Set in the early years of WWI, SWEARING ALLEGIANCE tells the story of a well-to-do Irish family living in Dublin.  The saga begins with the 1916 Easter Uprising against the British in which the youngest son, Danny Carmody, takes part. The elder son, Patrick and his father, Dr. Robert Carmody, while not part of the rebellion, find themselves in harm’s way as they try to retrieve the doctor’s research materials from the college. Waiting at home, are Dr. Carmody’s wife, Susan, and her mother, Minnie. Also at home is their daughter, Jenny. Beautiful and spoiled, she is betrothed to John Grant, a wealthy Irishman, who is also part of the rebellion.

A story involving complex political ideals and beliefs, SWEARING ALLEGIANCE sweeps the reader up in a tapestry of love, hate, death and destruction. The characters, while not always thoroughly likeable, are realistically portrayed and complex. The scenes in the trenches and battlefields are harrowing.

As in her earlier work, GUARDIAN OF THE SECRETS, Ms. Petken’s narrative of a time long gone, is engrossing, richly depicted, and thoroughly researched.

In the world of historical fiction, Ms. Petken is, I am happy to say, a bright, shining star and I look forward, eagerly, to the next installment in the Carmody saga. This novel is highly recommended, with no reservations whatsoever. Five Stars!

SWEARING ALLEGIANCE is available in print or eBook format on Amazon.