Book Review: Cathay Combat - Book Two of the Crimson Tribune Saga Series by Christina Fanelli

 BOOK: Cathay Combat - Book Two of the Crimson Tribune Saga Series
AUTHOR: Christina Fanelli
GENRE: Fantasy Thriller Fiction

RATING:
Storyline: 4.1/5
Literature: 4/5

MY TAKE:

Cathay Combat: Book Two of the Crimson Tribune Saga by Christina Fanelli seamlessly blends the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic with the lives of its returning characters—Tracy, Rush, Benji, Rita, and Darla—offering a compelling follow-up to the adventures of the first book. While the characters once found themselves in a fantastical world, they now face a new, much more grounded reality: the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the societal upheavals it brought with it.

The novel dives into the challenges each character encounters as their lives adjust to this new normal. Tracy’s arc stands out with shocking discoveries about China, giving the story an international edge and adding layers to her personal journey. Meanwhile, Benji’s day-to-day struggles as a facility engineer in a local hospital feel intensely real, reflecting the broader struggles of frontline workers. The pandemic's impact is further explored through Rita and Darla’s difficulty in navigating changes to their volunteering roles and school routines, which echoes the sudden disruption that families across the world faced during the lockdown.

Rush, on the other hand, tries to keep order in the offices of the Crimson Tribune, adding an element of professional survival amidst the chaos. Fanelli expertly highlights the weight of maintaining routine when the world outside is anything but normal.

The novel balances personal and societal shifts, weaving individual stories with the global events that shape them. Fanelli does an excellent job of portraying the emotional and psychological toll of the pandemic, exploring how a once-in-a-lifetime global event forces people to adapt and rethink their lives. The focus on relationships and the shifting dynamics between characters—whether through Tracy’s shocking discoveries or Benji’s career hurdles—keeps the plot engaging and relatable.

Cathay Combat is more than just a pandemic story—it’s a deep dive into resilience, adaptability, and the human spirit during unprecedented times. Fans of the first book will appreciate the continuity and development of the characters, while newcomers to the series will find a thoughtful exploration of the personal effects of COVID-19 on individuals and families. Fanelli successfully ties the fantastical elements from the previous book to a pandemic-stricken world, making this a must-read for those looking for a nuanced narrative that balances personal growth with global crisis.