The Sky-Blue Wolves

By: S.M. Stirling

Narrated by: Todd McClaren

The epic conclusion to the New York Times best-selling Change series set in a turbulent post-apocalyptic world in which humans have rebuilt society after the collapse of advanced technology.

Two generations after the Change, Crown Princess Orlaith struggles to preserve the hard-won peace her father brought to Montival - the former Western US. But the Change opened many doors, and through them, powers strong, strange, and terrible walk once more among humankind.

With her fire-forged friend and ally Japanese Empress Reiko, Orlaith must take up her sword to stop the spread of the mad malignancy behind the Yellow Raja that has imprisoned her brother, Prince John.

From the emerging superpower of Mongolia, the Sky-Blue Wolves of the High Steppe ride once more beneath the banners of Genghis Khan - the thunder of their hooves resounding across a world in turmoil.

©2018 S.M. Stirling (P)2018 Recorded Books

dissatisfied

for a well to put together and elaborate series the ending felt rushed and vague

Like a going away party for your best friend

I was hesitant to get this at first, knowing it was the conclusion. I loved this series like few others, and it was almost like the looming date for my best friend’s going away party; you’re sad for the occasion, but know you’ll regret not going to wish your buddy luck and farewell. You’re excited for their new endeavors, but afraid the experience will be marred by your selfish feelings of loss.

Well, let me tell you, SM Stirling can throw a HELL of a party, one that makes you forget it’s maybe the last time you’ll see them and cheer for everyone in attendance.

From minute one, the action and narrative is in full force. The book manages to recap nearly 50 years of (alternative) history while still driving the current narrative at breakneck speed. The fights are intense and detailed, the cultures are exotic and incredibly distinct, and yes, every meal is mouth-wateringly depicted. The battle strategies and politicking still made my mouth drop, even after I thought I’d figured everything out.

As big as all the other books were, this one felt MASSIVE. From what started as a few people in a cabin and the mountains of Idaho turned into a truly global affair. From moose-eating Vikings in the Northeastern reaches of the US, to Lakota horsemen (and women!) in the Great Plains, to Maori warriors and Australian pirates (and a few others I’ll leave out for fear of spoilers), every culture felt real and fleshed out. It’s not every author that can write a book where cowboys and Indians with machetes work together to form a light cavalry screen so that Norman knights and samurai can get ready for a charge & seem believable, but Stirling certainly does.

In short, the book was wonderful, and serves as a fitting end to the series. I certainly hope I’ll see another book in the series, but if I don’t, I’ll still feel happy knowing that the Changed world goes on.

disappointing end to a great series

This edition lacked plot depth most of the other books in the change series had. first half was slow building, and the 2nd half just rushed to the end.

Good But Rushed

I have loved listening to all of The Change novels but this one felt kind of rushed. The cover of the book says that this is the final novel of The Change so I guess he's ready to move on. There was very little character development of the new characters and not a whole lot reasons why the existing characters acted the way that they do other than it was fated. An enjoyable read but the writer is obviously done and ready to move on .

I'm sorry but...

You know, for such a dynamic series where you can get wrapped up in character's lives, this conclusion was underwhelming.
Mr. Stirling owed it to this epic to write a better conclusion. Oh well, such a bummer