Opening Atlantis

October 1, 2007
Turtledove explores the mythical lost continent of Atlantis in this somewhat formulaic alternate history, the first volume of a planned trilogy revolving around the colonization of the legendary island. When an English fisherman discovers an isolated paradise between Europe and Terranova (North America) during the reign of King Henry VI, he and a group of disgruntled countrymen pack up and set sail for a new life. Free from social, political and religious repression, Edward Radcliffe and his family thrive until an exiled nobleman shows up on the shores with dreams of establishing a new kingdom with himself on the throne. Generations pass and Radcliffe's descendants find themselves fighting with colonists from rival nations and bickering among themselves. Featuring Turtledove's trademark multithread narrative and realistic depiction of warfare and its aftermath, the predictable story is disappointing; readers hoping to find Atlantis full of advanced civilizations or mythical creatures will have to settle for oversized, flightless birds, miles of undeveloped wilderness and the inevitable struggle between settlers from opposing countries.

October 15, 2007
In the mid-15th century, the race is on to settle the New Worldnot the American continents, but the eighth continent of Atlantis. From its first settlement of New Hastings to the secrets hidden in its interior, the New World offers all those who dare venture there treasures and danger. The unchallenged master of alternative history touches on a common myth in his latest retelling of the history of the world. "New York Times" best-selling author Turtledove's ("Days of Infamy") many fans and anyone interested in the Atlantis mystique should enjoy this series opener.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
The distinguished alternate historian now follows the trail blazed in his Beyond the Gap (2007) with a trilogy opener arising from alternate geography. In this case, when the continents took final shape, what is North Americas East Coast region on our maps instead constituted a large island halfway across the Atlantic. Its discovery by Breton fishers and settlement by English ones in the midfifteenth century leads to its being named Atlantis. The Wars of the Roses lead to what could be called a hostile takeover attempt by an exiled feudal magnate, whose fate is sealed by English yeomanly stubbornness backed up with longbows. Some generations later, the founding Ratcliffe family is divided into two factions, merchants and pirates, and after a knock-down, drag-out naval campaign, the merchants are out on top, despite the pirate kings ferocious daughter, Ethel. By the mideighteenth century, Spanish, French, and British Atlanteans square off against one another in their version of the French and Indian War, with yet another Ratcliffe playing a prominent part and the Spanish slaves doing likewise by rising against their masters. Anticipating the fun that should arise from what Turtledoves inimitable ingenuity, backed by high historiography, will do to the Napoleonic, American Civil, and World Wars will make readers impatient to see the rest of the trilogy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

December 17, 2007
Even in his lesser efforts, like this start of a trilogy about the Lost Continent of Atlantis, Turtledove is still the master of alternative history. Helped by the cool understatement of Todd McLaren, who makes all the "What ifs?" of the genre fresh and believable, listeners should plunge right into this predictable but intriguing story of the discovery of an unknown island during the reign of Henry VI by a wandering English fisherman. Fed up with political repression, the fisherman, his family and a few friends head for the promised paradise-only to find themselves pitted against an exiled nobleman who wants to rule the island. McLaren makes all the voices distinct and identifiable, from lowly Brits and smarmy lords to the foreigners flocking to Atlantis. There's not much magic or even the startling hooks on which Turtledove has hung earlier books (like the sudden arrival of repeating rifles during the American Civil War in Guns of the South), but Turtledove fans will appreciate McLaren's efforts. Simultaneous release with the Roc hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 1).