Don't let the ratings fool you!

A 4 star book is nothing to be snuffed at, if I could have given it 4.5 I would have, but I felt 5 stars would be a step to far. I know this is part of what makes Turtledove a great writer but I enjoyed the progression of the old characters as well as the introduction of the new. He doesn't get stuck in tropes of how the characters from the Worldwar series have moved on with their lives. A slightly slow starter of a book considering how exited I was to see those old characters who are now 20 years older. But good things come to those who wait. It's downfall is the narrator. He actually does have a terrific voice, he can use tone, intonation and inflection go give great depth to the storytelling. But his accents for different nationalities and the aliens are not of the calibre this story deserves. He does improve as the story goes on but it's still not a patch on Todd McLaren. A criticism I have heard regarding this and the previous novels is the extended used of sexual content. It can get uncomfortable at times but I think that makes you sympathise with the character more at the end. I am more familiar with sexual content in movies and tv, sometimes some of those moments felt that they were there for the sensationalism and didn't add to the story. I feel they do add and more challenge you as a reader. Inspired writing.

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great story 😊

watch out for the twists and turns, the narrator plays the parts so well. go for it

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Very Race Like

Just like an invention by The Race this book is not heart stoppingly fast, even paced and methodical with the odd burst of speed Mr Turtledove is so precise and accurate with his writing you find this orderly pace interesting enough as to be enjoyable. He is a genius at building up tension in the reader of his tale slowly but surely. He's equally as good at creating fictional characters personalities to be realistic enough to interact smoothly with known historical figures whom you'd believe Harry had met in person. I loved this book it follows on brilliantly from the original series that I read years ago. Patrick Lawlors narration has you picturing yourself witnessing events and believing that's how the Lizards would sound. I can't wait to download the next in the series. I will be hearing a lot more of Mr Turtledove in the near future.

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2 people found this helpful

Great book

First of all: the bad: Todd McLarren who narrated the World War books (which give the story before the Colonization series) is so good at it that Patrick Lawlor seems lackluster. Patrick Lawlor cant/doesnt do as many different voices and accents so at first it was sometimes (not often) difficult to follow which character is actually talking Now: the good: It was written by Harry Turtledove and that says all you need to know.

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The authors age and social background!

Good continuation of the story, jumping into the sixties from the forties. Some clever ideas on the side effects of ginger on ‘the race’. Lots of colloquialisms used. Some human ones used by the race, but substituted with lizard body parts etc. which I felt wearisome. ‘Coloured’ used instead of ‘black’ which was also irritating to me, maybe the author was trying to reflect the attitudes and racism of the time.


Oh and ginger is a spice not a (h)erb!
The narrator gave a good crack at the accents, but some were pretty awful. Saying that the alternate Earth history has been well thought out and its a good yarn.

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