The latest entry in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series created by Eric Flint. After carving a free state for itself in war-torn 17th century Europe, citizens of the modern town of Grantville, West Virginia go on a quest for the makings of medicines that have yet to be invented in 17th century Europe.
The United States of Europe, the new nation formed by an alliance between the Swedish king Gustavus Adolphus and the West Virginians hurled back in time by a cosmic accident—the Ring of Fire—is beset by enemies on all sides. The U.S.E. needs a reliable source of opiates for those wounded in action, as well as other goods not available in Europe. The Prime Minister of the U.S.E., Mike Stearns, sends a mission to the Mughal Empire of India with the aim of securing a trade deal with the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
The mission consists of a mixed group of up-timers and down-timers, including paramedics, a squad of soldiers with railroad-building experience, a spy and a pair of swindlers. On reaching India the mission finds a grieving emperor obsessed with building the Taj Mahal, harem-bound princesses, warrior princes, and an Afghan adventurer embroiled in the many plots of the Mughal court.
The emperor’s sons are plotting against each other and war is brewing with the newly risen Sikh faith. But in the midst of these intrigues, the U.S.E. mission finds a ally: the brilliant and beautiful Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan. She is the mistress of her father's harem and a power in her own right, who wishes to learn more of these women who are free in a way she can scarcely comprehend.
When the Emperor learns of what befalls his empire and children in the time that was, he makes every effort to change their fate. But emperors, princesses, and princes are no more immune to the inexorable waves of change created by the Ring of Fire than are the Americans themselves.
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5 stars for reading itSo it picked up a little at CH 16. CH 40-42 were ok and I suppose when the sequel comes out I'll buy it. None of the things I expected to happen development wise occurred. Dara and his sister Jahanara were good strong characters.
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Slow start--strong finishThe early part of the book is a bit of a challenge, Jane Austen does Mughal India. It picks up and is a good read.
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One of the best books in the series. Easily.
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One of the best in the seriesThis might be the best book in the series -- and I am serious about that. Interesting, likable, well-defined characters that interact credibly across incredible cultural divides. A plot that can only exist because of the premises of the series, yet stands on its own. Really well-done research; I'm not a real expert, but I did a year or so of Indology at uni, learning Sanskrit and Prakrits and stuff, and the history of India, and this book doesn't have any howlers that I can see. I feel that some scenes could do with some expanding, and that I would have liked to be able to read Part II right away, but... Best Baen buy this year.
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ExcellentProbably the best in the series for a while. All new characters, new setting, lots of action and court intrigue. Very happy with this book.
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This book has a host of new characters, Up-timers & Down-timers both. An epic tale that takes place mostly in India & what changes occur when knowledge of what is to come. becomes known to it's ruler. A story that was hinted in GG. A really great read.
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