What do you think?
Rate this book
A New Birth of Freedom
A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator
Noam Chomsky argues that communication with aliens would be impossible. Stephen Hawking argues that it would be extremely unwise even to try. What if it were absolutely necessary to do so? This question arises with extreme urgency at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, in this time-travel, alternate-history trilogy, A New Birth of Freedom.
316 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
170 people want to read
About the author
Robert G. Pielke
13 books34 followersBA - 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 Cat Goes West and The Mission."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 6, 2012
I loved the first book in this series, but the second outdoes itself even further! Robert G Pielke spins a masterful tale in A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator, twisting science fiction with historical fiction, but weaving it with such richness and accuracy, down to personality types, quirky characteristics, manners of speech, and reasonableness of action, that no seams or incongruities can be found. The main ideas behind this story - namely, time traveling alien invaders landing themselves in the midst of the American Civil War - are extreme enough that I haven't yet read an author who accomplished such a task with Mr Pielke's level of believability or richness of fact woven deftly into fiction. If I could make a comparison, it would be to Harry Turtledove's work, who also wrote a time-traveling science fiction tale involving the Civil War, and writes many stories in the realm of alternate fiction, but I can honestly say that I fell into Mr. Pielke's tale far more comfortably, and with far less reservations about the natural character interactions and believability of the story as it progresses.
The most outstanding aspects of this book are the historical figures who walk, talk, act, and feel like the well studied figures many of us have come to know in our history books and accounts from the time. Add to this all the troop movements and commanding officers at play, the progression of the war until our main character, Edwin Blaire, begins to alter certain outcomes for the sake of defeating this new threat, and the number of troops in each region, the numbers of guns and artillery fielded and/or available, the motivations of the leaders and the sentiments of the population - every bit of it isn't simply manufactured as so many authors have tried with this genre, but actually derived from what historians know of this period. Mr. Pielke is certainly a well learned historian, and his writing is equally polished, for which his ability to weave these difficult elements into a riveting plot has won this reader's - and this writer's - heart.
If I could choose an aspect of this work that might be considered a downside, it would be an occasionally brief moment here and there that I would like to have explored a bit further. Of course, this is a reader's preference, rather than a flaw in the work, and should be taken as such when all things are considered.
Overall, this work has earned five enthusiastic stars, and I also look forward to reading more of Robert G. Pielke's work in the very near future.
Bravo!
The most outstanding aspects of this book are the historical figures who walk, talk, act, and feel like the well studied figures many of us have come to know in our history books and accounts from the time. Add to this all the troop movements and commanding officers at play, the progression of the war until our main character, Edwin Blaire, begins to alter certain outcomes for the sake of defeating this new threat, and the number of troops in each region, the numbers of guns and artillery fielded and/or available, the motivations of the leaders and the sentiments of the population - every bit of it isn't simply manufactured as so many authors have tried with this genre, but actually derived from what historians know of this period. Mr. Pielke is certainly a well learned historian, and his writing is equally polished, for which his ability to weave these difficult elements into a riveting plot has won this reader's - and this writer's - heart.
If I could choose an aspect of this work that might be considered a downside, it would be an occasionally brief moment here and there that I would like to have explored a bit further. Of course, this is a reader's preference, rather than a flaw in the work, and should be taken as such when all things are considered.
Overall, this work has earned five enthusiastic stars, and I also look forward to reading more of Robert G. Pielke's work in the very near future.
Bravo!
December 7, 2012
A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator, by Robert G. Pielke is the second installment in an intriguing alternate history trilogy. Edwin Blair has been sent back to the American Civil War to arrange for the eradication of otherworldly invaders from his own 23rd century time. This installment deals with the ramifications of meddling with history, both personal and historical. How much can Edwin safely alter history? What changes can he make that will endure, and what alterations will be erased once he returns to his proper time?
As the novel progresses, Edwin discovers his memory is failing as he affects his changes. The history he once thoroughly knew (it was his specialty as a university professor) has been altered and his mind is having a hard, often physically painful, time sorting it all out. Plagued by frequent headaches, nightmares and mind fog, Edwin must figure out exactly what he needs to do in order to succeed in his mission. He knows there is a limit to how much he can change history.
I enjoyed the immense historical detail in A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator. There is quite a bit of knowledge pertaining to the Civil War that was new to me. I found myself researching the characters, as well as some of the language that was used. Edwin introduces John Hay to a few colloquialisms that gained popularity during the time of the War – a detail that I found refreshing. I also found the relationships between our intrepid time-traveler and his historical friends rather compelling. His friendship with Mr. Hay is crucial to the success of his mission. Without his help, he will likely forget everything from his own time - including his goal.
One aspect of the book that slowed things down a bit for me is that the author spends quite a bit of time trying to explain the multitude of paradoxes that are innate to time-travel. He goes over them several times, trying to get the point across with many analogies. At times it slows the story down.
I highly recommend this series, and particularly this installment. If you are a fan of speculative or alternate histories I think you will find Mr. Pielke’s take very captivating. I eagerly await the third installment.
As the novel progresses, Edwin discovers his memory is failing as he affects his changes. The history he once thoroughly knew (it was his specialty as a university professor) has been altered and his mind is having a hard, often physically painful, time sorting it all out. Plagued by frequent headaches, nightmares and mind fog, Edwin must figure out exactly what he needs to do in order to succeed in his mission. He knows there is a limit to how much he can change history.
I enjoyed the immense historical detail in A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator. There is quite a bit of knowledge pertaining to the Civil War that was new to me. I found myself researching the characters, as well as some of the language that was used. Edwin introduces John Hay to a few colloquialisms that gained popularity during the time of the War – a detail that I found refreshing. I also found the relationships between our intrepid time-traveler and his historical friends rather compelling. His friendship with Mr. Hay is crucial to the success of his mission. Without his help, he will likely forget everything from his own time - including his goal.
One aspect of the book that slowed things down a bit for me is that the author spends quite a bit of time trying to explain the multitude of paradoxes that are innate to time-travel. He goes over them several times, trying to get the point across with many analogies. At times it slows the story down.
I highly recommend this series, and particularly this installment. If you are a fan of speculative or alternate histories I think you will find Mr. Pielke’s take very captivating. I eagerly await the third installment.
February 19, 2013
The Civil War had a huge impact on who we are as a nation. In the A New Birth of Freedom series, it has an even greater impact as an historian from the future travels there to prevent the end of our world at the hands of aliens.
The first book in this science fiction trilogy, The Visitor, sets the stage. Edwin Blair time travels back to meet Abraham Lincoln and then to Gettysburg to try and stop the future destruction of our planet. An alien cube is to land in the middle of the battle, and Blair needs Lincoln's help to orchestrate a momentary truce between the North and the South against a common enemy.
The action continues in the second book, The Translator, as Blair tries to understand the ramifications of changing history. The aliens have momentarily been stopped and a few are being held for interrogation. Blair must use all of his knowledge, combined with the knowledge of the significant historical figures of the time, to figure out how to communicate with aliens (known as pests). Then, he must decide how to use the information.
But nothing is simple when it comes to time travel. If Blair changes things too dramatically, a paradox will occur. One that could wipe out his own existence which would preclude him from ever going back in the first place. What he ultimately figures out is that he can only change things slightly enough so as not to overly affect the future, while still making a lasting small change that he will ultimately understand.
The author does an amazing job with history and the difficult task of exploring time travel and the confusing effects such an ability could have. Civil War buffs will especially love the interactions of a future historian with people like Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Several times, I was intrigued enough by the events to head to the Internet to look up Civil War dates and facts.
I highly recommend this book to those who love history with a twist and science fiction fans, although I think others will enjoy it as well. While readers could pick up The Translator as a stand alone, it reads better with the background from book one, The Visitor. And don't expect a tidy ending at the end of this book... it definitely leaves you wanting to read the last book in the trilogy.
Note: I am vague about the details of both books for good reason. I don't want to ruin the experience for readers, as the twists and turns are a huge part of the books' allure.
Additional note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
The first book in this science fiction trilogy, The Visitor, sets the stage. Edwin Blair time travels back to meet Abraham Lincoln and then to Gettysburg to try and stop the future destruction of our planet. An alien cube is to land in the middle of the battle, and Blair needs Lincoln's help to orchestrate a momentary truce between the North and the South against a common enemy.
The action continues in the second book, The Translator, as Blair tries to understand the ramifications of changing history. The aliens have momentarily been stopped and a few are being held for interrogation. Blair must use all of his knowledge, combined with the knowledge of the significant historical figures of the time, to figure out how to communicate with aliens (known as pests). Then, he must decide how to use the information.
But nothing is simple when it comes to time travel. If Blair changes things too dramatically, a paradox will occur. One that could wipe out his own existence which would preclude him from ever going back in the first place. What he ultimately figures out is that he can only change things slightly enough so as not to overly affect the future, while still making a lasting small change that he will ultimately understand.
The author does an amazing job with history and the difficult task of exploring time travel and the confusing effects such an ability could have. Civil War buffs will especially love the interactions of a future historian with people like Lincoln and Robert E. Lee. Several times, I was intrigued enough by the events to head to the Internet to look up Civil War dates and facts.
I highly recommend this book to those who love history with a twist and science fiction fans, although I think others will enjoy it as well. While readers could pick up The Translator as a stand alone, it reads better with the background from book one, The Visitor. And don't expect a tidy ending at the end of this book... it definitely leaves you wanting to read the last book in the trilogy.
Note: I am vague about the details of both books for good reason. I don't want to ruin the experience for readers, as the twists and turns are a huge part of the books' allure.
Additional note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.
December 24, 2012
A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator, by Robert G. Pielke is the sequel to A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor. The first book is an amazing sci-fi twist on an alternate history surrounding the American Civil War period. At the end of the first book we are left anxiously awaiting if the alien eggs will hatch, and confused on whether the captive aliens are good or evil (as originally presented). In the second book so much of history has been altered, even if it was by the smallest amount, that the main character Edwin is becoming extremely confused to the point of migraines. This series is a wonderful compilation of time travel, the butterfly-effect/time alteration (it reminded me a lot of back to the future when it was explained that seeing yourself and making changes can have indescribable ramifications). Throughout the book Edwin is battling himself and his memory loss to stay on track of his original (now fuzzy) mission.
In the first book I loved the introduction of all the historical characters (which I admit I really knew very little about before this) and very much enjoyed following them throughout the second book. Pielke did a wonderful job of character development and was consistent in The Translator. I don't believe you should read these books alone or out of order because it is critical that you understand what parts characters played in the beginning (when Edwin's memory is clear) such as Mr. Hay.
The characters are all very believable and I loved the complexity of this book (and series so far). It is unique to have two major conflicts occurring at the same time throughout the book; the progression of the civil war and the ramifications of the alien visitors/invaders.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys history, sci-fi, and/or time travel. While I was excited about concluding this series with the second book, I am extremely happy it is a trilogy and the adventure didn't end here.
In the first book I loved the introduction of all the historical characters (which I admit I really knew very little about before this) and very much enjoyed following them throughout the second book. Pielke did a wonderful job of character development and was consistent in The Translator. I don't believe you should read these books alone or out of order because it is critical that you understand what parts characters played in the beginning (when Edwin's memory is clear) such as Mr. Hay.
The characters are all very believable and I loved the complexity of this book (and series so far). It is unique to have two major conflicts occurring at the same time throughout the book; the progression of the civil war and the ramifications of the alien visitors/invaders.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys history, sci-fi, and/or time travel. While I was excited about concluding this series with the second book, I am extremely happy it is a trilogy and the adventure didn't end here.
February 12, 2013
This is definitely the middle volume. //A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator// cuts right to the chase, throwing Edwin Blair and his headaches right at us. In this alternate timeline, Civil War America has been invaded by the alien Pests, who have their own inscrutable reasons for wanting to talk to Blair. As they become another reason to secede from the United States as well as a weapon against President Lincoln, Blair must figure out what the aliens are telling him and figure out how to save the planet from a future alien invasion.
Although there is a lot to be gained from not having an actual physicist on board to look at the ramifications of time travel, there are a number of problems with this version of time travel, especially as regards the issue of making a major change (eliminating the alien threat) even though major changes tend to erase themselves. However, the way it is presented, from changes in the timeline giving Blair headaches to questioning if Blair has done this before while leaving subtle clues for himself as he goes makes for some very nice details, and alone makes this worth the price to hard core science-fiction fans.
The characters really sell it. Although famous names are thrown about, in this book it makes sense; even Wilkes Booth gets a deserved cameo. The plot keeps moving on, and feels like the characters are forcing it rather than the plot forcing the character, adding to the mystery of what is going on. Even Blair learning something about the equality is a nice touch. Interestingly enough, although the clipped ends signify that it is the middle book of a series, this book can be read on its own. Nonetheless, this book does whet the appetite for the next book, and is one that time-travel aficionados and historical fiction fans alike will enjoy.
As written by Jamais Jochim for http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/
Although there is a lot to be gained from not having an actual physicist on board to look at the ramifications of time travel, there are a number of problems with this version of time travel, especially as regards the issue of making a major change (eliminating the alien threat) even though major changes tend to erase themselves. However, the way it is presented, from changes in the timeline giving Blair headaches to questioning if Blair has done this before while leaving subtle clues for himself as he goes makes for some very nice details, and alone makes this worth the price to hard core science-fiction fans.
The characters really sell it. Although famous names are thrown about, in this book it makes sense; even Wilkes Booth gets a deserved cameo. The plot keeps moving on, and feels like the characters are forcing it rather than the plot forcing the character, adding to the mystery of what is going on. Even Blair learning something about the equality is a nice touch. Interestingly enough, although the clipped ends signify that it is the middle book of a series, this book can be read on its own. Nonetheless, this book does whet the appetite for the next book, and is one that time-travel aficionados and historical fiction fans alike will enjoy.
As written by Jamais Jochim for http://sanfranciscobookreview.com/
February 27, 2013
Dear Hubby ripped A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator by Robert G. Pielke' from my hands as soon as it arrived in the mail. No matter how much I scowled at him, the book was not returned to me til this last week. He was ever so gracious to let me finally have my book from Robert G. Pielke. It was about dang time too!
You may remember I raved about Robert's first book, A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor (Book 1) here before. He has a great way of mish mash a story of history, time jumping and sci-fi that I had not come across til then. Ever since we have been all excited for the new release of A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator. Sure enough we were not let down.
Now if you are new to this line of books I would suggest reading book one first. For it does set up the story line for book two. Now on to A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator (Book 2). We are back in the days of Lincoln and the war between the states along with the Pests being locked up or trapped within their crafts. Here we are now understanding the problems in time jumping. Just not that easy to go back to fix a problem without messing up your own mortality. Not a desired effect. Then you have to learn a communal language between you and the pest. I love the straight forward logic they have. Makes me sorta feel right at home. But I really do wonder how is it that the men of the past are wrapping their heads around extraterrestrial beings are right there in front of them. And really who are the Pest? Us or them? You might want to look into this one yourself. We give it a four thumbs up (Dear Hubby and I).
You may remember I raved about Robert's first book, A New Birth of Freedom: The Visitor (Book 1) here before. He has a great way of mish mash a story of history, time jumping and sci-fi that I had not come across til then. Ever since we have been all excited for the new release of A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator. Sure enough we were not let down.
Now if you are new to this line of books I would suggest reading book one first. For it does set up the story line for book two. Now on to A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator (Book 2). We are back in the days of Lincoln and the war between the states along with the Pests being locked up or trapped within their crafts. Here we are now understanding the problems in time jumping. Just not that easy to go back to fix a problem without messing up your own mortality. Not a desired effect. Then you have to learn a communal language between you and the pest. I love the straight forward logic they have. Makes me sorta feel right at home. But I really do wonder how is it that the men of the past are wrapping their heads around extraterrestrial beings are right there in front of them. And really who are the Pest? Us or them? You might want to look into this one yourself. We give it a four thumbs up (Dear Hubby and I).
February 6, 2013
The second installment of Robert G Pielke’s series A New Birth of Freedom: The Translator will make you waiting for the next book to come out. This compelling account of Aliens in a Lincoln-esque time is so well written that I was caught up on page one and didn’t stop until I had finished the book. The first book, NBOF: The Visitor laid down the plot line and this continues with new issues thrown in. You might want to read it prior to this one as it really does make more sense if you do.
As most time travelers are aware, if you play with history it never ends well. Edwin’s memory is failing or is it that he has altered history enough that what he knew isn’t any longer. His blinding headaches may also be a result of his tampering – does he still exist?
The “pests” as Edwin calls them apparently operate on a hive mentality. What one knows the others automatically assimilate. The captives are communicating in Indian sign language first, then switch to Morse code after a demonstration. This enables the captors (Lincoln and John Hay plus the armies) to learn more about them. In between dealing with pests, Lincoln is also running the Civil War from a tent in the field.
For history buffs, the examination of Lincoln and his closest advisors is fantastic and for sci-fi buffs, this continuation of a trilogy well begun will be a “must”.
As most time travelers are aware, if you play with history it never ends well. Edwin’s memory is failing or is it that he has altered history enough that what he knew isn’t any longer. His blinding headaches may also be a result of his tampering – does he still exist?
The “pests” as Edwin calls them apparently operate on a hive mentality. What one knows the others automatically assimilate. The captives are communicating in Indian sign language first, then switch to Morse code after a demonstration. This enables the captors (Lincoln and John Hay plus the armies) to learn more about them. In between dealing with pests, Lincoln is also running the Civil War from a tent in the field.
For history buffs, the examination of Lincoln and his closest advisors is fantastic and for sci-fi buffs, this continuation of a trilogy well begun will be a “must”.
August 21, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am sorry to say that after three separate attempts I was never able to finish this book. I made it just past the halfway mark and had to call it for the sake of my sanity. The premise of the book is interesting, however I found the story to be too convoluted to ever really enjoy. I felt like I was with a group of people, all of whom knew the inside joke, and none of them would share it with me.
The storyline was a mix of linear and non-linear, but not in any way that worked for me. I generally can read stories that are linear or non-linear, however I apparently don't handle it well when one book follows both paths at different points in time. I think the author was trying to use the change in method to help drive the storyline, but sadly for me it served only to further confuse it.
This book may be a winner for those with stronger feelings about aliens and history. I will say that the author did a decent job of drawing parallels between the characters in the story and our actual history here in the USA.
I am sorry to say that after three separate attempts I was never able to finish this book. I made it just past the halfway mark and had to call it for the sake of my sanity. The premise of the book is interesting, however I found the story to be too convoluted to ever really enjoy. I felt like I was with a group of people, all of whom knew the inside joke, and none of them would share it with me.
The storyline was a mix of linear and non-linear, but not in any way that worked for me. I generally can read stories that are linear or non-linear, however I apparently don't handle it well when one book follows both paths at different points in time. I think the author was trying to use the change in method to help drive the storyline, but sadly for me it served only to further confuse it.
This book may be a winner for those with stronger feelings about aliens and history. I will say that the author did a decent job of drawing parallels between the characters in the story and our actual history here in the USA.
March 20, 2013
Not as good as The Visitor but not bad. The time space paradox got a little confusing. If time would snap back to where it was before Edwin Blair came, then why come in the first place. Didn't realize that this was part of a trilogy, thought it was only two books. Abraham Lincoln is the greatest character in this book. There are a few ironic plot references made but I won't give them away here. Not sure if was just the kindle edition but there were many typographical and gramatical errors in the book. Impatiently waiting for the last book.
December 29, 2012
It's good.
March 17, 2013
Sigh, an even worse cliffhanger.... when is the third one coming out?!
September 11, 2014
It bogged down somewhere near the middle but by the end I again anticipated the next volume.
May 19, 2015
a great continuation of this series.
May 6, 2015
Great series. Not usually a fan of scifi, but I am enjoying the series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews