Rating: Summary: Ok book. Lame ending, some good action scenes. Review: The most interesting aspect of the novel is the "what if" scenario it presents involving Hitler. I found the proposed sequence of events extremely plausible and was thouroughly enjoying the book until about midway through. Suddenly, Martel gains superhuman abilities and foils a German invasion single handedly. Then an American militia led by a mythical American super-shot comes in to mop up the left overs. I understand that suspension of disbelief is an important part of reading fiction but the end of this book is ludicrous. And finally, the ending scene is the worst I have ever read - ever. The book does have some strong points - action sequences for example. But in comparison to other novels they are mediocre at best. While the opening chapters are promising, 1945 fails to live up to its potential.
Rating: Summary: As prolific as Forstchen is where is the sequel? Review: The authors did an excellant job of capturing the lax security that was commonplace in the U.S. at the time. They also captured the political mood of the time by portaying us as very isolationist. It took Peal Harbor for America to awake. My only major problem with the book is that after two years, where is the sequal?
Rating: Summary: Technically accurate Review: Looking for something to read, I found thisbook, and from front to back, enjoyed the technical aspects immensely. I've spent many years studying some of the german weapons from the close of the war. Their systems and theories resulted in a significant number of our jet designs and rocket programs of the 50's and 60's. I'm really not concerned about who writes a book it if is well written. Being ex-military myself, and having done work on German capabilities in WWII, the raid on Oak Ridge is quite plausable, and in fact, would have had a high chance of success, had such a thing happened. Some of the intelligence reports I've read and other documents I've researched are more fantastic than what is in this book. I was hoping that this would be a 2 or 3 book serial novel, however, I am saddened by the fact that there isn't a sequel to it and we're left hanging with anticipation. We rebuked the NAZI's for burning books and suppressing free press/speech. I don't like Gingrich much, but I am not so closed minded to not read anything of fiction by him or anyone else. Perhaps maybe in reality, we are not much different from the NAZI's when we do this???
Rating: Summary: Gimmicky plot, and historically a real stretch. Review: The characters of York, Patton, Marshall, Halsey, and MacArthur were gimmicky. Patton and York were based on the interpretations of George C. Scott and Gary Cooper not the real thing. Even some of the lines are straight from the movies. As for the plot itself, not likely. The Soviets and the British were by no means done in '41. The Germans were caught. If they fight through the winter, then you get what actually happened. If they stop and wait, the Russians get the time they need to regroup. The winter helped beat the Wehrmact, but the Russians did the lions share on their own. I give Rommel, Patton, Montgomery, and the other generals their due, but the best mind in that war was Zhukov. The Soviets would have been fine without the winter or the United States. This is sentimental fiction, not historical, but if you're willing to susepend your disbelief, not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Rating: Summary: Fast pace and interesting what if Review: As someone from Spanish heritage born and living in Latin America, who studied in a German School and has been working for an American Company for the past 13 years, I always pay a lot of attention to cultural issues. I think the authors thouroughly capture the differences between Americans and Germans. The pace is hectic and I couldn't stop reading from Skorzeny's arrival to America on. The last chapter loses some credibility, as well as Martel, as the ever present superheroe practically stopping single handedly the strike is a little exaggerated. Anyway I am dying to read the sequel.
Rating: Summary: Just your average "America's the Good Guy" propoganda. Review: This novel is little more than a paranoid interpritation of what could have happened if the USA hadn't beaten Hitler. I an ashamed I bought this book, it isn't even Science Fiction, just another trash thriller.
Rating: Summary: Great Book, but where is volume 2? Review: This is a great novel that showes that these guys know history. It also shows what a delicate balance history has, that any simple sequence changed or left out of place and we all fall into peril. What I find most amazing is Newt's complete lack of politics in this book, it is truely Newtral. Martel is a great hero, one you pull for through the whole book. Even though there was little description of him in the book, my mind's eye could see Skorzeny vividly. He and his death defying paratroupers are vivid reminders of how dangerous an unstable and paranoid Germany could be. Finally, the injection of "Sgt. York" and the simple yet courageous Volunteers of Tennessee almost brought a tear to my eye. We as Americans may not be fancy, but we get the job done! I know, it is only fiction. But remember, the ultimate purpose of fiction is to tell the truth. My greatest disappointment comes with the knowledge that no sequel has been written yet. Please, Newt, William, finish this story. Tony Montanari
Rating: Summary: 1945 is one of the best alternate history books out to date. Review: I found 1945 an exciting alternate history with agood prehistory explantion and excellent story line. I highly recommend this book to alternate history buffs.
Rating: Summary: My husband liked it and its great historical value. Review: My husband indicated that at the end of the book, it left you "hanging" for a sequel, or a continuing or related story. Does anyone know if this is yet in print? I was trying to find it for a gift for him. Thanks.
Rating: Summary: Very good historical background! Review: The authors have constucted a very plausible alternative reality in this book. I thought the extrapolation from a few basic assumptions was very well done. So restrained in keeping it simple! I liked the speculation about Germany developing good jet planes instead of making those famous mistakes that Hitler made. The idea of Nazis developing the A bomb and looking forward to long distance rockets to deliver them to America is too much of a horror to take without a shudder! I liked the way these ideas were each only a small departure from things that were actually happening, and yet quite imaginative. If I have a serious criticism; the ending of this book is beyond beleif! They really lost it! It seemed as if the authors were rushing to set up a completely new basis for their sequel! It was so childishly indulgent; like a gang of ten-year-olds planning to attack a "secret fort." Way too much! Would the next one be a Sci-fi sequel perhaps? I read this in hopes of gaining some clue to the political asspirations of Mr. Gingrich. I ended up wondering if he would now be running for president if the Nazis had won! It seemed to me that he portrayed the Nazis as disciplined, tough, professionals, while the Americans were mostly hicks! How could this have been improved? Have Rush Limbaugh as another co-author! Hi Newt! ;->
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