1634: The Galileo Affair

By: Eric Flint, Andrew Dennis

Narrated by: George Guidall

The epic struggle of freedom and justice against the tyrannies of the 17th century continues, as European cunning meets American courage.

The Thirty Years War continues to ravage 17th century Europe, but a new force is gathering power and influence: the Confederated Principalities of Europe, an alliance between Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, and the West Virginians from the 20th century led by Mike Stearns who were hurled centuries into the past by a mysterious cosmic accident. The democratic ideals of the CPE have aroused the implacable hostility of Cardinal Richelieu, effective ruler of France, who has moved behind the scenes, making common cause with old enemies to stop this new threat to the privileged and powerful. But the CPE is also working in secret. A group of West Virginians have secretly traveled to Venice where their advanced medical knowledge may prevent the recurrence of the terrible plague which recently killed a third of the city-state's population. At the same time, the group hopes to establish commercial ties with Turkey's Ottoman Empire, then at the height of its power. And, most important, they hope to establish private diplomatic ties with the Vatican, exploiting Pope Urban VIII's misgivings about the actions of Richelieu and the Hapsburgs. But a Venetian artisan involved with the West Virginians may cause all their plans to come to naught. Having read 20th century history books of the period, he has become determined to rescue Galileo from his trial for heresy. The Americans are divided on whether to help him or stop him - and whether he succeeds or fails, the results may be catastrophic for the CPE.

©2004 Erin Flint and Andrew Dennis (P)2014 Recorded Books

So refreshing after the tedious Ram Rebellion

This book in the 1632 universe is great. After the, IMO, needlessly tedious Ram Rebellion (even with all the humorous elements contained within), this novel reinvigorated my interest in this series. Honestly, after RR, I almost didn't continue reading this series.

Young love, Venetian intrigue, revengeful economic piracy, and even, *sigh*, the promotion of soccer as a relevant element in casual international diplomacy. What's not to like!?!? 😀

Good addition to living this multidimensional tale

My listen-reading of this long-form story is great fun!
As is now expected, the story has small side-tracks or singlet episodes that don't always add to the central plot. It's occurred to me that perhaps there simply is no central plot. There are three larger plots at least. When a singlet pops up and does not (so far anyways) dovetail into one of those more major-ish plots, it causes me to frown. I want more and faster of what I assume is the REAL story.
Putting my own foolish paradigm aside, the tone, characters, somewhat historical, and brilliantly narrated novels are greatly entertaining. Fortunately, there are many volumes still ahead of me.
If only I can find some more book credits...

Italian Holiday.

Not the greatest of all the stories out there in the 1632 universe, but as always well researched, and a story that still moves along as well as any of the earlier books.

Good addition to series.

Good addition to the series that ties in well with the novels. I recommend it.

Great Series

I am enjoying this series a great deal. I had to listen to this book out is sequence as it just came out on Audible. I am hopeful that all the books will be available and that Mr. Flint continues the stories.

Better than the others

There’s a complicated slew of sequels, some of which are boring m. This one’s pretty good.

Can't wait for more

Just finished reading and I can't wait for more to be updated into audio books, this is so far my favorite in the ring of fire series.

Powerfully funny and engaging

The authors work well together and entertain throughout. The historical backdrop is revealed for our edification, as well as to advance the story. One of my favorites!

Eminently skippable

It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t really move the overall story along. As always, the performance is great. This would have been much better as a Grantville gazette novella of a side story rather than a full-length book. If you like the 1632 stories, you probably won’t be upset, but there are certainly better ones out there.