This novel is the first in the Colonization Trilogy. Set in the 1960's, twenty years after the Second World War was interrupted by an alien invasion. There are still enormous enmities between the three super-powers; the United States, the German Reich, and the Soviet Union. But somehow the humans had fought off the extra-terrestrials in some regions, come to a stalemate in others, and had lost their territory in yet other regions.The extra-terrestrials, who call themselves "the race", are lizard-like creatures. They have not totally subdued the humans, but in some regards are more humane than humans. They do not kill for sport or for irrational prejudices. They are generally less aggressive and are not as calculating or vindictive as humans. They assumed that since their earlier probes of a couple thousand years ago showed that humans were primitive hunters and agriculturists, they would still be primitive in 1940. They were totally caught off-guard by the rate at which humans had advanced in technology. Prepared for a quick lop-sided battle, they were flummoxed by the advanced weaponry of the humans. While humans were still behind the race in technology, they learned fast and were wily opponents.The novel follows the everyday lives of humans in each civilization, and of aliens in the 1960's. Conversations are a bit stilted at times. Alien gestures are narrated in a very stilted manner. But the humanity comes through in each main character, and even in the aliens. The book tends to be a bit repetitious at times, but the fascinating scenario kept my interest throughout.I did not read this book--I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Patrick Lawlor. The reading is creditable, but not the best. Some of the German accents are rendered with a Russian-like accent, and the narrator's voice is not always a pleasure to listen to.
I have found the entire World War Series interesting and entertaining. I do find that Turtledove tends to repeat information in his books to often, its not like his readers can't remember information from one book to another!Also Turtledove should stop writing sex dialog. Sorry buddy, you are just not very good at that.What Turtledove is great at is presenting history from an alturnate reality. I find the books captivating and wanting more. Could stand a little less of hearing (And I Great You Superior Sr) but hey its just the way Turtledove writes.Overall a great series that will keep you coming back for more.
What do You think about Second Contact (2000)?
Haven't read alternate history for a while, not usually something I search out (and sometimes I try and avoid it altogether if it involves Nazis). Well, this one does involve Nazis, but I don't have much choice in NYPL ebooks that I can read on my Palm. This is one my better ebook finds; the aliens are well-developed, many of the humans are interesting, thoughtful characters (though some feel stereotypical), and the plot (the uneasy co-existence of the two Races), while it moves slowly, is intriguing. I'm definitely reading the next in the series.
—Ruru
I went into this not sure what to expect. Not from the writing quality, I have enjoyed pretty much every book by Turtledove I've read, but by where the story was going. I have to say, I was pretty pleasantly surprised. I think this has to be my favorite in the series so far, although I feel like I've said that with every book in the series. I'm not sure if it's that Turtledove becomes a better writer with each book he writes or the story has just had a chance to really fold out and stretch it's arms.I think the series strong suit is in the small manners that the aliens and the Human's differ. They really are small manners, but seeing how those small things make for explosive or just surprising differences between the two societies is incredibly interesting.
—Holden Attradies
