The Protector's War

A Novel of the Change

By: S. M. Stirling

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

Rising from the ashes of the computer and industrial ages is a brave new world. Survivors have banded together in tribal communities, committed to rebuilding society.

In Oregon's Willamette Valley, former pilot Michael Havel's Bearkillers are warriors of renown. Their closest ally, the mystical Clan MacKenzie, is led by Wiccan folksinger Juniper MacKenzie. Their leadership has saved countless lives.

But not every leader has altruistic aspirations. Norman Arminger, medieval scholar, rules the Protectorate. He has enslaved civilians, built an army, and spread his forces from Portland through most of western Washington State. Now he wants the Willamette Valley farmland, and he's willing to wage war to conquer it.

Unknown to both factions, however, is the imminent arrival of a ship from Tasmania bearing British soldiers.

©2005 S. M. Sterling (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Stirling's blending of fiction and history produces a strange, hybrid civilization, in which the confrontation between warlord and mystic is viscerally satisfying." ( Booklist)
"Readers who relish a battle between the forces of light and darkness...are in for a rousing good time." ( Science Fiction Weekly)

Not bad ...

This was a good book. If you read and enjoyed the first book, you will probably like this one. Several years have passed from the first book to this one but the story continues on nicely. Unfortunately, the author does repeat quite a bit from the first book, reminding the reader who everyone is and the like. The performance is just as good as the first book. I am looking forward to the third book in the series. This book was worth the credit.

A book that needs an abridged version

Whew, I have finally got to the point of fast forwarding to survive this author. The premise of this story is good, but the theme is buried under brutally long boring sections of trivia. If ever an author needs to have his works abridged for audio, it's this guy.

Comes off somewhat contrived, but I'll listen on

The writing style is a little hokie at times and battles are fairly predictable. There are elements that make the suspension of disbelief a little difficult, but, overall, a fun bit of candy and I'll likely listen to the next book in the series.

well written with strong characters

a. tale that envelopes you in an after-world that draws you in with its strong characters as they struggle to survive and prosper in a world where Death abides.

Pronunciation

Being from the Willamette Valley it was nice to hear most of the names pronounced correctly. Some were just slightly off and a some were real head scratchers.