1633

1633

By: David Weber & Eric Flint

From: Baen

This is one for the die hard fans of alternate-history-time-travel type stories. The story (1633) focusses on events in and around the thirty years war in central Europe. THe first book 1632 was an introduction to the characters and their history and a lead in to this story. What Weber and Flint have done here is ground the story in some fairly brutal history. Obviously, as with all time travel stories, as soon as you change history all kinds of possibilities are opened up.

It is still grating that a union official can out-think some of the most devious, cruel and merciless minds in history, and still have time for romance. The casual acceptance of twentieth century morals, practises and norms by the 'native' population is an area that could have been handled better. Yes, I know the 'modern' age was kicking off then, but most peasants of the time would have been deeply suspicious and / or religious and I don't see them casually throwing all their upbringing away over the space of a few pages to be replaced with the new and improved model of democracy and casual acceptance of other religions used here.

But, to give credit, 1633 is a cracking read and will not disappoint fans of David Weber or Eric Flint.