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1632

Book 1 in the series:Ring of Fire

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1632 by Eric Flint is an alternative history novel that explores the premise of a small mining town from West Virginia being transported back in time to the midst of the Thirty Years War in Germany. The book delves into the challenges faced by the townspeople as they navigate this new reality, introducing concepts of democracy, religious freedom, and modern technology to a historical setting. The plot follows individual characters as they adapt to their surroundings and make decisions that impact the course of history. The writing style blends elements of military science fiction, alternate history, and fantasy, creating an engaging and action-packed narrative.

Characters:

The characters are idealized individuals from a modern American town, presenting both strengths and a lack of depth in development.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward, with some long exposition and dialogue that can feel awkward, making it accessible but at times stilted.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a small West Virginia town being transported to 1632 Germany, where the inhabitants try to adapt and influence the historical events during the Thirty Years War.

Setting:

The setting is 17th century Germany, primarily during the Thirty Years War, contrasting modern American society with the historical context.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is fast and action-oriented, though it lacks variation and depth in character conflicts.
Mike ducked, hunched. James Nichols' reaction was more dramatic. "Incoming!" he yelped, flinging himself to the floor and covering his head with his arms. He seemed utterly oblivious to any possible d...

Notes:

1632 is an alternate history novel written by Eric Flint.
The story begins when a small mining town in West Virginia, Grantville, is transported back to 17th century Germany during the Thirty Years War.
The locals quickly adapt to their new situation, using modern technology and ideas to influence the past.
The characters include coal miners, teachers, and other townsfolk who must navigate the challenges of their new environment.
One notable aspect of the story is how the residents decide to establish American values and democracy in their new location.
The book explores themes of culture clash and the impact of modern ideas on historical societies.
After its initial success, Flint expanded 1632 into a full series, now comprising many sequels and spin-offs.
The narrative is described as fast-paced and filled with action, but some readers find faults in character depth and dialogue.
Historical accuracy is often discussed, with Flint incorporating real events and figures from the Thirty Years War.
The book has a strong following and is particularly popular among fans of military science fiction and alternative history.

Has Romance?

The book features several romantic subplots among the main characters, which add depth to their relationships and motivations.

From The Publisher:

FREEDOM AND JUSTICE - AMERICAN STYLE

1632 And in northern Germany things couldn't get much worse. Famine. Disease. Religous war laying waste the cities. Only the aristocrats remained relatively unscathed; for the peasants, death was a mercy.

2000 Things are going OK in Grantville, West Virginia, and everybody attending the wedding of Mike Stearn's sister (including the entire local chapter of the United Mine Workers of America, which Mike leads) is having a good time.

THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGED....

When the dust settles, Mike leads a group of armed miners to find out what happened and finds the road into town is cut, as with a sword. On the other side, a scene out of Hell: a man nailed to a farmhouse door, his wife and daughter attacked by men in steel vests. Faced with this, Mike and his friends don't have to ask who to shoot. At that moment Freedom and Justice, American style, are introduced to the middle of the Thirty Years' War.

Comprehensive Teacher's Guide available.

Ratings (13)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (32):

Read It (13)
Want To Read (13)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

Loved the pro union slant

 

About the Author:

Eric Flint is a modern master of alternate history fiction, with three million books in print. He's the author/creator of the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, starting with first novel 1632. With David Drake he has written six popular novels in the "Belisarius" alternate Roman history series, and with David Weber he has collaborated on 1633 and 1634: The Baltic War, as well as four novels in Weber's Honorverse series. Flint was for many years a labor union activist. He lives near Chicago, Illinois.

 
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