Runes of Iona (Book two of The Blessings of Gaia series)

by Robert Balmanno

While providing a page-turning action novel on a grand scale, ''Runes of Iona'' is also an idea-driven work of literature. Following the traditions of George Orwell's ''Nineteen Eighty-Four'' and Aldous Huxley's ''Brave New World,'' the work is set in a dystopian near-future. The second novel in a planned quartet called ''The Blessings of Gaia,'' ''Runes of Iona'' continues where the first book, ''September Snow,'' left off, but while continuing the saga, stands alone as a complete work. Iona, daughter of a rebel, martyred mother and an illustrious scientist, follows the classic hero's journey. Using a female lead adds a refreshing note. The central dilemma concerns a war-ravaged, environmentally damaged world. Iona's task is nothing less than fighting a totalitarian world government with a force of ragtag, battle-weary rebels. And the stakes are nothing less than saving our ailing planet from further destruction brought on by environmental recklessness. Balmanno touches on questions such as religion and politics, giving satisfied readers both a provocative thinking person s story and simultaneously a thriller. ''Runes of Iona'' is a treat to read and savor.

349 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Robert E. Balmanno earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, receiving Highest Honors. He attended the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he did post-graduate work in Politics, International Relations, and Philosophy. Later he attended postgraduate studies at the University of London, King’s College, Department of War Studies.

Balmanno served in the Peace Corps in Dahomey in West Africa from 1973 to 1975. He worked training bulls to plow fields and pull carts in a region where no outsiders have ever been before—the place where the New World practices of voodoo originated among the Adja people of West Africa.

Between 1975 and 1978 Balmanno traveled through Europe and Asia. Over a period of two decades, he dedicated his life to producing contemporary literary fiction. He has written seven full-length novels. Recently he switched to the genre of science fiction.

Balmanno is presently working on his latest book, Runes of Iona, second of what will be a futuristic quartet, The Blessings of Gaia Series. The first book of the quartet is September Snow; the second book is Runes of Iona; third book is Embers of the Earth; and the last book is Auger’s Touchstone.

Reviews

[Linden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just as bad as the previous book, which was one of the most execrable pieces of printed writing I have ever encountered. *MINOR SPOILERS* One of the protagonists's special talents is that he is both ambidextrous and double-jointed. This is actually emphasized multiple times throughout the book in italics. He then uses this amazing skill to fend off an armed assassin at the end. What's even more amazing is that this is possibly not the most ludicrous thing in these books. (It just sticks out in my memory because of the hilarity)

[Diana Ide · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all you remember is repeated character description, then you missed the point of the book. As the second book in a series that juxtaposes politics, religion, severe climate change, and government control; the take away is more conceptual than illustration. An adventure story that picks up where September Snow left off, Runes of Iona brings to the surface the debate of humanity’s priorities: in the future, as well as, in the present. Shown through the characters as they struggle to survive in a future fatalistic society, the inner-battles of what’s truly important to oneself in the grand scheme of life itself, is the true beauty of this book.

This book was a lighter read than the first due to the flow and action; yet it still has great dialogue that explains the gravity of the world in which the characters try to find a way to survive and live. I found myself pausing, underlining, and exclaiming, “wow, that is a great way to address a serious philosophical idea!”