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Fate Of Nations #1
Einstein Must Die!
1910 AD - Impending war with England has given Nikola Tesla the chance to build his dream: a weapon to end all wars. The American steam-powered Beowulf tank is larger than a house, and carries enough firepower to face an army. Beowulf also has a mechanical brain, embedded with the consciousness of Colonel Browning, America’s best military strategist.
But in England, King George has put Albert Einstein to work for his own war effort: zeppelins capable of reaching the former colony, and new, radiological bombs to remind them of the price of disloyalty.
When two brilliant pacifists wield technology to bring peace to a planet at war, the final outcome will surprise them both, and the world.
But in England, King George has put Albert Einstein to work for his own war effort: zeppelins capable of reaching the former colony, and new, radiological bombs to remind them of the price of disloyalty.
When two brilliant pacifists wield technology to bring peace to a planet at war, the final outcome will surprise them both, and the world.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2013
13 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 16, 2015
Disclaimer: I won this book from the Goodreads First Reads contest. I was very impressed with this first novel in the new Fate of Nations series. I would consider it part alternate history and part dieselpunk (a bit more advanced technology than steampunk). I liked the characterization, several of the main characters were developed quite nicely. The first part of the book about Tesla really set the stage for him and created some empathy in me for the character.
The mix of different levels of technology was interesting although I had to consciously suspend my disbelief for one particular invention.
The Tesla vs. Edison rivalry is in full force here and causes some very interesting plot twists. It's always interesting to see how politics can influence science and this was a perfect example of that.
I am very much looking forward to the next volume in the series, this one ended with a nice lead-in for whatever happens next.
The mix of different levels of technology was interesting although I had to consciously suspend my disbelief for one particular invention.
The Tesla vs. Edison rivalry is in full force here and causes some very interesting plot twists. It's always interesting to see how politics can influence science and this was a perfect example of that.
I am very much looking forward to the next volume in the series, this one ended with a nice lead-in for whatever happens next.
November 13, 2013
Einstein is not really a major player on this book, despite the title it is all about Nikola Tesla in an alternate history setting. The author has taken Keith Laumer's Bolo concept and transposed it into the early twentieth century. The coexisting levels of technology strain credulity at times. Wooden sailing ships and nuclear bombs? Steam engines and antigravity? Social and historical realities are equally mashed up at random. British soldiers still uniformed in red at this period, when in our universe they had long switched to khaki?
The book could use more of a back story informing the reader just where this timeline diverged from our own. Who is this tyrannical British king? Does he correspond to any British royal we know of? Things just don't add up. If Britain is the pre-eminent European air power, why are airships called "zeppelins" instead of "dirigibles"? Alternate history relies on painstaking attention to detail and this book does not have it. An interesting attempt, but a long way from the true master of alternate history, Harry Turtledove.
The book could use more of a back story informing the reader just where this timeline diverged from our own. Who is this tyrannical British king? Does he correspond to any British royal we know of? Things just don't add up. If Britain is the pre-eminent European air power, why are airships called "zeppelins" instead of "dirigibles"? Alternate history relies on painstaking attention to detail and this book does not have it. An interesting attempt, but a long way from the true master of alternate history, Harry Turtledove.
November 29, 2013
Is it steampunk, an alternate reality, science fiction, a battle of some of the world’s greatest minds or all of the above plus a little romance? Einstein Must Die! by the wildly creative Chris Kohout pits some of history’s most famous scientists, inventors and geniuses against each other in a war fought on American soil as the English decides it’s time to make the colonies pay for their break to freedom. With Albert Einstein working for the English king, creating deadly radiation bombs in annihilate the Americans, Nikola Tesla helps create a massive and powerful steam-powered tank, named Beowulf, the perfect fighting machine. By melding the human consciousness with a mechanical brain, Beowulf becomes the perfect fighting machine, almost unstoppable in its power when the mental consciousness of a seasoned military war strategist is used, but what happens when his twelve-year-old granddaughter’s consciousness becomes the force behind this incredible machine designed to end all wars?
After setting up his world, author Chris Kohout takes it to a level that is completely riveting from start to finish! I am completely in awe of his talent for writing, twisting known historical faces with the perfect fantasy setting! I wasn’t just reading about Beowulf, I saw it! I was right there, in every scene, in awe of its capabilities during war, and the feelings Beowulf had for its power. Actually, it was the amazement of the characters that were melded with the machine that I was hearing, with believable dialogue, over-the-top action and reactions!
Congratulations to Chris Kohout for an amazing read! This is talent to watch and read, because if you’ve never really understood steampunk or alternate realities, after reading this, you will!
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review, and honestly, this is one “for the books.”
Publication Date: August 31, 2013
Publisher: Unbound Reality
ISBN-10: 1491026049 (for Paperback)
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Number of Pages: 392
Available from: Amazon
Connect with Chris Kohout
After setting up his world, author Chris Kohout takes it to a level that is completely riveting from start to finish! I am completely in awe of his talent for writing, twisting known historical faces with the perfect fantasy setting! I wasn’t just reading about Beowulf, I saw it! I was right there, in every scene, in awe of its capabilities during war, and the feelings Beowulf had for its power. Actually, it was the amazement of the characters that were melded with the machine that I was hearing, with believable dialogue, over-the-top action and reactions!
Congratulations to Chris Kohout for an amazing read! This is talent to watch and read, because if you’ve never really understood steampunk or alternate realities, after reading this, you will!
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review, and honestly, this is one “for the books.”
Publication Date: August 31, 2013
Publisher: Unbound Reality
ISBN-10: 1491026049 (for Paperback)
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Number of Pages: 392
Available from: Amazon
Connect with Chris Kohout
November 28, 2013
There's a lot to like in this - zeppelins, sentient tanks, and starring roles for some of the great scientific and political personalities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a fast-moving, all-action story which isn't afraid to have major events throughout - don't make the mistake of thinking, "he wouldn't do that this early in the book."
But there's a lot that irritated me too. Tesla, Edison, Churchill and Twain were shallow caricatures of their historical characters. They could have been simply generic good scientist, bad scientist, alcoholic politician and sidekick. There's a plot twist halfway through that's just plain stupid, and the scientific development is worthy of 1930s pulp SF - major inventions just happen overnight and are perfected by the end of the week. The depiction of the British adversaries is laughable - they're all bloodthirsty maniacs, fools or cowards, who still wear red uniforms in 1910 (some 30 years after historically abandoning them) so as to make better targets for the heroic Americans. And the language just wasn't authentic - Brits using Americanisms, and everyone using modern expressions.
It would make a superb comic book script, or even a movie, and I did enjoy reading it, but it lacked the depth I was hoping for. On the other hand, if you just treat it as a rollercoaster steampunk adventure and don't sweat the details, then you'll have a lot of fun with this.
But there's a lot that irritated me too. Tesla, Edison, Churchill and Twain were shallow caricatures of their historical characters. They could have been simply generic good scientist, bad scientist, alcoholic politician and sidekick. There's a plot twist halfway through that's just plain stupid, and the scientific development is worthy of 1930s pulp SF - major inventions just happen overnight and are perfected by the end of the week. The depiction of the British adversaries is laughable - they're all bloodthirsty maniacs, fools or cowards, who still wear red uniforms in 1910 (some 30 years after historically abandoning them) so as to make better targets for the heroic Americans. And the language just wasn't authentic - Brits using Americanisms, and everyone using modern expressions.
It would make a superb comic book script, or even a movie, and I did enjoy reading it, but it lacked the depth I was hoping for. On the other hand, if you just treat it as a rollercoaster steampunk adventure and don't sweat the details, then you'll have a lot of fun with this.
February 1, 2014
http://pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspo...
It Is About War Between America And England During 1916AD
Einstein Must Die! by Chris Kohout is about 1916 AD era where Nikola Tesla gets a chance to get his dream come true. It is a war happening between England and America. The then Beowulf tank owned by American forces is steam powered and is bigger than a normal house and has a capacity to carry firepower to tackle a complete army in the opponent.
The tank has a mechanical brain of its own to connected with Colonel Browning's consciousness, who is among the top war strategists in America. On the other hand King George in England puts Albert Einstein on the equivalent job to counter Colonel Browning.
It Is About War Between America And England During 1916AD
Einstein Must Die! by Chris Kohout is about 1916 AD era where Nikola Tesla gets a chance to get his dream come true. It is a war happening between England and America. The then Beowulf tank owned by American forces is steam powered and is bigger than a normal house and has a capacity to carry firepower to tackle a complete army in the opponent.
The tank has a mechanical brain of its own to connected with Colonel Browning's consciousness, who is among the top war strategists in America. On the other hand King George in England puts Albert Einstein on the equivalent job to counter Colonel Browning.
October 8, 2020
“Heroes typically led hard, lonely lives. And with few exceptions, their defining quality was sacrificing themselves for others. They get the glory, but not much else.”
Einstein Must Die! (Fate of Nations, #1) by Chris Kohout is the type of series that I have been trying to find for sometime now. Kohout, a Seattle resident, is originally from Georgia. He decided that there was something more to life than computer programming and decided to write a book. Kohout doesn't have much a public biography, but he did tell me he was in the Marine Reserves in college, which is good enough background information for me.
Several years ago a colleague asked me if I had read any good Steampunk. I had no clue what Steampunk was, but I was told I would like it. I went to the library and checked out a few books and was sorely disappointed. I thought to myself, how can I not like this. This should be a top fiction genre for me. However, once something turns me off, it is usually impossible for me to pick it up again, like The Hobbit. Now years later I received a request to review a book and as usual almost automatically approved it, but froze when I saw Steampunk. I thought would this book turn out like The Hobbit for me? Thirty years of trying but unable to get through it. I chose to be adventurous and approved it. I would have to read it; I have a deadline.
Deadline or not, Einstein Must Die!was a very unexpected pleasure. My hesitant start turned into rapid page turning and interest. I really did get caught up in the story and really enjoyed it. For those unfamiliar with Steampunk, it is a story usually staged in the Victorian era, but with almost modern technology but in a primitive form. Imagine, as in this story, a giant military tank, the size of a house, with enough firepower to take out a small army, and with the mind of America’s best military strategist downloaded into a mechanical brain to operate the entire system … and the whole thing is powered by a coal burning steam engine. Obviously, you will need a willing suspension of disbelief to follow the story, but that is true with many stories. Without it, Star Wars, vampires, superheroes and a host of other fiction would not exist. It’s mostly a matter of how easy the story is to accept. Einstein Must Die is as easy to accept as putting pointed ears on Leonard Nimoy and believing he is an alien. It works that well.
Its 1910 and England is going to war against the United States. Luckily for the US, President Theodore Roosevelt is not having any of that. America has it secret weapon in the works and a team of the best and brightest to give it the technological edge. England is hungry for the Texas oil and Alaska gold and is willing to take it by force. To match America’s brain trust, England has Einstein and his radiological bombs. America’s hope lies in the down and out Tesla who is on the very edge of bankruptcy. Einstein Must Die! gives the reader everything that can be expected in an action type book. There is, of course, the war, secret missions, betrayals, possible love interests, and some unexpected twists and turns.
The characters are historical, but not necessarily the actual people. If I said “a man in a leather jacket on a Harley” you would begin to make assumptions about the person and create a character greater than the nine words I spoke. The same goes in the book. With the mention of the Thomas Edison character, I immediately thought of the inventor who took credit for his work and other people’s work, petty, electrocuted an elephant to show AC current was dangerous, generally not a nice guy and someone you could really trust. That, as it turns out, is a very good description of the fictional Edison. There is enough of a historical context to set the stage and enough room to make it interesting fiction. There is also enough historical information on the Tesla/Edison conflict in the book to make other interactions between the two seem plausible. Perhaps even more interesting will be the development of the Teddy Roosevelt/Winston Churchill conflict.
I can honestly say that this book renewed my faith in Steampunk. It is well written, the characters are terrific, the storyline is great. There were a few minor points that gave me a little difficulty. The mention of NATO standard ammunition was confusing, especially since the US and England were at war. Also, the young girl, Madeline, uses language that is out of place at times, but that may be to tool to help separate her from the adults and possibly show a bit of a rebellious nature. These are very minor points and do not distract from the story. If Kohout can keep it up, The Fate of Nations is going to be an outstanding series.
Book Review by Joseph Spuckler
Autor Alliance link to the review:
Author Alliance
Einstein Must Die! (Fate of Nations, #1) by Chris Kohout is the type of series that I have been trying to find for sometime now. Kohout, a Seattle resident, is originally from Georgia. He decided that there was something more to life than computer programming and decided to write a book. Kohout doesn't have much a public biography, but he did tell me he was in the Marine Reserves in college, which is good enough background information for me.
Several years ago a colleague asked me if I had read any good Steampunk. I had no clue what Steampunk was, but I was told I would like it. I went to the library and checked out a few books and was sorely disappointed. I thought to myself, how can I not like this. This should be a top fiction genre for me. However, once something turns me off, it is usually impossible for me to pick it up again, like The Hobbit. Now years later I received a request to review a book and as usual almost automatically approved it, but froze when I saw Steampunk. I thought would this book turn out like The Hobbit for me? Thirty years of trying but unable to get through it. I chose to be adventurous and approved it. I would have to read it; I have a deadline.
Deadline or not, Einstein Must Die!was a very unexpected pleasure. My hesitant start turned into rapid page turning and interest. I really did get caught up in the story and really enjoyed it. For those unfamiliar with Steampunk, it is a story usually staged in the Victorian era, but with almost modern technology but in a primitive form. Imagine, as in this story, a giant military tank, the size of a house, with enough firepower to take out a small army, and with the mind of America’s best military strategist downloaded into a mechanical brain to operate the entire system … and the whole thing is powered by a coal burning steam engine. Obviously, you will need a willing suspension of disbelief to follow the story, but that is true with many stories. Without it, Star Wars, vampires, superheroes and a host of other fiction would not exist. It’s mostly a matter of how easy the story is to accept. Einstein Must Die is as easy to accept as putting pointed ears on Leonard Nimoy and believing he is an alien. It works that well.
Its 1910 and England is going to war against the United States. Luckily for the US, President Theodore Roosevelt is not having any of that. America has it secret weapon in the works and a team of the best and brightest to give it the technological edge. England is hungry for the Texas oil and Alaska gold and is willing to take it by force. To match America’s brain trust, England has Einstein and his radiological bombs. America’s hope lies in the down and out Tesla who is on the very edge of bankruptcy. Einstein Must Die! gives the reader everything that can be expected in an action type book. There is, of course, the war, secret missions, betrayals, possible love interests, and some unexpected twists and turns.
The characters are historical, but not necessarily the actual people. If I said “a man in a leather jacket on a Harley” you would begin to make assumptions about the person and create a character greater than the nine words I spoke. The same goes in the book. With the mention of the Thomas Edison character, I immediately thought of the inventor who took credit for his work and other people’s work, petty, electrocuted an elephant to show AC current was dangerous, generally not a nice guy and someone you could really trust. That, as it turns out, is a very good description of the fictional Edison. There is enough of a historical context to set the stage and enough room to make it interesting fiction. There is also enough historical information on the Tesla/Edison conflict in the book to make other interactions between the two seem plausible. Perhaps even more interesting will be the development of the Teddy Roosevelt/Winston Churchill conflict.
I can honestly say that this book renewed my faith in Steampunk. It is well written, the characters are terrific, the storyline is great. There were a few minor points that gave me a little difficulty. The mention of NATO standard ammunition was confusing, especially since the US and England were at war. Also, the young girl, Madeline, uses language that is out of place at times, but that may be to tool to help separate her from the adults and possibly show a bit of a rebellious nature. These are very minor points and do not distract from the story. If Kohout can keep it up, The Fate of Nations is going to be an outstanding series.
Book Review by Joseph Spuckler
Autor Alliance link to the review:
Author Alliance
October 27, 2018
Full steam ahead
What a story keeps you reading from start to finish no disappointments along the way. Such a collection of past, present, and future rolled into an great steampunk adventure
What a story keeps you reading from start to finish no disappointments along the way. Such a collection of past, present, and future rolled into an great steampunk adventure
December 28, 2013
When I started to read the novel I thought I was reading a conspiracy story to stop Einstein doing whatever he was doing. It turned out that this was only a small element in the plot, so the subtitle could be misleading. The main title Fate of Nations expresses the main concept more accurately.
Reviews keep mentioning steampunk, but I'm not sure if I would put it under that genre. Steam engines are really not that important in the story, they are hardly described as it is the case in other steampunk novels. Electricity and radioactivity are more dominant when it comes to the importance of technologies.
I don't want to spoil the plot, so I just say it's really compelling. The story is fast paced, there is a lot of action. The alternative history got my full attention, and I found real fun in reading about England attacking their rebelling colony, America. It was also interesting that the hero and some of the main characters were well known historical persons like Tesla, Edison and Einstein.
Beowulf was amazing. Real war-turning beast. I found especially compelling that a human mind was placed inside to control it. By the way, what a mind-blowing idea to put a little girl in the box!
The book contains a lot of good ideas and "new" technologies. Maybe too much. Alternative history or not, it is unlikely that this number of new technologies emerge the same time.
The story flows smoothly, I liked the voice of the author. However I wasn't comfortable with the omniscient point of view. It's just me, but I prefer the limited third person POV.
My other problem was that time after time I was kicked from the suspension of my disbelief. The story has to be believable within its rules and boundaries. When you say: sorry, I cannot believe that, the story has a problem. I tell you a few examples: The girl shows her laminated plastic ID card to the guards. It assumes plastic production and a high level of photography to copy a photo onto a small card. Also: hundreds of thousands of books were scanned and digitized. I simply cannot imagine that Tesla could develop this high level of technology.
All in all, the Fate of Nations is a fun read.
Reviews keep mentioning steampunk, but I'm not sure if I would put it under that genre. Steam engines are really not that important in the story, they are hardly described as it is the case in other steampunk novels. Electricity and radioactivity are more dominant when it comes to the importance of technologies.
I don't want to spoil the plot, so I just say it's really compelling. The story is fast paced, there is a lot of action. The alternative history got my full attention, and I found real fun in reading about England attacking their rebelling colony, America. It was also interesting that the hero and some of the main characters were well known historical persons like Tesla, Edison and Einstein.
Beowulf was amazing. Real war-turning beast. I found especially compelling that a human mind was placed inside to control it. By the way, what a mind-blowing idea to put a little girl in the box!
The book contains a lot of good ideas and "new" technologies. Maybe too much. Alternative history or not, it is unlikely that this number of new technologies emerge the same time.
The story flows smoothly, I liked the voice of the author. However I wasn't comfortable with the omniscient point of view. It's just me, but I prefer the limited third person POV.
My other problem was that time after time I was kicked from the suspension of my disbelief. The story has to be believable within its rules and boundaries. When you say: sorry, I cannot believe that, the story has a problem. I tell you a few examples: The girl shows her laminated plastic ID card to the guards. It assumes plastic production and a high level of photography to copy a photo onto a small card. Also: hundreds of thousands of books were scanned and digitized. I simply cannot imagine that Tesla could develop this high level of technology.
All in all, the Fate of Nations is a fun read.
February 27, 2014
The title is catchy and makes you want to read the synopsis to see if this story is going to have anything to offer. When I purchased the book, it had a different synopsis posted than the one up today and probably would have dissuaded me from reading. The brief promotional talked of war tanks melded with human psyche forever changing the landscape of war (very science fiction and "un"real at first glance) but set in the landscape of early Industrial Revolution America. Inventions by Einstein, Tesla and Edison were mentioned for that authentic feel. I was very mistaken after reading the first chapter and realizing that our main protagonist and antagonist would be Tesla and Edison themselves. Eek! Did I get suckered?
The action of the story was incredible. Fighting scenes followed by dramatic, heart-wrenching scientific advancement moved the story at a great clip. I must give it credit for making it hard to put down. You just absolutely get carried away on a tidal wave of activity. The climax of the story almost seems to occur at the beginning of the book leaving me wondering how the rest of the story will shape up (and if the author has ever taking a writing class on the structure of fiction), but you end up relishing the continuous ups and downs of war just as they really are.
There was a satisfying conclusion despite this being the first in a series. I'm not sure if I will progress along with the series, but this installment was certainly thought-provoking. There is a beautiful blend of philosophy brought about by war and technological advancement. The author brought forth a striking reality to the fiction.
The editing on this book was phenomenal. There were minimal grammatical and structural errors to trip up the story. If only the author had used such great creative powers with fictional heroes, I would have easily given this book 5 stars. My principles on muddying the waters of historical fact leave me at 3 stars; however, many others may not agree with my point of view and should thoroughly enjoy this novel.
The action of the story was incredible. Fighting scenes followed by dramatic, heart-wrenching scientific advancement moved the story at a great clip. I must give it credit for making it hard to put down. You just absolutely get carried away on a tidal wave of activity. The climax of the story almost seems to occur at the beginning of the book leaving me wondering how the rest of the story will shape up (and if the author has ever taking a writing class on the structure of fiction), but you end up relishing the continuous ups and downs of war just as they really are.
There was a satisfying conclusion despite this being the first in a series. I'm not sure if I will progress along with the series, but this installment was certainly thought-provoking. There is a beautiful blend of philosophy brought about by war and technological advancement. The author brought forth a striking reality to the fiction.
The editing on this book was phenomenal. There were minimal grammatical and structural errors to trip up the story. If only the author had used such great creative powers with fictional heroes, I would have easily given this book 5 stars. My principles on muddying the waters of historical fact leave me at 3 stars; however, many others may not agree with my point of view and should thoroughly enjoy this novel.
September 4, 2016
4.5 stars
I was quite skeptical of this when I started reading it... the title mainly led to that skepticism, but it must not have been a terrible choice because it caught my eye in the first place.
Diesel/steampunk! A tank with a kinda-sorta AI! Alternate history! Fighting! NO ROMANCE! An author not afraid to kill off characters! Famous historical figures all working together! Dueling scientists! All the things!
It doesn't warrant a full five stars because I was never quire sure how the divided globe came to be. The America's on one side, Europe (and I think Africa?) on the other, and then the nondescript, not introduced Southern region with Asia and Australia. For alternate history, one with a world war, the focus was solely on the Eastern seaboard of North America versus England. I would have liked to see more involvement of other continents/countries, regardless of what side of the fight they were on.
Contrary to the title, Einstein plays a tiny roll in the entire story (and the mission only focuses on killing him for a few chapters).
Regardless of the lack of globality, the action was relatively non-stop, the characters were snarky and well written, and there was less than 10% romance in the entire thing, which makes me quite happy. I like action, and that's what I got.
I do hope the author continues with the series, as I haven't seen any sequel listed anywhere, even though this is book 1.
This was an Amazon freebie when I picked it up, but it's well worth the $4 it is regularly, if you're into alternate history/steampunk or action-filled war stories.
I was quite skeptical of this when I started reading it... the title mainly led to that skepticism, but it must not have been a terrible choice because it caught my eye in the first place.
Diesel/steampunk! A tank with a kinda-sorta AI! Alternate history! Fighting! NO ROMANCE! An author not afraid to kill off characters! Famous historical figures all working together! Dueling scientists! All the things!
It doesn't warrant a full five stars because I was never quire sure how the divided globe came to be. The America's on one side, Europe (and I think Africa?) on the other, and then the nondescript, not introduced Southern region with Asia and Australia. For alternate history, one with a world war, the focus was solely on the Eastern seaboard of North America versus England. I would have liked to see more involvement of other continents/countries, regardless of what side of the fight they were on.
Contrary to the title, Einstein plays a tiny roll in the entire story (and the mission only focuses on killing him for a few chapters).
Regardless of the lack of globality, the action was relatively non-stop, the characters were snarky and well written, and there was less than 10% romance in the entire thing, which makes me quite happy. I like action, and that's what I got.
I do hope the author continues with the series, as I haven't seen any sequel listed anywhere, even though this is book 1.
This was an Amazon freebie when I picked it up, but it's well worth the $4 it is regularly, if you're into alternate history/steampunk or action-filled war stories.
January 29, 2014
Originally Posted: http://www.larissaslife.com/2014/01/m...
*Spoiler Free
A war dragging between the American and the British nations is the setting of the book Einstein Must Die! Ruthless and cunning soldiers try to annihilate each other all the while scientists fight with time in order to create the most powerful weapon.
Tesla is trying to fuse together a human brain with a war machine with help of several American scientists.
On the other side of the Atlantic Einstein with the orders of President Churchill is creating super-bombs.
Einstein Must Die! is an interesting story for the agonizing effort to overcome yourself, create history (even in literature) and rise above your circumstances.
Great steam-punk addition for the fans of the genre.
*Spoiler Free
A war dragging between the American and the British nations is the setting of the book Einstein Must Die! Ruthless and cunning soldiers try to annihilate each other all the while scientists fight with time in order to create the most powerful weapon.
Tesla is trying to fuse together a human brain with a war machine with help of several American scientists.
On the other side of the Atlantic Einstein with the orders of President Churchill is creating super-bombs.
Einstein Must Die! is an interesting story for the agonizing effort to overcome yourself, create history (even in literature) and rise above your circumstances.
Great steam-punk addition for the fans of the genre.
February 8, 2014
But first a rant from me to potential readers. If you have wasted your time reading the low rating reviews, please ignore them. Those people take themselves too seriously. The author had no intention of writing a historically accurate fiction story..This book is a fine example of creative writing. Without this type of writing, would Jules Verne be a household name today?
The positive reviewers have explained the storyline very well. For me, I enjoined the cast of characters immensely. The improbable juxtaposition of real events and people makes for an enjoyable bit of entertainment. That is what this book is - a few hours of unabashed fun reading. Take this book for what it is meant to be and you will be pleased.
The positive reviewers have explained the storyline very well. For me, I enjoined the cast of characters immensely. The improbable juxtaposition of real events and people makes for an enjoyable bit of entertainment. That is what this book is - a few hours of unabashed fun reading. Take this book for what it is meant to be and you will be pleased.
Read
November 9, 2014A professionally edited, proofed, and formatted alternative history-steampunk mashup that's unfortunately driving me nuts. There's such a mixing of historical characters (Tesla and Churchill and Twain, oh my!) and various technologies (radiation bombs under development at the same time that electricity is being run to homes). Most of it's unrelated to the 1910 era in which the story is set, and so it's impossible for me to take it seriously. Would that I could; it should be rollicking good fun. The onus lies on me, not the author, but I gave up when the exterior doors to the secret lab had no manual override.
It would be unfair for me to rate the book, but this would make an excellent graphic novel, especially aimed at teens and young adults.
It would be unfair for me to rate the book, but this would make an excellent graphic novel, especially aimed at teens and young adults.
December 5, 2013
This was my first steam punk novel and I wasn't sure what to expect. I was afraid that it wouldn't be able to hold my attention, however I was pleasantly surprised. Chock full of history and military strategy but not overwhelmed by either, this was an enjoyable read. I wasn't necessarily familiar with all of the characters, but that didn't matter once the story started to flow.
Einstein Must Die! is well-written and researched. If you like alternate history, this fast-paced, action-packed novel is for you.
Einstein Must Die! is well-written and researched. If you like alternate history, this fast-paced, action-packed novel is for you.
October 2, 2013
I really like reading a good Steampunk book and a good alternate history book, this has both of them combined. There is such a combination of different technologies in this book it makes a great read. The author did a great job in combining everything together. I'm hoping there will be follow on book to this one as I think there is a good possibility for a continuation. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes this type of book.
January 25, 2014
I don't have the complaint of several reviewers concerning historical inconsistencies (timelines, etc.). It wouldn't have bothered me if Sir Isaac Newton had shown up supporting the Americans. It's a fantasy, people. Other inconsistencies bothered me more, such as why would Edison be stringing telegraph lines when radio was available? I can even get over that but, in the end, it was only a so-so story for me.
February 12, 2014
In Einstein Must Die, the author has taken technology from different times and blended them together in an alternate history that makes for interesting politics.
He does something especially unique with one character, a young girl and a tank.
The book has quite a number of original twists that I've not seen in another book.
It's alternative history, so don't get yourself into a twist. It's fun.
He does something especially unique with one character, a young girl and a tank.
The book has quite a number of original twists that I've not seen in another book.
It's alternative history, so don't get yourself into a twist. It's fun.
July 23, 2014
It was OK - as mentioned by other reviewers there were some inconsistencies that bothered me...one in particular was a reference to bootleggers and rumrunners when the action takes place pre-Prohibition. Yes, I know there were bootleggers and rumrunners who were avoiding taxes on liquor, but the reference wasn't necessary and made it seem out of place. The premise was interesting and I'm curious to see what happens with this.
June 15, 2014
The author mixes steampunk, alternate history, fantasy and sci-fi. A bonanza for all types of fans. I was thinking this work would be a great tool for YA readers to get them interested in history. Start a conversation of what types of armaments fit which century or decade. Use it with students who do not take to reading favorably. But trust me, even for us grown-up types, it's a treat. My thanks to the author and LibraryThing for a complimentary copy.
February 28, 2014
I had a pretty good time reading this story. It is completely different than anything I've read before, but I really enjoyed it. It was funny at times, and the story sucked me in, as unrealistic as it was. It kind of combines military experiences with sci-fi with historical fiction and some humor thrown in. Definitely a fun little story if you enjoy nerdiness.
July 24, 2014
A fantastical tale
the book "cover" as it were, will tell as much as I will. Einstein, Edison and Tesla in the same book, history on its behind. what more would one ask? I found the premise out there, way out there. think I would have bought the book better had he changed the names of the main characters. some of the writing reminded me of Heinlein.
the book "cover" as it were, will tell as much as I will. Einstein, Edison and Tesla in the same book, history on its behind. what more would one ask? I found the premise out there, way out there. think I would have bought the book better had he changed the names of the main characters. some of the writing reminded me of Heinlein.
December 4, 2013
What a concept
The history and fiction in this book meld perfectly. The inventors themselves are what makes it so good. I didn't care for T. Edison much but understood the need for his character.
The history and fiction in this book meld perfectly. The inventors themselves are what makes it so good. I didn't care for T. Edison much but understood the need for his character.
January 2, 2014
Just finished reading this and loved it! Excellent cast of characters and a great plot. Loved the way Nikola Tesla was portrayed. Just wish that he had did more to Edison than he did. Definitely a book I would happily read again.
January 6, 2014
Overall,quite enjoyable. I enjoyed the technology and alternate history timeline. I would have given it an extra star, but I just couldn't get past Madelaine's character. Her speech, limericks, etc. did not endear me to her.
September 28, 2013
A very good book with as strange a premise as I've ever come across. I'm going to keep an eye on this guy; I want to read more of his work.
April 28, 2014
didn't finish. didn't hold my interest
December 5, 2013
Very interesting concept of an alternate reality. The fight between major scientific minds of the day was really interesting and I am looking forward to the sequel.
December 11, 2013
I rank things all over the place for various reasons, but this was a great piece of escapist fiction.
Ridiculous, but fun in an alternate reality steampunk sort of way.
Ridiculous, but fun in an alternate reality steampunk sort of way.
November 30, 2018
Interesting mix of time periods, steampunk, and dieselpunk. A good read.
unfinished-reads
December 24, 2013Sometimes you pick up a book and it's not really what you expect at all. This might be something great, but it's more serious than the title lets on.
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