Then: First Lieutenant Sean Elliott and nine other mixed-service U.S. soldiers on a convoy in Afghanistan suddenly found themselves thrown back to Earth’s Paleolithic Age. They were not alone. Displaced Romans, Neolithic Europeans, and more appeared. Some became allies, some deadly foes. Against all odds the team survived and found a way back to the 21st century, tattered but triumphant.

Get That was Now, This is Then here.

In late 1636, the recently formed United States of Europe makes a private pact with the Netherlands. The USE agrees to create no settlements of its own along the coast north of Pamlico Sound (in what is today's North Carolina) and east of the Appalachian Mountains, and it will not contest the Netherlands' control of Manhattan Island and the Hudson valley. In exchange, the Netherlands agrees to abolish slavery in its possessions and to assist the USE in suppressing the Atlantic slave trade. But following shortly thereafter, the long-dormant French claims to the British territories they purchased in 1633 from the King of England become active, when new French king Gaston sends troops to invade that portion of North America known today as New England. The American Coast of Chaos is set for explosion that may change the future forever—and liberty and justice for all hang in the balance!

The distant future—like the distant past—is a place of myths, of legends, and of great heroes. Here are stories where magic and science exist together. Knights and starships. Wizards and ray guns. Swords and planets.

Cyborg knights battle extraterrestrial demons to rescue a peaceful village. A young girl unlocks an ancient power to protect her world from offworld colonists. A pair of two-bit mercenaries are hired to solve a murder in a labyrinth beneath a crumbling city at the end of time. And a young knight must face down an alien menace to awaken the power within. All that and more!

Tis the season—to binge read! This month we’re celebrating the galaxy-spanning tales in Sharon Lee & Steve Miller’s nationally best-selling Liaden Universe® series with discounts on all of the books in this landmark series. For the entire month of December, take $1 off all Baen Liaden Universe® novels and story collections.

Find out more here

In Michael Z. Williamson’s new novel, That was Now, This is Then, soldiers from throughout time are stranded in the Paleolithic era. As Williamson illustrates, the Paleolithic was a very different time. No
wi-fi or electricity, of course—but also no agriculture. It takes a lot for modern humans to survive in that situation. All of that, plus the fact that we’re coming up on the holiday season, got us thinking: Which three Baen Books characters would you invite to a holiday party in the Paleolithic and why? Tells us in a short paragraph (100 words or fewer) for a chance to win a signed copy of That was Now, This is Then.

Last month we asked you what historical or fictional western character would you most like to see transported to a science fiction or fantasy setting and why for a chance to win a signed copy of Gunfight on Europa Station. Congrats to Arthur Boorman!

Read the winning entry here.

Coming soon to the Baen Free Radio Hour: Michael Z. Williamson is our tour guide to the Neolithic as he discusses That was Now, This is Then; Christopher Ruocchio and contributors talk Sword & Planet stories. And we journey to the New World, Ring of Fire style, as Eric Flint, Paula Goodlett, Gorg Huff and others discuss 1637: The Coast of Chaos.

Missed past episodes? No problem. We’ve got every episode archived for your listening pleasure. All previous episodes are also archived at Baen’s YouTube Channel, here. And check out the new optional video podcast format!

Listen to the Baen Free Radio Hour now.

This holiday season give the Baen lovers in your life what they really want—more Baen Books! You decide the amount! (Remember eARCs are $15 apiece, monthly bundles $18.) Pretty sure they already have everything? Head on over to the Baen CafePress store and check out our wide variety of Baen merchandise. With travel mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, and more, there is something for every Baen fan! And don’t forget the Baen Challenge Coins!

Shop now.