Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Roc (2006), Mass Market Paperback, 608 pages
Description
Fiction. Literature. Science Fiction. HTML: Rising from the ashes of the computer and industrial ages is a brave new world. Survivors have banded together in tribal communities, committed to rebuilding society. In Oregon�s Willamette Valley, former pilot Michael Havel�s Bearkillers are warriors of renown. Their closest ally, the mystical Clan MacKenzie, is led by Wiccan folksinger Juniper MacKenzie. Their leadership has saved countless lives. But not every leader has altruistic aspirations. Norman Arminger, medieval scholar, rules the Protectorate. He has enslaved civilians, built an army, and spread his forces from Portland through most of western Washington State. Now he wants the Willamette Valley farmland, and he�s willing to wage war to conquer it. Unknown to both factions is the imminent arrival of a ship from Tasmania bearing British soldiers�.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member JDubba
This second novel in S. M. Stirling’s series moved somewhat away from its hard post-apocalyptic roots, but was none the less an entertaining read. Stirling uses a nice quickly paced writing style to weave his tale of small community structures, myth, spirituality and warfare that is easy and
The second novel jumps forward eight years from the time of "The Change", starting with a somewhat shocking storyline from the Isle of Britain. New characters arise from this storyline and are woven in to storylines that follow our original heroes and villains from Dies the Fire. Some characters from the original, while still appearing in this sequel, have moved far into the background, such as Eric Larson and his wife Luanne. Others are brought more into the foreground such as The Lord Protector, Astrid Larson and Eilir.
While definitely a fun read, the only troublesome thing about this installation was the fact that broad storylines were left completely unresolved. While waiting for resolutions in sequels can be exciting and invigorating, my concern is that this series will devolve into another monstrosity of Jordanian proportions (I long a ago gave up on his Wheel of Time series), where storylines are drug on continuously to no end, and concepts are flogged like a long dead horse. So far not the case for Sterling’s series, but something to keep an eye on as our tale of a new society continues to unfold.
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pleasant to read.The second novel jumps forward eight years from the time of "The Change", starting with a somewhat shocking storyline from the Isle of Britain. New characters arise from this storyline and are woven in to storylines that follow our original heroes and villains from Dies the Fire. Some characters from the original, while still appearing in this sequel, have moved far into the background, such as Eric Larson and his wife Luanne. Others are brought more into the foreground such as The Lord Protector, Astrid Larson and Eilir.
While definitely a fun read, the only troublesome thing about this installation was the fact that broad storylines were left completely unresolved. While waiting for resolutions in sequels can be exciting and invigorating, my concern is that this series will devolve into another monstrosity of Jordanian proportions (I long a ago gave up on his Wheel of Time series), where storylines are drug on continuously to no end, and concepts are flogged like a long dead horse. So far not the case for Sterling’s series, but something to keep an eye on as our tale of a new society continues to unfold.
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LibraryThing member RabidDingo
While I didn't enjoy this book as much as its predecessor Dies the Fire, I enjoyed it very much. The glimpse into years past the initial change in the universal laws is hopefully leading to a book that will be as compelling as the first was.
That said, this was still a good book.
That said, this was still a good book.
LibraryThing member jcopenha
Awesome. A lot more setup and character work than the first one. I can't wait for the next book.
LibraryThing member BenjaminHahn
As the second book in the "Change" series, Stirling continues to deliver in the highly speculative setting set in the Pacific Northwest. I have loved reading this series, mainly because I am familiar with many of the place settings where the adventure unfolds. Furthermore, Stirling scratches the
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itch in all nerds and geeks that ask themselves "what if present day humanity was thrust back two hundred years, technologically speaking, in the blink of an eye". Not everyone would appreciate this plot nor his style of writing, but if you like the first book, you will love the rest of the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jpsnow
It was interesting to read this immediately after "How to Read Novels Like a Professor." I quickly noticed how Stirling violated convention by sharing several of the main characters' thoughts (written in italics). It worked here because so much of the meaning comes from the interactions between
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people and the cultural dynamics in this post-Change world. All 486 pages pass quickly through non-stop action in 3 different locations. It's mostly an escapist piece, but I do find this series offers thoughtful contemplation about the factors that drive history. Show Less
LibraryThing member pauliharman
An English nobleman and his family flee their home country and come into the main story in Oregon - meeting first one 'side' int he conflict, then settling with the other. Both sides are gearing up for war.
LibraryThing member ericj.dixon
Almost as engaging as the first novel, but somewhat more focused on the day to day life of these new societies as they prepare for war and settle the lands that surround them. The novel is more based on skirmish warfare between The protectorate and those in the Willamette Valley. The inclusion of
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the Lorings and John Hordle was very enjoyable. Also, the development of the Dunedain was interesting as well. A good read, but not as entertaining as Dies The Fire. Show Less
LibraryThing member cleverusername2
The second of the series originating with "Dies the Fire" (which has been dubbed the Emberverse setting by some) continues the story of an Earth where the laws of physics have changed irrevocably for some unexplained reason, causing electrical systems, internal combustion, and other high technology
Stirling chooses a split narrative for this entry, telling several stories at once in alternating chapters. He then frames all the stories together by gathering the main characters together in a tavern (this would be hackneyed for something like a D&D session, but here it works fairly well). This may be tedious to some readers. It is a common device, but if you find one plotline more interesting than another, you might find the story drags in places.
Finally, we see more of the Changed world, far beyond the Willamette Valley. The first 50 pages of the book, in fact, take place in the British Isles with new and engaging heroes seeking escape from the increasingly erratic monarchy. Stirling was clearly channeling British adventure fiction authors in this section, Talbot Mundy and others. It certainly has a "King of the Khyber Rifles" feel to it.
This book is an improvement over Dies the Fire in several ways, it contains just as much action, more characters, and broader scope. He also toned down the Full-Frontal Paganism that I felt bogged down the narrative. He also subtlety moves the tone of the story away from its post-apocalyptic roots and more into more of a fantasy story. Neo-fantasy, is that a genre? Certain sections delve right into magical realism, in fact.
Unresolved plot lines and the prospect of even more epic battles are bound to leave you anxious for the third in the series, "Meeting in Corvallis".
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devices to fail. This story takes place eight and nine years after the start of the first novel.Stirling chooses a split narrative for this entry, telling several stories at once in alternating chapters. He then frames all the stories together by gathering the main characters together in a tavern (this would be hackneyed for something like a D&D session, but here it works fairly well). This may be tedious to some readers. It is a common device, but if you find one plotline more interesting than another, you might find the story drags in places.
Finally, we see more of the Changed world, far beyond the Willamette Valley. The first 50 pages of the book, in fact, take place in the British Isles with new and engaging heroes seeking escape from the increasingly erratic monarchy. Stirling was clearly channeling British adventure fiction authors in this section, Talbot Mundy and others. It certainly has a "King of the Khyber Rifles" feel to it.
This book is an improvement over Dies the Fire in several ways, it contains just as much action, more characters, and broader scope. He also toned down the Full-Frontal Paganism that I felt bogged down the narrative. He also subtlety moves the tone of the story away from its post-apocalyptic roots and more into more of a fantasy story. Neo-fantasy, is that a genre? Certain sections delve right into magical realism, in fact.
Unresolved plot lines and the prospect of even more epic battles are bound to leave you anxious for the third in the series, "Meeting in Corvallis".
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LibraryThing member satyridae
How is this series, full of blood and the meaty thwacking of bastard sword into bone, one of my favorites? One I like so well I've sought it out on CD and listen to it by the hour? There are bits so repetitive that it makes my teeth hurt, and bits which are so hilarious I howl. It works for me,
The narration is mostly wonderful, but Oregon place names are HARD.
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really well. Especially when I'm too grumpy to read anything else, I can listen to this.The narration is mostly wonderful, but Oregon place names are HARD.
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LibraryThing member DocWalt10
Original given the series to read by my son, awhile ago. Purchased the series, to have in my own library. What would you do if there was no power, gunpowder doesn't work and machinery will not work. You are forced back to the time of swords and bow and arrows. It's a time of fight or die to
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survive. Its an interesting journey and will keep you riveted to the books to see how it unfolds. Excellent books. Well written. Show Less
LibraryThing member majkia
It is year 8, after The Change. People are trying to survive, relearning how to grow their own food, protect themselves from marauders and warlords. The Bear Killer Clan and Clan Mackenzie are separate but close, with a mutual pact to assist when the self-styled Protector once again sends his
Lots of details with regard to primitive survival, and a surprisingly strong emphasis on worship of the Goddess.
Characters are well drawn and strong, and the plot is clear and pointed, with one small exception at the end.
It has cliff hangers though so beware. I'm having to hurry up and read the next book in the series right now!
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forces to conquer them.Lots of details with regard to primitive survival, and a surprisingly strong emphasis on worship of the Goddess.
Characters are well drawn and strong, and the plot is clear and pointed, with one small exception at the end.
It has cliff hangers though so beware. I'm having to hurry up and read the next book in the series right now!
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LibraryThing member Jason_Gatewood
Really enjoyed this book in the series and look forward to moving on to the next. There were some interesting twists that were uncovered in this sequel and I really enjoyed it. A couple of moments were a little predictable, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
LibraryThing member longhorndaniel
So while i did like it; i'm only giving it a 3 due to too much repetition with the whole witches thang; gets old really quickly jamming it down our throats; seriously give it a rest; actually takes away from the story; however I loved love loved 2 quotes from the book; when Havel says "my son my
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son" after the horse thing; and when; Stirling did a take of of Eastwood's Dirty Harry famous magnum quote; awesome!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member Noeshia
For me, this was better than the first book. I enjoyed the Wiccan jokes, and I enjoyed the author's grasp of witch jargon. I very much appreciate that the characters recognize that much of what their culture is like today would have been ridiculous before the Change, even to other people into their
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hobbies. There is still the problem that the Change is not well explained, and that just about every character you meet has some sort of hobby that hearkens back to a pre-industrial age, but I'm willing to forgive the author that as long as I enjoy his world. I enjoy his world, even if it seems like some it is not well thought out. As for characters, Juniper is both a delight and an annoyance. Mike is infinitely practical. His wife is a real character, with some serious steel in her spine. I'm fond of her, but have no idea how to spell her name. lol The rangers interest me, and I wish they had more of their own book, but I think the next book skips their generation. As far as the various romances, I'm not really satisfied. The author seems like he doesn't really want to show his readers how things come to be so much as just showing how they end up. He does that a lot, but it bugs me more with some things than others. I'm not sure why he chose to write his books so many years apart, with important happenings going on between them, but he did. It's as annoying as the romances. Not annoying enough to turn me away just yet, but annoying. I do like that he seems to have grown his romances out of friendships, though he does a poor job of showing that. For all this, you would think that I did not like this book, but I really did like it. A lot. I'm annoyed because someone dropped the ball in a world I enjoy visiting. Show Less
LibraryThing member majackson
Still a good story....but it's starting to get a bit hokey. We know how smart the good guys are, so why do they watch the bad guys leave the big conference to head for home...and don't send some spies to see that they actually do go home. Meanwhile, The title was a bit misleading for me, because
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the actual war doesn't happen until the next book This book merely sets a very complicated plot & sub-plot, in which they capture the most beloved 10 year old daughter of the bad guy and match her up with the heroine's own 10 year old son. Otherwise, it's much the same as book 1. Show Less
LibraryThing member satyridae
10/2011 I liked this better the second time through. I was less caught up in the suspense and could pay more attention to the subtleties and character development.
12/2010 Solid second book in the series. Of necessity a little plodding, but still gripping nonetheless. The characters are strong, the
12/2010 Solid second book in the series. Of necessity a little plodding, but still gripping nonetheless. The characters are strong, the
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world-building excellent, and the homage to Tolkien well-done indeed. The astronomical body count and the graphic descriptions of up-close war are, well, graphic. Yet in context it's believable, and not gratuitous. Show Less
LibraryThing member jrcchicago
Interesting plot device, fairly well-written and well-thought out. It is a bit contrived, but I freely admit that I have not been able to put down any of the books in the series, and that as I finished each one I nervously began making mental lists of necessary survival gear for when the lights go
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out for good. Show Less
LibraryThing member kslade
Good second book in this series. I don’t have a copy of the next one so may not continue right away. World is without technology and two groups oppose each other. Very readable.
Subjects
Original publication date
2005-09
Physical description
608 p.; 6.84 inches
ISBN
0451460774 / 9780451460776