
'In the Balance' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where an alien invasion interrupts the conflict on Earth. The story explores how humans from different nations come together to resist the alien invaders, leading to a fragile alliance between major combatants. Turtledove weaves a tale of how lives on both sides are changed by this unprecedented world war, showcasing a fascinating scenario of human-alien cooperation and conflict.
The plot of 'In the Balance' is conceptually brilliant, featuring a thought-provoking premise of aliens with advanced technology invading a less developed Earth during World War II. The story is engaging, with a heavy emphasis on character development and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked. Turtledove skillfully blends historical accuracy with sci-fi elements, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of cooperation, prejudice, and the impact of alien invasion on humanity.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include themes related to war, violence, prejudice, and historical atrocities associated with World War II.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance present in the relationships between various characters, particularly between a German tank commander and a Russian pilot, as well as an American minor league baseball player and a Chinese peasant woman.
From The Publisher:
Suppose Roosevelt, Stalin, Churchill, Hitler, and Hirohito had united to conquer an even greater foe?
No one could top their power-not the Germans, not the Japanese, not the Russians, not the United States.
From Pearl Harbor to panzers rolling through Paris to the Siege of Leningrad and the Battle of Midway, war seethed across the planet as flames of destruction rose higher and hotter.
And then, suddenly, the real enemy came.
The invaders seemed unstoppable, their technology far beyond human reach. And never before had men been more divided. For Jew to unite with Nazi, American with Japanese, and Russian with German was unthinkable.
But the alternative was even worse.
As the fate of the world hung in the balance, slowly, painfully, humankind took up the shocking challenge. . . .
Ratings (5)
Loved It (2) | |
Liked It (1) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (31):
Read It (6) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Not Interested (13) |
1 comment(s)
Marking this one as DNF at about 15-20%. The concept is cool, but the writing is terrible. Constant perspective shifts between shallow characters, and middle school level wish fulfillment on behalf of the author.
About the Author:
Harry Turtledove is the award-winning author of the alternate-history works The Man with the Iron Heart, The Guns of the South, and How Few Remain (winner of the Sidewise Award for Best Novel); the Hot War books: Bombs Away, Fallout,…
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