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Summary: A MASTERPIECE OF ALTERNATE HISTORY
Review: Quite frankly, this is the best time travel/alternate history novel I have ever read! It feels as though the reader is also transported back to 1250 BC with the entire island of Nantucket. The characterization is fabulous and the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading this novel, I just could not put it down.
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Summary: Simply excellent
Review: So much has been said by other reviewers, I hesitate to add my thoughts, but, here goes anyway! Mr Stirling has done an outstanding peice of work with this novel. I was hesitant to read it when it first arrived on the stands, but when I finally got around to it, I was blown away. Some reviewers have said that Striling should have left out the Gay characterizations, the sex, the violence, and the minute details that Stirling uses to spin this tale. I disagree with the whole heartedly. Indeed, Stirling should be applauded for having the courage to write about things that some may find upsetting or distasteful. I never got the sense that these parts of the story were gratuitous, so I wasn't offended. Full marks Mr. Stirling! Well done!
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Summary: Supernova of alternative history, hard scifi!
Review: This book loaned to me by a friend who knows I've read science fiction for 50 years. I couldn't put it down! Read it in two days and begged him to finish the second book in the series so I could continue. Character development is best I have seen since Dune. Plot is more complex yet interconnected than 90% of SF. Some great plot twists based on character's personalities. Obvious author's research into weapons, metallurgy, early military tactics, linguistics and geography. A real page turner in the Golden Age tradition! John W. Campbell would have grabbed this for a serial!!
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Summary: Stirling's best to date
Review: This is the first book I liked so much that I had to contact the author to congratulate him. I have sailed on the Eagle, and Mr. Stirling has captured the feeling perfectly. Other activities, from combat to reaping grain by hand, all have the feel of authenticity. The character development is far better than is normally found in science fiction, with heroes who have doubts and flaws, and villains who have realistic motives. The adaptation of "modern" technology to an ancient setting reminds me of A CONNETICUT YANKEE IN KING AURTHORS COURT, though I won't embarrass Mr. Stirling by comparing him to Twain. But there is potential.
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Summary: The best book I've read in years!
Review: Island in the Sea of Time is the best book that I have read in years. S.M. Stirling is on par with Robert A. Heinlein. The island of Nantucket is transported back in time. The "Americans" must find a way to live in this strange... old... world. If I had a way to do it, I'd offer you a money back guaranty.
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Summary: Reeks like a cat box
Review: Numerous logical flaws populate this pseudo-scientific plot, not unlike fleas on an old junk yard dog. I felt nothing but disdain for the protagonists and their pathetic problems. I really wanted the bad guys to knock them off before I did myself in. Two thumbs down, waaaay down!
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Summary: Unputdownable
Review: The book that got me hooked on S. M. Stirling. Very much out of the common, with lots of nitty-gritty details. I just hope they won't be cut out too much of it in the sequel(s), as I have seen some "critics" suggest.
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Summary: For alternative histoy this is a marvel!
Review: A bit hesitant to try this author, the book was recommended by a friend, I am now hooked. Mr. Stirling's knowledge of History and Marshall Arts is unquestionable. Using the proper terms for attacks and defenses was refreshing. His Melee sense and description actually had you beside the Captain and Swindappa. You could actually feel the battles. The descriptions of the deaths were detailed to the point where you actually wanted to say; "OK, enough, I know what happens to a body when it dies now!" But the constant reminder added to the continued feeling of our loss of fighting hand to hand. When bombing you don't notice the small things like sounds and smells. I am currently on my third read of this book and anxiously looking for the sequel.
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Summary: I couldn't put the book down!
Review: This was a great book. I couldn't help think that Mr. Stirling was implying that Nantucket was the fabled Atlantis. I eagerly await the sequel.
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Summary: Stirling's best work to date in my humble opinion
Review: From beginning to end I fell in love with this book. It's attention to detail, characters, historical accuracy, stunning landscapes, amazing battles, plot twists, etc, etc, were perfectly executed by Mr. Stirling. I've read the first ten chapters of the sequel, "Against the Tide of Years", and it is NOT a let down!
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