Designated Targets

Designated Targets, the second installment in John Birmingham's Axis of Time trilogy, continues the story of a multinational naval fleet from 2021 that was thrown back to 1942 during World War II. The arrival of this force has dramatically altered the course of the war, leading to unexpected alliances and new military strategies. In this alternate 1942, Hitler and Stalin have formed a temporary alliance, while Japan pushes south through the Pacific toward Australia. The presence of 21st-century military technology and knowledge has forced both Axis and Allied powers to adapt their tactics and reconsider their objectives. A special zone in California becomes home to the displaced people from 2021, creating a cultural and technological enclave that operates under futuristic laws. The complex dynamics between 1940s society and 21st-century values create tension as contemporary citizens seek opportunities within this advanced community. The novel explores themes of technological superiority versus numerical advantage, and examines how foreknowledge of historical events can both help and hinder military strategy. It raises questions about the responsibility that comes with advanced capabilities and the impact of modern values on a world not yet ready for them.

Readers rate this second book in Birmingham's Axis of Time trilogy lower than the first installment. Common feedback notes the slower pacing and reduced military action compared to Weapons of Choice. Positive reviews highlight: - Complex political machinations and character development - Historical accuracy and research - The exploration of how future technology impacts WWII - Multiple compelling storylines Critical reviews mention: - Too much focus on minor characters and subplots - Extended sections about logistics and planning - Less combat and naval warfare than expected - Some find the interpersonal drama excessive Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.93/5 (3,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (150+ ratings) One reader noted: "The action takes a backseat to politics and relationships, but sets up an epic conclusion." Another wrote: "Suffers from middle-book syndrome - lots of setup without enough payoff."

1632 by Eric Flint Modern Americans transported to 17th century Germany must use their technological knowledge and military skills to survive in a world torn by the Thirty Years' War.

The Final Countdown by Martin Caidin A modern aircraft carrier travels through time to December 6, 1941, forcing the crew to decide whether to prevent the Pearl Harbor attack and change the course of World War II.

Island in the Sea of Time by S. M. Stirling The island of Nantucket and its inhabitants are transported to 1250 BC, where they must establish new alliances and defend against ancient powers while maintaining their technological advantages.

Weapons of Choice by John Birmingham A multinational naval task force from 2021 is sent back to 1942, creating a new timeline where modern military technology and social values collide with World War II era forces and attitudes.

The Alexandria Project by William R. Forstchen A naval destroyer and its crew are thrown back in time to 47 BC Alexandria, where they become entangled in the civil war between Caesar and Ptolemy while trying to find a way home.

🔸 During the actual Battle of Midway in 1942, the U.S. Navy's decisive victory hinged on breaking Japanese codes - a feat that would be dramatically different with 2021's advanced electronic warfare capabilities. 🔸 John Birmingham originally gained fame for "He Died with a Felafel in His Hand," a humorous memoir about shared housing in Australia that became a cult classic and was adapted into both a play and film. 🔸 Time travel paradoxes in warfare were first explored in military fiction with Lyon Sprague de Camp's 1939 novel "Lest Darkness Fall," which influenced many later works in the genre. 🔸 The term "butterfly effect," which is crucial to time travel fiction like this, was coined by meteorologist Edward Lorenz in 1969 to describe how small changes can have massive consequences. 🔸 The USS Enterprise, one of the actual ships present in the Pacific Theater in 1942, survived more battle damage than any other U.S. carrier in WWII and earned 20 battle stars.