginning. Theo has no desire to depart as he not only still pines for Maria but also has been given the opportunity from his former track coach to join the Olympics as a potential participant. Of course, the war will change all of this.

In a move made out of desperation, Theo briefly joins up with the Fascist forces to be near Maria. Of course, this means he will be around Primitivo, who eventually will out him as a traitor. This forces Theo into an unavoidable choice to flee Spain before he is killed in some barbaric way. So he gets on a ship headed to London where he reunites with Andrew, who has devastating news for him.

Theo settles in Oxford and, while there, takes up with his old friend, Esmond, who also happened to be in Spain at the start of the war. Their discussions, from opposite perspectives of the skirmish, reignite in Theo the desire to be back there on the front lines, making a difference and hopefully finding Maria. He returns to a vastly different-looking Spain as he interacts with many of the conflict’s famous and semi-famous figures.

THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS is a must-read for those who enjoy true historical fiction. In the very capable hands of Simon Tolkien, this dark period in Spain’s history is brought to vivid life before our eyes. The result is a work that reads like a high-octane thriller and is impossible to look away from.

Reviewed by Ray Palen

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved these books. Throughout the series I found myself identifying with the main character, Theo. I imagined what my thoughts, choices, etc, would have been if faced with the uprising of fascism and communism. His entire journey is fascinating and believable. After I finished, I read an excerpt at the end that Tolkien used some real people in these novels. I don't want to spoil anything, but I wanted to comment.

These are an important read currently as we are seeing some things that mirror this. I live every day in wonderment of the human psych and the perils of humanity throughout history. This is only a snapshot in time, but oh man, what a snapshot!

I gave the first novel a 4 star rating, and honestly as I was going through the 2nd book, this one... I was thinking 4 was going to be my end result as well. After finishing however, and for me, it was a big finish... and believable. It really got my mind to pondering... and that to me is worth a 5 star review. Because this book IS thought provoking and because it is historical, it leaves one wondering about current state of affairs. I don't give 5 stars unless a book really touches me. This one did. Great work Mr. Tolkien. I am a fan.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second installment in the life of Theo, he goes off to Oxford only to decide he must do something to help the anarchists in Spain and to reunite with his love, Maria. He drops out to join the war effort, but soon learns the brutal facts and unvarnished truths about the cause and the leaders.
I hope this isn’t the last we’ll hear from him, as he is an earnest and idealistic young man who seems compelled to tell the truth and do the right thing. The audiobook narration is excellent.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #TheRoomofLostSteps for review purposes. Publication date: 16 Sept 2025.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the pacing of this one compared to the first. It picked up where the first left off but with it Theo being in an area of war there was a little bit more suspense and the pace was a little faster. I admire how Theo follows his heart and gut. Even if it puts him into harm’s way he’s going to do what he feels is right. I never knew what he was going to do. Theo is a loyal friend and loves deeply. It was detailed and had a lot of historic elements. The setting came to life and forced Theo to make some big decisions more than once.

Thank you @simontolkien_novelist @amazonpublishing @otrpr for the gifted copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivid descriptions of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of a young American. The story continues Theo Sterling's life after The Palace at the end of the Sea.

[Harry Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Read

An interesting way of telling the history of the Spanish civil war. The descriptions of the hardships and violence of war were very realistic.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel but a hard read. Glad to have read it!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second part of the Theo Sterling story focuses on the tragedy, horrors and futility of Spanish civil war. Sadly, this historical story remains very timely in today’s world. Readers should certainly finish The Palace at the End of the Sea in order to fully appreciate this novel.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absorbing, captivating, and impactful!

The Room of Lost Steps is an atmospheric, fascinating tale that picks up seamlessly where The Palace at the End of the Sea left off, taking us back to the mid 1930s and into the life of a more mature, yet still scarred Theo Sterling as he travels from the halls of Oxford to Spain, a country torn by internal conflict, oppression, economic instability, violence, political upheaval, and a populace grappling with disillusionment, lost identity, and the erosion of freedom and rights.

The prose is evocative and expressive. The characters are brave, tormented, and loyal. And the plot is a compelling exploration of life, loss, turmoil, grief, conscience, conflict, duty, morality, desperation, friendship, faith, heartbreak, courage, and personal responsibility.

Overall, The Room of Lost Steps is the rich, intimate, emotional second instalment in the Theo Sterling duology by Tolkien that does a wonderful job of highlighting his exceptional ability to portray memorable characters in historically troubling times that linger long after the final page.

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second and final novel in the Theo Sterling Duology, following THE PALACE AT THE END OF THE SEA, is Simon Tolkien’s THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS. Yes, the name is familiar because Simon is indeed the grandson of the late, great J.R.R. Tolkien. However, this novel is no fantasy and is created with historical fiction elements set within the very real Spanish Civil War circa 1936-37.

Those readers unfamiliar with the facts, people, and places behind the Spanish Civil War will receive both an education and indoctrination in this hard-hitting work that never shies away from the brutality and controversy behind it. Theo Starling is an American who grew up through the Depression Era in the U.S. and is now living in Barcelona, Spain, along with his mother Elena and stepfather Andrew. He is also there because he has recently been reunited with his one true love, Maria.

The action begins in 1936, just prior to the outbreak of skirmishes between the Fascists and the Communists, among others. This is also happening in conjunction to the events surrounding WWII, where there is fear that Hitler and Mussolini may be behind General Franco in his march to take over Spain. We all know that this will eventually be successful as he ruled there as dictator through 1975.

Everything is changing in Theo’s life and not for the better. First off, he loses his beloved Maria to a military Fascist bully named Primitivo who swept her away after killing off her ex, Pedrito. Before Theo can contemplate any attempt to win back his lost love, he must deal with his family who wishes to leave Spain as the uprising is beginning. Theo has no desire to leave as he not only still pines for Maria but also has been given the opportunity from his former U.S. School Track Coach to join the Olympic events as a potential participant. Of course, the War will change all of this and even scare Theo’s former coach back to the States.

In a move made out of desperation, Theo briefly joins up with the Fascist forces to be near Maria. Of course, that means he will also be around Primitivo who will eventually out Theo as a traitor, forcing him into an unavoidable choice to flee Spain before he is killed in some barbaric way. Theo gets on a ship heading to London where he reunites with Andrew. Unfortunately, Andrew must share the devastating news that Theo’s mother Elena did not survive their escape. He is close to Andrew, as he has now lost both of his birth parents.

Theo settles in Oxford and while there takes up with his old friend Esmond, who also happened to be present in Spain at the start of the War there. Their discussions, although from opposite perspectives of the skirmish, reignite in Theo the desire to be back there on the front lines, making a difference and hopefully finding his lost Maria. This desire will lead to his return to a vastly different looking Spain. It is during this portion of the novel that the true history of the event comes to play as Theo interacts with many famous and semi-famous figures of that conflict.

THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS is a must for readers who enjoy true Historical Fiction. In the very able hands of Simon Tolkien, this dark period in the history of Spain is brought to vivid life before our eyes and the result is a work that reads like high-octane thriller fiction which is impossible to look away from.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have both books in this duology at hand, finishing book one and moving straight into book two meant I could continue Theo Sterling’s story without delay.

I thoroughly enjoyed both books, as they trace Theo’s growth and struggles. He is such an engaging character, layered and full of emotion, and the more you read, the more you feel his inner conflicts. Born in New York to a lapsed Jewish father and a devout Mexican Catholic mother (herself deeply scarred by the trauma of her parents’ deaths during Mexico’s Cristero Revolution), Theo’s story begins in 1929. This second installment picks up in 1936, just as the Spanish Civil War is intensifying.

During the school holidays, Theo’s mother and English stepfather bring him to Andalusia. From a young age, Theo has cared deeply about equality, something that began while working in his father’s garment factory at fourteen, where he saw workers toiling for long hours and little pay. That sense of injustice only strengthens as he grows older. But Theo is also impressionable: easily swayed by those around him, pulled toward communism by one friend and toward Spanish anarchism by another. He knows he isn’t a communist, but when he falls in love, his heart nudges him closer to the anarchists. His stepfather cautions him: That he must learn to think for himself, and with his head not just his heart.

And yet, Theo’s loyalty often gets him into trouble. When he befriends someone, he throws himself wholeheartedly into their cause, even if it leads him into difficult and dangerous situations. His need for belonging, and perhaps for love, sometimes clouds his judgment.

Eventually, Theo joins the Lincoln Brigade to fight the fascists. Here, the author vividly portrays the harsh realities soldiers faced, not unlike those in the trenches of World War I: little or no training, blind obedience to orders (even when those orders led straight to death), and false promises of support that never arrived. It is heartbreaking to read. Will Theo have the strength to survive all that awaits him?

I must admit, I went into this book knowing almost nothing about the Spanish Civil War, so much of what I read was both eye-opening and shocking. Following Theo’s journey through these events was utterly engrossing, so much so that I finished the book in just over a day.

For lovers of historical fiction, this is a fascinating and powerful read. I especially appreciated learning at the end that some of the characters were based on real people who fought for freedom in Spain. The mix of fictional and historical figures, each drawn to their cause for different reasons, makes for a rich and compelling narrative.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Room of Lost Steps” by Simon Tolkien, the second installment in the Theo Sterling series, is an engaging historical coming-of-age epic that plunges readers into the turbulent Spanish Civil War. Following an exciting start where Theo Sterling, an American boy with big dreams, finds himself in Barcelona in 1936, the novel immerses you in the chaos and uncertainty of the era.

The narrative picks up from its antecedent, “The Palace at the End of the Sea,” and continues Theo’s notable journey. We witness him aiding the Anarchist workers in their fight against the invading military forces. The reunion with his true love, Maria, adds a layer of personal stake and emotional depth to the unfolding political drama. However, Tolkien doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of conflict, and Theo’s joy is quickly replaced by dread as internal strife within the Anarchist movement, fueled by a rival for Maria’s affection, forces him into a desperate escape.

This sets Theo on a path back to England, where he attempts to find relief and a new life at Oxford. Yet, his heart remains connected to Spain. The appeal of fighting against fascism, presented by his old schoolmate Esmond, proves too strong to resist. This decision leads to an upsetting descent into the grim realities of war, which, as the synopsis hints, crushes Theo’s spirit and hopes. The story highlights the profound impact of these experiences on the young protagonist.

The novel excels in its portrayal of a protagonist navigating an “epic expanse” of setting and “struggles of different types.” Theo’s resilience and his internal battles are central to the storytelling, making it intriguing to see how Theo handles things. Tolkien masterfully injects tension to keep things rolling, ensuring that the reader remains invested in Theo’s fate.

As Theo confronts a terrible choice back in Barcelona, the novel questions whether his youthful dream of changing the world, far from home and battered by war, can truly last. “The Room of Lost Steps” is a story that will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction and coming-of-age narratives.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1936, Barcelona, Theo helped the anarchists and was with his true love, Maria. The anarchists turn on him, so Theo returns to England to study at Oxford. Spain is in the midst of a bloody civil war, and his old schoolmate Esmond offers him the chance to fight the Fascists. Theo is unprepared for the nightmare of war, and when he returns to Barcelona, he must make a terrible choice that will define his life forever.

The Room of Lost Steps is the second half of the Theo Sterling duology. It takes place after the first half, so he's still in Spain with his mother and stepfather at the start. He is so determined to help his friend Antonio and look for Maria that he refuses to leave the city when it gets dangerous. He gets involved just as fighting breaks out and finds Maria. She's at once drawn to his calm and infuriated by the fact that he isn't as passionate about her beliefs as she is. The civil war is devastating, and he's a witness to the worst of it. As a result, we get to see up close what it was like in Barcelona, and the victims are not just the two sides shooting at each other, but the innocents who are unable to get out of the way.

Theo isn't content to use his privilege and stay in Oxford when he's able to get out of harm's way. Instead, he'd rather go back into the thick of it and go down fighting. Partly this is because he wants to get Maria's love and affection, and partly out of his sense of righteousness. He'd grown up poor in Depression era NYC, after all, and it made its mark on him. He can't stand by and let the ordinary folk get put down or slaughtered by Fascists, and would rather die than be complicit in a system like that. Of course, this puts him in the position to meet minor historical figures and talk about major historical figures in this tumultuous time. We get a ground-level view of what those years were like in Europe, leading up to WWII. It's tense and treacherous, with death, trauma, and disillusionment with politics throughout.

[Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lept into "Room of Lost Steps" immediately after finishing "Palace at the End of the Sea, " the two book in SImon Tolkien's Theo Stirling duology. I would love to see it become a trilogy because Theo's story is transfixing. He's an interesting character, a New York-born son of a lapsed Jewish father and an ardent Catholic Mexican mother who is traumatized by her parents' murder during Mexico's Cristero Revolution. The complete story begins in 1929, and "Room" begins in 1936, with the Spanish Civil War heating up. Theo's English stepfather and mother have brought him to Spain, where he stays in school holidays.

He's always been concerned about inequality, going back to working at his father's garment factory, and that concern only gets stronger as he gets older. But Theo is easily lead. One friend pulls him toward Communism and another toward the Spanish Anarchists. His stepfather warns him that if he's impressed by someone's beauty or arguments and follows them blindly. "You have to start thinking for yourself before it's too late," he notes.

That's what makes Theo interesting. He follows people he admires with his whole heart, giving his all until he learns from experience what he believes. It's also what makes him exasperating. He falls hard for Maria, an Anarchist who has made it clear that she wants to be free after a stifling conservative Spanish childhood. Theo joins the Lincoln Brigade to fight the Fascists, buy finds he's engulfed in a horror show too much like WW1. He's been forged by fire and the question is who will he be as the world heads toward another World War?

Simon Tolkien's writing about the Spanish Civil War is vivid and shocking. He understands the differences between the factions and what would draw certain people toward each one. The novel is enlightening and engrossing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[bluevioletbb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC. This is my own honest opinion and review.

I didn’t realize this was book two in the Theo Sterling story when I started it, but I’m still glad I picked it up! This installment dives deep into the tragedy, horrors, and futility of the Spanish Civil War — a story that, sadly, still feels incredibly relevant in today’s world. From reading just this book, I think I would’ve benefited starting The Palace at the End of the Sea first to appreciate this one more, as it provides crucial context for Theo’s journey.

Theo’s evolution from an idealistic young man with impossible dreams to someone forced to confront the grim realities of war was both heartbreaking and fascinating to watch. His decision to leave Oxford and return to Spain out of conviction feels both admirable and tragic, and the story captures the way war strips away idealism layer by layer.

The historical detail is impeccable. It’s clear this was meticulously researched — the author even includes a concise timeline of the Spanish Civil War at the start, which helps ground readers in the events that shaped the story. The writing is vivid and immersive, painting a powerful portrait of both the chaos of war and the internal turmoil of a young man trying to make sense of it all.

The Room of Lost Steps is compelling, heavy and battle-driven, but that’s true to the period it portrays. The depiction of ideological divisions, idealism versus disillusionment, and the price of conviction makes for a gripping and thought-provoking read.

Overall, a deeply moving and well-crafted historical novel — tragic, descriptive, and powerful. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction and war literature, especially those interested in the Spanish Civil War.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of the two part Theo Sterling duology, following on from The Palace at the End of the Sea which I strongly recommend is read first to give proper context. Whilst a fictional book the author has clearly done a lot of research and there are a lot of factual elements, including some characters, in the book which adds to its authenticity.

Briefly, American born Theo’s story continues as he returns to Barcelona in 1936 determined to find Maria. First though he is caught up in the Army rebellion when they try to overthrow the Catalan Government. Despite his heroic efforts with the Anarchists and finding Maria he is arrested and faces a firing squad until he is rescued by an unlikely friend from Oxford Uni. Escaping back to England without Maria he is yearning for Spain still and signs up for the International Brigade formed to help fight Franco’s German and Italian backed Fascist Army which is marching on Madrid.

The story is told by Theo throughout and he describes the horrors of the Civil War and the total disregard for life by both sides. Theo is a wonderful character, brave, loyal and true but maybe a little naive often throwing himself into dangerous situations without regard for the consequences. This is a vivid story of love amidst the mayhem and wanton destruction of Civil War. I loved it. Brilliant book.

[KDub · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I alternated between listening to the audiobook and reading the ebook for The Room of Lost Steps.

4,25 🌟 rounded down

The Room of Lost Steps is book #2 in the Theo Sterling series. The first book is The Palace at the End of the Sea, which I recommend reading first, so you won't be confused by the characters, background, and events of this novel.

This second book offers a fascinating glimpse into the Spanish Civil War and the years leading up to World War II. Just as with the first book, I finished this one quickly. I was brought back into Theo's world and wanted to know what would happen. This time, Theo is older, but maybe not much wiser. He switches between studying at Oxford and fighting Fascists. There is plenty of tension, intrigue, love, and loss to keep the reader hooked. Tolkien has a remarkable way of bringing real-world historical events to life.

Thom Rivera narrates the audiobook, as he did for the first in the series. I was glad to have him back as the voice of Theo and the other characters. He's fantastic at character acting and accents.

Recommended for historical fiction readers and anyone who loved The Palace at the End of the Sea. You won't be disappointed by this second installment of Theo's story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC, and to Lake Union Publishing for the eARC.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien

I really enjoyed this book. I actually started with the first volume, The Palace at the End of the Sea, which I also recommend, though I personally liked that one a little better—that’s just personal preference. Both are worth the read.

The Room of Lost Steps dives into the Spanish Civil War, a period of history I honestly knew nothing about before. The story follows Theo through questions of ethics and survival in a way that felt both engaging and thought-provoking. I especially appreciated how engrossing the writing was—once I started, it was hard to put down.

There is a touch of romance, but it’s not overwhelming or distracting from the main story. The real strength here is in the action and historical detail, which keep the pace moving and the tension high.

Overall, this is an excellent continuation of the series and a book I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction with depth, action, and strong storytelling.

[Gina Dalfonzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo remains the same impulsive hothead that he was in "The Palace at the End of the Sea." I suppose if he weren't, there'd be no story! It's still frustrating sometimes to watch him dive headfirst into danger, but at the same time, the reader can sympathize with his passionate concern for the oppressed, and be shattered with him when nothing he does seems to help. Tolkien perceptively and sensitively depicts Theo's growing disillusionment with and distrust of all the different factions involved in the Spanish Civil War, including his own, even as he knows that some groups started out with good motives and had hoped for better from them. There are echoes here of Tolkien's grandfather's vision of history as a "long defeat," but the book ends on a note of subdued hope not unlike that of Dickens's "Little Dorrit," in which close and loving relationships bring succor even as "the noisy and the eager, and the arrogant and the froward and the vain, fretted and chafed, and made their usual uproar."

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

After book one, I couldn’t wait to see how Theo’s story would continue, and Tolkien didn’t disappoint. First, read book one if you haven’t, it supplies a lot of important context. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive in. I’ll admit, reading this, where I live, with everything going on here, in the US, felt absolutely surreal. Theo drops out of school to go fight in a cause he believes in, but like so many, the realities of war, and those leading that war, soon set in and strip away the idealism. It’s really fascinating to just watch Theo evolve as the story progresses, and how his understanding of the world changes as he rapidly grows up within the pressure cooker of war. This was clearly just as well-researched as the first book, and I appreciated the brief timeline included in the start of the book, which gave a run-down of the Spanish Civil War, across the decades. Highly recommend for those who enjoy historical fiction!

[Sean Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t always the easiest read, and I got lost at times during the urban rebellions and rural battles but Theo remains a stubbornly likable character even as he learns lessons the hard way. He’s got an interesting backstory that was well set up by the first book - Mexican Catholic, Jewish, American, Spanish, British aristocrat, he can kind of switch the identities when he needs, although he is surely driven by a search for identity, these traits make him an interesting POV. I think the author dies a good job of portraying the complexity of the Spanish Civil War and echos his grandfather’s take on the inhumanity of it all. There are more than a few coincidental meetings and resurfacing of characters that seem to serve the plot more than would be realistic but I liked Theo’s growing relationship with his stepfather. The ending ultimately seemed true to form. I don’t know if the author plans to do more with the character but it seems like there could be a few more stories to tell.

[Hannah Spadafora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as well researched as the first in the series - compelling historical fiction. I did like the previous book slightly better, but only because this one was so steeped in the carnage of war while the former had a more varied trajectory (just a personal preference that I don't usually choose books with so many battle scenes as the main fodder, and I didn't realize from the prequel that it would be quite this much here.) still, for what it is, it's highly descriptive, interesting, and tragic. Love that the protagonist is such an idealist fighting for a better world and against fascism, and gives such insight to the different ideological factions that did such in Spain during that time.

(It just would have been nice to have a little more flesh to the parts between the fighting, though.)

[Erin Dougan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read #1 first but I was very able to understand this even without it. This takes place during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. I dint know much about this period so it was very interesting. Many character is a college aged American boy with a Britiah step-father and a Mexican- American mother. I tend to prefer stories through the POV of women but I liked Theo as the main character - idealistic, brave kid with lots of heart. I dont tend to enjoy too much detailed tactical battle description and it got a little heavy in that way for me which prevented my 5th star. Loved the ending and was impressed by how every event and intera yipn throughout the book has a clear meaning later in the book. Also impressed by use of real people in this fiction.

[Seena Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of the Theo Sterling books shows a young man on the brink of adulthood and making decisions beyond his scope of experience. These decisions put him and others in harm’s way, showing him a gruesome side of war, of humanity.

The author’s writing is exemplary. I rated a 4 because I found myself drifting among all the battle details. Strictly my view as that detail may have been imperative to the story. I often found myself frustrated with Theo but then remembered his age and lack of knowledge in warfare and human nature in its most base.
I look forward to reading more of the author’s work; he is a master of giving his characters life.

[Shannon Monnat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned some things about the Spanish Civil War and how awful all the sides were - the fascists, the anarchists, and the communists. All out for power, using up young people to do their killing and dying - same as it ever was.

I was disappointed in a lot of the decisions the author had Theo make. In book 1, Tolkein established Theo as a bright, thoughtful boy. But in this book, young man Theo makes a bunch of dumb rash choices all for a woman who doesn't even love him. For me, there was a big disconnect between smart Theo in book 1 and dumb overly idealistic Theo in book 2.

[Robert Ruggiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this

This is the second book of a two book novel that I couldn't put down. The story, set against the 1930s rise of Franco in Spain, was told thru the eyes of a young English lad with a passion for love, justice, and freedom. The imagery and emotion captured in the writing are exceptional. The first book, The Palace at the End of the Sea, is highly recommended to be read first as it sets the background for this sequel. I did not want this story to end!

[Eleanor Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the horrors of the depression in the United States, where his dad ran a factory and made good money to Spain, and England, where his fanatically religious Catholic mother and his very wealthy titled stepfather lived onto the Spanish Civil War, where Theo fought, thinking he would bring good to the world. These two books written by the grandson of JRR Tolkin, in this story and written about battles and people that are real, Theo discovers that the world is not really the way it seems. The good do not always win, and sometimes in winning become the evil doers.