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Ring of Fire Anthology #1
Ring of Fire
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 twentieth 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 seventeenth-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, best-selling SF and fantasy author Jane Lindskold, 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 reader of 1632 and 1633.
722 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
126 people are currently reading
870 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 105 reviews
July 14, 2010
Themes: technology, religion, war, politics, family
Setting: the New United States and Prague 1632
This is a collection of several different stories about the Ring of Fire world started with the book 1632. Eric Flint invited several authors to write their own stories using the characters and setting he created. I was surprised by this, especially because he says he plans to incorporate their ideas into the rest of the series. History is something that happens to a LOT of people, he says, and he didn't just want to know what happened to the few characters he created, but to lots and lots of people. I thought it was a fun idea, and I enjoyed this collection. Some of the stories that dealt with religion were a little too boring for me, but I enjoyed most of them.
Setting: the New United States and Prague 1632
This is a collection of several different stories about the Ring of Fire world started with the book 1632. Eric Flint invited several authors to write their own stories using the characters and setting he created. I was surprised by this, especially because he says he plans to incorporate their ideas into the rest of the series. History is something that happens to a LOT of people, he says, and he didn't just want to know what happened to the few characters he created, but to lots and lots of people. I thought it was a fun idea, and I enjoyed this collection. Some of the stories that dealt with religion were a little too boring for me, but I enjoyed most of them.
March 4, 2017
Suivant les recommandations de lecture d’Eric Flint, j’ai opté pour la lecture de Ring of Fire plutôt que de 1633, pourtant paru deux ans plus tôt, avec d’autant moins d’hésitation que le premier est un recueil de nouvelles tandis que l’auteur conseille la lecture du second et de 1634 The Baltic War d’affilée. Je le regrette pas car si j’avais bien apprécié 1632, j’ai adoré Ring of Fire.
Formé de quinze nouvelles de longueur inégale et écrites par seize auteurs différents, dont les seuls connus en France sont sans doute Mercedes Lackey, David Weber et Eric Flint lui-même, Ring of Fire éclaire sous d’autres potentialités le ressort de 1632. Ce premier roman avait mis l’accent sur les aspects géopolitiques de l’apparition d’une petite ville américain du XXe siècle dans l’Allemagne de la Guerre de Trente Ans sans trop insister sur les détails des aspects logistiques ou les conséquences religieuses autres que pour le réseau des familles juives. Ring of Fire comble cette lacune tout en restant dans la même veine.
Avec « Between the Armies », Andrew Dennis pose non sans humour la question de la soumission du clergé catholique de la ville, c’est-à-dire du père Mazzare et de sa paroisse Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, à l’obédience pontificale, le catholicisme ayant bien bien évolué entre le XVIIe siècle et le XXe siècle. « The Three R’s » de Jody Dorsett s’intéresse au changement dans l’équilibre religieux et dans l’approche de la religion que constitue l’intrusion de Grantville et de sa tolérance à cette époque en se penchant sur les Frères moraves, une secte protestante, revendiquant la tolérance et ayant subi les persécutions, et dont un émissaire vient demander l’aide des jeunes et nouveaux Etats-Unis. « A Witch to Live » de Walt Boyes met en scène le cas d’une sorcière qui échoue devant le tribunal grantvillois pour sa plus grande chance et celle de son défenseur.
Dans « In the Navy », paradoxalement la nouvelle la moins palpitante par l’auteur le plus connu, David Weber a cependant le mérite de pallier un des défauts de 1632 en examinant beaucoup plus concrètement la mise en place de projets d’avant-garde telles que la construction de cuirassés à coque en fer fluviaux. Néanmoins, il y a fort à parier que cette nouvelle ait un rapport étroit avec 1633 puisque ce dernier roman a été écrit en commun et avant par David Weber et Eric Flint. « A lineman for the Country » de Dave Freer est une autre forme d’adaptation de la technologie du XXe siècle à sa nouvelle époque, un trio tentant de se lancer dans la mise en place d’un réseau de communication plus moderne. L’avantage chronologique n’est donc pas seulement affaire militaire, elle est aussi affaire d’argent. Virginia DeMarce imagine dans « Bitting Time » que quelques habitantes de Grantville ont rapidement compris l’opportunité qui s’offrait en vendant les droits d’édition de romans à l’eau de rose écrits par d’autres au XXe siècle, tandis que « To Dye for » de Mecedes Lackey valorise les connaissances chimiques pour l’activité teinturière. Si la nouvelle « A Matter of Consultation » de S. L. Viehl traite aussi de sorcellerie, comme « A Witch to Live », elle évoque surtout les différences médicales en imaginant une infirmière américaine et une soit-disant sorcière confrontées à l’obligation commune de guérir un patient sous l’œil sceptique de William Harvey en personne.
L’une des grandes forces des récits est d’avoir élégamment intégré des personnages historiques et pas seulement des militaires comme Wallenstein et Pappenheim dans « Here comes Santa Claus » et « The Wallenstein Gambit ». Outre Harvey, l’inventeur de la circulation sanguine, le lecteur croise donc des personnages très célèbres en les personnes du cardinal Mazarin et de l’évêque Commenius. D’autre protagoniste le sont moins et il faut avoir fait quelques efforts de documentation comme S. L. Viehl pour connaître le père Friedrich von Spee, S.J., même si celui-ci a une page wikipedia relativement fournie aujourd’hui. Je n’ai d’ailleurs pu que m’incliner devant le soin du détail, car les auteurs ont su faire de beaux enfants à la vérité historique selon le mot d’Alexandre Dumas, - William Harvey a-t-il voyagé dans l’Empire en 1631-1633 ? -, mais ils se sont aussi bien documentés. Si on ne pouvait en attendre moins de Virginia DeMarce, une historienne moderniste, les autres livrent nombre d’informations, notamment sur le judaïsme dans l’Europe moderne avec Eric Flint dans « The Wallenstein Gambit », qui dénotent une réelle réflexion sur l’époque, même marquée par un prosaïsme bien contemporain.
Un autre point fort réside dans le fait que les Américains ne sont pas le centre de toutes les nouvelles. Jan Billek, un Frère, Friedrich von Spee, un jésuite donc, mais aussi la grand-mère de Gretchen, l’héroïne de 1632 dans « Bitting Time », un jésuite en proie au doute dans « Family Faith » d’Anette M. Pedersen, ou un mercenaire repenti dans « Skeletons » de Greg Donahue sont les véritables héros de leurs nouvelles. Les auteurs ont bien intégré le questionnement que peut entraîner les changements de mentalités inuits par l’arrivée des Américains. Eric Flint imagine quelques conversations très pertinentes entre deux rabbins du ghetto de Prague pour ne citer que cet exemple. Peu d’uchroniste ont pensé au trouble que susciterait chez quelqu’un la connaissance de son propre avenir via la consultation d’un dictionnaire.
Cela ne signifie pas que Ring of Fire soit un livre d’histoire ni même un livre « intello ». Les nouvelles flirtent volontiers avec l’humour (« Bitting Time »est assez mordante et « Here comes Santa Claus » ne manque pas de croustillant), ou avec la nostalgie dans deux histoires de Noël (« When the Chips are Down » de Jonathan Cresswell et Scott Washburnet et « Here comes Santa Claus ») et « Power to the People » de Loren K. Jones, avec la romance dans « To Dye for ».
Enfin, il faut aborder le travail de coordination, manifestation de l’ampleur que commençait à prendre le projet en gestation à la suite de 1632. Les nouvelles s’insèrent à différents moments des événements de ce roman. Par exemple, « Power to the People », dont on appréciera l’humour du titre, voit la réaction de deux employés de la centrale électrique au moment du ring of fire. « Between the Armies » et « American Past Time » de Deann Allen et Mike Turner ont en partie lieu pendant le raid des Croates sur Grantville dans 1632. S’il y a bien un kwak entre les deux récits de Noël et si toutes les nouvelles ne sont pas reliées entre elles, « The Wallenstein Gambit » est en relation directe avec « Here comes Santa Claus », et constitue un prolongement de « A lineman for the Country » comme de « The Three R’s ». Au plaisir de lecture, s’ajoute donc le sentiment d’assister à la concrétisation de quelque chose de plus grand.
Prochaine étape, Grantville Gazette, Volume I avant d’attaquer d’autres romans.
Formé de quinze nouvelles de longueur inégale et écrites par seize auteurs différents, dont les seuls connus en France sont sans doute Mercedes Lackey, David Weber et Eric Flint lui-même, Ring of Fire éclaire sous d’autres potentialités le ressort de 1632. Ce premier roman avait mis l’accent sur les aspects géopolitiques de l’apparition d’une petite ville américain du XXe siècle dans l’Allemagne de la Guerre de Trente Ans sans trop insister sur les détails des aspects logistiques ou les conséquences religieuses autres que pour le réseau des familles juives. Ring of Fire comble cette lacune tout en restant dans la même veine.
Avec « Between the Armies », Andrew Dennis pose non sans humour la question de la soumission du clergé catholique de la ville, c’est-à-dire du père Mazzare et de sa paroisse Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, à l’obédience pontificale, le catholicisme ayant bien bien évolué entre le XVIIe siècle et le XXe siècle. « The Three R’s » de Jody Dorsett s’intéresse au changement dans l’équilibre religieux et dans l’approche de la religion que constitue l’intrusion de Grantville et de sa tolérance à cette époque en se penchant sur les Frères moraves, une secte protestante, revendiquant la tolérance et ayant subi les persécutions, et dont un émissaire vient demander l’aide des jeunes et nouveaux Etats-Unis. « A Witch to Live » de Walt Boyes met en scène le cas d’une sorcière qui échoue devant le tribunal grantvillois pour sa plus grande chance et celle de son défenseur.
Dans « In the Navy », paradoxalement la nouvelle la moins palpitante par l’auteur le plus connu, David Weber a cependant le mérite de pallier un des défauts de 1632 en examinant beaucoup plus concrètement la mise en place de projets d’avant-garde telles que la construction de cuirassés à coque en fer fluviaux. Néanmoins, il y a fort à parier que cette nouvelle ait un rapport étroit avec 1633 puisque ce dernier roman a été écrit en commun et avant par David Weber et Eric Flint. « A lineman for the Country » de Dave Freer est une autre forme d’adaptation de la technologie du XXe siècle à sa nouvelle époque, un trio tentant de se lancer dans la mise en place d’un réseau de communication plus moderne. L’avantage chronologique n’est donc pas seulement affaire militaire, elle est aussi affaire d’argent. Virginia DeMarce imagine dans « Bitting Time » que quelques habitantes de Grantville ont rapidement compris l’opportunité qui s’offrait en vendant les droits d’édition de romans à l’eau de rose écrits par d’autres au XXe siècle, tandis que « To Dye for » de Mecedes Lackey valorise les connaissances chimiques pour l’activité teinturière. Si la nouvelle « A Matter of Consultation » de S. L. Viehl traite aussi de sorcellerie, comme « A Witch to Live », elle évoque surtout les différences médicales en imaginant une infirmière américaine et une soit-disant sorcière confrontées à l’obligation commune de guérir un patient sous l’œil sceptique de William Harvey en personne.
L’une des grandes forces des récits est d’avoir élégamment intégré des personnages historiques et pas seulement des militaires comme Wallenstein et Pappenheim dans « Here comes Santa Claus » et « The Wallenstein Gambit ». Outre Harvey, l’inventeur de la circulation sanguine, le lecteur croise donc des personnages très célèbres en les personnes du cardinal Mazarin et de l’évêque Commenius. D’autre protagoniste le sont moins et il faut avoir fait quelques efforts de documentation comme S. L. Viehl pour connaître le père Friedrich von Spee, S.J., même si celui-ci a une page wikipedia relativement fournie aujourd’hui. Je n’ai d’ailleurs pu que m’incliner devant le soin du détail, car les auteurs ont su faire de beaux enfants à la vérité historique selon le mot d’Alexandre Dumas, - William Harvey a-t-il voyagé dans l’Empire en 1631-1633 ? -, mais ils se sont aussi bien documentés. Si on ne pouvait en attendre moins de Virginia DeMarce, une historienne moderniste, les autres livrent nombre d’informations, notamment sur le judaïsme dans l’Europe moderne avec Eric Flint dans « The Wallenstein Gambit », qui dénotent une réelle réflexion sur l’époque, même marquée par un prosaïsme bien contemporain.
Un autre point fort réside dans le fait que les Américains ne sont pas le centre de toutes les nouvelles. Jan Billek, un Frère, Friedrich von Spee, un jésuite donc, mais aussi la grand-mère de Gretchen, l’héroïne de 1632 dans « Bitting Time », un jésuite en proie au doute dans « Family Faith » d’Anette M. Pedersen, ou un mercenaire repenti dans « Skeletons » de Greg Donahue sont les véritables héros de leurs nouvelles. Les auteurs ont bien intégré le questionnement que peut entraîner les changements de mentalités inuits par l’arrivée des Américains. Eric Flint imagine quelques conversations très pertinentes entre deux rabbins du ghetto de Prague pour ne citer que cet exemple. Peu d’uchroniste ont pensé au trouble que susciterait chez quelqu’un la connaissance de son propre avenir via la consultation d’un dictionnaire.
Cela ne signifie pas que Ring of Fire soit un livre d’histoire ni même un livre « intello ». Les nouvelles flirtent volontiers avec l’humour (« Bitting Time »est assez mordante et « Here comes Santa Claus » ne manque pas de croustillant), ou avec la nostalgie dans deux histoires de Noël (« When the Chips are Down » de Jonathan Cresswell et Scott Washburnet et « Here comes Santa Claus ») et « Power to the People » de Loren K. Jones, avec la romance dans « To Dye for ».
Enfin, il faut aborder le travail de coordination, manifestation de l’ampleur que commençait à prendre le projet en gestation à la suite de 1632. Les nouvelles s’insèrent à différents moments des événements de ce roman. Par exemple, « Power to the People », dont on appréciera l’humour du titre, voit la réaction de deux employés de la centrale électrique au moment du ring of fire. « Between the Armies » et « American Past Time » de Deann Allen et Mike Turner ont en partie lieu pendant le raid des Croates sur Grantville dans 1632. S’il y a bien un kwak entre les deux récits de Noël et si toutes les nouvelles ne sont pas reliées entre elles, « The Wallenstein Gambit » est en relation directe avec « Here comes Santa Claus », et constitue un prolongement de « A lineman for the Country » comme de « The Three R’s ». Au plaisir de lecture, s’ajoute donc le sentiment d’assister à la concrétisation de quelque chose de plus grand.
Prochaine étape, Grantville Gazette, Volume I avant d’attaquer d’autres romans.
August 23, 2018
Good short stories! I found answers for questions I had from the Assiti Shards!
April 14, 2022
A collection of short stories from the early days right after the Ring of Fire. Chronologically, this would best be read after 1632 but before 1633. However, unless you are already committed to reading the whole series, it would probably be best to read it after The Baltic War. Why? It is like getting the backstory only after you have emotionally invested in the characters. Some of the MC's in those first few novels make cameos here, but these short stories mean more when you know in advance a bit more about what is in store. The first (in the navy) and the last (Wallenstein Gambit) are the best in this collection. The others are of varying quality.
February 9, 2025
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.
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.
June 12, 2021
4.5 The best of the lot so far and that's saying a lot for a shared-world anthology. Obviously some of the short stories are better and some worse in a literary sense, but even the more awkward ones point to some important aspects (like actual PTSD) that are glossed over in the novels and introduce some new factions like the Unity of Brethren and the Jesuits (Friedrich Spee for the win).
Very good are Mercedes Lackey's "To Dye For" (hippie pot grower turns dye producer), Andrew Dennis' "Between the Armies" (Mazarini struggles to avoid war and an up-time Catholic priest finds himself in a difficult role) and Virginia DeMarce's "Biting Time" (tough down-time granny gets teeth and sets up pre-schools). My personal favourite is K. D. Wentworth's "Here Comes Santa Claus" (cultural misunderstandings galore and a liead in to Eric Flint's novella).
Two novellas bookend the thing and the first one, David Weber's "In the Navy" is workman-like, but interesting. Eric Flint's "The Wallenstein Gambit" however is brilliant in tying a lot of loose ends together with a desperate Jewish effort to stave off a looming genocide.
About the only problem I have with the anthology is that the series' lack of diversity really starts to show. It's great with female characters and there are a handful of token-ish Black people, but there's no one but neurotypical, straight, cis folks around. It's from 2004, but still, somewhat annoying - especially coupled with a great preference for love at first sight stories.
The other thing, but that one is incidental, is that Eric Flint suggests reading the novels first, which I strongly disagree with. There's a lot of things happening between 1632 and 1633 and a lot of it is in here. I read 1633 first and I really had some problems getting into the flow. Reading this one after 1632 is strongly recommended.
This ties in to the great strength of the series: there are many voices (even if they are not very diverse) and this multitude lends a much greater sense of historical verisimilitude to the setting. Okay, there's still a a main plot, but people are people and not everybody cares about the same things (well, except for toilet paper). As much as I love my Turtledove, I think this is an even better approach to writing Alternate History.
Really enjoyed this one
Very good are Mercedes Lackey's "To Dye For" (hippie pot grower turns dye producer), Andrew Dennis' "Between the Armies" (Mazarini struggles to avoid war and an up-time Catholic priest finds himself in a difficult role) and Virginia DeMarce's "Biting Time" (tough down-time granny gets teeth and sets up pre-schools). My personal favourite is K. D. Wentworth's "Here Comes Santa Claus" (cultural misunderstandings galore and a liead in to Eric Flint's novella).
Two novellas bookend the thing and the first one, David Weber's "In the Navy" is workman-like, but interesting. Eric Flint's "The Wallenstein Gambit" however is brilliant in tying a lot of loose ends together with a desperate Jewish effort to stave off a looming genocide.
About the only problem I have with the anthology is that the series' lack of diversity really starts to show. It's great with female characters and there are a handful of token-ish Black people, but there's no one but neurotypical, straight, cis folks around. It's from 2004, but still, somewhat annoying - especially coupled with a great preference for love at first sight stories.
The other thing, but that one is incidental, is that Eric Flint suggests reading the novels first, which I strongly disagree with. There's a lot of things happening between 1632 and 1633 and a lot of it is in here. I read 1633 first and I really had some problems getting into the flow. Reading this one after 1632 is strongly recommended.
This ties in to the great strength of the series: there are many voices (even if they are not very diverse) and this multitude lends a much greater sense of historical verisimilitude to the setting. Okay, there's still a a main plot, but people are people and not everybody cares about the same things (well, except for toilet paper). As much as I love my Turtledove, I think this is an even better approach to writing Alternate History.
Really enjoyed this one
January 4, 2019
It's funny. At first I wasn't really sure I wanted to come back for more after reading 1632. I mean, it was a good book and all. At the time I think I was just burned out because I'd also read all three of the Nantucket books by S.M. Stirling previous to that. Granted, that series kindof irritated me and I may do a series comparison when I've read a bit more of this one, but needless to say, I've read a lot of stories about whole towns falling back in time over the past year.
I think the Ring of Fire is a special series though, and this anthology is good proof of that. At first I thought, "Oh, it'll just be a bunch of short stories that really aren't all that related, often with characters I'll never see again."
Boy, was I dead wrong there. The stories do a great job of feeling like they are truly part of the same shared universe. The characters appear across stories, even ones that are new characters that are sometimes created by authors other than Eric Flint. It's nice that a couple of these stories also work in events from 1632, and possibly 1633 as well (at the authors suggestion, I haven't read it yet as this has a couple stories that lead into it).
It's just all done really well, which blows me away. I didn't expect it to mesh nearly this well since the entire series is a collaborative effort with many authors, experienced masters of the words and unpublished newbies at the time alike. This is not a starting point, obviously, but unlike the initial novel, 1632, I think this is the book that has made sure I continue on with the series.
If I were to leverage any actual complaint at this book, well, uh, it has probably one of the worst designed book covers I've seen in a very long time. I mean, I've seen self-published books on Kindle with some pretty awful covers, but this isn't far off from that. Oh well, at least the next book (the first volume of the Grantville Gazette) has a cover both decent and indecent at the same time, hehe.
I think the Ring of Fire is a special series though, and this anthology is good proof of that. At first I thought, "Oh, it'll just be a bunch of short stories that really aren't all that related, often with characters I'll never see again."
Boy, was I dead wrong there. The stories do a great job of feeling like they are truly part of the same shared universe. The characters appear across stories, even ones that are new characters that are sometimes created by authors other than Eric Flint. It's nice that a couple of these stories also work in events from 1632, and possibly 1633 as well (at the authors suggestion, I haven't read it yet as this has a couple stories that lead into it).
It's just all done really well, which blows me away. I didn't expect it to mesh nearly this well since the entire series is a collaborative effort with many authors, experienced masters of the words and unpublished newbies at the time alike. This is not a starting point, obviously, but unlike the initial novel, 1632, I think this is the book that has made sure I continue on with the series.
If I were to leverage any actual complaint at this book, well, uh, it has probably one of the worst designed book covers I've seen in a very long time. I mean, I've seen self-published books on Kindle with some pretty awful covers, but this isn't far off from that. Oh well, at least the next book (the first volume of the Grantville Gazette) has a cover both decent and indecent at the same time, hehe.
May 10, 2015
Ring of Fire is the first anthology of stories about the various citizens of Grantville, which Eric Flint opened up to a score of other writers. "History is messy" Flint states in the introduction, and rarely is a direct progression of characters from point A to point B. Within are stories of the recreation of the telephone company, or the potato chip, or of the first Grantville Christmas party, but the stories are more than that. They're the stories of people finding new loves and new meaning in a new world that they never expected to belong to. If you're at all a fan of alternate history stories I'd definitely recommend giving this a read.
August 28, 2009
Short stories by various authors following the first outing into the alt world of 1632's characters. I probably would have liked this much better if I'd realized it came between 1632 and 1633 but nothing I checked had them in that order so I was a little put out throughout the book getting the backstory on 1633. Yes, dumb things like that bug me.
Other than that quibble, it was fun to learn more about some of the minor characters and be introduced more widely into the world of the 1600's.
Other than that quibble, it was fun to learn more about some of the minor characters and be introduced more widely into the world of the 1600's.
May 30, 2016
Once again, this was a re-read, as I move along on my plan to catch up with the authors of this series.
This first anthology was rather a mixed bag. Some of the stories I liked a lot, some I didn't. The best story in the book was the last one - Eric Flint's The Wallenstein Gambit. I guess that makes sense, since at this point, no one knew the characters and future plot better than he did. All together, the book does succeed in making want to know more about all these people.
This first anthology was rather a mixed bag. Some of the stories I liked a lot, some I didn't. The best story in the book was the last one - Eric Flint's The Wallenstein Gambit. I guess that makes sense, since at this point, no one knew the characters and future plot better than he did. All together, the book does succeed in making want to know more about all these people.
December 31, 2024
One of two anthologies, as of January 2009, of short stories taking place within and between the novels of the 1632/Ring of Fire series. You could read this pair of collections all at once, or find choose the parts that fit into the other books. It's a scattered offering, but, as author Flint notes, "Real history is messy ..."
March 29, 2010
I was fortunate that I discovered this series now, and not when it was first written. I had two friends warn me that I needed to read RoF between 1632 and 1633. I did and it made all the difference. I particularly liked "The Wallenstein Gambit" and "In the Navy".
April 13, 2017
This is a collection of stories by other authors in his 1632 universe. This led to many collaborative novels and even a magazine of stories in this universe.
2017 - What makes this series stand out is that it doesn't just focus on the leaders and the military heroes but the common folk as well.
2017 - What makes this series stand out is that it doesn't just focus on the leaders and the military heroes but the common folk as well.
November 23, 2024
If it wasn't for some of the boring stories such as the ones focusing on religion I could have given this 4 stars. Most of the stories though help expand the 1632 universe and add more depth to the story-lines.
August 2, 2013
A solid collection of short stories set during and after the events in Eric Flint's 1632.
Shares the same strengths and weaknesses of 1632. Enjoyed it enough that I will likely continue to read books in the series, although I may take a break first.
Shares the same strengths and weaknesses of 1632. Enjoyed it enough that I will likely continue to read books in the series, although I may take a break first.
October 28, 2024
3.5 ***
Audible Plus
Audible Plus
June 21, 2013
Fans of 1632 should read some of these before proceeding to 1633.
September 11, 2013
As with any anthology, there are some good, and there are some not so good. Overall it was okay.
July 1, 2015
Review to come! :D
March 19, 2016
Some very good stories here. Some not so good.
September 9, 2016
Overall I liked this book, but some of the stories just did not grab me as much as others.
March 24, 2018
Some of the stories were pretty good some not so much.
July 2, 2018
Collection of short stories varying greatly in quality, all written by fans of the original novel.
December 29, 2019
A good read
Interesting story. I read two of the full novels in the series. This is a reasonable collection of substories to give background.
Interesting story. I read two of the full novels in the series. This is a reasonable collection of substories to give background.
March 16, 2021
Uneven, as one might expect from an anthology of this sort. But useful background to what happens in 1633, so I slogged through most of it. Skipped the DeMarce, of course.
September 29, 2021
Ok group of short stories some I enjoyed some I didn't. The best part is that they add a bunch of connections to the universe.
May 5, 2020
RING OF FIRE is a must-read for those reading the 1632 series about the small 20th century West Virginia town transported to 17th century central Germany; it offers essential character development and plot details. Stories in this new collection date from the original cosmic incident that began 1632 through 1633, and involve many of the same characters. Some stories concentrate on “gearing-down” issues (adapting modern tech to what could be produced easily in the 17th century) such as David Weber’s “In the Navy” or David Freer's "A Lineman for the Country"; some concentrate on the interface between 17th and 20th century beliefs and values, such as K.D. Wentworth's delightful "Here Comes Santa Claus". Despite the wide variety of authors, the tales hold together well, with a real sense of place and time. Although there are a few weak links among the stories that make up this collection, the credible, well-explained extrapolations of the behavior of actual historical figures (as in Flint’s own short story, “The Wallenstein Gambit”) that imbues previous volumes continues here to great effect. The stories all work together with each other, and with the prior novels. The timeline remains internally consistent; previous sidebar incidents are incorporated into these short stories with great effect, and some also set the stage for future developments.
February 10, 2021
This is an anthology of stories set in the 1632 universe. I like this universe. I like the people in it. I like this book.
The premise of the 1632 universe takes quite a leap of the imagination. For reasons no one understands, a small West Virginia coal mining town, and its environs in a 3-mile radius, is transported to 1632 Germany at the height of the 30 Years’ War. It’s far fetched, even for a science fiction premise, but the groundedness of the rest of the story rewards the reader willing to swallow the outlandish premise.
The first novel in the series, entitled ‘1632,’ transports the town to Germany, orients the reader to the personalities and issues of the war, and generally gets things in motion. This anthology gives several writers a chance to play in its world, answering questions such as “How do you earn a living when all you know is how to operate modern electronics?” It’s like a series of fun thought experiments with interesting people.
As with any anthology, some stories work better than others. Nevertheless, all the stories have fun with the premise and entertain the reader.
I understand there are several more novels and anthologies in the 1632 universe. I look forward to exploring them.
The premise of the 1632 universe takes quite a leap of the imagination. For reasons no one understands, a small West Virginia coal mining town, and its environs in a 3-mile radius, is transported to 1632 Germany at the height of the 30 Years’ War. It’s far fetched, even for a science fiction premise, but the groundedness of the rest of the story rewards the reader willing to swallow the outlandish premise.
The first novel in the series, entitled ‘1632,’ transports the town to Germany, orients the reader to the personalities and issues of the war, and generally gets things in motion. This anthology gives several writers a chance to play in its world, answering questions such as “How do you earn a living when all you know is how to operate modern electronics?” It’s like a series of fun thought experiments with interesting people.
As with any anthology, some stories work better than others. Nevertheless, all the stories have fun with the premise and entertain the reader.
I understand there are several more novels and anthologies in the 1632 universe. I look forward to exploring them.
May 24, 2020
Read a few stories which I found extremely dull so didn't bother with any more - the 1632 universe is definitely not for me.
In the Navy David Weber
To Dye For Mercedes Lackey - tedious
A Lineman For the Country Dave Freer
Between the Armies Andrew Dennis
Biting Time Virginia DeMarce
Power to the People Loren K. Jones - started ok but quickly became dull
A Matter of Consultation S.L. Viehl
Family Faith Anette M. Pedersen
When the Chips are Down Jonathan Cresswell and Scott Washburn
American Past Time Deann Allen and Mike Turner
Skeletons Greg Donahue
A Witch to Live Walt Boyes
The Three R's Jody Dorsett - dull
Here Comes Santa Claus K.D.Wentworth
The Wallenstein Gambit Eric Flint
In the Navy David Weber
To Dye For Mercedes Lackey - tedious
A Lineman For the Country Dave Freer
Between the Armies Andrew Dennis
Biting Time Virginia DeMarce
Power to the People Loren K. Jones - started ok but quickly became dull
A Matter of Consultation S.L. Viehl
Family Faith Anette M. Pedersen
When the Chips are Down Jonathan Cresswell and Scott Washburn
American Past Time Deann Allen and Mike Turner
Skeletons Greg Donahue
A Witch to Live Walt Boyes
The Three R's Jody Dorsett - dull
Here Comes Santa Claus K.D.Wentworth
The Wallenstein Gambit Eric Flint
February 16, 2023
Like all anthologies this one is a mixed bag containing gems and duds. Most are very good when they deal with integrating the new citizens into Grantville, Germany. The attitudes of Germans from the in17th century and West Virginians from the 20th century differ but grow together. The resulting learning process for both sides makes a gripping read and is often quite funny.
Some stories are overdoing it (Here Comes Santa Claus), but by and large all tell a tale of a world trying to adapt to the change inflicted upon it by the miraculous appearance of a town from the future.
All those who want to stick to their old ways, Germans and Americans alike, do not stand a chance. Nothing will ever be the same. Not even baseball ....
Some stories are overdoing it (Here Comes Santa Claus), but by and large all tell a tale of a world trying to adapt to the change inflicted upon it by the miraculous appearance of a town from the future.
All those who want to stick to their old ways, Germans and Americans alike, do not stand a chance. Nothing will ever be the same. Not even baseball ....
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