1632

Ring of Fire, Book 1

By: Eric Flint

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 19 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Eric Flint has received glowing critical praise for his Ring of Fire alternate history series. In this first installment, a West Virginia town is transported from the year 2000 to 1631 Germany at the height of the Thirty Years’ War. Thrust into conflict, the town residents must also contend with moral issues, such as who should be considered a citizen.

©2000 Eric Flint (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Gripping and excellently detailed.... A treat!” ( Publishers Weekly)

Excellent!!!

A wonderful blend of Historical Fiction, SciFy, Fantasy, Romance & Mystery!!! I very much enjoyed Mr Flint’s World!!!

Fantastic story-unneeded fixation on profanity/sex

Fantastic story line--it became apparent why the author chose the 30 year war as a background soon after starting--I had absolutely no clue when I began.

First let me say that I grew up in a coal mining community (Carbon County, no less). I understand that in order to portray miners that there is a certain amount of profanity. I also understand that the author needed to illustrate the contrast between the West Virginia mining community and the depravity of the 30 Year War. However, even a coal miner knows how to speak properly in the presence of his mother or commanding officer or president of the United States. It almost seemed that instead of a profanity or mention about sex that fit the story line, the author purposely went back after the book was written to see if he could insert even more profanities (instead of one or two, he would add six or eight in a string). The same thing about unneeded sexual description. I don't see this in most of the best seller novels that make it big. It is unfortunate, because the plot development is quite good. There was no need to go back and add "extra." I fear that it will hinder this books mainstream popularity. I hoped that it would settle down in book 2, but unfortunately, it didn't.

Fantastic premise. Lukewarm execution.

The idea of transporting a modern American town to the 1600s is a great idea and the result was imaginative and complex. But there was just too much explaining and detail about King so-and-so or Captain what's-his-name. It bogged down the action.

The reader was adequate.

I'm not sure I'll read any more of this series.

suuuuper boring

I struggled to finish it. the author seems to create every situation with the filter of his political ideology and comes off as forced most of the time.

Engaging

Better than I thought it would be. The situations and results are a bit simplistic, but the story pops along so you don't notice.

Great story, one-dimensional characters

The idea is terrific, and the author clearly knows his military history and weapons. The story line develops well and you get a lot of interesting tidbits of European and American history. But, the characters are one-dimensional. They are either good guys or bad guys, and the character development is a bit like a teen novel.

The worst part for me is the narrator. I know everyone else apparently thinks he's great, but I almost can't listen to him. He sounds like he always has such a mouthful of saliva that if you were talking face-to-face, he'd be spitting on you. I can barely get past that.

However, overall, I enjoyed the story enough that the whole package was a worthwhile read. I liked it enough to download 1633, so that says something.

This a grate story

If you ever wonder what would happen if American values Of individuals happened earlier history this is a book For you.

outstanding

a superb time travel story set in the middle of the 30 years war in medieval Germany. the writing and reading of this novel is superlative. I can't give higher praise.

unique look at history

1632 is a cool way to look at 17 century Europe and (30 years war)... snooze. This period is illuminated by transporting interesting 20th century Americans in the middle of it and changing history... now it pops. Audible 20 review sweepstakes entry.

interesting take on alternate history

there are many bright, shining moments in this book. there are equally many dull, bogged down spots. motivations are clunky, resource management only in the most general sense, and other frustrations. That said, I got through it in good time and have started the second book. definitely inspires the imagination.