The journey of the Konstantinov continues. The collected edition of the first volume of The Red Star ended as the two massive SkyFurnaces Konstantinov and Taktarov were locked in battle, entering the Prison of Souls. The newest volume continues the chronicle of their struggle. Imbohl, the evil ruler/sorcerer, has discovered a way to draw energy from the souls of the recently departed. While he has promised a utopian ideal to his citizens, certain few are beginning to wake up to the grim reality of their situation. The crew of the Konstantinov is locked in a fight that will bring them freedom or death. Maya Antares, the Spellkaster, is discovering that she her powers grant her a deeper connection to the tortured souls of the spirit world. But the main focus is battle, and it comes non stop, fast, and furious. It's high noon in the skies, but instead of pistols, the battle involves weapons that can destroy cities and kill thousands in one blast. This volume closes with more questions than answers.
With the increased battle action, the story now focuses less on the personal and more on the political. The world of The Red Star closely mirrors the politics of ours. Interestingly, even the U.S. is involved in the conspiracy. Every major government draws power from the spirit world. The world's economy will collapse without this posthumous slave system. The Konstantinov has a hell of a fight before them, one that any reader hopes they will win. But we're in no rush when the story is this good.