RUNES OF IONA~BOOK TWO OF THE BLESSINGS OF GAIA SERIES

While providing a page-turning action novel on a grand scale, ''Runes of Iona'' is also an idea-driven work of literature. Following the traditions of George Orwell's ''Nineteen Eighty-Four'' and Aldous Huxley's ''Brave New World,'' the work is set in a dystopian near-future. The second novel in a planned quartet called ''The Blessings of Gaia,'' ''Runes of Iona'' continues where the first book, ''September Snow,'' left off, but while continuing the saga, stands alone as a complete work. Iona, daughter of a rebel, martyred mother and an illustrious scientist, follows the classic hero's journey. Using a female lead adds a refreshing note. The central dilemma concerns a war-ravaged, environmentally damaged world. Iona's task is nothing less than fighting a totalitarian world government with a force of ragtag, battle-weary rebels. And the stakes are nothing less than saving our ailing planet from further destruction brought on by environmental recklessness. Balmanno touches on questions such as religion and politics, giving satisfied readers both a provocative thinking person s story and simultaneously a thriller. ''Runes of Iona'' is a treat to read and savor.

ROBERT BALMANNO has worked as a library specialist in a Silicon Valley library for 23 years. He is a trade union activist and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. Balmanno earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and did post-graduate work at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of London, King's College.