'Dies the Fire' is a unique approach to how people survive, group together, and thrive after an apocolyptic event that changes the world. It's the beginning of an epic story of survival and the continuation of the human race and the societies formed. With a mix of re-awakened medieval lifestyles, military survival tactics and a bit of witchcraft thrown in, the story takes on some very interesting aspects of what it takes to survive when the modern world has its modern basics snatched away. While the story in itself is enough to yank the reader in and keep them until the end, the writing and grammar style hold this first novel in a series back from being rated as Excellent. Grammatically, sentence structure leaves a bit to be desired and sometimes I find myself rewriting sentences (in my head) in ways to better convey the author's idea. In mixing adventure with drama and social interaction, the author does a good job. However, he could tone down a bit on the 'religiousity' (thanks Joss Whedon, for that new word!), and fill those pages with more character development. The social bonds are strong enough that relgious ceremony isn't needed for the reader to cement those bonds, wiccan or not. Being from the Northwest, it's definitely fun to see names and locations that are familiar. It's sometimes obvious the author isn't from the area, but he makes every effort to be as correct as possible. I will continue reading the series for certain.Read full review
First book of a trilogy, Stirling is heavy on witchcraft, debunks and undermines traditional Christianity, and brings out the worst of mankind....wait a minute, the book's thematic scenario is just fictional, alternative history, right? In his post-Change world, where "somebody" has messed up the laws of nature, the author gives life to new heros, a few good-hearted survivors band together against evil purposes, and true love and loyalty shine. The setting is terrific - backwoods Idaho and Oregon. On the other hand, knighthood is overdone a little, but when you have to go back 1200 years to locate any working technology, that's what you get. Good hand to hand combat, good drama, and a good beginning for the series. Recommended as a nine on a scale of 1 to 10.
Well written books...starting reading the series years ago...then started rereading just recently can't wait to get to the newest book I haven't read yet
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Well I sure enjoyed this read being from good Old Oregon for sure. The book was very imaginative and yet well researched to be a plausible and factual account of a future where technology as we have known it no longer exists. The characters were believable and very real, S.M. Stirling sure has wrought us a book to stand the test of time. Sincerely, William.
This book's got a unique premise: all electricity is abruptly wiped out by an unknown event. It's interesting because it shows just how much of civilization is based on something we take so much for granted. The story is interesting and moves along at a nice clip. Really, this could have been a lot longer and I wouldn't have complained. The Wiccan stuff got kind of boring, but in later books the author didn't bother so much with it.
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