By Rowena Kinread
Review
The Alpine Fortress stands out not just for its fast-paced plot but for the strength and clarity of its characters. At the heart of the novel is Ivanna, a federal policewoman whose life is upended when she discovers a mysterious map among her late grandfather’s belongings. Ivanna is a compelling character because she isn’t written as a conventional action hero—she’s thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human. Her motivations are relatable, and her courage feels authentic rather than contrived.
Beside her is Matteo, a mountain guide and officer, whose expertise transforms him from a supporting figure into one of the story’s moral anchors. Matteo is calm under pressure, deeply loyal, and guided by a strong sense of justice. His intimate knowledge of the Alps is crucial, but what truly makes him memorable is the steadiness of his character. He brings warmth and reliability to the narrative, balancing the intensity of the unfolding mystery. Through Matteo, the novel explores themes of trust, responsibility, and quiet heroism. He is the kind of character whose presence elevates every scene in which he appears.
Opposing them is the shadowy, ambitious antagonist known as “the Argentinian”, whose pursuit of hidden Nazi treasure drives much of the plot’s tension. While dangerous and unpredictable, he remains believable—driven not just by greed but by a strategic cunning that makes him a genuine threat.
The combination of Ivanna’s emotional depth, Matteo’s unwavering integrity, and the antagonist’s dangerous ambition gives the novel a dynamic, character-centred core. Their interactions and clashing motivations make The Alpine Fortress more than a thriller—it becomes a story driven by human choices, strengths, and flaws.
Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.
She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.
Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.
The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Connect with Rowena:
Website: https://www.rowena-kinread.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowenakinread
Twitter / X: https://x.com/RowenaKinread
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rowena.strittmatter
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rowena-kinread
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21379391.Rowena_Kinread
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