Worldwar: Upsetting the Balance [Kindle Edition]

Harry Turtledove (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This is the third book in Turtledove's Worldwar series. The Axis and the Allies began World War II as mortal enemies. But suddenly their only hope for survival -- never mind victory -- is to unite to stop a mighty foe whose frightening technology seems invincible. Turtledove is a master of alternate history.

From Publishers Weekly

The Axis and Allied powers continue to stand as one to defeat alien invaders in this third volume of Turtledove's alternate-history saga of WW II (Tilting the Balance; In the Balance). There are some unexpected twists here-the Lizards bomb Pearl Harbor, the Americans sacrifice Chicago-but none more surprising than the fact that, unlike in previous volumes, the narrative is dominated not by weaponry and tactics of war but by births and friendship. Liu Han's baby arrives in a Lizard internment camp; and the birth of Barbara Yeager's baby with her current husband, Sam, comes even as Jens Larssen, her physicist former husband, goes walkabout. Meanwhile, the theme of camaraderie in trying times comes to the fore, as does an emphasis on noble action. Even those who have been rooting for the Lizards from the start will notice that this volume highlights the finest, both alien and human, while disparaging the corrupt. After enjoying this morally aware addition to the series, and its many cameos by real-life figures (including Einstein, Stalin and Ribbentrop), most readers will be looking forward eagerly to the next.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 907 KB
• Publisher: Del Rey (January 8, 2002)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000FBFOQO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #75,713 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

More About the Author

Harry Turtledove is the award-winning author of the alternate-history works The Man with the Iron Heart; The Guns of the South; How Few Remain (winner of the Sidewise Award for Best Novel); the Worldwar saga: In the Balance, Tilting the Balance, Upsetting the Balance, and Striking the Balance; the Colonization books: Second Contact, Down to Earth, and Aftershocks; the Great War epics: American Front, Walk in Hell, and Breakthroughs; the American Empire novels: Blood & Iron, The Center Cannot Hold, and Victorious Opposition; and the Settling Accounts series: Return Engagement, Drive to the East, The Grapple, and In at the Death. Turtledove is married to fellow novelist Laura Frankos. They have three daughters: Alison, Rachel, and Rebecca.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alternate history combined Sci-fi at it's best, October 6, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Upsetting the Balance (Worldwar Series, Volume 3) (Hardcover)

Harry Turtledove has definitely found the right balance (no pun intended) between Alternate history, Sci-fi, and Military Techno-thrillers. This book (the third in a four part series) Keeps the reader constantly wondering "what's next?". In fact the unpredictability of main characters fates is what makes this story so interesting. Some hard core Sci-fi fans may find the plot and alien gee-whiz gizmos tame compared to other outer space invader novels, but for those who like Tom Clancy and Larry Bond type Military Techno thrillers, this book has action aplenty, and enough different story lines to keep readers from becoming bored. The aliens employ weaponry which seems to be based loosely on today's military technology, making it easier for average people to imagine how the stuff works. The author has also obviously done his homework on the geographical areas mentioned and the life and times of people who lived during the World War II era. The detailed way people, places, and events are described leaves little to the imagination, putting the reader right there with the characters. Overall this reviewer found this to be the best of the three novels so far, although it doesn't really stand on it's own, so the first two books in the series need to be read in order first to really appreciate it. This reader eagerly anticipates the release of the last of this four part series "Worldwar; Striking the Balance". The only negative comments about this series so far is the time between releases as another reader has already mentioned. It's probably a marketing ploy to sell as many hardbacks as possible, then bring out the new book about the same time the last one comes out in paperback. Very clever

4.0 out of 5 stars Another day, another book to read!, October 14, 2011

By 

James R. Mills "Retired Oldie" (Silver Spring, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Worldwar: Upsetting the Balance (Kindle Edition)

I know I will enjoy reading this book, Worldwar: Upsetting the Balance (Worldwar Series), that has been downloaded on my iPad along with other books from this author, as well as, many other books of this genre from various authors. I spend most of my time reading and neglecting my poor wife to her fury. Hey, I'm retired, I enjoy reading, and she knows where to find me ~ reading and without a care in the world! Hey, if I'd known retirement was going to be so enjoyable, I certainly would have done this first! Though, I'd probably be single! = )

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good alternate history, July 27, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Upsetting the Balance (Worldwar Series, Volume 3) (Hardcover)

Turtledove realistically portrays the chaos and upheaval of WWII, as well as, the ingenuity and determination of the people of Earth. It is interesting how he depicts the reluctant coalition of formerly bitter enemies who must now work together to defeat a common foe bent on the domination of humanity