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In the Balance

Book 1 in the series:Tosev

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'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.

Characters:

The characters are a diverse mix of real and fictional individuals, each facing personal conflicts that reflect broader themes of humanity, war, and morality.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by detailed character perspectives, extensive historical accuracy, and an immersive narrative that captivates the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around an alien invasion during World War II, challenging humans to form unlikely alliances, posing moral dilemmas, and showcasing the varied experiences of characters caught in the conflict.

Setting:

The setting is primarily during World War II, specifically in 1942, featuring a richly detailed historical backdrop that enhances the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally slow, with a focus on multiple narrative threads that can disrupt the flow but maintains reader engagement throughout.
Fleetlord Atvar strode briskly into the command station of the invasion fleet bannership 127th Emperor Hetto. Officers stiffened in their seats as he came in. But for the way his eye turrets swiveled ...

Notes:

The novel is set in June 1942 during World War II.
Aliens, referred to as 'Lizars', invade Earth when humanity is already embroiled in war.
A core theme explores whether to ally with a known evil or an unknown one.
Characters include both real historical figures and fictional ones, including Otto Skorzeny and George Patton.
The story contains a moral dilemma faced by Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto regarding whether to help their oppressors against the aliens.
The narrative includes multiple perspectives, such as those of a Russian pilot, a German tank commander, and a Polish Jew.
The aliens underestimate humanity, expecting to find a world still in the medieval age due to outdated reconnaissance.
The novel includes military tactics from World War II, adapted to counter the advanced technology of the coiling aliens.
A subplot features a Chinese peasant woman who resists both Japanese and alien threats while navigating societal challenges.
Characters confront their prejudices and evolve throughout the story as they face the alien threat together.

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)

5 months

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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