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Make the Darkness Light #2
The Winds of Fate
Artorius and his team must race against time to thwart a looming clash between two ancient powers, navigating a treacherous landscape where their actions could rewrite history and spark a catastrophic conflict.
In a world where history can be rewritten at will, the threads of destiny intertwine in ways no one could have foreseen.
Years after their groundbreaking journey into the past, Artorius and his team stumble upon a devastating the Chinese government has dispatched five time-travelers and a trove of advanced technology back to 165 CE, during the waning days of the Han dynasty. While believed they were guiding Rome toward a new era of modernization and unity, the emergence of Chinese influence threatens to unravel everything they have fought for.
As whispers of innovation ripple through the ancient world, Artorius and his companions realize they are in a race against time—not just to protect their vision for a united future, but to prevent a catastrophic clash that could bring about nuclear war centuries sooner than they ever imagined.
With their own presence now at risk of exposure, they must navigate the treacherous waters of politics, technology, and culture in a world caught between two colossal powers. As the balance of history teeters on a knife's edge, loyalties will be tested, alliances forged, and the very fabric of fate will hang in the balance.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Praise for To Turn the
“Compelling time-travel adventure.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of The Oppenheimer Alternative
“Move over, Martin Padway! The new world changers just hit town. To Turn the Tide is Steve Stirling at his best, which is a pretty darned high bar. I loved it!” —David Weber
“To Turn the Tide is an exhilarating return to alternate history from a grandmaster of the genre, and it shouldn’t be missed.” —Analog SF Magazine
S.M. Stirling is the New York Times best-selling author of the Draka series, the Lords of Creation series, and the Emberverse series, among others. With David Drake, he is the author of several novels in the General series. He cowrote novels in the Falkenberg’s Legion series with Jerry Pournelle. A former lawyer and amateur historian, he lives in New Mexico with his wife, Jan.
In a world where history can be rewritten at will, the threads of destiny intertwine in ways no one could have foreseen.
Years after their groundbreaking journey into the past, Artorius and his team stumble upon a devastating the Chinese government has dispatched five time-travelers and a trove of advanced technology back to 165 CE, during the waning days of the Han dynasty. While believed they were guiding Rome toward a new era of modernization and unity, the emergence of Chinese influence threatens to unravel everything they have fought for.
As whispers of innovation ripple through the ancient world, Artorius and his companions realize they are in a race against time—not just to protect their vision for a united future, but to prevent a catastrophic clash that could bring about nuclear war centuries sooner than they ever imagined.
With their own presence now at risk of exposure, they must navigate the treacherous waters of politics, technology, and culture in a world caught between two colossal powers. As the balance of history teeters on a knife's edge, loyalties will be tested, alliances forged, and the very fabric of fate will hang in the balance.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Praise for To Turn the
“Compelling time-travel adventure.” —Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of The Oppenheimer Alternative
“Move over, Martin Padway! The new world changers just hit town. To Turn the Tide is Steve Stirling at his best, which is a pretty darned high bar. I loved it!” —David Weber
“To Turn the Tide is an exhilarating return to alternate history from a grandmaster of the genre, and it shouldn’t be missed.” —Analog SF Magazine
S.M. Stirling is the New York Times best-selling author of the Draka series, the Lords of Creation series, and the Emberverse series, among others. With David Drake, he is the author of several novels in the General series. He cowrote novels in the Falkenberg’s Legion series with Jerry Pournelle. A former lawyer and amateur historian, he lives in New Mexico with his wife, Jan.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
100 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Stirling
172 books1,636 followersStephen Michael Stirling is a French-born Canadian-American science fiction and fantasy author. Stirling is probably best known for his Draka series of alternate history novels and the more recent time travel/alternate history Nantucket series and Emberverse series.
MINI AUTO-BIOGRAPHY:
(personal website: source)
I’m a writer by trade, born in France but Canadian by origin and American by naturalization, living in New Mexico at present. My hobbies are mostly related to the craft. I love history, anthropology and archaeology, and am interested in the sciences. The martial arts are my main physical hobby.
MINI AUTO-BIOGRAPHY:
(personal website: source)
I’m a writer by trade, born in France but Canadian by origin and American by naturalization, living in New Mexico at present. My hobbies are mostly related to the craft. I love history, anthropology and archaeology, and am interested in the sciences. The martial arts are my main physical hobby.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 4, 2025
Roman Industialization
The time-displaced Americans earn their place in Rome with innovations in medicine, agriculture, and weapons. Which is all very fine, until they discover China sent a team to unify China and conquer the world. Well done. And readers who like the knowledge from the future of the 1632 series will enjoy it here.
The time-displaced Americans earn their place in Rome with innovations in medicine, agriculture, and weapons. Which is all very fine, until they discover China sent a team to unify China and conquer the world. Well done. And readers who like the knowledge from the future of the 1632 series will enjoy it here.
March 25, 2025
Who doesn't love a good counterfactual/alternate history/time travel story? I enjoy the world building and technology advancements and how the what ifs branch out in all sorts of ways.
I was a little concerned the author was introducing new protagonists and how that would detract from the story I was enjoying, but I found that overall it embellished the story so I'm okay with it!
I sure hope he can keep up the pace, doing a new book about once a year.
I was a little concerned the author was introducing new protagonists and how that would detract from the story I was enjoying, but I found that overall it embellished the story so I'm okay with it!
I sure hope he can keep up the pace, doing a new book about once a year.
July 4, 2025
I like this book at least a bit more than the first in the series, To Turn the Tide. They are quite similar, but in this one the story seems somewhat more lively and gripping.
I’d like to give the first book a bit more than 3 stars and this one a bit less than 4 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t permit that.
The time travellers from the future at last encounter enemies within the Roman Empire, although that turns out to be a small problem. On the whole, Roman citizens of all kinds cooperate remarkably well with the flood of innovations they’re faced with. It’s in their interest to do so, but in real life humans are often not sensible enough to realize that.
There is a more significant problem: Chinese time travellers are passing on technology to 2nd-century China, trying to make it a serious rival to the Roman Empire. That problem is not resolved in this book; perhaps it will be resolved in the next.
Although this book has quite an engaging story, its pace is slowed in two ways:
1. The author is determined to show off his research with frequent infodumps about this and that. These may be of some interest, but they interrupt the story.
2. He doesn’t assume that readers of this book have read the previous one, so every now and then he provides infodumps about things that happened in it. This is rather irritating if you’ve read the previous book recently enough to remember it well. I believe that this kind of infodump should be served up all together in a preface that can easily be skipped by readers who don’t need or want it.
I’d like to give the first book a bit more than 3 stars and this one a bit less than 4 stars, but Goodreads doesn’t permit that.
The time travellers from the future at last encounter enemies within the Roman Empire, although that turns out to be a small problem. On the whole, Roman citizens of all kinds cooperate remarkably well with the flood of innovations they’re faced with. It’s in their interest to do so, but in real life humans are often not sensible enough to realize that.
There is a more significant problem: Chinese time travellers are passing on technology to 2nd-century China, trying to make it a serious rival to the Roman Empire. That problem is not resolved in this book; perhaps it will be resolved in the next.
Although this book has quite an engaging story, its pace is slowed in two ways:
1. The author is determined to show off his research with frequent infodumps about this and that. These may be of some interest, but they interrupt the story.
2. He doesn’t assume that readers of this book have read the previous one, so every now and then he provides infodumps about things that happened in it. This is rather irritating if you’ve read the previous book recently enough to remember it well. I believe that this kind of infodump should be served up all together in a preface that can easily be skipped by readers who don’t need or want it.
August 28, 2025
This has the same fascinating presentation of the history of technology--and especially military technology--as the first book of the series, but it's not as much fun. It contains extensive descriptions of "what has gone before" and extensive discourse on not only how the technology introduced in this book made the Romans more prosperous, and more deadly in battle, but recapitulations of the equivalent discourse about innovations *new things* introduced in the first book. Some of this information is repeated--almost word-for-word--in multiple places in this volume.
One major difference between this book and the first volume, is that there is seldom a sense that the characters, or the military enterprises they are engaged in, are seriously threatened. The military tech is too overwhelmingly powerful. There were several fights in the first book where the protagonists just barely squeaked out a victory, or escaped with their lives. Not so here.
Moreover, "Winds of Fate" suffers from a shallow plot arc common in middle books. There is no dramatic conflict. The overall adversary has been identified, but they have not engaged each other in a serious way.
I liked it, but it was focused on world-building and summary of the economic and societal impacts of technology, and not so much by character-driven plot.
One major difference between this book and the first volume, is that there is seldom a sense that the characters, or the military enterprises they are engaged in, are seriously threatened. The military tech is too overwhelmingly powerful. There were several fights in the first book where the protagonists just barely squeaked out a victory, or escaped with their lives. Not so here.
Moreover, "Winds of Fate" suffers from a shallow plot arc common in middle books. There is no dramatic conflict. The overall adversary has been identified, but they have not engaged each other in a serious way.
I liked it, but it was focused on world-building and summary of the economic and societal impacts of technology, and not so much by character-driven plot.
July 12, 2025
Arthur Vandenberg and his team of graduate students barely escaped the end of the world by slipping back in time to 165 CE. Their knowledge of Roman history combined with modern technology will help make Rome strong enough to possibly prevent the end of the world 2,000 years later. That was To Turn The Tide, which I HIGHLY recommend.
Now, in The Winds of Fate, Artorius and company are accelerating the progress of Rome, aided and supported by Marcus Aurelius, the last of the "Good Emperors." But it turns out they weren't alone...
This might even be better than the first book, but it is certainly equal. I think it's some of the best that S.M. Stirling has ever written, and that is saying a lot!
(Oh, ignore the stupid cover. The publisher thinks turning Artorius into a dumb, musclebound cartoon of a soldier will sell more copies. At least Steve was able to make the artist change the tatoo from Marines to Rangers, because that's what Artorius was).
Now, in The Winds of Fate, Artorius and company are accelerating the progress of Rome, aided and supported by Marcus Aurelius, the last of the "Good Emperors." But it turns out they weren't alone...
This might even be better than the first book, but it is certainly equal. I think it's some of the best that S.M. Stirling has ever written, and that is saying a lot!
(Oh, ignore the stupid cover. The publisher thinks turning Artorius into a dumb, musclebound cartoon of a soldier will sell more copies. At least Steve was able to make the artist change the tatoo from Marines to Rangers, because that's what Artorius was).
September 10, 2025
The second book in S. M. Stirling's time travel/alternate history series. Like the first book, this summary also tells you everything you need to know about this book.
Can the future fate of the world be changed to stop humanity from destroying everything in a fiery nuclear holocaust?
Five reluctant American time travelers transported to ancient Rome have got a chance to try. At least, they do until they discover the hated Chinese government, responsible for the first nuclear launches, has also sent a team back to Imperial China. The arms race begins again. Will the world destroy itself once more?
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for the rest of the series to release to read as the story unfolds.
Another light read if you are looking simply for entertainment.
Can the future fate of the world be changed to stop humanity from destroying everything in a fiery nuclear holocaust?
Five reluctant American time travelers transported to ancient Rome have got a chance to try. At least, they do until they discover the hated Chinese government, responsible for the first nuclear launches, has also sent a team back to Imperial China. The arms race begins again. Will the world destroy itself once more?
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait for the rest of the series to release to read as the story unfolds.
Another light read if you are looking simply for entertainment.
September 8, 2025
I hate to give one of my favorite authors a two star review. But this book really contrasts badly with the works he's written before. It's clear he's done a ton of research on the period in question, and it shows, but that's all. The information isn't integrated with the story - it's as if it's a nonfiction book about the Roman Empire with a bit of story thrown in. Not like The Emberverse books or the Nantucket books. I know he can do better.
July 17, 2025
interesting sequel to the first novel
The theme is highly interesting, and the author’s descriptions quite detailed and accurate. In fact, my only criticism is that his descriptions of technology are too lengthy, and become quite tedious after a while. Otherwise, it’ll hold your attention.
The theme is highly interesting, and the author’s descriptions quite detailed and accurate. In fact, my only criticism is that his descriptions of technology are too lengthy, and become quite tedious after a while. Otherwise, it’ll hold your attention.
August 2, 2025
Excellent Sequel
Hard SF, time travel, complex characters, plausible plot.
History lessons galore, "The Roman Empire was an army with a government attached".
I enjoyed it more because I re-read the first book in the series.
And, gosh, I hope that there are more coming.
Stirling never disappoints.
Hard SF, time travel, complex characters, plausible plot.
History lessons galore, "The Roman Empire was an army with a government attached".
I enjoyed it more because I re-read the first book in the series.
And, gosh, I hope that there are more coming.
Stirling never disappoints.
August 24, 2025
This book was a considerable waste of time. Constantly repeating (sometime verbatim) information and backstory from previous book. Only about 3 chapters that actually advance the narrative.
I'd wait and read the next book in the series. I am sure the author will repeat everything that is in this book.
I'd wait and read the next book in the series. I am sure the author will repeat everything that is in this book.
August 26, 2025
Hate Lives On
Very much enjoyed the first two books in this series. Great characters and a great story line. Find the thought of making a world safe a very good idea. Looking forward to reading the next great book in this series. Nice to have only one government and believe a Roman would be acceptable.
Very much enjoyed the first two books in this series. Great characters and a great story line. Find the thought of making a world safe a very good idea. Looking forward to reading the next great book in this series. Nice to have only one government and believe a Roman would be acceptable.
July 11, 2025
Second Book, good as th3 first
Another great series by S.M. Sterling. Welcome to Ancient Rome. But not our Rome. Not after five Americans arrive by time machine. Enjoy. 1st book is good too, if you haven't read it.
Another great series by S.M. Sterling. Welcome to Ancient Rome. But not our Rome. Not after five Americans arrive by time machine. Enjoy. 1st book is good too, if you haven't read it.
July 20, 2025
Book 2 The Winds of Fate by S.M. Stirling in his Make the Darkness Light trilogy.
4 grad students and and their Professor time travel to escape a Nuclear Fusion war. They hope to change things in the past to avoid this destruction in the future.
4 grad students and and their Professor time travel to escape a Nuclear Fusion war. They hope to change things in the past to avoid this destruction in the future.
August 29, 2025
This series continues to work nicely. Conflicts arise that will complicate transitioning Rome to the dominant world power. The change process is logical and well-founded, given our limited knowledge of this period.
September 9, 2025
Excellent Story
Delightful story well written and developed. The characters grow, the progression is logical and it is a fun ride!!
I enjoyed thoroughly and highly recommend this series.
Delightful story well written and developed. The characters grow, the progression is logical and it is a fun ride!!
I enjoyed thoroughly and highly recommend this series.
July 2, 2025
Great book
This was an excellent book. I hope the author comes out with many more books in this series very soon.
This was an excellent book. I hope the author comes out with many more books in this series very soon.
July 3, 2025
Great
Awesome can't wait for the next book to come out. I'm waiting to see how the chinese time travelers will change things.
Awesome can't wait for the next book to come out. I'm waiting to see how the chinese time travelers will change things.
July 8, 2025
good read
I love these types of stories and the author always excels in telling them though he does get lost some of the time in too much detail. Will always read more of these.
I love these types of stories and the author always excels in telling them though he does get lost some of the time in too much detail. Will always read more of these.
July 16, 2025
Good 2nd book
Good second book. The third should be very interesting. Good series so far. Enjoying it. Just about right in explaining things and action.
Good second book. The third should be very interesting. Good series so far. Enjoying it. Just about right in explaining things and action.
July 19, 2025
Great follow up, nice continuation of the story
Loved how he followed up the story of the first book, enlarging the scope of the story without jumping the shark
Loved how he followed up the story of the first book, enlarging the scope of the story without jumping the shark
July 25, 2025
Excellent companion to the first book. Arthur/Artorius and his team have embedded themselves into most aspects of Roman society, everything from medicine to armament and tactics as well as agriculture and social mores.
They have gained the confidence of Marcus Aurelius and been suitably rewarded.
However, all is not well. Information about a Chinese unit doing the same things in the "East", China in particular, has been reported.
Not exactly a cliff hanger but it does pose some intriguing questions which hopefully will be resolved in the next book.
They have gained the confidence of Marcus Aurelius and been suitably rewarded.
However, all is not well. Information about a Chinese unit doing the same things in the "East", China in particular, has been reported.
Not exactly a cliff hanger but it does pose some intriguing questions which hopefully will be resolved in the next book.
August 1, 2025
Really interesting insights and extrapolation of the Roman Empire. Really fun to read and a good pace.
August 8, 2025
Stirling does alternative history so well.
August 24, 2025
If you’re waiting for plot not just descriptions of technology you’ll be left wanting
Read
August 26, 2025Another good one
Stirling does it again. And is obviously set up for a third. This was a good read. Can't wait for the next one.
Stirling does it again. And is obviously set up for a third. This was a good read. Can't wait for the next one.
September 1, 2025
Excellent Read
Wonderful time travel, alternate history story with characters you get invested in. Can't put it down when you start reading.
Wonderful time travel, alternate history story with characters you get invested in. Can't put it down when you start reading.
August 24, 2025
A few years after their arrival in the Roman Imperial Era, Arthur, now Artorius, and his former students have set the Roman Empire well on the path to rapid economic and military expansion. But just as things seem to going well, they learn than in ancient China, another time traveling team arrived on the same day that they did. These were sent not to prevent future apocalyptic nuclear conflict, but to ensure China ruthlessly dominates the world.
This is a pager turner just like the first installments, especially for a history enthusiast. The subtle and not so subtle changes, engendered by the protagonists are explored in detail, with extensive discussions on the consequences. There are a number of long tangential infodumps, but these are so interesting that they don’t detract from the pacing. The internal struggles of the five “moderns” as they have to grapple with the fact that they will not have lasting peace in their lives are well explored. The battle scenes are excellent, despite being in a way extensive essays on military technology development. One critique is that Mr. Stirling oft repeats the same background facts about various characters, indicating that perhaps one more editing pass would have been in order.
https://www.books.rosboch.net/2025/08...
This is a pager turner just like the first installments, especially for a history enthusiast. The subtle and not so subtle changes, engendered by the protagonists are explored in detail, with extensive discussions on the consequences. There are a number of long tangential infodumps, but these are so interesting that they don’t detract from the pacing. The internal struggles of the five “moderns” as they have to grapple with the fact that they will not have lasting peace in their lives are well explored. The battle scenes are excellent, despite being in a way extensive essays on military technology development. One critique is that Mr. Stirling oft repeats the same background facts about various characters, indicating that perhaps one more editing pass would have been in order.
https://www.books.rosboch.net/2025/08...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews