The Breath of God

Turtledove does it again; he earns his money. This is a great book, but too short. Question: how does he write so many books a year? Does he use helpers? Read this book, but be prepared to wait for the ending. Johnthebookman

This book is an excellent continuation of Harry Turtledove's latest saga. As always, reading his work is rewarding and engrossing and this story is no letdown from the quality of his work. Any reader of alternative history, or alternative worlds will enjoy this series.

Mt favorite author for over 10 years. Great to get book the day of release instead of finding out 6 months latter !!

I have been a Turtledove fanatic for years and thrive on his alternate (whys isn't it alternative?) history stories. This book and its predecessor, "Beyond the Gap," are more fantasy than alternate history, but great reading. What makes them so good is more due to the great characters; Hamnet, Ulric, and Gudina(sp?); but the stories are good. I am awaiting the sequel.

A major part of what defended the Raumsdalian Empire was the glacier that surrounded the powerful nation. Now that impenetrable frozen defense has cracked open (see BEYOND THE GAP) allowing outsides to enter and threaten the clans. The most vicious and insidious is the Rulers, mages riding mammoths as they destroy anything in their path. Count Thyssen along with Northern Bizogot clan jarl Trasamund led an expedition beyond the glacier to explore the land the glacier and find the mythical Golden Shrine but soon return to the capital of Nidaris to rally the Raumsdalian forces against the invincible Rulers. Two battles result in Rulers slaughtering the opposition. Hamnet leads their withdrawal to fight another day as this battle is lost; the fleeing Raumsdalian army meets a new shaman Marcovefa who joins their side. The second Opening of the World thriller is a terrific novel that switches gear from the first tale, which was more of an exploration expedition, to a great military fantasy. The story line is fast-paced as the heroes flee after losing the battle to the more powerful Rulers. The romance between Marcovefa and Hamnet provides a humanizing touch especially since he has been burned by women starting with his cheating ex-wife and has doubts about a relationship that when it goes wrong could have secondary consequences on the empire and its people. Fans will relish Harry Turtledove's superb military fantasy. Harriet Klausner