First, Jakub Różalski started painting pictures, then an anthology referring to his work was published. Other Worlds . It includes a short story by Robert Szmidt entitled The Dragon's Claws which contributed to the creation of this book. Is inspiration by Różalski's art enough to create an outstanding novel?
Air Navy!
The novel begins with an epic air battle. It extends over a hundred pages and really makes an amazing impression. If only because in Różalski’s paintings there were not small planes flying, but real battleships, cruisers and destroyers. Ships which, it would seem, only sail on water – here they got wings. Thus, Szmidt had a lot of room to show off and did not disappoint. The air battle was described from the perspective of Horodyński embarked on Petropavlovsk. The descriptions of the struggle, that is, firing at ground positions, bombing, exploding ships … all this is presented in detail. However, in the novel, not only is the rapid technological progress (mechs, airships, etc.) astonishing, but most of all the presence of supernatural forces in the form of dragons and gods. Battle of a powerful air fleet with dragons? I buy it blindly!
All-powerful Japan
The action takes place in 1905, so the historical background is quite interesting and, it is worth noting, Robert Szmidt is able to skillfully combine fiction with history. That is why Piłsudski appears in the middle of the novel. The most important element here is Japan, it has dragons, and thus has become theoretically invincible. All these elements affect an intriguing story, full of difficult decisions. It is easy to get drawn into this exotic world, especially since it is viewed from the perspective of potential losers. How to fight a perfectly developed Japan? How to defeat dragons? What if you are captured? Is there any hope at all? Is Piłsudski’s approach correct? Put out the sunintriguing, because it is impossible to predict what Szmidt can serve us. It is an ambiguous, fascinating world. I have no idea which direction the story will go or who will turn out to be the final winner, so I will look forward to the sequel.
Steadfast heroes
The main character is Horodyński. It is from his perspective that we will look at the entire action. The character is as great as it is thrown into deep water. He is happy to follow him to see how difficult the decisions he will have to make in order to survive. Piłsudski is also properly exposed – a great agitator, ready to make many sacrifices for his homeland, but on the other hand, his behavior may raise some doubts. In addition, a handful of sailors appear in the pages of the novel, who are also well-drawn. The Japanese are similar – they have their own character, it is especially visible in the treatment of prisoners.
Dragon claws
Already in the case of Metro, it was noticeable that Szmidt was able to perfectly adapt someone’s ideas and create something extraordinary. It is similar here, because although Różalski was the inspiration for the creation of this world, it is Szmidt who adds incredible depth to it. He skillfully combines fiction with history, perfectly blends technological development with supernatural beings. I am delighted with what the author has managed to create. Although he was building on a solid foundation, not everyone would build such a monumental palace on it.
Purely technical issues are decent, only two places lacked spaces, besides, the release and correction are at a satisfactory level. It is also worth mentioning the beautiful cover that charmed me.
Was it worth taking part in the raid?
Extinguishing the Sun is a book that charmed me in every way. The world is fascinating and engaging like no other. You can feel a breath of fresh air here, the characters are ambiguous, because they have been put against the wall, and thus there are many difficult decisions here. The plot is intricately assembled, and the air battle is a masterpiece. For those first hundred pages it is worth delving into history, but then a lot is still going on and you just can’t stop reading.
