From the Bookshelf of The Sword and Laser…

Bitter Seeds (The Milkweed Triptych, #1)

Ian Tregillis

Start date: May 17, 2010

Finish date: June 6, 2010

Discussion: 2010 Reads

Why we're reading this: This is an alternate-history book recommended to us by Cory Doctorow.
[close] This is an alternate-history book recommended to us by Cory Doctorow.

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2010 Reads

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What Members Thought

May 26, 2010 Tom Merritt rated it it was amazing

Most definitely loved this book. Could not put it down. The elegance in which the war was recast is impressive. And the subtlety with which Tregellis balanced the blurred lines of right and wrong were impressive. Plus as a fan of wartime Britain novels, he did a more than fair job of capturing the essence of that time as I have seen it related in books from the era. Well worth the read.

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Jun 01, 2010 Jenny (Reading Envy) rated it liked it

Shelves: read2010, sword-and-laser, ebooks, sci-fi-fantasy

A strange combination of alternate history, genetic modification, and warlocks. This is the first book of a trilogy, and I have some unanswered questions, and am the most intrigued by the precog character, if she's still alive.... ...more

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Jul 02, 2010 Jason rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

British Warlocks vs Nazi Supermen in World War 2. It ended up as interesting as it sounds, with good detail on each side's actions and plans. It avoided the "we are invincible" protagonists and hit my soft spot for the "Man, we're barely keeping up with this" protagonists.

My one complaint was I found the majority of the British characters completely bland and unmemorable. Even by the end of the book I had trouble keeping track of who was who (with the exception of Marsh), as the rest just faded ...more

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Mar 26, 2012 Vicki rated it really liked it

Shelves: audible, sff

Great alternate-universe WWII tale wherein Britain gathers a team of wizards who tap into primeval forces to help fend off the Nazis. At the same time, Germany is secretly training a group of fighters with X-Men like abilities to finish off Britain. Highly inventive and captivating--I'd have probably given it another star if the character development had been a bit more even. ...more

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Aug 05, 2010 Nathan rated it it was amazing

Bitter Seeds, by Ian Tregillis, is a science fiction novel set during World War II. It is an alternate history of the war, in which the Nazis have bred or created literal supermen, capable of walking through walls, flying, pyrokinesis, and seeing the future. That last bit—seeing the future—presents some interesting challenges for the characters and for the author. How does one deal with someone who knows the exact outcome of your every action?

The book begins during the Spanish Civil War. The Ger ...more

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May 19, 2010 Dara rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction, alternate-history, lovecraftian, weird

Alternate WWII history. The Nazis have battery powered super mutants and the British have warlocks making unspeakable deals with Lovecraftian (I believe the phrase 'non-euclidean fog' makes an appearance) demons from beyond. Complex characters and evocative language make for a compelling yarn. I was happy to see it's part of a trilogy--but sad that I have to wait to read the rest! ...more

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