Islands of Fire is the first book in The Sicily Chronicles by Dick Rosano, an original and spellbinding novel rich in history and adventure. When Luca Siragusa travels to Sicily, it is because he wants to discover the island where his grandparents grew up. But there is far more in store for him than he ever imagined. The encounter with Vito Trovato from Mazara del Vallo changes everything and brings him face to face with the history and life of Sicily. Starting from the local library, the protagonist makes discoveries that arouse his curiosity about places all over Sicily, like Licata, Gela, and Cassibile, coastal areas on the southeastern part of Sicily that were landing places for the Allied Army. Follow him as he explores the history of an island that has been coveted by many since it was first settled by seafaring people.

This is an interesting story that opens with Vito's journal that chronicles the events of the war and how it affected the island. The journal entries are a satisfying read themselves, intimate and poignant. The story takes readers across millennia, recounting the different moments in the island’s history, from Anu and Baia to Telia and Sapira; from antiquity to invaders, the Arabs, the Greeks, the Carthaginians, and the Romans. Historical references are manifold in this novel and I loved how well the author incorporates his research into the writing. It is original, engaging, and features characters that are sophisticated and a setting that feels like a character in the story. Reading Islands of Fire made me feel like traveling to this exotic and unique world. It is enthralling, to say the least, sprinkled with history and hidden gems of knowledge.

Islands of Fire is the first book in The Sicily Chronicles by Dick Rosano, a historical novel with a strong appeal to fans of travel. The author explores the history of Sicily with skill, introducing readers to extraordinary characters and beautiful places. Luca wants to discover the place where his grandparents grew up, so he travels to Sicily, but what he sees and reads in the library is far from what he is about to discover when he encounters the old soldier named Vito. The old man does not just take him through the recent happenings in Sicily, but gives him a ride through ancient history, from the beginnings with Anu and Baia, through different periods in time. He will discover that this island has been a coveted place, with the Arabs, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans wanting it for themselves.

Dick Rosano has written a book that gives more than a story. It is a gem, deeply researched and well-written. The story features the journals of Vito, from the days when he joined the army to fight to protect a place he deeply loves. The characters come to life in this story, but it is the place and the way it is depicted that fascinated me the most. References to historical moments like the Punic Wars abound in the novel, and while it tells the story of a character in search of his roots, it offers information that readers looking for vacation destinations will enjoy. The descriptions are terrific, vivid, and captivating. Islands of Fire takes the reader to the Sicily of the volcanoes, an exotic place that is rich with history. It is utterly transporting.

Islands of Fire is the first installment in The Sicily Chronicles. Authored by Dick Rosano. An esteemed writer for Washington Post, Ambassador Magazine, and other periodicals. The novel takes us on an odyssey through the history of the Sicily. A work of fact and fiction, the lucid narrative takes us back to the prehistoric times. When the island of Sicily was first inhabited by humans. The story traces the development of human civilization on the island. The changing dynamics of Sicilian culture and polity were well captured. The story narrated through the protagonist Luca, as he dives into the history of his home with the wise old Vito.

A well-researched piece of art, this book is what a history textbook should be, a story rather than a pile of facts. Sicily being a strategically important location was subjected to countless invasions. From Arabs to the Romans who didn't care much about the residents or their culture. The features I liked most about this "historical fiction" is the attempt to recreate the life and social interactions. Though I don't know if Anu was actually the first inhabitant. Another feature I liked the most is the vivid descriptions. This book will definitely be a treasured gem in the collection of a history enthusiast.