1635: A Parcel of Rogues

A Parcel of Rogues Eric Flint and Andrew Dennis continue the fabulous series about the West Virginia town suddenly transported to 17th century Germany, smack in the middle of the 30 years war. We are nearly to twenty volumes in the main line of the series not even counting a number of collections of short stories and novellas. People like this series. So do I. Flint has written entirely or with a co-writer all of the books in the series. Andrew Dennis also co-penned "The Galileo Affair" and "The Cannon Law" in the series. We left a parcel of characters in England after the spectacular jail break from the Tower of London several volumes ago. These characters include Oliver Cromwell, in our time line a regicide and revolutionary, Julie Mackay-the most deadly rifle shot in Europe and others familiar to us. They struggle to reach safety in Scotland while a pack of hired royal agents try to capture or kill them. King Charles knows who in our time line opposed him. He wants those opponents dead dead dead. His hired parcel of rogues aim to make that possible. Flint has created a vast cast of characters by now. Many of them showcase the virtues of small town America. His characters have a strong sense of their individual worth and show steady common sense, a desire to advance even under bizarre circumstances and an innate goodness that we like and appreciate. Except of course for the American transplants who have less admirable qualities like invincible ignorance and vile bigotry. Flint also brings a wide and deep knowledge of early modern history and social structure. The historical world his transplanted Americans inhabit has a strong feeling of reality and authenticity. I learn a lot with every volume. There is plenty of action, sweet romance and tragedy to keep our interest up. The best thing that I can say about this book is that I look forward to the next collaboration of these two authors.

I tend to write long reviews, but since much has already been said, here is my own little addition...I find the history interesting and well construed. The what if this then this is great. The people real and three dimensional. I enjoyed the different perspectives & development of existing characters. Not everyone seems to be thrilled with Mike Stearns here without being in outright opposition to him.NICE plot, puts meat into it, things do not just occur, the why & how is given. Character also grow, & story flows. A most enjoyable read.Once you read 1633 I would recommend reading he Grantville Gazettes I, 2 & 3 beforee going on to "1634 The Baltic War" as there is some background information in them. If you like the historical aspects of this series I think you will enjoy the "Gazettes" as they also have articles on the reality of the 1632 universe.Below is a reading order list taken from Eric Flint's website to help you navigate this universe.1632 Ring of Fire 1633 1634: The Baltic War(Somewhere along the way, after you’ve finished 1632, read the stories and articles in the first three paper edition volumes of the Gazette.)1634: The Ram Rebellion 1634: The Galileo Affair 1634: The Bavarian Crisis 1635: A Parcel of Rogues(Somewhere along the way, read the stories and articles in the fourth paper edition volume of the Gazette.)Ring of Fire II 1635: The Cannon Law 1635: The Dreeson Incident 1635: The Tangled Web (by Virginia DeMarce)(Somewhere along the way, read the stories in Gazette V.)1635: The Papal Stakes 1635: The Eastern Front 1636: The Saxon Uprising Ring of Fire III 1636: The Kremlin Games(Somewhere along the way, read the stories in Gazette VI.)1636: Commander Cantrell in the West Indies1636: The Cardinal Virtues1635: Music and Murder (by David Carrico—this is an e-book edition only)1636: The Devil’s Opera1636: Seas of Fortune (by Iver Cooper)1636: The Barbie Consortium (by Gorg Huff and Paula Goodlett—this is an e-book edition only)1636: The Viennese Waltz(Somewhere along the way, read the stories in Gazette VII.)Ring of Fire IV (forthcoming May, 2016)1636: The Chronicles of Dr. Gribbleflotz (forthcoming August, 2016)1636: The Ottoman Onslaught (forthcoming January, 2017)

A nice continuation of the 1632 "history". Yes, maybe a bit slow, but I enjoyed the spinning out of the tale. Greatly impressed by Eric Flint's mastery of A. British/Scots/English politics of the era and B. The Scottish brogue. The latter so much that understanding was sometimes difficult. A follow-on book is obviously needed so we find out whether Scotland become independent and whether Oliver Cromwell leads another rebellion. Too bad these books come out infrequently.

Eric Flint started the 1632 series about the town of Grantville WV being transported lock, stock, and barrel from the 1980s by a cosmic event back to Germany in 1632 and right into the 30 years war. This alternate history series combines great dialogue with interesting historical facts to weave a fantastic story. 1635 is one of the later books in the series that continues the character development of some of the many residents of Grantville ("up-timers") as well as their allies and enemies of the time period into which they were dropped ("down-timers"). The up-timers are just trying to survive in a primitive time. The down-timers learn about the future that might have been by reading books in the Grantville library; then they try to make sure that future won't come to pass, along with trying to develop up-time technology in their 1632 technological base in order to get an advantage in their wars.. Flint has a unique sense of humor and terrific plot lines. This is not typical science fiction; it really is alternate history, with an accurate portrayal of the real history and times. Start with 1632 first and work through the series in order. A truly great read. Very hard to put down.

A reasonable addition to the series and follow on to the episode in the tower of London, but not as fast paced or engaging.

Good fun, with a nice focus on characters new and old along with the poliical problems in England and Scotland evolving or devolving as the case maybe.

After escaping the Tower Oliver Cromwell and company are on the run. The first half of the novel is a chase through the country side of England. Being the 1600s speed is slow by modern times and gives plenty of room and time for adventure. The second half deals with the joys of Scottish politics. Religion, feuds, crown loyalists vs rebels with the knowledge from uptime to really muddy the waters. I felt sorry for those working for king Charles it seems that he's determined to kick off the civil war early. I'll be reading the next entry.

Chronologically follows the correct timeline, although it wasn't correct in very minor instances. Still a fun series thus far. Book 20 written although Book 8 in the timeline...

Tolle Reihe.