1636: The Kremlin Games

Ring of Fire

By: Eric Flint, Gorg Huff, Paula Goodlett

Narrated by: George Guidall

Acclaimed as "a technothriller set in the age of the Medicis" by Publishers Weekly, Eric Flint's best-selling Ring of Fire series has redefined the alternate-history genre.

In this 10th novel, auto mechanic Bernie Zeppi heads to Moscow to bring Russia into the Industrial Revolution, 300 years ahead of schedule. War with Poland looms, but Bernie is more focused on a beautiful Russian noblewoman. Can he protect them both from the power struggles raging inside the Kremlin?

©2012 Eric Flint, Gorg Huff & Paula Goodlett (P)2012 Recorded Books

I love this series

I thought I could get this series in order, but between Audible not having all volumes, and the randomness of the volumes, that's impossible.

The premise is wonderful, a West Virginia town transplanted to 1633 Germany, during the 30 years war. You can't follow it in order, because the 30 years war was so fragmented, you study the Pope, Germany, Sweden, etc. all separately, there isn't a lot of continuity.

The characters are well done. The history, I don't know, I haven't really studied it. The suppositions are very interesting, and well done.

George Guidall is my second favorite narrator, and he does a great job keeping accents and characters straight, and helping me move with the story.

A Favorite Spin off

This is my favorite spin off from the 1632 series started by Eric Flint. I love the characters and the thoughtful way they get into and out of trouble as the book moves along. Eagerly anticipating the sequel!

Now that a few years have passed I have read this novel cover to cover multiple times, once ever 12-18 months. The story is a lot of fun with people working hard to make their corner of the world a better place using every practical means that is at their disposal, and inventing a few of their own as time goes on. The second book "1637 The Volga Rules" is nearly as much of a treasure and the third novel in the series "1638 The Sovereign States" is due to be published on September 1, 2023.

In anticipation I purchased the first two novels in Audible format and this one was a great listening experience. The narrator has a mellow voice that is easy to listen too and expresses the different characters well.

Fantastic Story

Eric Flint, et al, do it again with a great story, full of intrigue, well developed characters, and some twists in the curves of time in this alternative history of the 17th century.

About time. Just about right

What made the experience of listening to 1636: The Kremlin Games the most enjoyable?

I have been waiting for audio versions of the book for some time now. The fact that I have it is wonderful.

What other book might you compare 1636: The Kremlin Games to and why?

It is similar to the other Ring of Fire Books and Grantville Gazette. There are something like 13 novels and 46 editions of the Gazette, of which 10 or so are in paper. The first 6 novels were recorded for the blind. There is a lot of territory to make up and us fans are chomping at the bit.

Any additional comments?

Not my favorite narrator, If it sounded more detailed I’d like him a lot more. The first five volumes done by Eric Sandvold at NLS are the benchmark for this series for those who have been reading these on audio who are blind or otherwise impaired. The sound quality is rough, mildly distorted and oddly mastered, no resonance, like it was squeezed out. If he is recording in a proper studio, something is wrong. Sometimes a mic, a wire and a recorder is all you need.

Love those Russians!

I have listened to the whole series. I have enjoyed them very much. My only complaint has been the DETAILED !!! descriptions of battles which I do not enjoy. This is the best so far, in many ways because they focus on the characters and not the battle scenes.

Entertaining and fun! Hope there is more to come!