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Assiti Shards #13
1636: The Kremlin Games
A new addition to the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series. After carving a place for itself in war-torn 17th century Europe, the modern town of Grantville, West Virginia continues its quest for survival. A Grantville resident helps Russia modernize, but he in turn must deal with 1600s Russian culture and politics—or wind up dead.
1636. Grantville has bounced back and established its new mission and identity, but it seems some have been left behind—people like Bernie Zeppi, courageous in the battle, but unable to figure out what to do with himself in a world that’s utterly changed. Then Russian emissary Vladimir Gorchacov arrives in Grantville and hires Bernie to journey to Moscow and bring the future to a Russia mired in slavish serfdom and byzantine imperial plots. Bernie jumps at the chance. He figures it to be an easy gig, complete with high pay and hot-and-cold running women.
But one thing Bernie hasn’t counted on is the chance to find his purpose in Mother Russia, from fighting the needless death of children from typhoid to building the first dirigible in Russian history. And then there’s love. Just as Bernie realizes his feeling for a certain Russian noblewoman may have gone way beyond respect, he finds them both enmeshed in the deadly politics of Kremlin power struggles.
Comprehensive Teacher's Guide available.
1636. Grantville has bounced back and established its new mission and identity, but it seems some have been left behind—people like Bernie Zeppi, courageous in the battle, but unable to figure out what to do with himself in a world that’s utterly changed. Then Russian emissary Vladimir Gorchacov arrives in Grantville and hires Bernie to journey to Moscow and bring the future to a Russia mired in slavish serfdom and byzantine imperial plots. Bernie jumps at the chance. He figures it to be an easy gig, complete with high pay and hot-and-cold running women.
But one thing Bernie hasn’t counted on is the chance to find his purpose in Mother Russia, from fighting the needless death of children from typhoid to building the first dirigible in Russian history. And then there’s love. Just as Bernie realizes his feeling for a certain Russian noblewoman may have gone way beyond respect, he finds them both enmeshed in the deadly politics of Kremlin power struggles.
Comprehensive Teacher's Guide available.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
47 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
About the author
Eric Flint
250 books874 followersEric Flint was a New York Times bestselling American author, editor, and e-publisher. The majority of his main works were alternate history science fiction, but he also wrote humorous fantasy adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 5, 2013
The strongest recent entry in the 1632verse. Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett should be encouraged to write more in this space (while Virginia DeMarce should have her privileges revoked).
1636:The Kremlin Games spends a lot of time educating the reader about the state of Russia in the 17th century and then plunging the reader into myriad political intrigues. One thing is clear, it is miraculous that the wheels didn't come off the Czar's cart until 1917 in the real world.
An entertaining and quick read. I would love for Huff and Goodlett to expand on their short works involving the Barbie Club and The Sewing Circle (I think that is the right name).
1636:The Kremlin Games spends a lot of time educating the reader about the state of Russia in the 17th century and then plunging the reader into myriad political intrigues. One thing is clear, it is miraculous that the wheels didn't come off the Czar's cart until 1917 in the real world.
An entertaining and quick read. I would love for Huff and Goodlett to expand on their short works involving the Barbie Club and The Sewing Circle (I think that is the right name).
November 29, 2012
In some ways, a better title for the book might have been, "1632-1636: Retconning Russia into the timeline now that the series is moving East", as 1636: The Kremlin Games actually encompasses events from the beginning of the Ring of Fire/1632 series.
But in all seriousness, this turned out to be one of the better books from this series. Considering how quality has been varying throughout (especially the co-authored books), this one is like a diamond in the rough. Personally, I believe it benefited from the fact that it's set in a place where none of the other stories took place, that it gave this story room to primarily focus on its own story without having to contort around the canon of the solo-Eric Flint books. In addition, having a limited cast made reading less a chore. Not only does it gives the reader a better chance of keeping track of people (and avoiding the Cast of Characters glossary), you also have a better chance to relate, empathize, and familiarize the characters.
Unfortunately, once you get closer to the end, events seem to accelerate out of hand. Once you reach the end, you're left realizing that everything that took place was just buildup to the real conflict that will take place in a sequel (probably a 1637 book).
Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't read this, but you should have fair warning not to expect a conclusion once you finish the book.
But in all seriousness, this turned out to be one of the better books from this series. Considering how quality has been varying throughout (especially the co-authored books), this one is like a diamond in the rough. Personally, I believe it benefited from the fact that it's set in a place where none of the other stories took place, that it gave this story room to primarily focus on its own story without having to contort around the canon of the solo-Eric Flint books. In addition, having a limited cast made reading less a chore. Not only does it gives the reader a better chance of keeping track of people (and avoiding the Cast of Characters glossary), you also have a better chance to relate, empathize, and familiarize the characters.
Unfortunately, once you get closer to the end, events seem to accelerate out of hand. Once you reach the end, you're left realizing that everything that took place was just buildup to the real conflict that will take place in a sequel (probably a 1637 book).
Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't read this, but you should have fair warning not to expect a conclusion once you finish the book.
December 6, 2012
This is the book that brings me back into the fold on the Grantville series. I liked it so much more than any of the last 3 that I read, and I think most of the credit has to go to Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett. I don't know to what extent Eric Flint was involved in the writing of this story aside from creating the whole universe to begin with, but a lot of the melodramatic flair that he has in any of the mainline novels was missing; happily missing for my part. This was just a great story of another uptimer going to somewhere that the mainline stories haven't gone and helping to pull the downtimers into the future. I was hooked immediately, so much so that I bought the book and returned my library copy, and bought 1635 The Papal Stakes at the same time. I'd been a little down on the series for a while, but I think I fell back in love.
August 15, 2012
1636, the latest installment in the series is a knockout. Erick Flint, Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett have done a wonderful job of taking this series to a new place and thereby breathing new life into a series that is now 14 books strong and counting.
The main character of this book is a guy named Bernie Zeppi. He is a damaged person for several reasons. One is that his mother died just after the Ring of Fire because the medicines needed were not available to her in the new time frame of the 1600s. The other is that he has been damaged in the Battle of the Crapper, where he saw combat and killed many people. He is traumatized and had turned to drinking and not trying to fit in anymore. Then an emissary from Russia comes to see this miracle, Grantville, for himself and sees that it is real. He starts to gather information and realizes that the English in the books and the English of his day don’t fit together and he needs someone from Grantville to explain it to him and Russian scientist/technicians. That is where Bernie comes in. He knows he needs to make a new fresh start and this looks like the chance to move on.
The part where Bernie thrives is where he becomes the head of the Russian Think Tank that grows around him. The thing is that he does not really understand the political game of chess that is going on around him. He changes along the way and grows as he never would have if he had stayed in Grantville. He also does not know how to express himself to Natasha, a Royal and patron who is herself falling for Bernie but also does not know how to move forward either. What a pair.
The politics among Russian royals as well as the Russian Orthodox Church is truly convoluted and that is the one weak spot for me as I sometimes got lost in the machinations of Families, religion and infighting. I will say that the story is worthy of more and I have a feeling that I will be rewarded with more of Bernie, Natasha and yes, Boris. A worthy and invigorating addition to the series.
The main character of this book is a guy named Bernie Zeppi. He is a damaged person for several reasons. One is that his mother died just after the Ring of Fire because the medicines needed were not available to her in the new time frame of the 1600s. The other is that he has been damaged in the Battle of the Crapper, where he saw combat and killed many people. He is traumatized and had turned to drinking and not trying to fit in anymore. Then an emissary from Russia comes to see this miracle, Grantville, for himself and sees that it is real. He starts to gather information and realizes that the English in the books and the English of his day don’t fit together and he needs someone from Grantville to explain it to him and Russian scientist/technicians. That is where Bernie comes in. He knows he needs to make a new fresh start and this looks like the chance to move on.
The part where Bernie thrives is where he becomes the head of the Russian Think Tank that grows around him. The thing is that he does not really understand the political game of chess that is going on around him. He changes along the way and grows as he never would have if he had stayed in Grantville. He also does not know how to express himself to Natasha, a Royal and patron who is herself falling for Bernie but also does not know how to move forward either. What a pair.
The politics among Russian royals as well as the Russian Orthodox Church is truly convoluted and that is the one weak spot for me as I sometimes got lost in the machinations of Families, religion and infighting. I will say that the story is worthy of more and I have a feeling that I will be rewarded with more of Bernie, Natasha and yes, Boris. A worthy and invigorating addition to the series.
July 11, 2012
An alternate history, created by thrusting a modern American town into the middle of the 30 years war, spreads to Russia--if you know the series, that's probably all you need for the plot. And if you don't know the series you MUST start with 1632. However, for those who do know the series...
Very good addition! I should start by saying that while I love the 1632 series, some of them work a lot better for me than others--largely because I'm a stickler for tight plotting, and by the nature of the way this series is set up the plots range from "fairly tight and such wonderful characters that I don't mind a bit of wandering," to "way too loose for me." Kremlin Games (the first with Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett as co-authors) is one of the good ones. I was afraid at first it wouldn't be, but on about page 80 Bernie stopped drifting through the story and aquired a purpose. (Active characters are another thing I care about.) And the rest of the book just got better and better. So if you like the series, give this one some time--it makes up for the slow start. And it does a great job of making the political theory of alternate history (which is another thing I love about the series, generally) human, and a real part of the story, instead of an abstraction. Looking forward to the next one in this offshoot.
Very good addition! I should start by saying that while I love the 1632 series, some of them work a lot better for me than others--largely because I'm a stickler for tight plotting, and by the nature of the way this series is set up the plots range from "fairly tight and such wonderful characters that I don't mind a bit of wandering," to "way too loose for me." Kremlin Games (the first with Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett as co-authors) is one of the good ones. I was afraid at first it wouldn't be, but on about page 80 Bernie stopped drifting through the story and aquired a purpose. (Active characters are another thing I care about.) And the rest of the book just got better and better. So if you like the series, give this one some time--it makes up for the slow start. And it does a great job of making the political theory of alternate history (which is another thing I love about the series, generally) human, and a real part of the story, instead of an abstraction. Looking forward to the next one in this offshoot.
July 9, 2018
Very good story line! I originally didn't think I'd enjoy reading about Bernie and Russia but watching Bernie change (for the better) made it interesting! Good minor characters made the story too!
August 5, 2020
The events of The Kremlin Games actually stretches between 1631 (the arrival of Grantville in Germany) and 1636. Our main protagonist is Bernie Zeppi, a former auto mechanic who is not quite sure what to do with himself in the strange new world that is the 17th Century. He gets hired as a technology consultant by a Russian noble who has been sent by the czar to investigate Grantville. Russia of the 17th Century is about two centuries behind the rest of Europe, and Bernie is kind of the bargain basement version of a consultant but is the best Russian rubles can buy.
The good news is that Bernie is actually able to help the Russians modernize and develop technology. The bad news is that Russia is a pit of nepotism and political backstabbing which makes helping extremely difficult. Then there is the entire trying to help without causing further social or cultural upheavals (but still promoting social changes that will be beneficial). Despite or because of this complicated situation, Bernie manages to find his balance and helps to inspire a renaissance at the estate where his employers have set up a “think tank.”
While Bernie is in Russia, his employer Vladimir Gorchakov remains in Grantville to do some industrial spying, research, and book copying. (He is the friendliest and most honest spy.) Vlad also manages to find romance in the form of one of Bernie’s acquaintances. (And the acquaintance ends up becoming penpals with Vlad’s sister and the czarina.) Vladimir also gets approached by Grantville’s spymaster for a covert under the table deal that should prove to be mutually beneficial. Unfortunately, Vladimir also has to deal with the pit of 17th Century Russian nepotism and political backstabbing which makes his job extremely difficult.
I really liked this book! I especially liked the theme of attempting to improve quality of life without rocking the boat too much and creating a disaster through good intentions. There were some really great discussions concerning the disconnection between uptime concepts of social justice and downtime social mores and culture. (There is an interesting conversation where Bernie and some downtimers are talking about serfdom and slavery, and a point is brought up that the downtimers honestly do not understand that the laws restricting the movements and freedom of serfs are what’s keeping the serfs subservient. The downtimers who are nobles seem to think the laws are there to keep those who are “by nature subservient” under control. The downtimer who is an escaped serf does not agree with this assessment and Bernie is of the belief that the nobles know damn well that slavery is wrong but hasn’t said very much about it because it’s clear trying to preach sense might get in the way of encouraging technological progress.) There are some really great action moments and Bernie is an engaging and interesting protagonist.
The good news is that Bernie is actually able to help the Russians modernize and develop technology. The bad news is that Russia is a pit of nepotism and political backstabbing which makes helping extremely difficult. Then there is the entire trying to help without causing further social or cultural upheavals (but still promoting social changes that will be beneficial). Despite or because of this complicated situation, Bernie manages to find his balance and helps to inspire a renaissance at the estate where his employers have set up a “think tank.”
While Bernie is in Russia, his employer Vladimir Gorchakov remains in Grantville to do some industrial spying, research, and book copying. (He is the friendliest and most honest spy.) Vlad also manages to find romance in the form of one of Bernie’s acquaintances. (And the acquaintance ends up becoming penpals with Vlad’s sister and the czarina.) Vladimir also gets approached by Grantville’s spymaster for a covert under the table deal that should prove to be mutually beneficial. Unfortunately, Vladimir also has to deal with the pit of 17th Century Russian nepotism and political backstabbing which makes his job extremely difficult.
I really liked this book! I especially liked the theme of attempting to improve quality of life without rocking the boat too much and creating a disaster through good intentions. There were some really great discussions concerning the disconnection between uptime concepts of social justice and downtime social mores and culture. (There is an interesting conversation where Bernie and some downtimers are talking about serfdom and slavery, and a point is brought up that the downtimers honestly do not understand that the laws restricting the movements and freedom of serfs are what’s keeping the serfs subservient. The downtimers who are nobles seem to think the laws are there to keep those who are “by nature subservient” under control. The downtimer who is an escaped serf does not agree with this assessment and Bernie is of the belief that the nobles know damn well that slavery is wrong but hasn’t said very much about it because it’s clear trying to preach sense might get in the way of encouraging technological progress.) There are some really great action moments and Bernie is an engaging and interesting protagonist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
This is one of the RoF books I read a while ago, but out of order. Now that I am working through the series in order, I feel I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time around.
Bernie Zeppi is a man facing PTSD after the Battle of the Crapper (1632) and the death of his mother since her meds are no longer available "downtime." He is on his way to a slow, alcohol soaked, wasted life when he is convinced to come to Moscow. He isn't anybody's first choice, but he is what is available.
Over time, Bernie begins to realize his new life in Russia truly matters. The knowledge he has of "uptime" is both saving and improving people's lives. This (as well as a growing love interest) causes him to begin caring again and actually invest in learning more himself so that he can pass on that knowledge.
While Russia loves the technical innovations Bernie is helping to bring about, many are not as happy with the social changes that are also coming about not only from his "uptime" way of viewing the world, but also from the innovations themselves. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Boyars (the aristocrats), would much rather keep everyone in their place since their place is... or was... on top.
Bernie Zeppi is a man facing PTSD after the Battle of the Crapper (1632) and the death of his mother since her meds are no longer available "downtime." He is on his way to a slow, alcohol soaked, wasted life when he is convinced to come to Moscow. He isn't anybody's first choice, but he is what is available.
Over time, Bernie begins to realize his new life in Russia truly matters. The knowledge he has of "uptime" is both saving and improving people's lives. This (as well as a growing love interest) causes him to begin caring again and actually invest in learning more himself so that he can pass on that knowledge.
While Russia loves the technical innovations Bernie is helping to bring about, many are not as happy with the social changes that are also coming about not only from his "uptime" way of viewing the world, but also from the innovations themselves. The Russian Orthodox Church and the Boyars (the aristocrats), would much rather keep everyone in their place since their place is... or was... on top.
October 31, 2025
This is my favorite spin off from the 1632 series started by Eric Flint. I love the characters and the thoughtful way they get into and out of trouble as the book moves along. Eagerly anticipating the sequel!
Now that a few years have passed I have read this novel cover to cover multiple times, once every 12-18 months. The story is a lot of fun with people working hard to make their corner of the world a better place using every practical means that is at their disposal, and inventing a few of their own as time goes on. The second book "1637 The Volga Rules" is nearly as much of a treasure and the third novel in the series "1638 The Sovereign States" is due to be published on September 1, 2023.
Now that a few years have passed I have read this novel cover to cover multiple times, once every 12-18 months. The story is a lot of fun with people working hard to make their corner of the world a better place using every practical means that is at their disposal, and inventing a few of their own as time goes on. The second book "1637 The Volga Rules" is nearly as much of a treasure and the third novel in the series "1638 The Sovereign States" is due to be published on September 1, 2023.
April 5, 2014
The 1632 series is my guilty pleasure. It's an alternative history fiction series based on a West Virginia town being plunked down in Germany in the middle of the 30 Years War. This episode has a plucky young WV slacker who goes to Russia and brings indoor plumbing and hot air balloons. So far.
March 18, 2018
2018 re-read: Exceptionally good.
June 4, 2019
I was excited to read this book because I've got a strong background in Russian language and history (although the USSR was always my main focus in historical study). Overall, I'm impressed, although there are a few little glitches in culture and usage that grated -- but I think they were artistic decisions to help make the society and characters more accessible to the average monolingual American reader, rather than carelessness or disrespect.
It's the story of the Russians who came to Grantville to research the mysterious knowledge of the future, and the uptimers who went to Russia to help them. Bernie Zeppi was an auto mechanic out of work, a soldier with PTSD, and generally at loose ends. But one of Eric Flint's repeated themes is this: when you're at loose ends and directionless, the best thing you can do for yourself is to find a job that needs doing, roll up your sleeves, and get busy. At first, being the Russians' uptime advisor doesn't provide him that much direction -- until Moscow is stricken with the "slow fever," almost certainly typhoid.
Suddenly he's on fire with determination to bring modern plumbing and public health to Russia. And realizes just how much supporting technology will be necessary to make running water and sanitary sewers universal even in the Russian capital. Which leads him to decide to have his car shipped to him from Grantville, in hopes of using some of its parts (especially the engine and transmission) as a starting point for the research group he's heading to develop machinery with local tools and equipment.
And thus comes another uptimer, Cass Lowry, to shepherd the car safely to Russia. Cass is the sort of character who never does well in Eric Flint's world, because he always wants to find someone to blame for his misfortunes, and to cozy up with someone he thinks will give him an easy road to riches and power. And he's generally a jerk, arrogant and pushy, especially with women.
However, Bernie has to cooperate with him, and tries to school him in some manners. But some characters simply can't overcome their flaws, and trouble is coming to Russia. There's only so much change a society can absorb in a given amount of time, before the strain becomes simply too much to bear.
The novel ends it what is clearly a setup for another novel, and I am happy to say that yes, the sequel is out. 1937: The Volga Rules deals with the consequences of these social disruptions.
It's the story of the Russians who came to Grantville to research the mysterious knowledge of the future, and the uptimers who went to Russia to help them. Bernie Zeppi was an auto mechanic out of work, a soldier with PTSD, and generally at loose ends. But one of Eric Flint's repeated themes is this: when you're at loose ends and directionless, the best thing you can do for yourself is to find a job that needs doing, roll up your sleeves, and get busy. At first, being the Russians' uptime advisor doesn't provide him that much direction -- until Moscow is stricken with the "slow fever," almost certainly typhoid.
Suddenly he's on fire with determination to bring modern plumbing and public health to Russia. And realizes just how much supporting technology will be necessary to make running water and sanitary sewers universal even in the Russian capital. Which leads him to decide to have his car shipped to him from Grantville, in hopes of using some of its parts (especially the engine and transmission) as a starting point for the research group he's heading to develop machinery with local tools and equipment.
And thus comes another uptimer, Cass Lowry, to shepherd the car safely to Russia. Cass is the sort of character who never does well in Eric Flint's world, because he always wants to find someone to blame for his misfortunes, and to cozy up with someone he thinks will give him an easy road to riches and power. And he's generally a jerk, arrogant and pushy, especially with women.
However, Bernie has to cooperate with him, and tries to school him in some manners. But some characters simply can't overcome their flaws, and trouble is coming to Russia. There's only so much change a society can absorb in a given amount of time, before the strain becomes simply too much to bear.
The novel ends it what is clearly a setup for another novel, and I am happy to say that yes, the sequel is out. 1937: The Volga Rules deals with the consequences of these social disruptions.
April 21, 2021
The continuing chronicle of an alternate history in which the 20th-century American town of Grantville is transported to the 17th century stars "up-timer" auto mechanic Bernie Zeppi, who's hired by Russian prince Vladimir Gorchakov to bring the prince's country up to speed technologically. 21st-century Americans react to things they've only read about in history books, whereas 17th-century Russians, trying to decipher Bernie's gadgets, discover American philosophical ideas threaten to bring down Russia as its nobility knows it. The politicking and violence touched off by a spark of democracy prove explosive indeed in this fast-paced adventure packed with comedy, romance, political intrigue, and action.
June 27, 2017
Okay--I love Bernie. He's so real, and reminds me of many good old boys I went to school with.
This is one of my favorite stories from the ROF series, and I want to know more about how Russia fares due to the changes (I'll refrain from saying more due to possible spoilers). Part of my reasoning is that the history of the Romanovs has fascinated me for decades, and I really want to see how Flint and company will alter the reality.
This is one of my favorite stories from the ROF series, and I want to know more about how Russia fares due to the changes (I'll refrain from saying more due to possible spoilers). Part of my reasoning is that the history of the Romanovs has fascinated me for decades, and I really want to see how Flint and company will alter the reality.
December 9, 2017
I definitely agree with most of the reviewers as this was one of the better entries in the series. There is not only plot development but true character growth over the arc. I enjoyed the introduction of a true reaction to the 1632 development— not everyone would survive and or adapt well to a change in that scale. I really liked the ending too.
February 22, 2021
Read several Ring of fire books a decade ago so when I found it available at the library, sure lets give it a go again. Between I have read the Column of Fire series by Follett and Hyak's book "The road to Surfdom" and other texts on Economics. I am enjoying discover through historical fiction why it is human beings seem to want to be surfs. {Well they dream of being kings).
August 19, 2024
Was honestly kinda not looking forward to this book cuz I thought the protagonists funny sounding name indicated a comedic side plot arc for this series but was pleasantly surprised with some cool technology-crafting shenanigans that’s been missing from this series since the early books. Also rlly love early modern muscovy as a setting, probably due to age of empires 4 lol.
January 21, 2020
Times They Are A'Changing
The leaders of Mother Rus wanted the technical advancements of the strange people from the future. They got more than they bargained for.
An entertaining read, for sure.
The leaders of Mother Rus wanted the technical advancements of the strange people from the future. They got more than they bargained for.
An entertaining read, for sure.
December 13, 2021
I enjoyed the story, but did not like the way this novel vilified the Russian middle class. The other writes as if anyone striving to make their life better, can only do so by repressing and taking advantage of others.
November 22, 2023
This was one of the best books in this series so far. It was great that it went back to the beginning and helped the reader catch up with the history, it has been years since I read the earlier books in the series.
June 28, 2017
Fun character development of previously minor Grantville folks.
September 21, 2017
Good pacing for a 1632 series novel. Nice mix of tech, politics, and action.
November 28, 2018
It's been a while since I read any of these. A fun read, even where really far-fetched.
Read
October 27, 2019Really good story I completely enjoyed reading and would like to see more on this line.
February 3, 2020
An excellent side narrative for the 1632 saga. Best addition to the series since 1633.
January 14, 2021
Standout
A standout episode in a generally good series. I’m binge reading this series and I’m enjoying it. Give it a try.
A standout episode in a generally good series. I’m binge reading this series and I’m enjoying it. Give it a try.
September 28, 2021
Cars in 17th century Russia. Enlightenment ideas creeping in.
June 22, 2023
I really liked this one. After awhile, the 1632 series can get a bit dry/tedious but the flow of this story was good. Also, it is just fun to see Russia try and cripple itself by preserving serfdom.
April 8, 2024
In English:
Wow... In preparation for reading "1638: The Sovereign States", I decided to reread "1636: The Kremlin Games", and "1637: The Volga Rules", I really loved the book again, in my opinion "The Kremlin Games" is one of the best of the entire "Ring of Fire" series. Read as a combination of "science fiction" and "science story", the authors put a lot of emphasis on science behind attempting to recreate some "simpler" technology than the "Up Timers" have brought with them, and believe me when I say that they do it in a fun and entertaining way, without leaving aside the main plot, creating in turn interesting characters to read. It should be noted that although the book is titled "1636", the story covers 5 years of the saga as a background, mentioning some of the most important events of the saga, while the characters try to "modernize" Russia in the technological, at the same time that much of the "Up Timer" ideology begins to permeate naturally in Russian society, gradually giving way to the discussion of social issues that most afflict that nation, realizing that such issues are not only "purely social" but end up becoming "socio-economic" issues.
En Español:
Wow… como preparación para leer “1638: The Sovereign States”, decidí releer “1636: The Kremlin Games”, y “1637: The Volga Rules”, la verdad me volvió a encantar el libro, a mi parecer “The Kremlin Games” es uno de los mejores de toda la serie de “Ring of Fire”. Se lee como una combinación de “ciencia ficción” y “relato científico”, los autores ponen mucho énfasis en la ciencia detrás del intentar recrear algo de la tecnología “más simple” que los “Up Timers” han traído consigo, y créanme cuando digo que lo hacen de una forma amena y divertida, sin dejar de lado la trama principal, creando a su vez personajes interesantes de leer. Cabe resaltar que si bien el libro se titula “1636”, el relato abarca 5 años de la saga como trasfondo de la misma, mencionando algunos de los sucesos más importantes de la saga, mientras los personajes intentan “modernizar” a Rusia en los tecnológico, a la vez que mucha la de la ideología “Up Timer” empieza a permear de forma natural en la sociedad rusa, dando paso paulatinamente a la discusión de los temas sociales que mas aquejan a dicho nación, percatándose que dichos temas no solo son “puramente sociales” sino que terminan a su vez convirtiéndose en temas “socioeconómicos”.
Wow... In preparation for reading "1638: The Sovereign States", I decided to reread "1636: The Kremlin Games", and "1637: The Volga Rules", I really loved the book again, in my opinion "The Kremlin Games" is one of the best of the entire "Ring of Fire" series. Read as a combination of "science fiction" and "science story", the authors put a lot of emphasis on science behind attempting to recreate some "simpler" technology than the "Up Timers" have brought with them, and believe me when I say that they do it in a fun and entertaining way, without leaving aside the main plot, creating in turn interesting characters to read. It should be noted that although the book is titled "1636", the story covers 5 years of the saga as a background, mentioning some of the most important events of the saga, while the characters try to "modernize" Russia in the technological, at the same time that much of the "Up Timer" ideology begins to permeate naturally in Russian society, gradually giving way to the discussion of social issues that most afflict that nation, realizing that such issues are not only "purely social" but end up becoming "socio-economic" issues.
En Español:
Wow… como preparación para leer “1638: The Sovereign States”, decidí releer “1636: The Kremlin Games”, y “1637: The Volga Rules”, la verdad me volvió a encantar el libro, a mi parecer “The Kremlin Games” es uno de los mejores de toda la serie de “Ring of Fire”. Se lee como una combinación de “ciencia ficción” y “relato científico”, los autores ponen mucho énfasis en la ciencia detrás del intentar recrear algo de la tecnología “más simple” que los “Up Timers” han traído consigo, y créanme cuando digo que lo hacen de una forma amena y divertida, sin dejar de lado la trama principal, creando a su vez personajes interesantes de leer. Cabe resaltar que si bien el libro se titula “1636”, el relato abarca 5 años de la saga como trasfondo de la misma, mencionando algunos de los sucesos más importantes de la saga, mientras los personajes intentan “modernizar” a Rusia en los tecnológico, a la vez que mucha la de la ideología “Up Timer” empieza a permear de forma natural en la sociedad rusa, dando paso paulatinamente a la discusión de los temas sociales que mas aquejan a dicho nación, percatándose que dichos temas no solo son “puramente sociales” sino que terminan a su vez convirtiéndose en temas “socioeconómicos”.
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