Ring of Fire I

By: Eric Flint - editor

Narrated by: George Guidall

Return to the alternate universe of 1632 and 1633 as the top writers of alternate history and military SF join forces in the shared-universe volume of the year.

The battle between democracy and tyranny is joined, and the American Revolution has begun over a century ahead of schedule. A cosmic accident has shifted a modern West Virginia town back through time and space to land it and its 20th century technology in Germany in the middle of the Thirty Years War. History must take a new course as American freedom and democracy battle against the squabbling despots of 17th century Europe.

Continuing the story begun in the hit novels 1632 and 1633, the New York Times best-selling creator of Honor Harrington, David Weber, the best-selling fantasy star Mercedes Lackey, space adventure author K. D. Wentworth, Dave Freer, co-author of the hit novels Rats, Bats & Vats and Pyramid Scheme (both Baen), and Eric Flint himself combine their considerable talents in a shared-universe volume that will be a must-have for every listener of 1632 and 1633.

©2004 Eric Flint (P)2020 Recorded Books

Strong anthology

Anthologies are always difficult to rate and review. Each story is written by a different author and has different goals, style, and tone. This anthology is set (variously) from the time of the transition to 1632 and the start of the next book in the series.

The best of this book is excellent and there is very little that is less than quite good. If you enjoy any of the books in this series, you'll likely enjoy this volume. Recommended.

Comments on the stories:

In the Navy, David Weber
Novelette, 4 stars
As a story, this is a bit bare bones. There is some good character work (plus rehabilitation) for the industrialist, Simpson, who was one of the villains of 1632. We see that rather than his being a caricature of evil, he is a complex character with an interesting background and reasons for his choices. The plot is largely an excuse to discuss the formation of the US Navy.
The interesting bits here are nearly all in the technological discussions occasioned by modern military weapons and tactics in a world of matchlock guns and pikes. Fortunately, I like Eddie, am a wargamer by inclination and find that kind of thing fascinating.

To Dye For, Mercedes Lackey
Short Story, 3 stars
This, too, is mostly a discussion of technology, but there are few details and the supporting plot and characters are much more sketchily drawn. What’s here is entertaining, but it’s very slight.

A Lineman for the Country, Dave Freer
Short Story, 5 stars
Every new country needs a telephone system. Good technical details and a good plot (for the length of the story). But this story is carried by its excellent character work.

Between the Armies, Andrew Dennis
Novelette, 2 stars
What is a Catholic priest to do in a world lacking almost 400 years of church teachings? The characters in this story are not fully drawn and there is little plot. The question asked here could make for an interesting story, but this isn’t quite that.

Biting Time, Virginia Easley DeMarce
Short Story, 5 stars
This story is written from the POV of an older German woman who takes care of children. The contrast of that background with the world of Grantville is used to comment on both worlds. The writing here is a bit choppy, but the story is excellent. There’s a strong plot and an excellent protagonist.


Power to the People, Loren K. Jones
Short Story, 3 stars
A short piece mostly discussing the shock of the transition to 1632 for ordinary people who aren’t running countries. Fair characters, weak plot.

A Matter of Consultation, S.L. Viehl
Short Story, 4 stars
The collision of 20th century with 17th century medicine makes for an interesting story. Good character development and a decent plot.

Family Faith, Anette M. Pedersen
Short Story, 4 stars
More a character study than a story, this short piece is about a Jesuit who has had a crisis of faith following the sack of Magdeburg. It’s insightful and touching, even if short.

When the Chips are Down, Jonathan Cresswell & Scott Washburn
Novellette, 5 stars
Christmas is coming and the protagonist is badly missing his family and feeling lost in the new/old world. But he and his friends decide to make a Christmas present for the town. Hijinks ensue.
Excellent character work, an amusing and heartwarming story, and just a bit of exposition about the Germany of the 17th century.

American Past Time, Deann Allen and Mike Turner
Short Story, 5 stars
Set during the events of 1632, this is a story about a major league prospect pulled back in time by the ring of fire and the recreation of baseball as a pastime in 1632. The protagonist is well-drawn and sympathetic and the story is entertaining.

Skeletons, Greg Donahue
Short Story, 3 stars
Not every immigrant is willing to assimilate into US society. And some of those who don’t are actively toxic. Not a bad story, but not especially memorable.

A Witch to Live, Walt Boyes
Short Story, 4 stars
Good character work, decent exposition about the state of witch trials during the 30YW, and a rather superficial plot. Entertaining enough.

The Three Rs, Jody Dorsett
Short Story, 3 stars
Very slight story about a religious group asking for aid from the new US. Limited character work and a minimal plot. This seems largely intended to set up future stories.

Here Comes Santa Claus, K.D. Wentworth
Short Story, 4 stars
A rather silly story of Christmas, alliance, and assassination. This is a bit scattered and the plot makes little sense, but it’s entertaining, nonetheless, featuring Julie McKay and Gottfried Heinrich, Graf zu Pappenheim.

The Wallenstein Gambit, Eric Flint
Novella, 4 stars
When the Holy Roman Emperor turns on Albrecht von Wallenstein after his loss to the US, he determines to make alliance with his former enemies. Predictably, said HRE isn't pleased with this turn of affairs. This story covers elements of the aftermath. There is some excellent character work and the plot is coherent and interesting, even though the story is set almost entirely in Prague rather than following Wallenstein into the field. This story is significantly more substantial than the other stories in the book, and that detail benefits it.

few good stories

other then those few stories, this book seems utterly pointless in the grand scheme of this book series

awesome

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, many of the stories actually had me tear up a bit (i an unabashed dryer ...) and I can only suggest to read this book and not to skip it!

Brilliant

The narrative and voice acting, as always, are superb. These collection of tales paint a backdrop that sets the time in between a provides much needed character development and distinction. Very well done.

Surprisingly essential

adds tremendously to the 1632 and 1633 novels (and even a few afterwards). highly recommended for new fans of the series

Good characters

Great narration brings the characters to life. The story lines blend in well to the 1632 and 1633 books

Narrator was near-perfect!

An unexpected appreciation was when folk's I first met in book 1 returned and were subtly improved as time has passed.

Disappointed

Some of the stories were pretty good but the overall quality was choppy. Disappointing.

A good collection of character stories and an obnoxious main story

A series of entertaining tales ranging from dramas to comedy, that does a wonderful job of expanding the universe. Well it gets a bit holier than thou about the wonders of secularism in a way that the first book did not, the only real sour node in the collection is the final, main story by the original author, featuring a cranky protagonist named Morris who is a staunch advocate of Judaism but seems to loathe everything about it and is so proud of himself for subverting it in every way. The insufferable tale seems to consist largely of exposition, And could be an entertaining educational tale at least, if not filtered through the eyes of such an unlikable, cynical protagonist who doesn't seem to actually have anything about the Jewish faith that he actually likes despite repeatedly advocating for it in name only. His critical, condescending superiority makes the constant info dumps about things that he's constantly criticizing extremely grading to read through.

Very worth listening to for the other tales in the series, just stop when you get to the final story.

a lot about religion and politics of it.

this book spent a lot of time about religion and the politics of it. I certainly learned quite a few things but I can't say it was super interesting.