I recently had the pleasure of diving into Robert J. Bradshaw’s enthralling novel, The Sun Always Sets On The Third Reich, which melds alternate history with a pulse-pounding narrative. As an avid reader with a penchant for alternative history, particularly those exploring "what if" scenarios regarding World War II, the premise of a seventy-year-old Third Reich ready to celebrate its victory was too intriguing to resist.
Set in 2014, the story follows Spanish citizen Eduardo Dominguez, who unwittingly finds himself in the heart of Germania, the capital of a twisted and oppressive regime. His journey quickly spirals into chaos as he becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot to assassinate the Führer, all while trying to find his way home amidst the violence of a bloody civil war. This enticing setup offered a thrilling blend of political intrigue and action that kept me turning the pages.
One of the standout elements of this book is its character-driven narrative. Eduardo is not the archetypal hero; rather, he’s an everyman—a businessman caught in perilous circumstances. As David Lamb highlighted in his review, Eduardo’s relatability was refreshing. His desire to return to the mundane comforts of everyday life adds emotional depth to the tale. This theme resonates strongly throughout the novel, making it not merely a political thriller but also a compelling exploration of personal stakes in an authoritarian world.
Bradshaw’s vivid descriptions of Germania are both captivating and chilling, as he effectively creates a setting steeped in tension and danger. The interplay between the shadowy figures of the Gestapo, the loyalist Wehrmacht, and the SS beautifully underscores the oppressive atmosphere. As Sam Veltre noted, the plot unfolds in a relentless manner, drawing the reader into a labyrinth of secrets and conflict, all while maintaining a sense of realism in this alternate timeline.
However, the book does have its drawbacks. While the fast-paced narrative is thrilling, I too found moments where the shifts to secondary characters felt abrupt. It can occasionally throw readers off, as John Rickgarn pointed out, losing focus on Eduardo’s compelling journey. There were areas where additional character development might have enriched the story further, particularly for supporting characters introduced along the way.
Moreover, some reviewers expressed concern about the pacing, noting that the middle parts of the story dragged slightly and didn’t deliver a satisfying conclusion. I can understand this sentiment, as there were times when the buildup felt disproportionate to the climax. However, despite these pacing issues, the last fifth of the novel certainly delivered a gripping and emotional finale that made the journey worthwhile.
Overall, The Sun Always Sets On The Third Reich is a striking exploration of alternate history, compelling enough to captivate fans of the genre. The highs of character development and a gripping narrative outweigh the occasional pacing problems, making it a worthwhile read. While I would have loved to see Bradshaw explore this universe further in a series, as many readers expressed, the standalone nature of this novel still leaves a profound impact.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone fascinated by alternate histories or political thrillers. Bradshaw’s ability to weave historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling is commendable, and Eduardo’s journey through a fractured regime is a narrative that resonates. It’s a gripping tale that leaves you questioning the nature of power, loyalty, and the fragility of civilization itself.