Title: No Drums, No Trumpets: Book Two of the Monitor Series
Author: Darleen Johnson
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1949006629
Pages: 331
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: John Murray
Pacific Book Review
Darleen Johnson continues her ambitious post-apocalypse series with the thrilling No Drums, No Trumpets. In the first book, readers were introduced to a race of squid-like creatures called Monitors. These aliens are supposed to merely observe humanity. Centuries pass and the mega-volcano in Yellowstone erupts and casts the world in chaos. The Monitors see this as a unique opportunity to watch humanity fall apart.
Instead of remaining impartial, the Monitors begin to bond with humanity. Humans Ann and Tim have forged a strong relationship with Gabriel and Ruth, one that extends beyond professional and even friendship to something bordering on family. After the events of the first book, these four find life surprisingly normalizing but with a looming threat on the horizon. They work together towards a common goal and discover increasing threats, both natural and human.
No Drums, No Trumpets is a fascinating blend of post-apocalyptic fiction, science fiction, urban fantasy, and romance. The Monitors at first are typical alien observers but a select few living amongst humanity are responsible for the vampire mythology—they require little food but human blood a powerhouse nutrition source. The squid-like beings have an unusual anatomy with brains in their limbs, sentient horse-like ships, and communicate in ways humans cannot fathom.
Characterization develops wonderfully and unfolds at a nice pace. The book is accessible to new readers but doesn’t waste too much space on recapping the first book. Contextual clues and brief asides fill in the blanks without hampering the book’s strong pacing.
Chapters alternate the viewpoints between Ann and Ruth to flesh out events. Having both perspectives builds up the story perfectly. An unusual decision is that Ann’s chapters are entirely italicized. While it’s obviously to help differentiate between the two viewpoints, it’s uncomfortable to read entire chapters that way. Character voice and tone work perfectly at indicating which character is taking the reigns without requiring such drastic formatting.
Pacing is one of the book’s strong points. The events unfold in a realistic manner with ample time to cover important details. Separate subplots allow the story to rotate between them without letting any one thread stagnate. The closing chapters set up the next book with an intense—and spoiler-filled—cliffhanger.
No Drums, No Trumpets ably picks up the torch from the first book while ramping up tension wonderfully for the next book. The book deftly dances between contemplative, action, and heart-warming romance. A strong entry in the series and bodes well for the future.
