Harry Turtledove's World War Series

[The Art of War]

Has anyone read this series? It starts out with World War series and then Colonization, then whatever he has coming up next.

Anyway, it is an alternative history of WW2 and after that. If you like Sci-Fi, which I do, then you will like this. These aliens called The Race invade in 1941 and pummel the humans with their much further advanced technology. They have what we have now, i.e. jet planes, "modern armour", machine guns. They also have ships that can apparently travel at some fraction of lightspeed. If you haven't read them and are looking for something good, give 'em a try.

 

[Simon Darkshade]

Indeed. They are rather interesting books, and highlight the importance of a one world dictatorial government in order to fight against any such aliens who show up now.
'Tis a good alternate history. Have got his "The Great War: The American Front". I hope there is a further sequel to this, so I may find out of the fate of the Marxist negro revolution of 1917 in the Confederate States...

 

[knowltok2]

One of my favorite authors. Both are good series'.

Simon: I know that there are at least a few more after that one. I can't remember off the top of my head how many, but at least two, I think. At least one to finish the war, maybe two, and then one after the war. The series isn't over then either. Good stuff.

 

[The Art of War]

The newest one is Blood and Iron. I haven't read any of his books except WW: In the Balance, so I am a newbie at Turtledove.

 

[knowltok2]

You'll like The Great War series, but make sure to get How Few Remain as it is kind of a prequel and sets up the whole thing. Prequel is probably the wrong word, since the book is meant to be read first, it just isn't included in the great war series.

Another good one is Guns of the South. Civil war alternate history but not related to How Few Remain or the Great War series.

 

[cameramano]

Fellow Turtledove fans!

Great to hear from others who like his alternative history books. Guns of the South was great (confederates with AK-47's!). Don't call me a racist, I just don't want to spoil the ending. And if you don't know what i'm talking about, read the book!

If you like this type of stuff, check out the non-fiction series (two that I know of) that highlights turning points in history (cusps). I don't have the title with me, but will post it later. It has an article by Turtledove. If you know it, help me out!

 

[knowltok2]

I have recently gotten What If from the library. I haven't delved into it yet, but it looks good. I'm not sure if it has Harry in it, but it is supposed to be a look at speculative history from historians. I'll let you know.

 

[Pellaken]

never red his books, but a friend of mine is reading one of his, and he says he'll lend it to me when he's done.

 

[cameramano]

How could I forgetWhat If... ! Very good set of books.

 

[knowltok2]

Originally posted by cameramano
How could I forgetWhat If... ! Very good set of books.

There is more than one?

 

[cameramano]

The second one just came out a few months ago.

 

[Pellaken]

my whole KEE Empire saga {of which Pellaken is a part of} is based on a what if...

what if that guy wasent stillborn
it showes the AMAZING difference a single life can make...

 

[Maj]

I really dislike science fiction that dishes out alien species with the insight of a Star Trek writers guild. I forget the name of the lizard-like race that invades the planet, but they're exactly like human beings in almost every capacity save a few tweaks and exaggerations to their features and personalities. I bought the first (of four?) book of Turtledove's WWII series because I had just finished reading his Guns of the South and wanted to check out his other works to see if they were of the same calibre. I was sourly disappointed.

The cheesy aliens and shallow characters really killed the book for me. They kill any book. I'm about 3/4 into Clancy's Red Storm Rising (picked it up after a reading a thread here about it) but can't seem to go any further. I hope all of the lead characters die. I dont' care who wins the war, so long as something happens to them. Especially Edwards.

To get back on topic, if you want to read some alterate history, try Turtledove's Guns of the South first. Basically it's about what would have happened had the South been equipped with modern firearms.

- Maj

 

[The Art of War]

I like the Race. They aren't very imaginative, i.e. their home planet is called Home. But otherwise. . .

Maj, you should also read Debt of Honor (first) and the Executive Orders. LOTS of pages, but an excellent story.

 

[santo67]

Turtledove fans of the world unite!

Has everyone seen the cover art of the next book in the American Empire series, The Center Cannot Hold? It appears at first to be just an innocent Confederate flag, but, on closer inspection... You'll have to check it out for yourself. I can't wait for this one!

Anyway, back to the Race. I have a bit of speculation on the future of the series, if anyone out there is interested.



If you haven't read through Colonization: Aftershocks, proceed at your own risk. Spoilers ahead!



Keep in mind, this is only speculation.

Okay, we had the Worldwar series which took place in the forties, and now Colonization in the sixties as the Race's second fleet arrives. My prediction: The US spaceship is lauched at the end of the next (and last) Colonization book, bound for Home. Then, s third series starts, taking place in the eighties, in which whatever reinforcements the Race sent (on hearing the Conquest fleet's transmissions from the forties) arrives at Tosev 3. Finally, a fourth (yes, fourth) series, taking place around present day, when the US spaceship arrives at Home. Yeah? Waddaya think?

 

[skywalker]

It's a really good series. Read his other books too, like Guns of the South, or his How Few Remain and The Great War books. I don't think he's done with the Colonization books.

 

[The Art of War]

I wish there was a way to add the Race to a Civ 2 ww2 scenario, with their own tech and such. That would be lotsa fun.

 

[The Art of War]

Anyone know why Molotov refers to the USSR as the Soyuz Soviet Socialist Republic in the first book?

 

[skywalker]

Because Soyuz is Russian for Union.

 

[The Art of War]

Well, there you have it. I thought they were talking about the Soyuz space capsules.