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A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor

by Robert G. Pielke (Goodreads Author), A.R. Stone (Illustrator)

3.60 · rating details · 53 ratings · 32 reviews

It has taken centuries to recognize that all humans possess certain unalienable rights. There will come a time when we have to consider whether others deserve those rights as well. That time will come on July 3rd 1863.

When a stranger carrying a shiny,metalic valise steps aboard a train carrying Abraham Lincoln home from a 2 year stint in Congress, everyone stares, wonder

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Paperback, 2nd, 226 pages

Published August 15th 2010 by Altered Dimensions (first published July 5th 2010)

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Apr 15, 2011

Brian Leach rated it

I usually read heavier stuff but this title came across my radar and I was enticed to read it. I love history and the book does an excellent job of painting a feel for the Civil War time period. I particularly enjoyed the "gentlemanly" attitude of the historical characters that was brought to life.

It's a serial novel and there will be 2 more parts. I eagerly anticipate the next 2 installments.

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Feb 04, 2011

Lenore Webb rated it

A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor by Robert G. Pielke. It was different yet quite interesting. I have not read too many books of alternative time line so I was not sure where this would take me. But it was a good adventure. I know that I ended up in a place I would have never dreamed of being at.

Lincoln helped people recognize that all humans possess certain unalienable rights. But will we see that others deserve those rights as well. That time will come on July 3, 1863...more

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Feb 10, 2011

Amy L. Campbell rated it

Shelves: 2011, blogged, reviewed

Note: Free review copy provided by Tribute Books as part of their book blog tour.

This book didn't pick up for me until nearly the last third of the book. Getting there was too much of a struggle for me to really enjoy it and most of this had to do with the way the story was told.

I'm just not a fan of novels that are told through dialogue, and this is mostly what happened with A New Birth of Freedom. Most of the dialogue consisted of Edwin Blair, our time traveler, trying ...moreNote: Free review copy provided by Tribute Books as part of their book blog tour.

This book didn't pick up for me until nearly the last third of the book. Getting there was too much of a struggle for me to really enjoy it and most of this had to do with the way the story was told.

I'm just not a fan of novels that are told through dialogue, and this is mostly what happened with A New Birth of Freedom. Most of the dialogue consisted of Edwin Blair, our time traveler, trying to convince everyone around him that he really was from the future. In fact, most of the book is taken up by this laborious process and continued any time a new character was introduced. At some point, for the sake of the story, it would have been nice if people had just looked at his super futuristic jeans (created a whopping 10 years after the Civil War) and sneakers from 2200 and just believed him. Additionally I found the insertion of Blair's thoughts to be somewhat tedious and added almost nothing to the book. I didn't care about Blair's thoughts, mostly because I did not care much for Blair.

I will say that the last third of the book was worth reading as I loved the aliens and the fact that Edwin Blair got metaphorical egg all over that big down-talking face of his (the main character tends to treat people from the past like children and/or simpletons). Honestly, I just don't know if the last third was worth having to read the previous two thirds of the book for. And if you're looking for Pielke's imaginings of the future of 2200, you won't get it. Blair refers to it, but in absolutely no detail and we don't get to see his journey back in time from his present. Imagine how less thrilling Back to the Future would be without the future and you get the general idea. Sure, there's an awesome Delorean in the middle of the 1950's, but no cool driving at 88mph scene. I want my flaming Delorean, sir.

I'm hoping the second book will pick up more, if turns out the be the case I would recommend everyone read from the part where Blair arrives at Gettysburg in this book and then go on directly to book two. (less)

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Aug 07, 2011

Gwen - Chew & Digest Books - rated it

Shelves: 2011, on-kindle

I enjoy the classic mashups that are the rage now so I picked this up, thinking that it would be fun. Fabulous! The dialogue seems spot on to me, the sci-fi/aliens angle of the story wasn't overwhelming to this non fan of aliens/scifi and I loved being taken on a ride to Gettysburg and the time in the Oval Office with Lincoln.

My one complaint? It ended rather abruptly, telling me to go get the second book to finish the story. ARGH, I hate cliffhanger sequels.

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Feb 26, 2011

T. L. Barrett rated it

I haven't read a science fiction book in years. I don't care for alternate history stories. I am definitely not someone who feels like they spent another life fighting the awful war between the states. I only start this review by saying that to emphasize the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Pielke's book features the arrival of a time-traveller from the future (historian, Edwin Blair) in the American Civil War on the eve of Gettysburg. He receives an audience with Abraham Lin...more

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Feb 25, 2011

Stephen Gallup rated it

There I was, innocently scouting various reviewers in search of people who might be willing to write reviews of my forthcoming memoir, when I stumbled across a review of this. "Stumbled" is the apt word, because it stopped me cold in my tracks and then sent me to Amazon to read some sample pages, whereupon I had to order a copy. When it arrived in the mail, I took a break from the more serious work I've been reading for something light.

What grabbed me was the concept of goi...moreThere I was, innocently scouting various reviewers in search of people who might be willing to write reviews of my forthcoming memoir, when I stumbled across a review of this. "Stumbled" is the apt word, because it stopped me cold in my tracks and then sent me to Amazon to read some sample pages, whereupon I had to order a copy. When it arrived in the mail, I took a break from the more serious work I've been reading for something light.

What grabbed me was the concept of going back in time and talking with someone. I'll confess to having fantacized about doing that and then wondering what I would say and what ought not to be said. Wanted to see how this author would deal with the questions. In this case, the main character begins by seeking out Abraham Lincoln, first when he was a one-term Congressman and then just prior to Gettysburg.

This is speculative fiction/alternative history, somewhat similar to Eric Flint's 1632. As in that yarn, history is meddled with. Suddenly, the Battle of Gettsburg deviates from the course of events established in our history books -- but events take a far more drastic turn than that, because the main character is not the only, um, entity returning to the nineteenth century. And with the massive upheaval all this change brings, there is no way of knowing the future consequences. I was reminded of that 80s movie "Back to the Future," in which images of people not yet born begin to fade from photos.

I think the author has done enough historical research to deliver plausible portraits of Lincoln and all the other characters from that era who become involved. On the other hand, my feeling is that he strays outside certain norms of narrative convention, resulting in scenes that are rather exasperating. Credibility is at risk, too. I mean, even given that time travel is possible, and aliens, toward the end some of the developments are asking too much of the reader. (The term deux ex machina comes to mind more than once.) And then instead of resolving or explaining it, the author tells us to come back for the next installment in Book 2.

I knew immediately that this was a self-published work, because, alas, the very first word in the Introduction is an error. And a good many other typos follow. Possibly something this off-beat could never be handled by mainstream publishers (is anything being handled by mainstream publishers any more?), but I'll continue to grumble about such quality issues until self-published authors pay more attention.

Three stars for the original ideas and daring to do something different. Before finishing his next book, he should find a good critique group and a copy editor.(less)

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Jan 18, 2011

Edna Tollison rated it

This book is really strange as it goes from now to back in the 1800s. Edwin Blair is traveling with Abraham Lincoln as he is going home from congress, Edwin gets Lincoln to say that he will meet with him in the near future. Blair reveals himself that he is a man from the future and that he is in that place and time to save the world of alien invaders known as "The Pest" as they chase each other though out the earth's past.

When Edwin enters the train he is strangely dr...more

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Jan 23, 2011

Nicole Langan rated it

Sometimes the scope of human tragedy is too large to comprehend. The mind grasps for alternate explanations in order to come to terms with staggering loss. Robert Pielke's "A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor" tries to reconcile the over 50,000 lives lost during the three day Battle of Gettysburg. How could the death toll be so catastrophic? How could the number of casualties be explained? How could men cut each other down in such a brutal way? Because according to Pielke, it never hap...moreSometimes the scope of human tragedy is too large to comprehend. The mind grasps for alternate explanations in order to come to terms with staggering loss. Robert Pielke's "A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor" tries to reconcile the over 50,000 lives lost during the three day Battle of Gettysburg. How could the death toll be so catastrophic? How could the number of casualties be explained? How could men cut each other down in such a brutal way? Because according to Pielke, it never happened - not the way historians would have us believe.

His revisionist account takes a science fiction approach. What if an alien invasion were actually to blame for the carnage inflicted during the pivotal moment of the Civil War? Surely, 19th century cannonballs and gunfire could not have killed more Americans than the entire Vietnam War. Some other sinister force had to be responsible.

Enter Edwin Blair, a mysterious time traveling stranger from the 23rd century, a.k.a. the visitor of the title. In his time, Earth is on the brink of destruction. An infestation of locust-like, technologically savvy aliens have mercilessly descended on the planet killing humans like ants and devouring every type of vegetation in existence. The key to possible survival lies in tampering with their time travel abilities. Blair knows their spacecraft will appear over the Pennsylvania fields during the Battle of Gettysburg. The only way to stop them is a full out assault by the combined Union and Confederate forces in order to disable their ships stranding them in 1863.

Abraham Lincoln is the man that Blair must convince in order to set his plan in motion. In a fascinating look at the revered president, Pielke shows a shrewd yet deeply curious Lincoln. The depiction does Lincoln justice illustrating his intellectual and open minded nature. While his advisers look upon Blair as a lunatic, it is Lincoln who believes his spectacular claims. His mind is able to grasp concepts like extraterrestrial life and computer science. The scope of his intelligence is not limited to the period of time in which he finds himself. He is able to look beyond his contemporary world and see the bigger picture. War is war and he knows that understanding the enemy - whoever or whatever it is - provides the only path to victory.

Another key figure in Blair's plan is General Robert E. Lee. He must convince the esteemed solider to lay down his weapons and join in a temporary truce with the Union army. Without the combined firepower of both sides, Blair's plan will not work. Lee does not disappoint. The distinguished gentleman stands head and shoulders above the field both figuratively and literally. He too is able to operate on faith. He does not understand what Blair is telling him, but he is willing to risk everything in order to at least give Blair's plan a chance.

What ultimately convinces Lee? Blair demonstrates the apocalyptic force of the aliens' weaponry. It leaves even a hardened warrior like Lee shaken to the core. While he may be unable to parse through the details of Blair's story, Lee cannot doubt the destructive ability of which he speaks.

It is intriguing to witness two of the greatest military minds of the 19th century grapple with the concept of an alien attack. Pielke provides a glimpse into how Lincoln and Lee might have handled things if they had been faced with such a possibility. Their stature, poise and determination serve as a source of comfort during a time when capable leadership would be of the utmost importance. Having leaders who can be depended upon during a time of crisis is something the American consciousness innately craves. If only the heroes of the past could save the country from its future problems, and through Pielke's account they are able to do just that.

Overall, a fascinating look at how the heroes of America's past strive to save its future.(less)

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Feb 02, 2011

Everybookhasasoul rated it

Shelves: read-in-2011

I became hooked on this book from the first chapter and I really hope there is going to be a second book as I can't wait to read it. This is the kind of book that you read in one sitting and it leaves you hungry for more.

The writing style of Pielke is heartwarming and it really draws the reader into the story. I found the historical accuracy of the novel in places extremely accurate and help bring a certain authenticity to the novel and its characters.

The ending of this ...more

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Feb 08, 2011

Mary Grace rated it

Can you imagine seeing a guy casually dressed in jeans and Nike during the 1800s? Well this is what Edwin Blaire did when he traveled back and forth through time in order to save Earth from unwanted visitors.

The Visitor is a novel that is written with detailed historical facts accompanied by sci-fi elements that will entertain you while reading the book. First, I would just like to state that I am not a fan of sci-fi and time travelling because I often get confused but The Visitor was ...more

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Feb 04, 2011

Freda mans rated it

I sit here, thinking how to write a good review, while feeling bad for not liking the story.
I liked the way it was written. It flowed well, I just felt that it went a place I wasn't willing to go.
When I read the synopsis for the book, I thought it was a neat premise. Aliens in Early America?! With "Honest Abe" no less. I'm not even American, but the idea appealed to me.
It was a total let down though. Waaaay to far fetched fr that era, and it was all unexplainable. Some t...more

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Mar 13, 2011

Vika rated it

That was a very interesting book!
I got this book for free through Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

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Nov 10, 2011

Angie rated it

This is a great beginning BUT it is DEFINITELY a beginning.
I am not going to recap the plot.It sounds like a straightforward time travel story with invading aliens thrown in. Could be good or could be cliched, depending on the writer's skill. Happily, this writer seems very skilled! I thoroughly enjopyed the book...until the end. My big beef is that there is no closure on ANYthing or explanation of big questions like what provoked Blair to go back to Gettysburg.I liked the book enough tha...more

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Jan 21, 2011

Drea rated it

Shelves: january-2011

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I will say that there were times when I could put it down after my commute and begin work, but there were plenty of other times I was completely dissapointed that the train hadn't been delayed just a little so that I could continue reading. I would totally recommend this book to friends who enjoy science fiction and history mixed together.

As I like history, reading about the civil war era was interesting, throwing in someone from the future w...more

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Feb 22, 2011

Inspired Kathy rated it

Shelves: read-in-2011

This book was not at all what I expected. I was expecting Historical Fiction but didn't expect the time-travel, alien, science fiction elements. Had I read the summary above I would have had a better idea of what to expect.

The first 50 pages of this book I was confused and not at all interested in the story. It did pick up once I got further into the story but I just didn't love this book. I know there is a target audience who will really enjoy this, it just wasn't my cup of tea. It ...more

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Nov 03, 2011

Michelle Randall rated it

Shelves: first-reads

So I received this book as a GoodReqads FirstReads giveaway. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it wasn't what i got!

The book is the retelling of history with a twist. The main character travels through time, back to the Civil War, to prevent a future tragedy.

It was a well written book and I enjoyed the way everything flowed. I was so caught up in the book that before I realized it, the book was done, and it was a cliffhanger! I'll tell you that already, it was a cliffhanger...more

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Oct 18, 2011

Stan Slater rated it

Shelves: first-reads

I should start off saying I got a copy of this book through first-reads, so bear that in mind. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and interesting. I like how the author described the problems the time traveler had in going back to the 1860s and the way that the time traveler was effected by changes in his past. For the most part, I liked how historical figures were treated in the book, president Lincoln may have come across as a bit too thoughtful, open-minded and...more

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Sep 20, 2011

Jacquie Bennett rated it

The Good - I kept thinking I knew where it was going but then it changed track. Really enjoyed it, had a fairly unique storyline, very well written, would make AMAZING Hollywood Blockbuster.

The Bad - This is book one so the story doesn't 'wrap up' ! Minor irritation

Would recommend as it is Entertaining and a fairly easy read - don't be put off my the cover.

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Mar 30, 2011

Brad Webb rated it

Great Book. Easy read. Love Alternate History books, especially onces with some Sci Fi thrown into the past. Look forward to the 2nd book of this trilogy.

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Mar 03, 2011

Djtarbet rated it

Pielke's mixture of science fiction and historical accuracies was very interesting to read. The ending was suprising and I can't wait for "The Translator".

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Sep 20, 2010

Deborah marked it as to-read

Shelves: sifi-timetravel

I'm a Lincoln buff, Gettysburg is very important to me...and I love timetravel novels...what more do I need?!! This is going to the top of my pile.

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Jun 15, 2011

Susan marked it as to-read

History plus time-traveling aliens? Sound intriguing.

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Jun 17, 2010

Naam De Plume rated it

bit.ly/the-visitor

Try it...I bet you'll like it!

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Feb 11, 2011

Britt, Book Habitue rated it

Utterly bizarre and completely fascinating.

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Nov 04, 2010

Jennifer added it

cool

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Sep 13, 2010

Clayton Bye rated it

Shelves: fiction, historical, science-fiction, time-travel

http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2010/09/...

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Oct 13, 2010

Lianne rated it

First I would like to thank my local library for buying a copy at my request. I was excited to read this because it contained 2 of my favorite things - time travel and the Civil War. It was a very fun, quick read. I wanted to keep reading but, lo and behold, it's a series! (Of unknown number) I did enjoy it and obviously want to see what's going to happen next. When can I expect Book Two?

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Oct 26, 2010

Amber rated it

I have a love for Civil War stories, and anything about Abraham Lincoln. Although this book is a work of fiction, I really enjoyed it. The character of Lincoln and his cabinet well so well defined I felt like I could actually hear them speaking.
I'm not generally a sci-fi story lover, but I will be reading the next book as soon as it's available!

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Feb 21, 2011

Evan rated it

I received a copy of this book through Goodreads and really enjoyed it. I'm a sucker for time-travel stories and this one felt new and familiar at the same time. The way the author blends real historical fact with the fictional story was great and I'm looking forward to the book's sequel.

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Jun 06, 2011

Robert Pielke rated it

· (Review from the author)

A REVIEW

http://www.lunch.com/forbidden_planet/re...

It's quite a good review, of course.

Perhaps after reading it, you'll buy several hundred copies.

;-)

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About Robert G. Pielke

BA - U of Maryland

M.Div - Luth Sem Gettysburg

Ph.D - Claremont Graduate Univ

His academic writings have been in the area of ethics, logic, and popular culture. Included in the latter is an analysis of rock music entitled You Say You Want a Revolution: Rock Music in American Culture. He has also published short stories, feature articles, and film and restaurant reviews. His novels include Hitler the

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