GUNS AT THE ABYSS
Guns of the Abyss, a novel of political intrigue, follows one woman’s attempt to prevent the spreading cataclysm of events that ignite World War I.
It’s summer in the spectacular Bosnian city of Sarajevo. A lightning strike of terror is being clandestinely directed at the future king and his princess bride while the royals parade among welcoming crowds in an open touring car. In the midst of this diverse population of Balkan bystanders are Serbian assassins stalking the presumptive heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. The killers attack twice, delivering injurious and fatal hits.
Outrage and bitterness from within the Austro-Hungarian government touch off a siren call for punishment of majestic proportion. The allied Central Powers of Austria-Hungary, including Germany, demand retribution by deliberately issuing an irreconcilable ultimatum; to be followed by a quick, decisive invasion to crush Serbian nationality.
At Berlin’s office of the Chancellor, a respectful clerk named Ernst Frieslaven is asked to comment on his country’s strategy. His answer foretells the brewing political conflict between ordained, old-world monarchies and emerging and open modern democracies.