Witch Hammer: A Latvian Tale of Blood and Treasure

by Diana Mathur

It was the darkest day of the year, winter solstice, and the darkest year of the era, 1940 Latvia. Still, seventeen-year-old Karlis Perkons and friends, The Nonchalants, vow to resist the Russian occupation.

The Soviet gloves are coming off and the fists won’t stop pounding until the country has been beaten to a pulp, body and spirit. At the fireplace, Mr. and Mrs. Perkons liquidate the life they’ve built, burying any precious remainder for a hopeful day. Convicts run the town. Artists are turned to soldiers. Cattle cars are retrofit for people. Folks are too frightened to talk. How long before the Communists decide open slaughter is the simplest means to achieve their planned destruction? Will Germany arrive in time, bringing liberation, bringing war?

Inspired by the art and accounts of Latvian Legionnaire Karlis Smiltens.

170 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2017

Reviews

[Pearl Gaidelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has captured my attention from the very beginning! I love how she portrays ever character and tells all of their stories along with Karlis’. I can’t wait until the other books come out! Highly recommend if you want a good historical novel to read that is a captivating quick read.

[Nicola Ranson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent continuation of Book 1. This series really brings this historical era to life. It is well written and extremely exciting.