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Ring of Fire Main Line Novels #3
1634: The Baltic War
Fight for Freedom in a Dark and Bloody Age!
After a cosmic accident sets the modern West Virginia town of Grantsville down in war-torn seventeenth century Europe, the United States of Europe is forged in the fire of battle. The Baltic War reaches a climax as France, Spain, England, and Denmark besiege the U.S.E. in the Prussian stronghold of Lubeck. The invention of ironclads, the introduction of special force tactics during a spectacular rescue operation at the Tower of London – the up-timers plan to use every trick in the time traveler's book to avoid a defeat that will send Europe back to a new Dark Age!
Multiple New York Times best-seller and creator of the legendary ''Honorverse'' series David Weber teams with New York Times best-selling alternate history master Eric Flint to tell the tale of the little town that remade a continent and rang in freedom for a battle-ravaged land in the latest blockbuster addition to Flint's ''Grantsville'' saga!
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).
After a cosmic accident sets the modern West Virginia town of Grantsville down in war-torn seventeenth century Europe, the United States of Europe is forged in the fire of battle. The Baltic War reaches a climax as France, Spain, England, and Denmark besiege the U.S.E. in the Prussian stronghold of Lubeck. The invention of ironclads, the introduction of special force tactics during a spectacular rescue operation at the Tower of London – the up-timers plan to use every trick in the time traveler's book to avoid a defeat that will send Europe back to a new Dark Age!
Multiple New York Times best-seller and creator of the legendary ''Honorverse'' series David Weber teams with New York Times best-selling alternate history master Eric Flint to tell the tale of the little town that remade a continent and rang in freedom for a battle-ravaged land in the latest blockbuster addition to Flint's ''Grantsville'' saga!
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (DRM Rights Management).
718 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
About the author
Eric Flint
304 books849 followersEric Flint was a New York Times bestselling American author, editor, and e-publisher. The majority of his main works were alternate history science fiction, but he also wrote humorous fantasy adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 8, 2008
I've been wanting to read this book for over a year now, but in my particular way, I waited until I found it in a store, rather than order it (I found it at the excellent, if small, Moonraker Books in Langley, WA on Whidbey Island, by the way)
This book was pretty much what I'd expected it would be and do. I wavered between giving it three or four stars, because I really did enjoy reading it, but I eventually came down on the three star side of the question. I have the feeling that all of the upcoming books in this series will earn such a rating.
The book was rich in technical and historical detail, and did much to advance the storyline of the series from a political standpoint. There was a good amount of cloak and dagger type intrigue, especially earlier in the book. I'm growing on the Irregular warfare group led by Harry Lefferts.
There just wasn't much dazzle or oomph, though. No inspirational moments worth mentioning, and little real challenge to the protagonists' plans. The main focus storylines were the plans to escape from the Tower of London and the USE Navy's relief of Lubeck. Neither ever really seemed like they could do anything other than succeed.
There was never the overwhelming sense of suspense that was done so well with the Croat raid in "1632." Turenne's raid and the ironclad attack on Copenhagen have a little suspense, but everything is just too easy.
The other thing which bothers me is the apparent readiness of a a critical member of each of the antagonist governments (Prince Ulirk of Denmark, The Spanish Cardinal Infante and Sir Thomas Wentworth, Charles I's minister) to consider betraying their governments by supporting the USE in some way. While I know that this will set the stage for the kind of internal intrigue that might make future volumes worthwhile, there was again the sense that this was too easy, and that these individuals arrived at their conclusions without much cultivation. I'd have settled for less about the fledgling Air Force (this from a flying buff!) and more about their conflicts.
Flint has great strength portraying historical characters in their dealings with these new situations, and he should have taken full advantage of this.
All in all, an enjoyable read, and one of completely adequate caliber. I'd love to go back to some more real tense zingers. Leave all the development and technical stuff to the Gazettes and focus on the politics, intrigue and the occasional battle
This book was pretty much what I'd expected it would be and do. I wavered between giving it three or four stars, because I really did enjoy reading it, but I eventually came down on the three star side of the question. I have the feeling that all of the upcoming books in this series will earn such a rating.
The book was rich in technical and historical detail, and did much to advance the storyline of the series from a political standpoint. There was a good amount of cloak and dagger type intrigue, especially earlier in the book. I'm growing on the Irregular warfare group led by Harry Lefferts.
There just wasn't much dazzle or oomph, though. No inspirational moments worth mentioning, and little real challenge to the protagonists' plans. The main focus storylines were the plans to escape from the Tower of London and the USE Navy's relief of Lubeck. Neither ever really seemed like they could do anything other than succeed.
There was never the overwhelming sense of suspense that was done so well with the Croat raid in "1632." Turenne's raid and the ironclad attack on Copenhagen have a little suspense, but everything is just too easy.
The other thing which bothers me is the apparent readiness of a a critical member of each of the antagonist governments (Prince Ulirk of Denmark, The Spanish Cardinal Infante and Sir Thomas Wentworth, Charles I's minister) to consider betraying their governments by supporting the USE in some way. While I know that this will set the stage for the kind of internal intrigue that might make future volumes worthwhile, there was again the sense that this was too easy, and that these individuals arrived at their conclusions without much cultivation. I'd have settled for less about the fledgling Air Force (this from a flying buff!) and more about their conflicts.
Flint has great strength portraying historical characters in their dealings with these new situations, and he should have taken full advantage of this.
All in all, an enjoyable read, and one of completely adequate caliber. I'd love to go back to some more real tense zingers. Leave all the development and technical stuff to the Gazettes and focus on the politics, intrigue and the occasional battle
August 13, 2022
Yet another great book in this superb series. 2018 re-read: So great to enjoy the resolution of the group held captive in the Tower of London. 2020 re-read: And the adventures of Eddie Cantrell agent 007.
April 26, 2019
What a ride! It's hard to review a book that's well into a series without spoiling anything, but I can say for sure that if you've made it past the last book's set-up, this one pays off on nearly everything it laid out. War is underway and it's time to see what the up-timers and their German and Swedish allies have up their sleeves to counter the armies and navies of France, Spain, Denmark and England.
With three major storylines going at once (and several small ones besides), I'm honestly a bit surprised that this didn't falter along it's 1000+ pages of story. There is just a lot of stuff going on all at once with a cast as large as this one. Thankfully, it didn't get jumbled along the way and I can only be glad that things are tied up in such a way that I'm eager to get to the next book in the series, but I also feel safe in the knowledge that I'm able to take a small break to read other things so I don't burn out only reading this series.
For others reading through the series, I would even suggest taking time after reading this book to nibble at the second and third Grantville Gazette volumes if you haven't been keeping up, like me. The side stories for this series are some of the best reading I've done in a long time, and that's saying a lot for what are essentially an added bonus for readers of the main Ring of Fire series.
With three major storylines going at once (and several small ones besides), I'm honestly a bit surprised that this didn't falter along it's 1000+ pages of story. There is just a lot of stuff going on all at once with a cast as large as this one. Thankfully, it didn't get jumbled along the way and I can only be glad that things are tied up in such a way that I'm eager to get to the next book in the series, but I also feel safe in the knowledge that I'm able to take a small break to read other things so I don't burn out only reading this series.
For others reading through the series, I would even suggest taking time after reading this book to nibble at the second and third Grantville Gazette volumes if you haven't been keeping up, like me. The side stories for this series are some of the best reading I've done in a long time, and that's saying a lot for what are essentially an added bonus for readers of the main Ring of Fire series.
May 30, 2019
Finally finished this! My second book in "The Ring of Fire" sf/historical novel series about the aftereffects when a West Virginia mining town (year 2000) is transported back in time to the middle of the Thirty Year War in Germany. It was too long and had too many story lines, too many characters. The best story line was the "imprisonment" of the American diplomatic delegation to King Charles I in the Tower of London and their eventual escape, taking a young Oliver Cromwell (imprisoned before he could lead the revolution) and other future troublemakers with them. But the main story followed the development of the American led/United States of Europe (Germany) navy's ironclads and their steaming to the rescue of the King of Sweden (who is already dead in the Americans' original history). It's crazy but fun, too. Would have been a lot more fun if edited down to half or 2/3rds its length.
I'll keep reading this series but think I'll switch from audio to print and then I can skim or even skip sections that aren't interesting to me. The books in this series don't seem to follow any particular order; I think I'd like one that doesn't have quite so much war and battles in it better.
I'll keep reading this series but think I'll switch from audio to print and then I can skim or even skip sections that aren't interesting to me. The books in this series don't seem to follow any particular order; I think I'd like one that doesn't have quite so much war and battles in it better.
July 3, 2007
This is approximately the 3rd book in the 1632 Alternate Universe. (The series has several strands; there's another 3rd book, "Galileo Affair" that isn't causally linked to this).
It's a big novel. It has a large cast of characters, covers events across hundreds of miles, and in several national characters. Even so, keeping it all straight isn't too bad.
It reads like a combination of political thriller and action movie; there's a number of scenes put in for pure cinematic value. There's also the obligatory action movie romantic subplot.
While it's overdone in places, on the whole the novel works quite well. It's a fun read, and doesn't take itself too seriously. And it exposes the reader to the sweep of European history and society from the 17th century.
If you liked the previous novels in the series, read this. If you haven't read them, read them first. And if you didn't like them, you have my sympathy. ;)
It's a big novel. It has a large cast of characters, covers events across hundreds of miles, and in several national characters. Even so, keeping it all straight isn't too bad.
It reads like a combination of political thriller and action movie; there's a number of scenes put in for pure cinematic value. There's also the obligatory action movie romantic subplot.
While it's overdone in places, on the whole the novel works quite well. It's a fun read, and doesn't take itself too seriously. And it exposes the reader to the sweep of European history and society from the 17th century.
If you liked the previous novels in the series, read this. If you haven't read them, read them first. And if you didn't like them, you have my sympathy. ;)
December 7, 2020
Another great story in the series! I especially enjoyed how the Tower of London imprisonment was resolved! Harry is a great character! Good to see Eddie again.
2020 re-read! I still enjoyed watching Harry and the Wrecking Crew work their magic! Kind of bittersweet since I know what happens in later books. I like the relationship between Eddie and Simpson!
2020 re-read! I still enjoyed watching Harry and the Wrecking Crew work their magic! Kind of bittersweet since I know what happens in later books. I like the relationship between Eddie and Simpson!
September 15, 2013
I gave the two previous books in the main plot sequence 4 stars.
I really enjoy the concept as a way to look at some of the social aspects of Europe in the 17th century. For those that criticize it, well, you either suspend your belief and go along for the ride or you don't.
What is actually bothering me about this book and why I only give it 3 stars is character development. For the first two books and even the beginning of this one the characters were developing nicely into 3D personalities with both flaws and positive attributes. Adjusting or refusing to adjust their social attitudes in the face of the reality of the situation they have found themselves in. However, they remained the people they were, communicating and interacting, especially with each other, as Americans from the year 2000.
But then, out of the blue, it turns into a cheesy WWII war movie, with the same 2 dimensional, wooden interaction as found in that genre.
The Harry Lefferts led commando group and the Eddie Cantrell/Tom Simpson scene at Copenhagen are two of the more blatant examples.
I plan to read the Ring of Fire anthology next, if I find that there may have just been a slight lapse in judgement by the authors then I will continue with the series. However, if this style of writing dialogue looks to be the norm then I am done with this series.
I really enjoy the concept as a way to look at some of the social aspects of Europe in the 17th century. For those that criticize it, well, you either suspend your belief and go along for the ride or you don't.
What is actually bothering me about this book and why I only give it 3 stars is character development. For the first two books and even the beginning of this one the characters were developing nicely into 3D personalities with both flaws and positive attributes. Adjusting or refusing to adjust their social attitudes in the face of the reality of the situation they have found themselves in. However, they remained the people they were, communicating and interacting, especially with each other, as Americans from the year 2000.
But then, out of the blue, it turns into a cheesy WWII war movie, with the same 2 dimensional, wooden interaction as found in that genre.
The Harry Lefferts led commando group and the Eddie Cantrell/Tom Simpson scene at Copenhagen are two of the more blatant examples.
I plan to read the Ring of Fire anthology next, if I find that there may have just been a slight lapse in judgement by the authors then I will continue with the series. However, if this style of writing dialogue looks to be the norm then I am done with this series.
October 27, 2015
1632 Series
I started reading the 1632 series from the beginning again especially since some new books have come out in the last couple of years and Mr Flint was so gracious enough to sign the books I already have in my collection at the World Science Fiction Convention (SASQUAN 2015) this year. 1634: The Baltic War is a continuation of the series and is truly military science fiction at its best. Despite the many subplots in the book, it is entertaining, full of suspense and includes very detailed descriptions of places, people and events making the reader believe this could be a factual account of what happened in 1634 despite knowing it is an alternate universe. Enjoyed reading this book emmensely!
I started reading the 1632 series from the beginning again especially since some new books have come out in the last couple of years and Mr Flint was so gracious enough to sign the books I already have in my collection at the World Science Fiction Convention (SASQUAN 2015) this year. 1634: The Baltic War is a continuation of the series and is truly military science fiction at its best. Despite the many subplots in the book, it is entertaining, full of suspense and includes very detailed descriptions of places, people and events making the reader believe this could be a factual account of what happened in 1634 despite knowing it is an alternate universe. Enjoyed reading this book emmensely!
January 20, 2013
Another entertaining book in the series. I liked the part set in England this time, unlike in 1633 where I found that part a little tedious. Instead, it was the part set in France which I found a little underwhelming. The parts set in and around Denmark and the Netherlands were quite fascinating. Most of the newly introduced characters kept my interest as well. I'm hoping to see more of Ulrik, Baldur and Harry Lefferts.
The Baen CD eBook was formatted OK, but did have a number of noticeable spelling errors.
The Baen CD eBook was formatted OK, but did have a number of noticeable spelling errors.
September 22, 2009
I'm not sure if its that the series is losing the novelty, or whether this book just wasn't as captivating. The first 2 were easily 5-star books in my opinion. This didn't seem to grab as hard, but that could just be my preference. I still love the premise, and am interested to see how things progress...
January 22, 2009
So far so good. This is a series of What If? histories where a group of Americans have been transplanted into the 1630's and bring their technological knowledge and rewrite history. Fun, imaginative and thought provoking. 4 Stars for now, possibly a fifth when I finish.
January 28, 2013
3.5 stars. Sure it's silly, but it's fun. Flint's continuing, fractured saga of alternate European history is less to be taken seriously then to be enjoyed. Like pop corn. I did.
A good read.
A good read.
July 5, 2022
Historia alternatywna jankesów przeniesionych do XVII wiecznej Europy, choć była wręcz przewidywalnym „wyrzygiem tęczy”, który miał pokazać jak to „hamerykanie” są wspaniali, a Europejczycy zacofani, to jednak miała w sobie to „coś”, że nie mogłam sobie odmówić przyjemności kontynuowania tej ciekawej fuzji historii z fantastką. Dlatego też z przyjemnością sięgnęłam po trzecią odsłonę serii Ring of Fire Erica Flinta i Davida Webera pod tytułem 1634: Wojna Bałtycka.
Liga Ostendzka, SZE i londyńska twierdza Tower.
"Po kosmicznej katastrofie, która przeniosła amerykańskie miasteczko Grantville do świata europejskiego XVII wieku, w ogniu bitew formują się Stany Zjednoczone Europy. Wojna bałtycka osiąga apogeum – Francja, Hiszpania, Anglia i Dania, dawniej zwaśnione państwa, utworzyły Ligę Ostendzką i oblegają siły SZE w pruskiej twierdzy Lubeka. Gustaw Adolf, król Szwecji i cesarz Stanów Zjednoczonych Europy, przygotowuje kontratak na połączone siły wrogów…
Kilka amerykańskich planów zbliża się do finału…
Admirał Simpson z Grantville gorączkowo ściga się z czasem, usiłując ukończyć pancerniki marynarki wojennej SZE – rozpaczliwie potrzebne do przełamania ostendzkiej blokady bałtyckich portów. Oddział komandosów wysłanych przez Mike’a Stearnsa do Anglii szykuje się do odbicia Amerykanów przetrzymywanych w londyńskiej twierdzy Tower. A w Amsterdamie Rebecca Stearns kontynuuje trójstronne negocjacje z księciem Oranu i hiszpańskim kardynałem infantem, który podbił większość Niderlandów…"
Mniej taktyki i techniki, a więcej polityki.
Jeżeli po trzeciej odsłonie cyklu spodziewacie się kontynuacji szczególików i nawiązań do techniki w ilościach hurtowych, to bardzo mocno się zawiedziecie.
Autorzy w tej części postawili na pierwszym planie na zakulisowe ustalenia, wielkie intrygi, niedomówienia i ogólnie te wszystkie dziwne, bądź mniej dziwne „polityczne pląsy”. Nadaje to niezwykłej pikanterii fabule, a historyczne nawiązania bardzo sprytnie spajają wszystkie wątki.
No i właśnie, tu zaczyna się dyskoteka. Choć główna linia fabularna liczy sobie (zaledwie) trzy główne wątki, notabene bardzo dobrze poprowadzone, to te poboczne „rozmnażają się jak króliki”. Ciężko to wszystko momentami ogarnąć, a ilość szczegółów, postaci głównych i pobocznych (czy innych ubocznych) zaczyna powoli przyprawiać o ból głowy.
Szczególnie iż akcja ze względu na zabawy polityczne straciła mocno na dynamizmie oraz napięciu (no może poza pancernym atakiem na Kopenhagę i uwięzieniem amerykańskiej delegacji dyplomatycznej w Tower) i potrzeba skupienia, żeby ta karuzela „kręciła się w głowie sama”, a imiona przypisane zostały do właściwego ciągu fabularnego.
Dlatego po odłożeniu tego odcinka jestem na tak dla całej serii, bo nadal bardzo podoba mi się, jak panowie bawią się połączeniem historii i literackiej fikcji. Jak kreują bohaterów, jak zmyślnie wplatają i rozwijają nowszą technikę w realia XVII wiecznej Europy (pancerniki amerykańskiej marynarki wojennej), ale z drugiej strony podpowiedziałabym im, że czasem „mniej znaczy więcej”. Ten odcinek był mocno przegadany i „napompowany” zbędnymi faktami i pobocznymi wątkami.
Więc jeżeli macie ochotę na dobrą i ciekawą powieść z lekką fuzją historii i fantastyki oraz lubicie technikę, taktykę, walkę i politykę, to 1634: Wojna Bałtycka Erica Flinta i Davida Webera Wam się spodoba. Ostrzegam jednak, że książka jest obszerna, a ilość wątków i bohaterów może przytłoczyć.
https://unserious.pl/2021/06/1634-woj...
Liga Ostendzka, SZE i londyńska twierdza Tower.
"Po kosmicznej katastrofie, która przeniosła amerykańskie miasteczko Grantville do świata europejskiego XVII wieku, w ogniu bitew formują się Stany Zjednoczone Europy. Wojna bałtycka osiąga apogeum – Francja, Hiszpania, Anglia i Dania, dawniej zwaśnione państwa, utworzyły Ligę Ostendzką i oblegają siły SZE w pruskiej twierdzy Lubeka. Gustaw Adolf, król Szwecji i cesarz Stanów Zjednoczonych Europy, przygotowuje kontratak na połączone siły wrogów…
Kilka amerykańskich planów zbliża się do finału…
Admirał Simpson z Grantville gorączkowo ściga się z czasem, usiłując ukończyć pancerniki marynarki wojennej SZE – rozpaczliwie potrzebne do przełamania ostendzkiej blokady bałtyckich portów. Oddział komandosów wysłanych przez Mike’a Stearnsa do Anglii szykuje się do odbicia Amerykanów przetrzymywanych w londyńskiej twierdzy Tower. A w Amsterdamie Rebecca Stearns kontynuuje trójstronne negocjacje z księciem Oranu i hiszpańskim kardynałem infantem, który podbił większość Niderlandów…"
Mniej taktyki i techniki, a więcej polityki.
Jeżeli po trzeciej odsłonie cyklu spodziewacie się kontynuacji szczególików i nawiązań do techniki w ilościach hurtowych, to bardzo mocno się zawiedziecie.
Autorzy w tej części postawili na pierwszym planie na zakulisowe ustalenia, wielkie intrygi, niedomówienia i ogólnie te wszystkie dziwne, bądź mniej dziwne „polityczne pląsy”. Nadaje to niezwykłej pikanterii fabule, a historyczne nawiązania bardzo sprytnie spajają wszystkie wątki.
No i właśnie, tu zaczyna się dyskoteka. Choć główna linia fabularna liczy sobie (zaledwie) trzy główne wątki, notabene bardzo dobrze poprowadzone, to te poboczne „rozmnażają się jak króliki”. Ciężko to wszystko momentami ogarnąć, a ilość szczegółów, postaci głównych i pobocznych (czy innych ubocznych) zaczyna powoli przyprawiać o ból głowy.
Szczególnie iż akcja ze względu na zabawy polityczne straciła mocno na dynamizmie oraz napięciu (no może poza pancernym atakiem na Kopenhagę i uwięzieniem amerykańskiej delegacji dyplomatycznej w Tower) i potrzeba skupienia, żeby ta karuzela „kręciła się w głowie sama”, a imiona przypisane zostały do właściwego ciągu fabularnego.
Dlatego po odłożeniu tego odcinka jestem na tak dla całej serii, bo nadal bardzo podoba mi się, jak panowie bawią się połączeniem historii i literackiej fikcji. Jak kreują bohaterów, jak zmyślnie wplatają i rozwijają nowszą technikę w realia XVII wiecznej Europy (pancerniki amerykańskiej marynarki wojennej), ale z drugiej strony podpowiedziałabym im, że czasem „mniej znaczy więcej”. Ten odcinek był mocno przegadany i „napompowany” zbędnymi faktami i pobocznymi wątkami.
Więc jeżeli macie ochotę na dobrą i ciekawą powieść z lekką fuzją historii i fantastyki oraz lubicie technikę, taktykę, walkę i politykę, to 1634: Wojna Bałtycka Erica Flinta i Davida Webera Wam się spodoba. Ostrzegam jednak, że książka jest obszerna, a ilość wątków i bohaterów może przytłoczyć.
https://unserious.pl/2021/06/1634-woj...
November 9, 2021
This one was fun. Sometimes these books seem a bit disjointed when we follow a new perspective but overall very satisfying.
January 26, 2022
Not quite as good as the first two books in the series, 1632 and 1633, but still a good, fun read. Tied up a lot of loose ends from the first two. I will be continuing on with the next book.
May 6, 2014
1634: The Baltic War, although a weighty volume in its own right, is but one stitch in the giant tapestry that is Eric Flint's sweeping Ring of Fire series. The series imagines the tumultuous Thirty Years War in seventeenth-century Europe disrupted by the arrival of a small West Virginia town sent back in time from the year 2000 by a freak cosmic accident. As masterfully told in the series opener 1632, the injection of modern technology and ideas into this bleak post-Reformation world has immediate and far-reaching consequences. The synopsis for 1634: The Baltic War illustrates just how much things have changed.
The synopsis also gives a sense of the novel's sweeping scope, both geographically and in terms of content. In some ways, this book and the series as a whole brings to mind Neal Stephenson's ambitious Baroque Cycle, but while Stephenson's work focuses on scientific and cultural developments Flint and Weber, at least in this volume, are telling a story of war. This isn't to say that culture is absent from the chapters of 1634. Indeed, the novel draws both insight and humor from the juxtaposition of modern popular culture and European values. In one early scene, for example, a concert features classic Baroque harpsichord followed by a modernist piano concerto featuring music by Chopin and closing with twentieth-century Christmas songs. It's also amusing to hear Europeans try and puzzle out exactly who this Elvis Presley character was.
While, as I said, 1634: The Baltic War is a military novel, and does feature occasional scenes of violence and hardship, overall its tone is light and even casual despite the depth and complexity of the book's subject matter. While this renders the book almost instantly accessible, I can't help but feel that at times the lack of gravitas fails to do justice to the enormity (in its original sense) of the Thirty Years War. To return to the previous comparison, Stephenson's writing in the Baroque Cycle is much more opaque and, well, baroque, but the style seems to suit the subject matter. On the plus side, the story benefits from Eric Flint's considerable experience in writing alternate history along with David Weber's military background. Despite the world's massive scope, every corner of it feels lived in and fleshed out.
George Guidall takes on the arduous task of bringing together seventeenth- and twentieth-century characters and cultures in this melting pot of a novel, and as usual Guidall is up to the challenge. From the brusk military clip of Admiral Simpson to the slight lilt of the larger-than-life Gustavus Adolphus, Guidall makes every element of the story from both past and present come alive.
Listeners who love military fiction, alternate history, or time travel can't go wrong with 1634: The Baltic War, though to fully appreciate the novel they would do well to begin with the first installment in the Ring of Fire series, 1632. As perhaps is inevitable with a series of this magnitude, there are flaws and aspects that fail to please. But this book is only one chapter in what might just be Eric Flint's magnum opus.
The synopsis also gives a sense of the novel's sweeping scope, both geographically and in terms of content. In some ways, this book and the series as a whole brings to mind Neal Stephenson's ambitious Baroque Cycle, but while Stephenson's work focuses on scientific and cultural developments Flint and Weber, at least in this volume, are telling a story of war. This isn't to say that culture is absent from the chapters of 1634. Indeed, the novel draws both insight and humor from the juxtaposition of modern popular culture and European values. In one early scene, for example, a concert features classic Baroque harpsichord followed by a modernist piano concerto featuring music by Chopin and closing with twentieth-century Christmas songs. It's also amusing to hear Europeans try and puzzle out exactly who this Elvis Presley character was.
While, as I said, 1634: The Baltic War is a military novel, and does feature occasional scenes of violence and hardship, overall its tone is light and even casual despite the depth and complexity of the book's subject matter. While this renders the book almost instantly accessible, I can't help but feel that at times the lack of gravitas fails to do justice to the enormity (in its original sense) of the Thirty Years War. To return to the previous comparison, Stephenson's writing in the Baroque Cycle is much more opaque and, well, baroque, but the style seems to suit the subject matter. On the plus side, the story benefits from Eric Flint's considerable experience in writing alternate history along with David Weber's military background. Despite the world's massive scope, every corner of it feels lived in and fleshed out.
George Guidall takes on the arduous task of bringing together seventeenth- and twentieth-century characters and cultures in this melting pot of a novel, and as usual Guidall is up to the challenge. From the brusk military clip of Admiral Simpson to the slight lilt of the larger-than-life Gustavus Adolphus, Guidall makes every element of the story from both past and present come alive.
Listeners who love military fiction, alternate history, or time travel can't go wrong with 1634: The Baltic War, though to fully appreciate the novel they would do well to begin with the first installment in the Ring of Fire series, 1632. As perhaps is inevitable with a series of this magnitude, there are flaws and aspects that fail to please. But this book is only one chapter in what might just be Eric Flint's magnum opus.
July 21, 2015
1634 The Baltic War kicks off straight off after the events of 1632 and follows on straight after those events as we start to see the newly formed United States of Europe really start to really flex it military as well as it diplomatic powers as it expands over Europe! :D At the same time seeks to overwhelm the League of Ostend that has been formed against it which set events up for truly big events throughout Europe which are sure to have knock on for the other books after this! :D
The scale of the book is truly on a massive scale with chapters whizzing you all over Europe catching up with the various groups on diplomatic actions as military actions which always shows that these small and large groups are operating on a large canvas and that the actions can and do have major consequences which are often set up with an eye to the later novels! :D
The story, as with the previous books, has a massive scope the sheer amount of characters almost makes it a prerequisite that you have read the previous books as it is really the only way to really understand what is happening plus there are a tonne load of 'guest appearances' of characters that feature in many of the others works set before and after 1634! :D In addition there are also seemingly throwaway events and sentences that would seem to have a big knock on effects in the future as things are left in may countries up in the air and beyond throughout! :D
As ever characterisation is spot on with many shades of grey on display right from the downright manipulative to the kind hearted but naïve and those in between! :D There is always a vein of humour that runs throughout and pops up when you least expect which makes a great counterbalance from the high body count that often is produced throughout the many battles that takes place! :D
The battle scenes themselves are on a truly on an epic scale and this is actually pointed out in the book as the 17th armies take their time to get into position which gives a truly vivid impression of events as they unfold! :D Many characters find themselves in very different position in this book as the situation is in constant flux with new characters and events being thrown into the mix such as USE commando's who while everything they are supposed to be throw even more humour into the events as they unfold! :D
The defeat of the French and the unification and incorporation of Denmark and numerous other territories in the book also set things up on a giant scale for future book as with France effectively knocked out the USE is shown to have other issues to do with and this is clearly set up a lead in to the other books to come! :D
1634 is extremely pacey and at no point does it let up for an instant on the political and military scenes but always that sense of humour is there throughout which can lead to some serious double takes when rreading! :D
Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
The scale of the book is truly on a massive scale with chapters whizzing you all over Europe catching up with the various groups on diplomatic actions as military actions which always shows that these small and large groups are operating on a large canvas and that the actions can and do have major consequences which are often set up with an eye to the later novels! :D
The story, as with the previous books, has a massive scope the sheer amount of characters almost makes it a prerequisite that you have read the previous books as it is really the only way to really understand what is happening plus there are a tonne load of 'guest appearances' of characters that feature in many of the others works set before and after 1634! :D In addition there are also seemingly throwaway events and sentences that would seem to have a big knock on effects in the future as things are left in may countries up in the air and beyond throughout! :D
As ever characterisation is spot on with many shades of grey on display right from the downright manipulative to the kind hearted but naïve and those in between! :D There is always a vein of humour that runs throughout and pops up when you least expect which makes a great counterbalance from the high body count that often is produced throughout the many battles that takes place! :D
The battle scenes themselves are on a truly on an epic scale and this is actually pointed out in the book as the 17th armies take their time to get into position which gives a truly vivid impression of events as they unfold! :D Many characters find themselves in very different position in this book as the situation is in constant flux with new characters and events being thrown into the mix such as USE commando's who while everything they are supposed to be throw even more humour into the events as they unfold! :D
The defeat of the French and the unification and incorporation of Denmark and numerous other territories in the book also set things up on a giant scale for future book as with France effectively knocked out the USE is shown to have other issues to do with and this is clearly set up a lead in to the other books to come! :D
1634 is extremely pacey and at no point does it let up for an instant on the political and military scenes but always that sense of humour is there throughout which can lead to some serious double takes when rreading! :D
Brilliant and highly recommended! :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2016
Here is where you finally get the long-anticipated confrontation between the forces backed by Grantville's 'uptime' residents and the cabal of 'down-time' tyrants arrayed against them. Compared to this book, the Battle of Wismar at the end of 1633 is just a tease. In THE BALTIC WAR we are treated to the face-to-face confrontation between armies supported by modern-day ingenuity and those employing hardware and tactics of the 17th century. While the outcome is completely predictable and expected, it is still an exciting read, and Flint and Weber succeed in giving the story some much needed new life.
Getting back on track with the primary storyline here was certainly something desperately needed with this series. After having read The Galileo Affair, The Ram Rebellion, and The Cannon Law, I was frankly ready to give up on this series. While none of those books are exactly terrible, they also failed to meet the promise of the setting, mostly dealing with isolated political situations, and all having been mostly written by other authors. Thankfully, THE BALTIC WAR delivers on its promise to bring the story back to where it needs to be, picking up right at the end of 1633 (the novel). Actually, if I were to recommend the series to a friend, I would suggest just skipping all the periphery novels and stick with the primary three books.
THE BALTIC WAR is longer than it needs to be, with new characters and a few seemingly irrelevant miniplots being introduced (and exhaustively developed), but I can forgive that when presented along with [IMO] some of the most exciting and anticipated moments of the entire series. I'm not sure if I'll read more of the series, as this book's ending feels like a good place to put the story to rest, but I'll applaud Flint's effort for this strong addition.
Getting back on track with the primary storyline here was certainly something desperately needed with this series. After having read The Galileo Affair, The Ram Rebellion, and The Cannon Law, I was frankly ready to give up on this series. While none of those books are exactly terrible, they also failed to meet the promise of the setting, mostly dealing with isolated political situations, and all having been mostly written by other authors. Thankfully, THE BALTIC WAR delivers on its promise to bring the story back to where it needs to be, picking up right at the end of 1633 (the novel). Actually, if I were to recommend the series to a friend, I would suggest just skipping all the periphery novels and stick with the primary three books.
THE BALTIC WAR is longer than it needs to be, with new characters and a few seemingly irrelevant miniplots being introduced (and exhaustively developed), but I can forgive that when presented along with [IMO] some of the most exciting and anticipated moments of the entire series. I'm not sure if I'll read more of the series, as this book's ending feels like a good place to put the story to rest, but I'll applaud Flint's effort for this strong addition.
March 13, 2023
Finally, this series is getting its legs under it. This is my second time reading it about a decade after the first. Again, a lot of my compliments and complaints are the same as before, so feel free to read the 1632 review here.
Honestly, I am not sure if I truly like this one more than the first two or if my expectations were lowered enough that I enjoyed this one for what it is rather than being disappointed with how my faulty memory made it more. The series is good, the idea is good, and there is a lot of research that went into these books. Just remember that it was research into the history, not the culture of seventeenth-century Europe. Don't expect any "down-timers" in the book to act the way they truly would have in real life.
Before reading this book, you should definitely read 1632 and 1633. This book is a direct, almost immediate sequel to '33. Reading Grantville Gazette 1 and the Ring of Fire Anthology 1 would also be beneficial but not essential. In all, I feel like this series is greater than the sum of its parts. Each book in and of itself is... meh. But as a collected whole, the Ring of Fire is the greatest thing going in alternate history and has been that way for a good fifteen years. If you disagree and think there's a better alt-history universe out there, I'd love to hear about it.
Honestly, I am not sure if I truly like this one more than the first two or if my expectations were lowered enough that I enjoyed this one for what it is rather than being disappointed with how my faulty memory made it more. The series is good, the idea is good, and there is a lot of research that went into these books. Just remember that it was research into the history, not the culture of seventeenth-century Europe. Don't expect any "down-timers" in the book to act the way they truly would have in real life.
Before reading this book, you should definitely read 1632 and 1633. This book is a direct, almost immediate sequel to '33. Reading Grantville Gazette 1 and the Ring of Fire Anthology 1 would also be beneficial but not essential. In all, I feel like this series is greater than the sum of its parts. Each book in and of itself is... meh. But as a collected whole, the Ring of Fire is the greatest thing going in alternate history and has been that way for a good fifteen years. If you disagree and think there's a better alt-history universe out there, I'd love to hear about it.
February 20, 2014
I recently completed Eric Flint’s “1634: The Baltic War”, fourth I think in the series that begins with “1632”. I was trying to read them in order, but missed “1634: The Galileo Affair”. I am impressed by the collaborative process employed by Mr. Flint (do not skip the acknowledgements and forwards). The series reminds me of Tom Clancy’s “Red Storm Rising” which was a collaborative novel written in partnership with a gamer. In other words, reading the Flint series in not unlike playing “Civilization IV “in that a new civilization is created. All the parts seem to be present including: governing, monarchy, politics (political intrigue), love, war, the way of life, historical figures, medicine, and all woven into the fabric of a 17th century world. I do trust the author’s depiction of history. In a sense, I find that these stories give life to books like Thomas Hobbes’s “Leviathan” and perhaps even Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations”, although I may be overstepping a little bit. At a minimum, the reader’s vocabulary will be increased. These books could be considered a synthesis of the challenges people living in third world countries face today or maybe they are just fun to read. Oliver Cromwell is now on the loose and I look forward to his further adventures.
April 4, 2015
I enjoyed this book so much, I can't gush enough! I enjoy history stories, although I am not very familiar with this time period. I feel it challenges me to do my own research on the events that are happening in the story, which I think is beneficial.
The premise of the story is a small town in West Virginia transported back in time to the 1632 German area (since this area doesn't have a government for the whole area I call it the German area). It's a blend of authors and characters that makes this series unique and very enjoyable.
If you enjoy history, time travel and the whole "what would happen if this event was changed?" I would recommend this whole series to you. They also have a series of short stories (with characters that get expanded upon in the "big" books) which are the "local" newspaper. This whole idea: multiple authors working together with characters we love, writing both short stories and novels, well I a very impressed.
You can try the first book, 1632, for free on Amazon. I encourage you to give it a shot. You have nothing to loose and so much to gain.
The premise of the story is a small town in West Virginia transported back in time to the 1632 German area (since this area doesn't have a government for the whole area I call it the German area). It's a blend of authors and characters that makes this series unique and very enjoyable.
If you enjoy history, time travel and the whole "what would happen if this event was changed?" I would recommend this whole series to you. They also have a series of short stories (with characters that get expanded upon in the "big" books) which are the "local" newspaper. This whole idea: multiple authors working together with characters we love, writing both short stories and novels, well I a very impressed.
You can try the first book, 1632, for free on Amazon. I encourage you to give it a shot. You have nothing to loose and so much to gain.
August 6, 2023
"1634: The Baltic War" is the direct sequel to "1633", and covers part of the 30 Years War around the Baltic Sea and partly England. I liked it a lot even though the ending was abrupt. Luckily I already have the sequel to this sequel and I'll probably move right into that one. I'm reading several books right now.
The story: The West Virginia coal-mining town of Grantville was sent back in time to 1632, and ever since then they've been kicking butt in the 30 Years' War. They are now part of the United States of Europe, and they've built several ironclads and airplanes that they will use trying to bring an end to this bloody war.
Any problems with the book? Well... it is violent. It's not as violent as the other books, but one of the main characters from "1632" goes down hard. There is cursing.
Any modesty issues? The F-word is used in context. These are coal miners, and though they aren't cursing all the time, it does happen on occasion. Sex is implied. It is implied a lot, but not described except for some hot kissing.
I'd read this book again.
The story: The West Virginia coal-mining town of Grantville was sent back in time to 1632, and ever since then they've been kicking butt in the 30 Years' War. They are now part of the United States of Europe, and they've built several ironclads and airplanes that they will use trying to bring an end to this bloody war.
Any problems with the book? Well... it is violent. It's not as violent as the other books, but one of the main characters from "1632" goes down hard. There is cursing.
Any modesty issues? The F-word is used in context. These are coal miners, and though they aren't cursing all the time, it does happen on occasion. Sex is implied. It is implied a lot, but not described except for some hot kissing.
I'd read this book again.
July 21, 2016
the year is 1632 Grantville has been in the the 17th century for 2 years now but not all is safe for them or their way of life, for war is on all sides of them. This book follows the Baltic portion of the war in 1634 as well as the Rescue of the diplomatic mission to Europe from the tower of London.
I'm a lover of history and alternate history, and by this time in the story history has been significantly altered so it gives us a question of what could have been different.
Many of the Characters are a little over the top like Gustof, and especially his daughter (count Narnia anyone). But then the best part are often the best part like the count Narnia story line, or Eddie and the kings daughter. Just as good nothing in this book requires you to read any of the other 1634 books even though this one was the last in that series, though i would recommend reading 1632 and at least 1 of the 1633 books for context.
I'm a lover of history and alternate history, and by this time in the story history has been significantly altered so it gives us a question of what could have been different.
Many of the Characters are a little over the top like Gustof, and especially his daughter (count Narnia anyone). But then the best part are often the best part like the count Narnia story line, or Eddie and the kings daughter. Just as good nothing in this book requires you to read any of the other 1634 books even though this one was the last in that series, though i would recommend reading 1632 and at least 1 of the 1633 books for context.
September 29, 2008
Finished, finally! Awesome read, as always. I can't tell who's writing what, which means that Flint has certainly improved. Still a bit crude and I wish the authors would realize that their token young female character doesn't outweigh the fact that most of the young interesting characters are male.
There was little emphasis on Rebecca Abranel or Gretchen Richter this time around as well. I also find that I get a bit concerned that the authors have dropped the thread of some characters. Gretchen's dead brother's girlfriend, for example, seemed like she was destined for better things in 1633. No mention of her here.
There was little emphasis on Rebecca Abranel or Gretchen Richter this time around as well. I also find that I get a bit concerned that the authors have dropped the thread of some characters. Gretchen's dead brother's girlfriend, for example, seemed like she was destined for better things in 1633. No mention of her here.
October 18, 2008
I'm still enjoying the "Ring of Fire" series, but like many alternate history yarns it's starting to lose its momentum the farther it gets from the departure point. Frankly, the ripples from Grantville's unexpected appearance in 17th-Century Thuringia are getting too complicated to really keep track of in a coherent way, and some are less believable than others (I really dislike the 21st Century slang becoming commonplace, for example). And Weber (and now Flint)'s take on relationships is still kind of eye-rollingly silly.
But for all that, well worth reading, particularly if you like a little history with your SF/Fantasy :)
But for all that, well worth reading, particularly if you like a little history with your SF/Fantasy :)
May 31, 2011
The Baltic War is pretty much straight military-historical fiction, with of course the "up-time" twist. There are some fun characters (Prince Ulrik is quite the charmer) and I think the comparative focus helped it avoid some of the tediousness of Weber and Flint's prior effort in the series. (That being said, this is not a series to pick up if infodumps bug you. There's at least one staid history textbook wedged between the pages of the series as a whole.)
I didn't really care for the England stuff, and felt it wrapped up a little too neatly to be believable, but Weber + overwhelming naval superiority is definitely a good time.
I didn't really care for the England stuff, and felt it wrapped up a little too neatly to be believable, but Weber + overwhelming naval superiority is definitely a good time.
June 13, 2012
Wow! This installment in the series is just awesome. I thought the first book (1632) was unbeatable, but this one is at least its equal, if not a little bit better in some ways. The characters are becoming more realistic as the series progresses and we're getting a sense of how they tick. All along, it's like a pleasant history lesson at a level of detail that's just amazing. Flint is very good at providing just the right amount of explanatory material for the technologies (old and new) involved in the stories.
This is one of those speculative fiction series that shows the author as a true subject matter expert (in this case in a particular historical period). I'm impressed.
This is one of those speculative fiction series that shows the author as a true subject matter expert (in this case in a particular historical period). I'm impressed.
February 6, 2017
1634: The Baltic War another fun and interesting read in the 1632 Universe created by Eric Flint. In this installment we have one Grantville death, four betrothals, a jail break, one USE ship sunk and more. I really enjoy this series. It's fun Alt-History, Science Fiction, and Historical background. I always learn something new about the 30 years war.
April 11, 2019
A satisfying conclusion to the previous novel. It was a little slow in the beginning - sieges are boring for those involved, and narrative about sieges suffers from some of the same issues. Overall there were just enough active plotlines to make up for the those that were idle though.
August 7, 2017
I really like this series. I'm glad that some things in the world are changing without the "uptimer's" always winning.
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