It's 1879 and we're in Zululand picking up directly from where book 1, A Rougher Task, left off.
This historical/war/LGBTQ fiction proves to be every bit as immersive as the first volume.

We're back with Lieutenant Albert Bond and his personal batman Sapper Jack Coleman in the horrendous conditions of the Anglo-Zulu war. We saw their love for each other gradually grow in A Rougher Task and now that they've admitted their feelings for each other they take what opportunities they can to share their love. There's always the tension arising from the threat of discovery which could be disastrous.

Sharing moments together helps them cope with the growing strain of trying to survive in their temporary settlement of Fort Penfold.
Separated from the main body of their forces and plagued by torrential rains and storms and not knowing where the enemy are it's not where Bond wants to be.
Especially when his Uncle, Captain McGonagle, might start spouting bad poetry!

Rivalries between the ranks, and disputes, particularly between McGonagle and Lieutenant Knight keep everyone on high alert.

The narrative grabs your attention and fully transports you to the time and place.
For a while the forbidden love story takes centre stage but lurking in the plot are scenes of murder, abuse and the most bloody battle. The action scenes when they come are shockingly realistic.
The army life and details of the war are incredibly well researched and it's a testament to the writing that the characters feel as realistic as the actual history.

It's brutal & emotional and by the end life will have changed for all of them. The trilogy will conclude in 2025. I can't wait.

This was a strong sequel in the Babanango series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the way the characters were. The plot was everything that I wanted and enjoyed figuring out what was happening. DJG Palmer has a great writing style and was able to create a strong collection of characters.