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Ring of Fire

Ring of Fire is a collection of short stories set in the ‘Ring of Fire’ universe created by Eric Flint and introduced in ‘1632’.  They’re all short stories set between ‘1632’ and ‘1633’ and fill in gaps between the basic, local, setting of 1632 and the international setting of 1633.  Like any collection of stories, some are good and others are mediocre.  Many of the stories are based round the reaction of the religious establishment to the Ring of Fire. 

Preface : Eric Flint

This is just a short note on how the stories developed.  Interesting, but not fiction and not what we came to see.  <shouts> NEXT!

 

In the Navy : David Weber

David Weber's story "In the Navy" provides the background for the creation of the new American navy, which was such a prominent part of 1633.  The whole story is mainly about the strategic position that the town is in and the need for a navy.  Unluckily for Eddie, who realizes that the city needs a navy, there’s only one man in Grantville with the ability to build one – John Chandler Simpson.  This story adds a lot of depth to Simpson, moving him from a caricature of a racist to a reasonable man driven by his mind and intellect.  The single bad point about this story is that nothing big really happens.  We see how the republic’s become involved in the local area and hear lots about the future, but there is no real action. 

To Dye For : Mercedes Lackey

The character of Tom Stoner and his children, who appear in 1633 and will be major characters in the upcoming novel 1634: The Galileo Affair, are first introduced into the series by Mercedes Lackey in her story "To Dye For."  Cute and funny, particularly the names of the children.  One note, the method of social control mentioned by Stoner is unrealistic, one false accusation and someone’s life will be ruined.  I see a Walker from ISLAND IN THE SEA OF TIME in the making.

A Lineman For the Country : Dave Freer

Definitely my favorite story in the collection.  Two people who are practically social outcasts get together with a Scots trooper to form the first telephone in the area. 

Between the Armies : Andrew Dennis

What happens when a priest from 2000 meets a priest from 1632?  Add in the fact that most priests in that time are about as unholy as the British army in 1803 and you have an interesting development coming…

Biting Time : Virginia Easley DeMarce

Sweet story about the courtship of a German by a American and the foundation of the first German school in Grantville. 

Power to the People : Loren K. Jones

Short story about how the crew of the nearby power plant reacted to the Ring of Fire and their arrival in 1632. 

A Matter of Consultation : S.L. Viehl

20th century medicine is far better than the 16th, so why is Doctor Harvey of England having such problems grasping that?  This story is largely important because of what else the doctor finds out after realizing that the American medicine is far better than his talents – the fate of his master, King Charles of England…

Family Faith : Anette M. Pedersen

Short story about a German family and the catholic priest from 2000. 

When the Chips are Down : Jonathan Cresswell and Scott Washburn

Funny story about an attempt to make potato chips in 1632. 

American Past Time : Deann Allen and Mike Turner

A Baseball term in 1632?

Skeletons : Greg Donahue

A young recruit for the American army realizes that one of the worst people in the German nation has also enlisted with an evil plan…

A Witch to Live : Walt Boyes

Short story about witchhunters and a collision between the modern religious establishment and the one of 1632. 

The Three R's : Jody Dorsett

A man comes to grantville looking for help to keep his faith alive…


Here Comes Santa Claus : K.D. Wentworth

Julie, the sharpshooter, is determined that everyone will have a nice Christmas, while a group of German assassins turn up looking for her, who shot out the teeth of their master. 

The Wallenstein Gambit : Eric Flint

Would you make a deal with one of the worst men in Europe to save the members of your faith from a pogrom? 

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