Saviors of Italia

In an historical fiction novel as big and sprawling as it is full of characters and medieval crises, author Harry Salazar has written an epic tale of a Christian Alliance of soldiers and royalty that became the Saviors of Italia. Keeping Godly virtues at the core of their mission, the gallant, brave, and faithfully balanced followers of this land of oppression, feuding tribes and poverty waged a revolution that was sustained and determined enough to transform a relatively godless land into one that was safe and prosperous. 

King Sorka di Bruce and High-Priest Regis, with the king’s two sons, Markus and Salamar, lead the kingdom of Torrance through battles with an evil shaman named Ramitica who had three demon dragons, attacks by a vicious pack of Dire Wolves, a huge, 800 pound Marsican Bear, and encounters with other soldiers of the Orc Razormanes, rogue Goths, the Philistines, Samnites, and the Huns. Their adventures continue to challenge and entertain the reader who will never feel a shortage of action in the ongoing saga.

The book strongly mixes Christian obedience to God and His principles with medieval superstitions about witchcraft, castles, curses, and caves of wonder, which plunges its characters into a harmonious quest to rebuild the city of Torrance. With the conviction that Christian theology gives to them, the people of Torrance show that belief and faith can prevail over brute force, satanic demons, and medieval superstitions. They battle, feast, and socialize in ways which spread their fellowship throughout the kingdom where they have prevailed. Formed of an allegiance which opens itself to promoting brotherhood, a kingdom of inclusiveness spreads across the land like a wave of emancipation.

It is the variety and depth of characters that powers the strengths of this book. Never to be left without a story to tell or lessons to be learned from the rich code of loyalty, bravery, and obedience they shared, the Saviors of Italia creates a land where legends are born and heroes are extolled. It even weaves economic principles into its explanations of city-building and community rejuvenation as there is talk about how to create jobs by amassing an army and by rebuilding the outdated and crumbling infrastructure of their city.

The bravery of its warriors mixes with the shared goodness of its characters as this deeply-constructed, constantly-interweaving story of the glory days of old sweeps the reader into a time when a sharp sword of justice could carve its mark into history.

The Roman Empire has fallen, and Christianity is not as prevalent as it once was in the city-states of Italia. Leaders alike are falling prey to the influence of evil and Satan, and the people are suffering. Yet there is hope—a prophecy foretold in Torrance, Umbria speaks of a war between the forces of good and evil and the triumphant return of Christianity. But before the forces of evil can be vanquished, however, a true leader must be found.

Set in early medieval times after the 6th century, this story blends religion, adventure, history, fantasy, and politics together to build an intriguing, alternate history that heralds the return of Christianity to “Italia.” Like most fantasy novels, the author lays down the historical foundations of the story before diving into the present day. He takes his time to build out the characters and their problems before intertwining each part of the story. The result is strong worldbuilding, a fleshed-out cast of characters, and a layered, generation-spanning story.

One element that complements the story is the narrator’s prose. Simplistic at times, it has a natural speech cadence, similar to that of an oral storyteller, which gives the reader the sense he is actually listening to the story being told. Due to the religious tones and themes found within the book, there are times when the dialogue may come across as a bit preachy. Aside from this, though, the story flows nicely. Since the novel ends with the appointment and training of the knights, it seems that there may be a sequel to complete the story.