The United States of Atlantis
England has driven the French from Atlantis, giving King George leave to tighten his control over the colonies. The Redcoats have seized the continent’s eastern coastal towns, depriving the Atlanteans of the markets where they sell their goods as part of a strategy to bend the colonists to their will.Instead, England’s tactics have only strengthened the Atlanteans’ resolve to be free. As leader of the revolutionaries, Victor Radcliff will make the English pay for each and every piece of land they dare to occupy, and will stop at nothing to preserve the liberty of his people as a new nation is born—a nation that will change the face of the world.
Product Details
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Several years after the events of 2007s Opening Atlantis, Victor Radcliff, now middle-aged, is called upon to lead the Atlantis colonies fight for independence from England. Victor, aided by his ex-slave friend Blaise, agrees to train and lead the ragtag colonial army against experienced British soldiers under Generals Howe and Cornwallis. Between battles, Victor and his friends debate questions of politics and religion, particularly the troubling dilemma of slavery. Readers familiar with the American Revolution will find analogues to Benjamin Franklin and Benedict Arnold as well as real figures, such as Marquis de la Fayette and Thomas Paine, and elements of real battles of the American Revolution. Victor excels as a general, but makes one personal error that sharply ramps up his stake in the developing conflict and opens the door for a third book. (Dec.)
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Review
“The unchallenged master of alternative history touches on a common myth in his latest retelling of the history of the world.”
—Library Journal
About the Author
Harry Turtledove, the New York Times bestselling author of numerous alternate history novels, has a Ph.D. in Byzantine history.
Customer Reviews
Harry and History Again
I slammed Atlantis - the first of this trilogy because of what I saw/didn't see of American history and where I though the series was/is going. I was right, but very wrong. Yes, this is a Radcliff/Washington symbiotica, yes there is a George w/o slavery. Yes, the Atlantean Assembly resembles the Continental Congress at its "best(?)" and, no, the other continent (Terranova) does not get in the way, except for a couple of incidents transplanted from our own history. More important, this one is a wonderful read. Harry comes out at his best in this one...smooooth, logical, tied together subplots and no totally unhistorical surprises. i was caught a bit aback by the ending... it leads me to question the historical divergence that the next book will bring. BUT that is its point and its treat. Harry, you've come back with this one. thank you !!
Alternate American Revolution and then some
This alternate history is obviously a version of the American Revolution, complete with an alternate George Washington, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin. Other real life people, de Lafayette and Von Steuben, also make apperances. Even the key cities of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, are included, albeit all with different names and some characteristics.
However, the book tends to go a bit deeper into topics such as slavery and the social impacts it has in this alternate reality. It also tends to highlight the fact that the Atlanteans are more interested in just being left alone, and not concerned with being subjects to a King or free citizens. They are more libertarian minded, a characteristic which we Americans, as a nation and society, have lost and need to return to.
Most of the action is various battles and tactics used by the Atlantean version of George Washington which is a fine backdrop to the aforementioned deeper topics.
An understanding of the American Reolution, beyond the basics covered in ours school systems these days, would be a great help to readers. Then again, it may just spark and interest in our real history in many readers.
(Paging David McCollough, paging McCullough and his remarkable book 1776)
The one flaw I found in the book, and about the only one really, was the lack of even one useable map of Atlantis. Those who are geographically challenged may find following the travels of the Atlantean Army somewhat confusing, especially with the place names changed.
Other than that minor flaw I found the book a worthy sequel and look forward to the next chapter in the series.
engaging alternate historical fantasy
The war with France is over as England has defeated the French; forcing them out of Atlantis. King George sends troops to solidify his control even as the Atlanteans are already upset over no representation in Parliament.
When the Redcoats turn the eastern seaports into occupation zones, the locals are outraged as they no longer can freely sell their goods. Increasingly Atlanteans are discussing revolution as their liberties are being trampled. The rebels choose former English officer with battle experience during the French War Victor Radcliff to lead their ragtag forces against the mightiest army in the world as he and others envision a new order of freedom for the THE UNITED STATES OF ATLANTIS.
The saga of the eighth continent (see OPENING ATLANTIS) continues in this engaging alternate historical fantasy.The story line is fast-paced and gripping with strong characters especially the reluctant hero Radcliff. However what hooks the audience is the obvious comparative analysis to the American Revolution as sub-genre fans will relish figuring out what is identical, similar, and radically different in the birth of a nation. Mr. Turtledove provides a refreshing middle tale.
Harriet Klausner
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