Essen Defiant

Essen #2

by Kim Mackey, David Carrico

Whether it was a blessed miracle or a disastrous catastrophe, the arrival of Grantville in Europe in the year 1631 created changes that are long-lasting and spreading wider and wider as time passes. In 1634, Louis DeGeer, statesman, merchant, and player of the game of princes, having extracted as much information and technology as he could out of Grantville, makes his move to establish a new state in the Rhineland, a republic that would draw on much of the political philosophy brought back through the Ring of Fire by Grantville.

There are those in the westlands of Germany and the Rhine Valley who aren't happy about that. Louis' enemies draw on all the forces of the status quo to oppose his efforts. Louis discovers that it will take strength and determination coupled with careful preparation and planning to face them. And the ultimate confrontations leave things up for grabs until the final moments.

Genres: Alternate History

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2018

Reviews

[Lawrence Duffield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side story to the Ring of Fire series. This one expands the story of various "down-timers" using the new knowledge creatively to build industry and manufacturing they've learned is possible. Quite a few threads are alluded to, but while the story is interesting in itself, it isn't necessary to carry the overall Grantville story forward.

Good popcorn reading.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1634, Louis DeGeer, statesman, merchant, and player of the game of princes, having extracted as much information and technology as he could out of Grantville, makes his move to establish a new state in the Rhineland, a republic that would draw on much of the political philosophy brought back through the Ring of Fire by the people of West Virginia.

[Ronald Spitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice follow up sequel to Essen Steel. This one has some new characters and some of the old ones. The old ones are not the main story line. This novel explains how Essen became a Republic and the fight they had to win to make it stick. It explains the occasional references to Essen I read in other books. Good addition to the Ring of Fire world.

[Allen McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read

My only wish is that I had read this novel in chronological order with the rest of the series. This volume fills in some blanks with a side story paralleling the main core novels of the 1632 shared universe series.

[Kevin K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this story of the 1632 universe. It'll be interesting to see the impact of Essen's new situation on the broader USoE.

If you enjoy the series created by Eric Flint, check this one out as well.

[LinHigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to ring of fire stories.

I love it when Devine retribution is written into stories . The evil of witch hunting needs a good airing. The anticipation for evil being brought to justice is sweet.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Works well with the Grantiville series. I recommend it as a niche novel that enriches the story.

[Stephen Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

The book gives me the mixture I like of uptimer influence in the downtime world. Good charactor portraits and fast pace help.

[David L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

good side story

Answered a lot of questions about 1633. I recommend reading before reading any 1634 books. I would like to see more like it