This is the second book in the Ring of Fire series. The first book, 1632, begins with the mysterious transport of a small town in present-day West Virginia back to Germany in the middle of the Thirty Years War. After suspending my disbelief, I found the story to be surprisingly good with a fun cast of characters.

The second book in the series picks up where the first book ended and shows the Americans sending their diplomats to France, England, Scotland, and the Netherlands. This provides the reader with a wide overview of the worldwide events during the period of the Thirty Years War. Of course the events depart from the actual history we know but the author cleverly describes the original history and explains the differences that their time travel have caused.

This second book develops many of the characters who remain very entertaining. The book can be recommended for people who enjoy reading alternate history fiction but also for history buffs that already know something about the Thirty Years War. ( )

Call it not a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court but a West Virginia Labor Leader in Gustavus Adolphus’s Europe. Eric Flint picks up David Weber as co-author for this second installment of his Ring of Fire series. They are the thoroughbreds of Baen’s stable of military sci-fi and alternate history writers. When a modern West Virginia town is suddenly transported to late-Renaissance Europe, world leaders take a keen interest in its collection of history books, seeking to promote or prevent the events foretold in them. In England, for instance, Charles the First quickly arrests Oliver Cromwell, who has done nothing yet. Like it or not, the West Virginians have become the focus of European intrigue and war. Fun stuff. ( )

Not as gripping as 1632. Struggled to finish it. Not sure if I'll read any more in the series. ( )

Fun read, especially if you like history. I have to admit I had trouble putting it down, which is why I am yawning right now. Full of great characters both real and fictitious. If you like sci-fi and love history this is worth a read. ( )

The continuation of 1632 is aptly named 1633 and we land in 1633 where the West Virginians that found themselves transported 370 years back in time and across the globe are trying to secure their place in the world. A place that is to be as American as possible.

An important part of the security is the alliance with Gustav II Adolf's Sweden but in 1633 we follow the governments diplomatic ambitions, reaching out to all neighbouring powers. France, the Dutch, England as well as many smaller German countries. And yes, as you can see on the cover of the book, they are building a military as well. One with modern-ish weapon systems.

The book is really enjoyable, especially if you have an interest in history, and the downside is really that there is too much. I happen to know there are a dozen or two other books covering this so I guess I will get to read more.

My main criticism of the first book is that everything was very simplistic. Black or white. Good or evil. That is no longer true. At least not to the extent in the first book. This is just a better book and I was close to giving it a 4. ( )