The Thirty Years War continues to ravage 17th century Europe, but a new force is gathering power and influence: the Confederated Principalities of Europe, an alliance between Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden, and the West Virginians from the 20th century led by Mike Stearns who were hurled centuries into the past by a mysterious cosmic accident.
While the old entrenched rulers and manipulators continue to plot against this new upstart nation, everyday life goes on in Grantville, the town lost in time, with librarians, firefighters, and garbage collectors trying to make do under unusual circumstances. And what better place for an undercover spy from France than working with the garbage collectors, examining 20th century machines that others throw out and copying the technology (though he wishes one device—the paper shredder—had been left behind in the future).
There are more sinister agents at work, however. One of them, Ducos, almost succeeded in assassinating the Pope, but his plan was ruined by quick action by a few Americans. Now, the would-be assassin not only has a score to settle, but has also decided on two excellent targets: Grantville's leader Mike Stearns and his wife Rebecca. . . .
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Product ReviewI just don't understand how Mr. Flint could allow the elimination of 3 MAJOR characters (All up-timers) to further NOTHING in the series! I had thought that after the major work necessary to convert Buster B. to a sympathetic character he would possibly be a major part of "Harry's Gang" in a later novel! But, instead, you kill him off in a "Fluff" novel such as this??? Amazing!
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Product ReviewThe worst of a series I generally enjoy.
Page after page of tiresome and inconsequential drama, with enough cheap maudlin sentiment to make a telenovela screenwriter blush.
There is a good story buried beneath all the mawkish tripe; but oh, there is so much tripe.Posted on
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Product ReviewOne more novel that is about as interesting to read as
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Product ReviewWhere is the excitement? Where is the action? Where are happenings by major characters instead of the swarm of minor characters this book is populated with? All I see is chapter after chapter of background story and tedius, boring happenings that should be limited to fan fic or the Gazette. Where has the series I loved gone? I won't tell an author what they should write, but Mister Flint needs to start listening to what shouldn't be part of his series: boredom. Hold your nose and skim for background on the next book, but don't expect to enjoy this book.
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Product ReviewCan't say I'm disappointed. All of Virginia DeMarce's contributions to this series have been a tedious read. However, this one takes it to a new level.It's incredible, that with as rich a setting this series affords she would choose to write about spouse abuse, teen romance, and bitter old ladies in Grantville. As far as I'm concerned Ms. DeMarce is poison to this series.
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