'V-S Day' by Allen M. Steele is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where the Nazis and Allies race to build space ships for military purposes. The story follows the development of these space ships, the challenges faced by the teams, and the ultimate climax where the Allies must try to stop the Axis from carrying out a devastating attack on Washington DC. The author weaves historical figures like Robert Goddard and Wernher Von Braun into the narrative, creating an engaging and believable alternate reality of the space program during that era.

Characters:

The characters include historical figures, but many are underdeveloped and serve primarily as functional roles within the plot.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is cinematic and engaging, often feeling like a screenplay with a focus on technical details and character perspectives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around an alternate history where WWII includes a space race, with both the US and Nazi Germany racing to develop space weapons, leading to espionage and intense competition.

Setting:

The setting is primarily during World War II, focusing on the US and Germany, combining historical facts with speculative technology.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, but it occasionally slows down, particularly in the middle, before culminating in a gripping climax.

In the first light of morning, the B-29A Superfortress Hollywood Babe hovered above the Pacific a hundred miles west of the Washington coast. The sun had just risen; its golden light tinted the bomber...

Notes:

The book is an alternate history set during World War II.

It features real historical figures like Robert Goddard and Wernher Von Braun.

The plot centers on a secret military space race between the US and Nazi Germany.

The Germans are developing a manned orbital bomber called the Silbervogel.

The Americans respond by building their own spacecraft, dubbed Lucky Linda, to intercept the German threat.

The story alternates between past events during the war and a present-day reunion of scientists.

The author's writing style makes the book feel cinematic, resembling a screenplay.

Although the characters are not very developed, the tension and climax of the story are praised.

The book explores the implications and challenges of rocket science in a historical context.

It's described as fun, though it has some holes in plot logic.

Some readers found the technical aspects of rocket science intimidating, while others enjoyed the espionage elements.

The climax is highlighted as the moment that makes the buildup worthwhile.

From The Publisher:

Three-time Hugo Award-winning author Allen Steele imagines an alternate history rooted in an actual historical possibility: What if the race to space had occurred in the early days of World War II?

It's 1941, and Wernher von Braun is ordered by his fuhrer to abandon the V-2 rocket and turn German resources in a daring new direction: construction of a manned orbital spacecraft capable of attacking the United States. When the top secret plan is leaked to Franklin Roosevelt, the president has only one logical response: The United States must build their own spacecraft to destroy it. Robert Goddard, inventor of the liquid-fuel rocket, agrees to head the classified project.

So begins a race against time between two secret military programs and two brilliant scientists whose high-stakes competition will spiral into a deadly game of political intrigue and unforeseen catastrophes played to the death in the brutal skies above America.

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About the Author:

Allen Steele is the three-time Hugo Award-winning author of Coyote Destiny, Coyote Horizon, Coyote, and Coyote Rising. Originally a journalist who covered the space program, Steele later turned to fiction writing and his first novel, Orbital Decay, was chosen Best First Novel of the Year by Locus. Allen himself went on to be twice nominated for the John W. Campbell award for Best New Writer. In 2013, he received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for outstanding published works in science fiction. He and his wife, Linda, who is a DJ, now live in Massachusetts.

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V-S Day

Allen M. Steele