Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great sequel in this alternate universe/history series, 30 Sep 2002
Once more we're thrown into the universe created in 1632. This time Eric Flint collaborates with the excellent David Weber and in this case the collaboration works very well, bringing the best of both authors' strengths this book.In this volume, the story expands its horizons to encompass Richelieu's machinations and what happens when King Charles I learns of his fate in the original history books brought back by the West Virginians, together with the problems of integrating a 21st century American town into a 17th century Germany. The implications of the Americans' arrival are well thought through and the impact of modern science and political ideas are presented brilliantly. All this is mixed together with excellent descriptions of the battles sparked by the 'Ring of Fire'. All in all an excellent read for anyone who loves alternate history stories. I can't wait for 1634!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great sequel to 1632, 4 Jul 2008
I was impressed by the first book in the series and the sequel hasn't disappointed. We see more conflict, the developement of a Navy, Airforce and intelligence service, and efforts to develop medical and chemical industries. On top of this we have political developments inside and beyond the American sphere of influence. Some of Europes rulers have gained access to books from the future which prompt them either to avoid their would-be fate, or ensure positive changes happen quicker. Once the Americans find out this is happening, they start planting false histories.
One of the best story threads for me was the attitude of an American-Irish towards Oliver Cromwell and learning the butcher portrayed by the history books isn't at all what he expected.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Flawed sequel to a good story, 17 Nov 2008
1633 is the "official" sequel to 1632 (if such a word makes sense for a book that has spawned half a dozen books (not counting short stories). It teams the prolific Eric Flint with the master of military space opera: David Weber.
1633 picks up where 1632 left off and charts the wider political ramifications of the Ring of Fire. The story primarily charts the action in North-Western Europe, as the historical protagonists of the time (Richelieu, King Charles, Christian IV) act and react based on their "foreknowledge" of the future. We also get to experience the "building up" of the future Army, Navy, and Air Force of the United States of Europe.
In my review of 1634: The Baltic War, I list a number of problems with that volume, and most of them apply here as well. The book spends page upon page dazzling the reader with historical and technical research; little of which serves to progress the story. It is - literally - possible to skip entire chapters of the book without missing anything.
In many ways, 1633 and its sequel are the opposite of 1632 where 1632 focused on the characters and their actions, skimping on the historical background, these volumes focus on historical and technical background at the cost of characterization and pace. This is partly because the story line skips about so much, partly because the characters who worked well in the light-hearted romp of 1632, don't really hold up over 600+ pages. One remains amazed at the idea of a Labour Union-head capable of outmaneuvering the viciously political German princes as well as one of greatest political minds of the time (Richelieu). Who knew Union work was so rewarding...
Despite its weaknesses, 1633 in itself is not a terrible book and if it was a standalone volume, I might even bump it up to 3 stars. Weber and Flint together are not a bad combination, and the story has its moments. The book itself is however let down significantly by the large numbers of the plot lines left unresolved in this volume which basically means that if you buy 1633, you will have to get 1634: The Baltic War as well. 1633 and its sequel are definitely for the the die-hard fan of the series or those who enjoy alternate political history.
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