The Danish Scheme

Danish Scheme #1

by Herb Sakalaucks, Eric Flint

Christian IV, King of Denmark, Sir Thomas Roe, the English Ambassador to Christian's court, and various elements of the extended Abrabanel family have arranged an unusually well-funded and well led expedition to North America. The purpose of this mission? To establish a powerful Danish presence in Newfoundland, from which the Danes will extend their influence and commercial presence across North America, in the regions above the French possessions in the New World.The Danish scheme is one of King Christian’s responses to his forced incorporation into the new Union of Kalmar, following Denmark’s defeat in the Baltic War of 1634. In some ways, it is aimed as much against Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden as it is against Richelieu’s France. It is an attempt to restore Denmark’s power without coming into direct conflict with the Swedish king and his American allies.But neither Gustav Adolf nor Mike Stearns are fooled by Christian’s machinations. Their response is depicted in Eric Flint’s short story “Brave New World,” also part of this volume, and it is not one that the Danish king had foreseen. The world of the 1630s, already thrown into tumult by the Ring of Fire and the arrival of the town of Grantville from across time and space, just got more complicated—and more exciting.

Genres: Alternate History, Time Travel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

245 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2013

Reviews

[Lexxi Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an offshoot from Eric Flint's 1632 series. I'm not sure how much of that series you would need to read before this book here 'worked', or if you even need to read any of it. This book does start after that series start date, but mostly doesn't deal with any of the people from that series, and mostly spends it's time in a part of the world the 1632 main line books do not and/or have not yet reached (North America). Some knowledge of the series, maybe just reading the 1632 book description, would be needed before reading this book here, though.

The world was changed when a small town in West Virginia got sent back roughly 360 years into it's own past, and several thousand miles away from it's original geographical location (moving from West Virginia to the middle of the Germanies). That information is important to know with this book, since it alters the history that unfolds after 1632 (the date the town landed back in the past). Unlike all of the main line books, and probably most of the side books, this book does not star any of the 'uptime' people, nor are any even on the edge (except for one person whose origins are hinted at but who has only one line in the book (I think) and has no real role in this book) of this book here. No, this book stars downtimers in all roles (again, except for that one cameo type person whose name wasn't even given).

Basically the book is about setting up a new colony in North America. Funded by the Danish kingdom, and by a specific Jewish family (the Abrabanel family).

For those reading the above (or just reading the book description) and imagining opening the book to find boots landing onto North American soil as the opening scenes unfold, then the sound of hammering nails into wood to put up houses . . . well, that's not this book here. For the most part. This book does not start with the founding of the colony. It starts much earlier. Also there's a side story that does not directly (though does indirectly) tie in to the main story-line. That side story involving some Dutch ships sailing around attacking basically everyone they can find (Spanish, French, English).

Good solid story. Spent a lot more time on a kid than I really wanted to read, but eh, it wasn't only tied to him. Good characterization, etc.

Rating: 3.75

May 26 2020

[Andy Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

With 'The Danish Scheme' author Herbert Sakalaucks creates an entirely new scene for the alternate history created by Eric Flint--the new world of North America.

The butterfly effect is in full view as documented history changes as explorer Luke Foxe chuckles as he reads about his forthcoming death in history from the future in the Grantville Library. Luke has already made changes that will prevent it.

That's just the first of many changes that take place between Denmark and the new world.

I enjoyed the realistic depictions of sailing and pioneering in Canada in the 17th century the most. The characterizations are vivid, realistic, and engage me. There is enough romance and tragedy for any romantic, like myself.

The one shortcoming was a lack of characters from Grantville, the West Virginia town from 2000. The knowledge and technology gets disseminated, but I'd like more interplay between the future and the past characters. That's the only reason I give this fine book three stars instead of four.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. One of 6 or 7 1632/Ring Of Fire shorter stories. It surpassed my expectations.

[Daniel Shellenbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Danish Scheme is a story set in Eric Flint's Ring of Fire universe (in which Grantville, WV ca. 2000 AD was displaced back to Germany in 1631 and turned the pre-modern world upside down), though apart from a short epilogue by Flint the book is written by Herbert Sakalaucks and started as a series of short stories in the Grantville Gazettes. ANYWAY, the basic premise of the story is that English mercenary-explorer Luke Foxe with Danish and English backers uses the knowledge Grantville brought back in time to make a serious attempt at building a colony in the New World, aiming to avoid the mistakes of colonies like Roanoke and Jamestown by bringing the right people, the right equipment, and picking the right spot. The spot in question is Newfoundland and the Hudson Bay region. Foxe believes that he can reap the substantial mineral wealth of the area, taking advantage of library-bought foreknowledge of where the mineral veins are and the fact that the French are more focused on the American colonies they just bought from the English, leaving the Danes with no real competition to establishing a successful string of colonies in north/east Canada. Sakalaucks does a nice job of putting together the political and economical nuts-and-bolts sides of 17th century colonization and keeps the story moving with a number of likable characters, while also fleshing out an interesting corner of the Ring of Fire universe. There's really only one weakness to the story, and that's that it leaves a LOT of plot threads hanging. For one, Sakalaucks spends much of the early book developing the story of two Dutch frigates that escaped the betrayal and destruction of their fleet by their allies (from Flint/Weber's 1633) and waged a 2-ship war of revenge against the French and ex-English colonies/shipping in Acadia/Newfoundland. However, apart from setting the stage for the arrival of the Danish colony, this plot thread simply vanished into thin air, as the two never run into the Danish (that we are told), and there is no resolution to the Dutch captain's desire for vengeance. Likewise, one of the Danish colonial ships is apparently lost at sea, but frankly, it felt like the author was going to end up admitting that the Dutch found it and towed it to New Amsterdam, but the book simply doesn't say. I'm hopeful that these plot threads will wind up in the future 1636:The Atlantic Encounter (formerly 1636:Drums Along The Mohawk) which Eric Flint has been promising. Anyway, it's an enjoyable read, but it needs 100 more pages or a sequel.

[Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, it was time to read something just for fun. This is #1 in the series about the Danes settling the New world after the ring of fire. It had mostly new characters although there were a couple of cameo appearances of Grantville types. Is it deep? No, but it does pose an alternative view of cooperation with the Indian tribes, particularly the Cree. How will North America turn out with this arrangement? We will just have to wait and see.

There is humor, a couple of love stories, adventure, some battle activity, storms at sea, dealing with a tough climate and establishing diplomatic relations with Indians. In short, there is no lack of things to write about.

Besides, I like some of the characters, especially the Danes who like their aquavit and beer. They resemble some folks I knew as a child, hearty and up for a cause.

[Michael Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Danes are stuck between the big boys of Europe. Even though they control Norway, their army is small, the navy is good for coastal protection but not big enough to engage at sea in general, the economy is good but not robust and the King is a drunk. He is basically a good king but has too many illegitimate children to support and he drinks. But some people have talked him into a chance to tweek the French in the Americas and too get even with Richelieu. He supports setting up colonies in the Newfoundland Islands of French North America. They will search for gold, iron and coal deposits as shown on Grantville maps and gather other resources. With close ties to the Crees, they hope to take large areas under Danish control very quickly.

[Leo E Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

New world order

I've always felt queasy about the devastation of the vibrant First Nations' cultures devastated by the European invasions of the New World. A viable alternative without this, as well as a North America where slavery would not be tolerated is equally desired. Likeable characters as Luke and Mette Foxx, Svende, Jan a gone native Henry Hudson and more amazing Abrabenals kept me turning pages till night became morning

[Robert Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read - but....where is the sequel? Is there a sequel?

Well written, main protagonists fairly well developed - but left too many questions unanswered. In writing a series, each book should be able to stand alone. This one does not. It simply leaves you standing in the wilderness aware that the threads of the story are very much unraveled and it has not come to a good stopping point. The plot has too many threads woven too loosely.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian IV, King of Denmark, Sir Thomas Roe, the English Ambassador to Christian's court, and various elements of the extended Abrabanel family have arranged an unusually well-funded and well led expedition to North America. The purpose of this mission? To establish a powerful Danish presence in Newfoundland, from which the Danes will extend their influence and commercial presence across North America, in the regions above the French possessions in the New World.

[Marilyn Geary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Alternative History tale in the Ring of Fire series. This one, settlement of Newfoundland. Very few uptimers in this tale, concentration is on downtimers using information provided by Grantville's library. Lots of seafaring content. This is the first of the Newfoundland trilogy. I'm looking forward to tge next in the series.

[William Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

A tasty bit from the 1632 universe. I’m glad these are being released in this manner.

It gets a little matter-of-fact at times, moving too briskly to ‘feel’ what is going on.

I am buying the next one now.

[Steen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting historical scenario - sub par writing

Promising story, but writing and storytelling several levels below the main series of Flint. Will consider possibly reading the sequel.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although most of The Danish Scheme was serialized earlier in Grantville Gazette, I enjoyed the recap of this first serious effort by Europeans to exploit North America. It appears too better effort for good relations with American natives is possible.

[Jack Dockery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Not his best writing but good from eri c flint is better than most. Unfortunately these newest books are thin in world exposition, privacy to leave room for other books.

[Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ring of Fire

To short.
Now I have to start buying another series.
Does need a map to show the area. Decent read.

[Randy Pursley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The importance of the North American continent has not been lost on many in the 1630's. I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough. A little jumpy.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this over a year ago. I enjoyed it but cannot write a review at this time because I do not remember it sufficiently to be specific.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written addition to the 1632 universe, an enjoyable chapter in this very alternative history of the world after Grantville arrives in Germany.

[Mark Caton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read and interesting to see how the alt history changes events so far away from the core of the timeline.

[DONALD A Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy your time with this book

This is a great way to spend time in the past. This book answers questions about how the future of 1632 is developing.