1636: The Viennese Waltz

De: Eric Flint, Gorg Huff, Paula Goodlett

Narrado por: George Guidall

Book 18 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, and the team behind national best-seller 1635: The Kremlin Games.

After carving a free state for itself in war-torn 17th century Europe, citizens of the modern town of Grantville, West Virginia, contend with aristocratic forces determined to keep their grip on power whatever it takes.

When Grantville, West Virginia, was transported back to the year 1631 - in the middle of the Thirty Years' War, no less - many things happened. Many opportunities arose. It's said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Perhaps not quite as high as the Barbie Consortium rose, however .A cabal of 10- to 12-year-old girls? They aren't 12 anymore. And they gave up playing with dolls some years ago, when they sold them all and started an investment consortium. A consortium that did quite well.

The Barbie Consortium hits Vienna. In several different ways. The princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, the common men and women on the street have no idea what's about to happen. Neither do the girls, but they're determined it'll happen their way.

©2014 Eric Flint, Paula Goodlet & Gorg Huff (P)2014 Recorded Books

Again, you want more of the never ending story

Good characters by both author and narrator. Trials and tribulations, misdirection, wry humor ("von Uptime") and a happy ending, that you know is only a pause in the grand March of the new history.

It is a dance.

The intricate interplay of politics, plots, economics, and relationships all dance around each other to move the story forward. Loved it like all the titles. George is the boss of all voice actors and narrators.

Great addition to the series.

I was skeptical about the storyline. But as an overall addition to the series, it was highly enjoyable. I liked it more than I thought I would. I recommend it.

good book terrible place for new readers

the book was good but is confusing if you have not read all of the short stories in this series

Great addition to the 163xverse!

This book helps set up the next major struggle on the horizon, the Ottoman Empire. Will be great to see Europe rise up and defend them themselves against the onslaught.

great book with a insightful story

Really enjoyed the book I thought it was well Don and provided a great story within the 1632 universe. Would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the series and it is a pretty good story stand-alone also.

Great story - abrupt ending

Very finance heavy. Enjoyable read. Abrupt ending. As always the narration is great.

You may want to read the Barbie consortium before this, it has heavy references to that story.

Great addition to the collection

The Austrian government has been the antagonist for most of the series thus far, the HRE representing the ogre of fanatical Catholicism. Now we see how a change in the leadership and a change in policy can BEGIN to shift attitudes and positions in positive directions. But, we also see how resistant people in general are to rapid change. The “up-timers” are no welcomed by cheering throngs as liberators, and technology is not the great equalizer of society as so many less-informed authors of time travel novels seem to think it is.
If you are looking for military actions and battles, skip this book, you will get the gist of the events from other works.
If you are a fan of social change, cultural psychology, and court intrigue, this is the book for you! Either way, a fantastic addition to the Ring Of Fire series!

Worth it

Ok first the complaints- the narrator isn't bad but really doesn't fit this particular story very well. The pluses- great plot, a return of some of my favorite characters from the Gazette.

The rise of the Barbies

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this particular story as much as others in the series, but I wad pleasantly surprised. I also learned a little bit about"high finance" and monetary theory. Always nice to bed entertained as you learn!

I love the reader, by the way. He really knows how to bring the many distinct characters alive with the smallest inflection of his voice. Very well done!