Ring of Fire III

Ring of Fire III is an anthology of twenty short stories set in the alternate history universe of the 1632 series, edited by Eric Flint and published by Baen Books in 2011. The collection features contributions from multiple authors who expand the series' premise of a modern American town transported to 17th-century Europe. The stories span various locations across Europe and Asia, including narratives about Irish mercenaries, Japanese emigrants in Siam, and political intrigue in France. Each tale explores different aspects of how modern knowledge and technology impact historical figures and events, from mathematical studies at Cambridge to oil exploration in Wietze. The anthology includes appearances by notable historical figures like John Milton and D'Artagnan, while also following the stories of fictional characters navigating this altered version of the Thirty Years' War period. Common plot elements involve technological innovation, cultural clashes, and adaptation to rapidly changing circumstances. The collection continues the series' examination of how small changes can have far-reaching historical consequences, particularly focusing on the intersection of 17th-century politics and modern democratic ideals.

Readers found this anthology less cohesive than previous Ring of Fire collections, with several describing it as "hit or miss." The short stories set in established 1632 locations resonated more with fans than those exploring new territories. Liked: - Builds depth in secondary characters and locations - Virginia DeMarce's detailed historical research - Stories that connect to main plot threads - Humor in "Second Issue" and "Postcards" Disliked: - Uneven quality between stories - Too many new characters/locations to track - Some stories feel disconnected from core narrative - Technical/political details overshadow character development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Common review quote: "The shorter stories work better than the novellas, which get bogged down in technical minutiae." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers noted this collection works for existing fans but isn't a good entry point for newcomers to the series.

1632 by Eric Flint A West Virginia town is transported to 17th-century Germany, creating an alternate history where modern Americans influence the Thirty Years' War.

Island in the Sea of Time by S. M. Stirling The island of Nantucket is sent back to the Bronze Age, forcing its residents to build a new civilization while interacting with ancient cultures.

Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove Time travelers supply the Confederate Army with AK-47s, changing the outcome of the American Civil War.

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card Future scientists travel back in time to alter the course of Columbus's voyage and prevent the devastating impact of colonization on Native Americans.

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson In an alternate timeline where the Black Death kills 99% of Europe's population, world history unfolds through the rise of Asian and Middle Eastern civilizations.

🔸 Eric Flint began his writing career relatively late at age 50, after working various jobs including as a labor union activist and machinist 🔸 The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was one of Europe's most devastating conflicts, reducing the German population by up to 40% and involving most major European powers 🔸 The series' key location, Grantville, is based on the real town of Mannington, West Virginia, chosen for its specific geographic and demographic characteristics 🔸 D'Artagnan, who appears in the anthology, was a real historical figure who served as captain of the Musketeers of the Guard and inspired Alexandre Dumas' famous character 🔸 The oil fields of Wietze mentioned in the stories became Germany's first commercial oil production site in 1859, though in reality they weren't discovered until long after the period depicted in the book