S.M. Stirling
Dies the Fire (2004)
Author: S.M. Stirling
Genre: Science Fiction (Alternate History/Post-Apocalypse/Adventure)
Plot Summary:
In March of 1998, a sudden flash of white light renders all electrical and digital technology useless. Chaos and violence ensue as people scurry to secure food supplies and safe lodging. The story follows two characters and their growing bands of followers — ex-Marine/wilderness pilot Mike Havel (head of the Bearkillers) and Wiccan High Priestess Juniper Mackenzie (head of the Mackenzie clan). The Bearkillers and the Mackenzies independently encounter — and later team up to challenge — the Protector, an opportunistic medieval history professor who is determined to gain control of the Pacific Northwest by re-instituting feudalism. SPOILER: Mike and Juniper win the battle but not the war when they clash with the Protector’s minions, and the Protector is sure to figure prominently in the rest of the trilogy. The book ends with the Wiccan dedication ceremony of Mike and Juniper’s newborn son, who promises to become a powerful and important character in future books.
Geographical Setting: Oregon and Idaho
Time Period: late 1990s (begins in March 1998)
Series: first book in a planned trilogy
Appeal Characteristics:
intriguing premise; meticulous and thought-provoking — yet also action-packed — examination of big issues (e.g., the nature of civilization, the enduring power of mythology/mythmaking); detailed descriptions of wilderness survival techniques, farming, and weapon use/creation; strong, capable, increasingly mythical central characters; gritty, thrilling battle scenes
Similar Authors:
Eric Flint; Harry Harrison; Harry Turtledove; David Weber
Red Flags:
Lots of violence (e.g., detailed descriptions of death and dismemberment with weapons like knives, crossbows, sledge hammers, swords, garden/farming implements, etc.); instances of cannibalism; some derogatory language and profanity; a few sexual situations
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