Opening Atlantis by Harry Turtledove

From the Publisher

Atlantis lies between Europe and the East Coast of Terranova. For many years, this land of opportunity lured dreamers from around the globe with its natural resources, offering a new beginning for those willing to brave the wonders of the unexplored territory.

It is a new world indeed: ripe for discovery, for plunder, and eventually for colonization—but will its settlers destroy the very wonders they had journeyed to Atlantis to find?

Publishers Weekly

Turtledove explores the mythical lost continent of Atlantis in this somewhat formulaic alternate history, the first volume of a planned trilogy revolving around the colonization of the legendary island. When an English fisherman discovers an isolated paradise between Europe and Terranova (North America) during the reign of King Henry VI, he and a group of disgruntled countrymen pack up and set sail for a new life. Free from social, political and religious repression, Edward Radcliffe and his family thrive until an exiled nobleman shows up on the shores with dreams of establishing a new kingdom with himself on the throne. Generations pass and Radcliffe's descendants find themselves fighting with colonists from rival nations and bickering among themselves. Featuring Turtledove's trademark multithread narrative and realistic depiction of warfare and its aftermath, the predictable story is disappointing; readers hoping to find Atlantis full of advanced civilizations or mythical creatures will have to settle for oversized, flightless birds, miles of undeveloped wilderness and the inevitable struggle between settlers from opposing countries. (Dec.)

Jackie Cassada - Library Journal

In the mid-15th century, the race is on to settle the New World-not the American continents, but the eighth continent of Atlantis. From its first settlement of New Hastings to the secrets hidden in its interior, the New World offers all those who dare venture there treasures and danger. The unchallenged master of alternative history touches on a common myth in his latest retelling of the history of the world. New York Timesbest-selling author Turtledove's (Days of Infamy) many fans and anyone interested in the Atlantis mystique should enjoy this series opener.

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