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Gerin the Fox #5
Fox and Empire
The begrudging peace agreement between freedom-loving Gerin the Fox and Aragis the Archer comes to an end when Aragis threatens an independent baron, forcing both sides to confront their loss of youth and failing strength. Original.
449 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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About the author
Harry Turtledove
566 books1,977 followersDr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 29, 2025
The final book in the “Gerin the Fox” series deals with the Empire of Elabon’s belated efforts, after 20 years and under an apparent usurper of the throne, to reclaim its territory north of the High Kirs mountain range—which had in the meantime fallen under the suzerainty of Gerin the Fox and a number of petty potentates such as Aragis the Archer—and Gerin’s efforts to both fend off the Empire’s attacks and manage the uneasy alliance formed with Aragis and others in order to have sufficient manpower against the imperial armies—an alliance which included petty divinities whose behavior is often more immature, unpredictable and disruptive than that of Gerin’s mortal associates.
As in the other volumes of the series, the focus is not so much on battles, strategy and tactics as on Gerin’s seemingly uncanny insights into the characters, motivations and abilities of his subjects and allies—which he obtains sometimes through dreams and visions and a “sixth sense” which never leads him astray, but more often through extended dialogues and the risky business of trying to balance strict control against individual initiative and independent action; threats and intimidation along with promises and rewards—and this is his key to eventual victory, as the Elabonian forces, of their own accord (and when Gerin’s outnumbered men are on the verge of defeat) withdraw back south of the High Kirs in order to deal with a revolt prompted by the ruler’s oppression—which was a possibility Gerin had considered.
Overall, the series (which seems to be modeled on medieval France (perhaps during the Ninth Century, Charlemagne’s time or shortly thereafter) is a treatise on what the author considers to be the characteristics of an ideal and successful ruler—with some pathos (such as the failure of Gerin’s marriage to his first wife, Elise) and humor (the antics of the demigod Ferdulf) thrown in—with just enough supernatural elements (involvement by various gods) added to liven up the narrative, at the same time making clear that Gerin is relying on his own wits and strength to bring him success, rather than counting on the gods as some sort of Deus ex Machina. And, commendably, he entertains no ambitions of heading south of the mountains to claim the throne of Elabon for himself (as the title “Fox and Empire” might seem to imply)—but, restraining his own ambitions and taking into account his advancing age—remains perfectly content to stay within his own kingdom and enjoy the fruits which his decades of wise rule will bring him. Turtledove never disappoints!
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
As in the other volumes of the series, the focus is not so much on battles, strategy and tactics as on Gerin’s seemingly uncanny insights into the characters, motivations and abilities of his subjects and allies—which he obtains sometimes through dreams and visions and a “sixth sense” which never leads him astray, but more often through extended dialogues and the risky business of trying to balance strict control against individual initiative and independent action; threats and intimidation along with promises and rewards—and this is his key to eventual victory, as the Elabonian forces, of their own accord (and when Gerin’s outnumbered men are on the verge of defeat) withdraw back south of the High Kirs in order to deal with a revolt prompted by the ruler’s oppression—which was a possibility Gerin had considered.
Overall, the series (which seems to be modeled on medieval France (perhaps during the Ninth Century, Charlemagne’s time or shortly thereafter) is a treatise on what the author considers to be the characteristics of an ideal and successful ruler—with some pathos (such as the failure of Gerin’s marriage to his first wife, Elise) and humor (the antics of the demigod Ferdulf) thrown in—with just enough supernatural elements (involvement by various gods) added to liven up the narrative, at the same time making clear that Gerin is relying on his own wits and strength to bring him success, rather than counting on the gods as some sort of Deus ex Machina. And, commendably, he entertains no ambitions of heading south of the mountains to claim the throne of Elabon for himself (as the title “Fox and Empire” might seem to imply)—but, restraining his own ambitions and taking into account his advancing age—remains perfectly content to stay within his own kingdom and enjoy the fruits which his decades of wise rule will bring him. Turtledove never disappoints!
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
August 30, 2021
More of Gerin. As with previous book Gerin expects to fight one enemy but then bigger fish comes along and he needs to fight that one instead. In style it's not different than what we've seen so far so you more or less now what to expect. A fun read overall, if nothing special.
January 22, 2016
Another entry into the Gerin the Fox alternative reality series, this is a good fantasy read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews