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54th out of 357 books
—
407 voters
An Oblique Approach (Belisarius #1)
An alien intelligence from beyond time is using the Malwa Empire as a tool to conquer sixth century Earth. Standing against them is Belisarius, Earth's greatest commander, with all eternity at stake.
Mass Market Paperback, 480 pages
Published
July 1st 1998
by Baen Books
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This is a review of the entire six-book alt-historical military fiction series (there does not appear to be an omnibus edition that I can attach it to, sigh).
It's very much light literature: there is a science-fictional justification for the authors' mucking about with their historical setting, but it's silly and not really very important anyway. I strongly suspect they basically went "wouldn't it be cool if we could give the great Belisarius gunpowder technology and see what he'd do with it", a...more
It's very much light literature: there is a science-fictional justification for the authors' mucking about with their historical setting, but it's silly and not really very important anyway. I strongly suspect they basically went "wouldn't it be cool if we could give the great Belisarius gunpowder technology and see what he'd do with it", a...more
Some of the best-written trash I've ever read. Trash, by the way, is a perfectly legitimate genre. There is good trash and then there is bad trash. Never turn down the opportunity to read good trash.
This is pulpy, ridiculous, muscular, high-adventure alternate history with totally implausible science fiction trappings. In fact, "An Oblique Approach" is a horrible misnomer. They should call it, "A Shameless Approach."
I don't think this book cares at all about historical accuracy, plausibility, O...more
This is pulpy, ridiculous, muscular, high-adventure alternate history with totally implausible science fiction trappings. In fact, "An Oblique Approach" is a horrible misnomer. They should call it, "A Shameless Approach."
I don't think this book cares at all about historical accuracy, plausibility, O...more
Picked this up from Baen's free electronic library. I've read stories by both Drake and Flint in the past, or at least collaborations, but never really followed either author. I was therefore really pleased to find myself enjoying this story so much. (And even more so to find that the next several volumes are also free at Baen!)
I've remarked in the past that I've learned more history from so-called alternate history (especially Turtledove Harry and Neal Stephenson) then I ever did from school.
A...more
I've remarked in the past that I've learned more history from so-called alternate history (especially Turtledove Harry and Neal Stephenson) then I ever did from school.
A...more
A lot of historical fiction attempts to make the story realistic by using accurate, actual slang and recreating the actual style of speech. Unfortunately, that language and manner of speech usually appears stuffy/antiquated/bizarre/etc to modern readers. So the language pulls a very different reaction from readers than it would have from people in the time period the story takes place in. (I hope that makes sense.) At any rate, Flint and Drake don't use much period terms or attempt to mimic the...more
Military SciFi/Alternate history in which an evil empire appears in India in the fifth century. Famous historical general Belisarius receives a warning from the future and must counter the threat. This series goes deeper into philosophical and poetical tangents than similar works. Eric Flint’s classic wry humour pervades the prose. The books can almost be read as historical novels and contain quite a few interesting tidbits about the period. The series consist of:
An Oblique Approach
In The Hear...more
An Oblique Approach
In The Hear...more
Mar 05, 2011
Matthew
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of 1632 or S.M. Stirling's alt-history works
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Alternative history is a strange kind of world. The authors will spend months, if not years researching real life events, real life characters, plotting maps and following conquests that happened in humanity's history. Then they will purposefully twist their own work by imagining a single event while splits the timeline into uncharted territory and create a narrative following the exploits of the real life figures who lived in that time. A lot of work goes into these what-if imaginings and it sh...more
1. This is really Eric Flint writing from David Drake's outline.
2. Compare to S.M. Stirling writing from David Drake's outline in the Raj Whitehall Series.
3. It's great stuff. Great characters, great action, interesting technology and speculation.
4. If there is a primary fault, I think it's spreading the action too thin - there are always multiple plot lines to follow (as might be expected from a multi-national war and conspiracy plotline), and I found myself wondering on occasion which bizarre...more
2. Compare to S.M. Stirling writing from David Drake's outline in the Raj Whitehall Series.
3. It's great stuff. Great characters, great action, interesting technology and speculation.
4. If there is a primary fault, I think it's spreading the action too thin - there are always multiple plot lines to follow (as might be expected from a multi-national war and conspiracy plotline), and I found myself wondering on occasion which bizarre...more
An Alternate History/SciFi/Sword&Sorcery adventure that is not West-centric. The hero happens to be the great captain of the Eastern Roman Empire, Belisarius of the time of Justinian in the Sixth Century A.D. The opponents representing both the old terrors of the "eastern hordes" and the alien influenced masses, the Malwa of northern India. Soon to be allies include a young prince of a Sudanic Nile kingdom and his two elite guardsmen and former Persian enemies. For me a perfect mix of histor...more
The mix of Drake's driving battlefield action and Flint's combination of deep philosophy and charming irreverence makes for a great read.
This is very much in the heroic fantasy mode with larger-than-life characters though the underpinnings are SF. On one level it’s an alternate history romp across the ancient world with rapidly evolving technology. On another it’s a philosophical essay on the very meaning of humanity.
The idea that core ‘human’ values like Freedom, Compassion, Curiosity and Love,...more
This is very much in the heroic fantasy mode with larger-than-life characters though the underpinnings are SF. On one level it’s an alternate history romp across the ancient world with rapidly evolving technology. On another it’s a philosophical essay on the very meaning of humanity.
The idea that core ‘human’ values like Freedom, Compassion, Curiosity and Love,...more
If you like military fantasy you will love this book. And I'm not talking fantasy of the usual sort, this book is more of a what if taking place in the ancient world. What if Rome had to accelerate their technology to defeat an evil encroaching on the world? And what if there was one Roman General who was in contact with some future device that helped him do this?
The story is very interesting, the central character, the Roman General is very very interesting and I really like how he approaches t...more
The story is very interesting, the central character, the Roman General is very very interesting and I really like how he approaches t...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
The entertaining and gripping tale of Belisarius, a fifth-century general of the (Eastern) Roman Empire under the emperor Justinian. And yet, it's not really historical fiction, as there's a science-fiction twist that significantly changes things. Technically, saying more about the twist would be a spoiler; however, it's mentioned right on the front cover (at least of the paperback edition I have), so it's not exactly going to be a surprise for most readers. Still, try not to read the outside of...more
I wasn't sure at first I was a big fan of the writing style; it seemed a bit juvenile. But the book grew on me. Set in the world of the Byzantine empire during Emperor Justinian's rule (527–565 AD) the story is centered around Belisarius, a brilliant general who historically played a large part in expanding the empire during his time as a general in the empire's military.
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story. Filled with bits of humor and great plot twists, it proved to be a highly entertaining...more
Ultimately I really enjoyed the story. Filled with bits of humor and great plot twists, it proved to be a highly entertaining...more
Well, 4 stars, eh? Yes, indeed, and it all comes down to characters. The plot is a big, rambling, horribly padded thing, and it is really just shameless how much foot dragging goes on to make sure this is a multi....volume......series. However, I liked each and every character in this story, and I find myself wanting to see what happens to absolutely every one of them next. That counts for a hell of a lot in my corner, and it handily overcomes some awkward writing and eye-rolling attempts at pos...more
I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars! This book(series) has everything for me - great military action, engaging and well-developed characters, and wonderfully written dialog. It is the kind of book that makes me want to write myself. I just admire everything about this book, especially the fact that it is just so fun to read!
Read the free Baen elibrary give away version. Not half bad, entertaining. Could do with a lttle editing, reduce the amount of superfluous wordage—tends to ramble a little, or perhaps merely reflects my own lack of interest in the details versus my interest in the overall conflict. Worth a read, doubt if I will ever reread.
Incredible beginning to a new series set in the time of the Roman Empire. I am really looking forward to finishing this series. Don't want to go into any details, but it's a very interesting alternate history story. High recommended for those who like alternate history, military fiction, or Rome.
It was an entertaining read, though the authors do not manage to flesh out their characters until the middle of the book. I'm probably going to read the whole series, but my expectations aren't very high. Ill know the experience will be fun, and I look forward to a fun read.
I like this series even more than the 1632 series. This one has a lighter, more humorous touch. It is set early in the Byzantine era.
It has a lightly historical touch.
It has a lightly historical touch.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Not many surprises, but a very entertaining read. Every now and then I like a book where the good guys come out on top and handily so.
First in Flint and Drake's series on the greatest general that ever lived, Belisarius of the Byzantine Empire. Excellent, gripping, very engaging.
I fricking LOVE this series. The first couple of books are a little slow to get going, but the last four completely make up for it.
I would have given this series 4 stars except the humor was heavy handed and annoying to me.
Well Done. Very well done, in fact. David Drake and Eric Flint do a wonderful job of taking historical fiction (or, psuedo-historical fiction, anyhow) and weaving in character and plot development that pays the reader back for his attention.
Kudos, also, to Tor/Baen, and their approach to e-books. The first three books in the Belisarius series are available as free downloads from the publisher, and I'll definitely be spending my money on the following books, directly from Baen.
Kudos, also, to Tor/Baen, and their approach to e-books. The first three books in the Belisarius series are available as free downloads from the publisher, and I'll definitely be spending my money on the following books, directly from Baen.
Read as an ebook. A free download from \\www.baen.com/library Baen Free Library.
terrible. couldn't get past page 10. had to return it.
great book
I read to page 14 and could read no more.
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Eric Flint is a New York Times bestselling American author, editor, and e-publisher. The majority of his main works are alternate history science fiction, but he also writes humorous fantasy adventures.
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May 01, 2012 09:49am