Blind_Mapmaker reviewed 1633 by David Weber (Ring of Fire)
Review of '1633' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
4.0 Things start to feel a little more realistic in this volume - that is until the very last political resolution. There is some sense of tragedy here, though in the end a lot of the characters still feel far too competent and little affected by some of their tribulations. Still, it's quite the improvement on the row of eucatastrophes in the former book. That along with it being vastly slower makes for much improved reading.
A lot of new characters expand the cast that was a little too focused on the West Virginia miners in the last book and we learn about other facets of the existing characters too. The "contemps" are about as interesting at the "up-timers" in this regard. Together with the short-story collection (which I started readig right afterwards) this is shaping up to be really interesting and dense, but it isn't there yet. I can …
4.0 Things start to feel a little more realistic in this volume - that is until the very last political resolution. There is some sense of tragedy here, though in the end a lot of the characters still feel far too competent and little affected by some of their tribulations. Still, it's quite the improvement on the row of eucatastrophes in the former book. That along with it being vastly slower makes for much improved reading.
A lot of new characters expand the cast that was a little too focused on the West Virginia miners in the last book and we learn about other facets of the existing characters too. The "contemps" are about as interesting at the "up-timers" in this regard. Together with the short-story collection (which I started readig right afterwards) this is shaping up to be really interesting and dense, but it isn't there yet. I can see why this series is a favourite among the wargaming/roleplaying crowd though.
Fun fact, the stupid cover is explained in the novel in a classic "WTF did you tell the artist, dear publisher?" moment.
Also the book didn't really feel different due to the two authors. It's a solid collaboration and the two never break style in obvious ways.
