The Protector's War

The Protector's War continues S.M. Stirling's post-apocalyptic Emberverse series, set eight years after a mysterious event called the Change rendered modern technology inoperable. The story takes place in Oregon's Willamette Valley, where various factions have established medieval-style societies and engage in territorial conflicts. The Portland Protective Association, a powerful feudal realm led by the Armingers, threatens the stability of smaller communities including Clan Mackenzie and the Bearkillers. Despite an official ceasefire, the PPA's barons conduct raids against their neighbors, creating mounting tensions that push the region toward war. The narrative introduces new characters from Britain, including Sir Nigel Loring and his companions, who flee their homeland by sea and become entangled in the power struggles of the Pacific Northwest. Their arrival coincides with escalating conflicts between the established factions. The novel explores themes of adaptation and survival in a transformed world, examining how different groups rebuild society according to their values and ambitions. Through its focus on military strategy and political maneuvering, the book considers questions of power, leadership, and the cost of maintaining civilization after catastrophic change.

Readers rate this second book in the Emberverse series lower than the first, with 4.0/5 on Goodreads (17,000+ ratings) and 4.4/5 on Amazon (300+ reviews). Readers appreciated: - Detailed descriptions of medieval combat and weaponry - Character development of Juniper Mackenzie and the Bearkillers - The expansion of the post-Change world beyond Oregon - Integration of Celtic and Wiccan cultural elements Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than Dies the Fire - Too much focus on military tactics and equipment specs - Less action than book one - Multiple storylines that take time to converge - Repetitive descriptions of food, clothing and ceremonies Several readers noted the book serves mainly to set up the third installment. As one Goodreads reviewer stated: "This feels like a bridge novel - necessary for the series but not as gripping as the first book." Many readers still recommended continuing the series to reach the payoff in book three.

Dies the Fire by S. M. Stirling The first book in the Emberverse series establishes the post-apocalyptic world where electricity and gunpowder cease functioning, forcing humanity to adapt to medieval technologies and social structures.

One Second After by William R. Forstchen An EMP attack destroys America's electrical infrastructure, leading a small town to rebuild society while dealing with resource scarcity and competing groups.

Into the Storm by Taylor Anderson A naval vessel is transported to an alternate world where humans never evolved, requiring the crew to establish new alliances and adapt their military knowledge to survive.

The Peshawar Lancers by S. M. Stirling A meteor strike in the 1870s forces humanity to rebuild civilization in the southern hemisphere, resulting in a neo-Victorian society with complex political rivalries.

Patriots by James Wesley Rawles The collapse of the U.S. economy leads to societal breakdown, compelling survivors to form communities and defend against hostile groups while rebuilding civilization.

🔰 S.M. Stirling wrote parts of this series while living in New Mexico, drawing inspiration from both Southwestern landscapes and his extensive research into medieval warfare. 🔰 The Willamette Valley setting was chosen for its agricultural richness and relative isolation, making it an ideal location for surviving communities in a post-technological world. 🔰 The combat scenes in the book draw heavily from historical Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) events, where participants recreate medieval fighting techniques. 🔰 The series' concept of "the Change" has influenced numerous other post-apocalyptic works and sparked discussions among physicists about the implications of sudden alterations to natural laws. 🔰 Many of the British characters' storylines were inspired by Stirling's own Scottish-English heritage and his fascination with Celtic cultural traditions.