Book Review: Tears of the Aeon (The Gothic War)

Reviewed by Alexandria Ducksworth

A dark fantasy filled with delicious drama and mystery

Rome is on the edge of decline. The invading Goths are knocking at their door. Does the empire have the strength to stay strong like it has for centuries? 

Emperor Valens loves his seat in power. When the Goths threaten his authority, he has to battle his personal and political life without letting his ego get out of control. 

Meanwhile, Goth chieftain Fritigern makes a dire decision to fight along with Rome after the Huns terrorize his people. But he has second thoughts as the Romans have different plans for them. It isn’t until a mysterious winged man arrives that a series of massive events are unleashed on both the Goths and Romans.

Page-turning action and suspense propel the reader through this captivating historical fantasy. Readers can easily visualize daily life for these real-feeling characters, whether average farmers, soldiers, or upperclassmen. 

On one side, the wealthy Romans fully embrace their rich lives behind white columns while the Goths live simpler lives in the woods. Despite having real historical figures like Valens and Fritigern, adding Ahediel, a fallen angel (called Aeons in this book), makes the book all the more exciting. Pina’s booksteadily dives into a great war. The Goths claim it to be “Ragnarök,” the end of times. Readers have a chance to follow many perspectives from both Romans and Goths; there’s no side that’s ultimately good or evil. 

One of the most thought-provoking aspects in The Tears of Aeon is the religious conflict. Rome has fully embraced Christianity. The Goths still follow the old religion, practicing shamanism and praying to Odin. If any Goths seek shelter in Rome, they must drop their old ways behind for the cross. It’s a tough, heart-wrenching decision for some of the Gothic characters. Amia, for instance, has been raised worshipping Odin her entire life. She prays to him for protection for herself and her ailing mother. Going against her pagan upbringing is basically dropping a part of her soul. 

The infusion of fantasy is both well-balanced and well-executed as the characters slowly recognize there’s more at stake than their politics. We have shadow beasts attacking tribes and angels coming to Earth. Pina has really elevated the stakes with these fantasy elements. You don’t know which creature is coming into the story next.

Overall, The Tears of Aeon is an exciting historical story rich with emotion. Peace, shock, and tragedy all layer this narrative. While some characters you hope for the best, others you wish the worst. With an infectious plot, Tears of Aeon is a must-read for historical fantasy and action lovers.

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