Book #19 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series. After carving a free state for itself in war-torn 17th century Europe, citizens of the modern town of Grantville, West Virginia must contend with France's infamous Cardinal Richilieu, who is determined to keep his grip on power no matter what history says.
France, 1636 . . . It has been twenty years since King Louis took Aña Maria Mauricia, daughter of Spain's King Philip III, as his wife, and their union has not yet produced an heir. Under the guidance of his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, a plan is developed to remedy that situation. Once she is with child, Queen Anne goes into seclusion to guard her health and protect her from those who would prefer that the child is never born—France's foreign enemies as well as schemers such as Monsieur Gaston d'Orleans, the King's younger brother and heir. When the Crown's opponents make their move, factions inside and outside France must choose sides and help determine the future and fate of the Kingdom.
Listen to the author discuss the book here on the Baen Free Radio Hour.
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It could have bee...I could have been great. This was the first book in a while that has truly kept me up all night.
It had action, suspense, and just enough mystery that I kept turning the pages. And then..
I understand the desire to write serials, and but each episode needs to have a pay off. That is a clear end. Otherwise its not a serial and just an unfinished book.
Sadly, this is an unfinished book. I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter, but I am very concerned that it will merely be an additional chapter in the story.
This does seem to be a growing trend among science fiction writers. To merely write to a certain word count or page number and then publish.
I can forgive one stringer, but there are series that I have just stopped reading because the stories never end.Posted on
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Product Review
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Product ReviewThe read was OK but I was greatly disappointed that the book was not finished. Cliff hangers are one thing but not in novels. It's like stopping the original Star Wars movie just as they decide to attack the Death Star. By the time the rest of the story comes out I won't care...
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Product ReviewThis is by far the best Ring of Fire series book since the original two books. Mystery intrege betrayal espionage all on the grand scale. This is by far the best branch of the series and I hope we don't have to wait to long for further books on this branch. This series is always at its best when it stays away from the soap opera aspects of the series and tell grand picture aspects of this alternative universe when Eric Flint does not outsource the writing to others but instead authors or co-authors them. This branch is by far the most important branch for western Europa politics, even more vital than the war with Denmark which is what makes the narrative so great. A great read which can be actually read and fully enjoyed as a stand alone which is rare in this series.
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Product ReviewCaptivating. I think that is the right word. Focus is shifted to France and we get to know more about internal scheming taking place among the royals and a few innocent up-timers that are caught up by the events.
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Product ReviewGood read, good story, but hell of a cliffhanger...
To me looks like part 1 of 2.Posted on
