Customer Reviews

Grantville Gazette V (Ring of Fire)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

These Grantville Gazette volumes are a real paradox for a reviewer. Since several different authors are involved, it is really difficult to separate the "wheat from the chaff." In general and without belaboring the good, the bad, and the downright ugly on a blow-by-blow basis, I always enjoy these volumes, since they manage to keep the 163x fan in me satisfied 'till the next major work hits the printers.

As both a chess player and amateur astronomer, I enjoyed the tales thus related. I didn't care much for the "electric buddha" business, since it really didn't add much to the ongoing Grantville saga.

I particularly view author David Carrico as an emerging talent.

2 "thumbs up" and 4 stars.

With volume V, the paper editions of the Grantville Gazette begin the painful process of catching up with the series. By switching to a "best of" annual volume instead of duplicating each electronic edition, the editors can select the most deserving stories from the semi-monthly electronic edition of the Gazette.

It was past-time to do this, since Gazette IV came out in an electronic edition some five years ago now. The every-other-month publication of the electronic edition resulted in the electronic Gazettes being up to volume 26.

The advantage to readers is, the editors get to choose the BEST stories from the issues in question. This volume includes what may be my favorite Gazette story of all time, "The Dali Lama and the Electric Buddha".

I freely admit my pleasure that Gazette V contains "Can'st Thou Send Lightnings?" My first fiction piece in the Gazette.

Anyone who has read any of the 1632 stories, even if only the first volume will enjoy this one.

It's a goody.

Grantville Gazette V (2009) is the fifth alternate history anthology in this series, following Grantville Gazette IV. It is set in the alternate universe of the 1632 series and consists of twenty-six short stories, a Editor's Preface, and An Afterword on Doctor Johnson.

Editor's Preface by Eric Flint tells several things about this edition within the series, including a new approach with selections of the best from the Grantville Gazette electronic editions 5-11. It explains the tradition of a new story based on the cover illustration. It also mentions the Order of Doctor Johnson and the Afterword.


Steady Girl by Eric Flint is a tale about Denise Beasley and Eddie Junker. With the demise of Jim Baen, Tom Kidd -- the regular artist for the series -- offered the current cover and dared Flint to write the story.

Schwarza Falls by Douglas W. Jones covers the death and damage that resulted from the Ring of Fire. It is told from point of view of both the Americans and Germans.

Recyling by Philip Schillawsky and Jon Rigby concerns a bag lady who makes good. One wonders if the story was written to set up the final pun.

A Question of Faith by Anette Pederson shows Father Johannes Grunwald an alternative to the Inquisition.

Got My Buck by Barry Swift relates a tale of a mercenary who was facing a battle with Grantville uptimers.

The Dalai Lama's Electric Buddha by Victor Klimov describes the presentation of a battery operated nightlight to Dalai Lama V.

Canst Thou Send Lightnings? by Rick Boatwright exposes the mission of a Jesuit priest to Grantville.

Grantville's Greatest Philosopher? by Terry Howard depicts James Richard Shaver in a new light.

Painter's Gambit by Iver P. Cooper portrays the worth of a good woman.

The Minstrel Boy by John Zeek addresses the needs of an orphan boy who has found a home.

A Taste of Home by Chris Racciato introduces an old delight into the life of Grantville.

N.C.I.S.: Young Love Lost by Jose J. Clavell confronts the new NCIS agency with a case of murder.

The Prepared Mind by Kim Mackey discloses the way that foresighted thinking in Grantville saved the lives of people in Cologne.

Capacity for Harm by Richard Evans displays the damage that con artists can do to themselves and others.

Little Angel by Kerryn Offord divulges how a needless death can motivate good people.

None So Blind by David Carrico examines the mindset of a petty crook.

On the Matter of D'Artagnan by Bradley H. Sinor concerns Richelieu, Dumas and the Three Musketeers.

A Filthy Story by Aamund Breivik involves sewage, sleeping bags, and the black market.

Treasure Hunters by Karen Bergstralh recounts a tale of thieves searching for hidden gold.

Bathing with Coal by Russ Ritters presents a husband of a bathhouse operator with the problem of the rising cost of firewood.

Lessons in Astronomy by Peter Hobson introduces a Catholic priest to a new tutor on astronomy and telescopes.

Wish Book by Geog Huff and Paula Goodlett illustrates the romantic potential of a general merchandise catalog.

O For a Muse of Fire by Jay Robinson reveals the trials and triumphs of a script writer.

Pilgrimage of Grace by Virginia DeMarce conveys the consequences to his family of the death of Johnny Lee Horton in Saal.

Twenty-eight Men by Mark Huston provides an event by event description of a coal mine accident and the aftermath.

An Afterword on Doctor Johnson by Eric Flint exposes the economics of writing stories and books. He says that most authors can't afford to quit their day jobs. OTOH, Doctor Samuel Johnson produced a number of quips and soundbytes, none of which brought in any income. Naturally, they did increase his reputation, so maybe they were just good public relations.

Some of these tales are about disaster of one sort or another. In some stories, they present a rather gloomy portrayal of humankind. Yet most seem to be optimistic and uplifting stories. The singular exceptions are Capacity for Harm and Treasure Hunters, which are cautionary tales.

Highly recommended for 1632 fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of alternate history, human ingenuity, and a bit of romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Eric Flint does an excellent job of editing the series. Because of the large number of characters it is a challenge to keep straight who is doing what, when, and where. But that is part of the enjoyment.... The maps are useful but could be more detailed (not every place mentioned in the stories is located on one of the maps).

Good really like these stories which fill out the overall picture of this series. Of what it was like for the other people affected by the Ring of Fire event.

Grantville Gazette V offers sequels to the best-selling series 1632 and provides more stories revolving around Grantville, the small American town sent back from 20th century West Virginia to 18th century Europe. Prior collections that have seen positive responses to 1632 will find this short story collection builds on the theme and provides stimulating new perspectives from a host of contributors.

Grantville Gazette V is the fifth (doh!) edition of the ongoing series of short stories related to the 1632 set of books by Eric Flint (and co-workers). If you like the 1632 set of stories, then this volume will not disappoint. If you have not read any of them yet, I would not suggest you start here.
This collection of short stories (along with those volumes preceding this one, and the electronically available versions of the Gazette) present an ever-deepening picture of what happens when you place a bunch of West Virginians into the 30 years war in Europe. The original concept for this series (in the book 1632) was excellent, but all the additional stuff developed in the gazette and other novels that have grown from it create a world that is complex, intriguing, growing, and endearing.
So, not the place to start your foray into the 1632 opus magnus, but if you have been there already, and enjoy it, this volume will add to your enjoyment.