1635: A Parcel of Rogues

by Eric Flint, Andrew Dennis Narrated by George Guidall

Overview

Book #20 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series.

When the diplomatic embassy from the United States of Europe was freed from the Tower of London during the Baltic War, most of its members returned to the continent. But some remained behind in Britain: Oliver Cromwell and a few companions, including the sharpshooter Julie Sims, her Scot husband Alex Mackay, and Cromwell's Irish-American self-appointed watchdog Darryl McCarthy. Soon, the hunt is on for the most notorious rebel in English history, with King Charles himself demanding Cromwell's head.

The new chief minister Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, brings over from Ireland a notorious crew of cutthroats led by the man called Finnegan to track down and capture the escapees from the Tower. The hunt passes through England and into Scotland, where the conflict between Cromwell and his companions and their would-be captors becomes embroiled in Scotland's politics, which are every bit as savage and ruthless as Finnegan and his men.

To make things still more conflicted and confused, the time Darryl McCarthy spends fighting alongside Cromwell forces him against his will to admire and respect - and even like - the man, despite Cromwell's demonic reputation among all self-respecting Irish nationalist families like Darryl's own. It's a Gordian knot anywhere you look-until Julie Sims brings out her rifle. Now it's the turn of Scot partisans and English lords and Irish toughs to learn the lesson already learned on the continent: A safe distance isn't what you think it is. Not after the American angel of death spreads her wings.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

11/23/2015
The 20th entry in Flint’s Ring of Fire alternate history series is, unfortunately, rather dull for much of its length. The novel has a promising start, with Oliver Cromwell and his party having just escaped from the Tower; they’re now rowing up the Thames. Accompanying Cromwell are several soldiers of the period, including stalwart warrior Alex Mackay, as well as three Americans from the year 2000 who have been transported back in time and made their home in 17th-century England. The Earl of Cork, King Charles Stuart’s chief counselor, sends his man William Finnegan in pursuit of Cromwell. After brief skirmishes near Ely, the chase ends in Edinburgh, with Finnegan and his men watching the Mackay house, and here the narrative drive stalls. Political and religious maneuvering takes center stage for the bulk of the work, and it’s detailed enough that readers may wish for charts, graphs, and biographies to keep everything straight. A final burst of action gives the book a strong finish, but little is resolved in this extended chapter of a very long story. (Jan.)

Library Journal

12/01/2015
The 20th volume in this popular, fast-paced alternative history series follows close on the heels of the events in The Baltic War, picking up with the protagonists in London, including sharpshooter Julie Sims. This time the 20th-century transplants are determined to prevent the rise of Oliver Cromwell and even have the support of King Charles.—JM

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170837113
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	01/05/2016
Series:	Ring of Fire , #20
Edition description:	Unabridged

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