What do you think?
Rate this book
Axis of Time #6
Stalin's Hammer: Paris
The future vs the past. History is at war with itself in this popular alternate history. The Soviet Union controls half of Europe and supreme dictator Joseph Stalin wants the rest. Only Prince Harry can stop him and the super weapon he has developed.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2016
41 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
John Birmingham
78 books1,163 followersJohn Birmingham grew up in Ipswich, Queensland and was educated at St Edmunds Christian Brother's College in Ipswich and the University of Queensland in Brisbane. His only stint of full time employment was as a researcher at the Defence Department. After this he returned to Queensland to study law but he did not complete his legal studies, choosing instead to pursue a career as a writer. He currently lives in Brisbane.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
While a law student he was one of the last people arrested under the state's Anti Street March legislation. Birmingham was convicted of displaying a sheet of paper with the words 'Free Speech' written on it in very small type. The local newspaper carried a photograph of him being frogmarched off to a waiting police paddy wagon.
Birmingham has a degree in international relations.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 12, 2016
Stalin's Hammer: Paris doesn't t ask if you're ready to go. It doesn't ask if you've got your seat belt on, or warn you to keep your legs and arms inside the vehicle at all times. It doesn't care. If you can't hold on, if you can't keep up, then you can't play the game.
Paris is the 6th instalment in the Axis of Time series, and drops you into the thick, bloody mess of a post World War 2 world unlike any in our history books.
It is gory, action-packed, unashamed, funny and runs at a blistering pace. Even for a reader unfamiliar with the previous five books, Paris is a relentless, enjoyable ride.
Pack a spare pair of undies. Strap in. Get on it.
Stalin's Hammer: Paris is available now for PRE-ORDER in ebook format, for release in January, 2017
Paris is the 6th instalment in the Axis of Time series, and drops you into the thick, bloody mess of a post World War 2 world unlike any in our history books.
It is gory, action-packed, unashamed, funny and runs at a blistering pace. Even for a reader unfamiliar with the previous five books, Paris is a relentless, enjoyable ride.
Pack a spare pair of undies. Strap in. Get on it.
Stalin's Hammer: Paris is available now for PRE-ORDER in ebook format, for release in January, 2017
Read
February 8, 2017Note to self: Never start a series like this in the middle, it isn't made to stand alone.
Read
July 20, 2022This final novella in the series of three following events in the original Axis of Time trilogy wraps things up nicely while at the same time leaving open possibilities for more stories in this timeline. The series began six books ago with the idea that a multinational force targeting terrorists in the Pacific theater fell through a wormhole created during an experiment and ended up in the middle of the Battle of Midway, literally, in 1942.
One of those who fell through time was Prince Harry, as part of that multinational force. He’s now out of the British line of succession but is working with MI6 as someone who can hide in plain sight. With his girlfriend, former embedded reporter Julia Duffy, he traveled to Cairo to make contact with a former German rocket scientist that the West wants to keep out of Soviet hands. However, that operation went sideways, and at the opening of this book, we find him and Julia captives of the Soviets, along with the scientist.
There is more intrigue here as agents in Great Britain and the United States are catching on to what Stalin is attempting to do. His greatest realization from the future was the history that hadn’t happened yet, and he’s taking steps to try to correct the mistakes the Soviets made that led to their downfall. One, in particular, is an orbital space weapon that will allow them to dominate. When the United States suddenly loses a majority of its satellites, they realize Stalin is making his move and must scramble to try to stop him in time.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
One of those who fell through time was Prince Harry, as part of that multinational force. He’s now out of the British line of succession but is working with MI6 as someone who can hide in plain sight. With his girlfriend, former embedded reporter Julia Duffy, he traveled to Cairo to make contact with a former German rocket scientist that the West wants to keep out of Soviet hands. However, that operation went sideways, and at the opening of this book, we find him and Julia captives of the Soviets, along with the scientist.
There is more intrigue here as agents in Great Britain and the United States are catching on to what Stalin is attempting to do. His greatest realization from the future was the history that hadn’t happened yet, and he’s taking steps to try to correct the mistakes the Soviets made that led to their downfall. One, in particular, is an orbital space weapon that will allow them to dominate. When the United States suddenly loses a majority of its satellites, they realize Stalin is making his move and must scramble to try to stop him in time.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
August 19, 2021
This is another episode the Axis of Time series set a decade after end of the altered second world war and the Soviet Union is up to no good. This continues on from the previous short stories in the series and it would be best to have read them all at once. It's action packed with Harry Wales, yes that one, trying to escape after being captured in the previous book along with Julia Duffy. But things don't go well and they get caught up in the other part of the operation going on to capture a German scientist. Meanwhile in Paris, the US is trying to get access to satellites so they can avoid a pending war.
A nice action packed read. But where is World War 3.1?
A nice action packed read. But where is World War 3.1?
May 29, 2020
TRas el cliffhanger de la novelita anterior nos centramos en el intento de huida del principe Harry y Julia de los rusos. Mientras tanto asistimos a movimiento de antiguos personajes en Paris, aparentemente sin conexión y de repente Birminham echa un órdago.
El final queda abierto para una nueva novela más militar y menos de espías.
June 14, 2019
Fabulous!
The first book in the series held me fast, and I bought and read the sequels as quickly as I could finish the one before. Author has crafted an unbelievable situation and made it believable with marvelous characters. And Dan is still alive? What about Harry?
The first book in the series held me fast, and I bought and read the sequels as quickly as I could finish the one before. Author has crafted an unbelievable situation and made it believable with marvelous characters. And Dan is still alive? What about Harry?
December 2, 2020
This was a good book but suffered from some of the same problems in the two before it. There are some great ideas and character development that just ... end. I'd read the next book in this series, but I doubt one is forthcoming.
May 26, 2021
Loved the Axis of Time, but this one was at too fawning over Harry, and two characters have serious plot armor over the course of the trilogy.
And I'm still waiting for WW3.1
The best of this trilogy, as Harry has the least screen time.
And I'm still waiting for WW3.1
The best of this trilogy, as Harry has the least screen time.
January 15, 2022
Bring on World War 3.1
October 9, 2023
Honestly could have been called Stalin's Hammer: Cairo 2 - Electric Boogaloo. Regardless it is a perfectly cromulent bridge to the start of the new WW3.1 trilogy.
October 14, 2016
Very fine closing part of the Hammer trilogy, paving the way for... Ah, won't spoil, please read the book yourself :)
My thirst was slaked for a day, but please John, please please please finish writing the next book ASAP so I can immerse myself in this rather interesting take on time travel and military world building
And if you, dear reader of this review, would be confused because you don't know what all those uptimers are and why they are using iPads in the 1950ies, run to your library (or click on your favourite online shop) to fetch the complete Axis of Time series. You will be in for an amazing read.
My thirst was slaked for a day, but please John, please please please finish writing the next book ASAP so I can immerse myself in this rather interesting take on time travel and military world building
And if you, dear reader of this review, would be confused because you don't know what all those uptimers are and why they are using iPads in the 1950ies, run to your library (or click on your favourite online shop) to fetch the complete Axis of Time series. You will be in for an amazing read.
October 11, 2016
The Art Of Haamer
If you're familiar with Birmingham's Axis Of Time universe you'll enjoy the final instalment of the Hammer short trilogy. Harry and Jules need to escape while on the same ship a child survivor of a WW2 Japanese camp uses her ninja skills to try and keep a German scientist out of Stalins grasp. Some old Transition faces return in time for the Hammer's exposition. Lots of action and a set up for a WW3 series.. Birmingham does this very well.
If you're familiar with Birmingham's Axis Of Time universe you'll enjoy the final instalment of the Hammer short trilogy. Harry and Jules need to escape while on the same ship a child survivor of a WW2 Japanese camp uses her ninja skills to try and keep a German scientist out of Stalins grasp. Some old Transition faces return in time for the Hammer's exposition. Lots of action and a set up for a WW3 series.. Birmingham does this very well.
October 8, 2016
The saga concludes
Prince Harry, his girlfriend, and the mysterious young special operator delve into their mission in Cairo - to rescue the german rocket scientist from the clutches of ol' Joe Stalin's finest spies.
Prince Harry, his girlfriend, and the mysterious young special operator delve into their mission in Cairo - to rescue the german rocket scientist from the clutches of ol' Joe Stalin's finest spies.
February 28, 2017
A great series by a great author
I loved the original trilogy of this series. Smart and interesting and full of actions and a clear idea of what this mash up of timelines would be. These second trilogy in the series lagged a bit in the center but ended on such a strong note that I can't wait for the next book. I would start it right now if it were out, but at it is not out yet. Until then, I hope the author keeps up the great work!
I loved the original trilogy of this series. Smart and interesting and full of actions and a clear idea of what this mash up of timelines would be. These second trilogy in the series lagged a bit in the center but ended on such a strong note that I can't wait for the next book. I would start it right now if it were out, but at it is not out yet. Until then, I hope the author keeps up the great work!
October 31, 2016
Birmingham knows how to end trilogies with a bang. 3 separate times now I've seen him have a strong start, and eh middle, and a great end, and this one is no exception. Birmingham is one of the few authors who can both write a compelling geo-political universe, with compelling action that isnt just a snooze fest/filler....
Wrapping up the arc started in Stalins Hammer: Rome, this one brings back all of our old favorites (Kolhammer, Halabi, Slim Jim and more) while bringing some new faces to the show to, all lining up for the start of a new story arc.
The retro-futurism of the axis of time setting is second to none, making for a fascinating juxtaposition of modern tech with the 1960s, in an alternate cold war. Wish I had more to say beyond "loved it" and "dammit, hurry about and start up with the full length novels again!"
Wrapping up the arc started in Stalins Hammer: Rome, this one brings back all of our old favorites (Kolhammer, Halabi, Slim Jim and more) while bringing some new faces to the show to, all lining up for the start of a new story arc.
The retro-futurism of the axis of time setting is second to none, making for a fascinating juxtaposition of modern tech with the 1960s, in an alternate cold war. Wish I had more to say beyond "loved it" and "dammit, hurry about and start up with the full length novels again!"
October 12, 2016
Stalin's Hammer: Paris
This is one Hell of a colossal read!! For the poor souls who haven't read the series in order, I would suggest you do, for a better understanding of the characters . That said this is a stand alone novel, as are all of the books in this series. "Uptimers" from the 21st. Century have entered a wormhole. Back to the 20th. Century. Stalin who controls a large chuck of the free world, wants it all. He's using bits and pieces of 21st. Century technology. Unfortunately for him, the good guys Britan, United States, have the upper hand, thanks to a con artist "Slim Jim Davidson." Well, guess what? I'm not going to spoil the story. This is a stupendous action thriller that you won't be able to put down!! A stupendous read! My highest recommendation!
This is one Hell of a colossal read!! For the poor souls who haven't read the series in order, I would suggest you do, for a better understanding of the characters . That said this is a stand alone novel, as are all of the books in this series. "Uptimers" from the 21st. Century have entered a wormhole. Back to the 20th. Century. Stalin who controls a large chuck of the free world, wants it all. He's using bits and pieces of 21st. Century technology. Unfortunately for him, the good guys Britan, United States, have the upper hand, thanks to a con artist "Slim Jim Davidson." Well, guess what? I'm not going to spoil the story. This is a stupendous action thriller that you won't be able to put down!! A stupendous read! My highest recommendation!
October 13, 2016
Good follow up to the previous novellas and three novels. Action/humour/content for first time readers to follow but also raise interest to read the previous five A o T books if not also the Dave and disappearance book series. JB's mentioned martial arts training showed through a bit more in the fight scenes I think. Nothing like a bit of actual experience, albeit in the Dojo, to add to the research. (I say the "dojo" - maybe JB really is a secret agent like Hans Solo....)
October 18, 2016
Birmingham bestows blasting boldness in the nick of time
My ONLY gripe is the story feels too short. JB leaves me desperately wanting more. More PLEASE , Mr. Birmingham . And soon, if you will . . . I need my explody goodness.. .
As for the reader, totally worth your quid. . .buy it !
As for HRH Prince Harry, I've oft wondered if he follows his adventures in JB's imagined future ?
My ONLY gripe is the story feels too short. JB leaves me desperately wanting more. More PLEASE , Mr. Birmingham . And soon, if you will . . . I need my explody goodness.. .
As for the reader, totally worth your quid. . .buy it !
As for HRH Prince Harry, I've oft wondered if he follows his adventures in JB's imagined future ?
October 30, 2016
Oh no, I read this one out of order. I need to go back and read the Cairo book. I was just not thinking at the time.
Still in all, it was a GoodReads, for a short novella. It carried the plot line to a satisfactory segment ending and continues to leave enough loose ends to provide more than adequate plot directions. I do love the mixture of past and future events as they roll onto their own unique history. I really loved Birmingham giving a nod Turtledove.
Still in all, it was a GoodReads, for a short novella. It carried the plot line to a satisfactory segment ending and continues to leave enough loose ends to provide more than adequate plot directions. I do love the mixture of past and future events as they roll onto their own unique history. I really loved Birmingham giving a nod Turtledove.
October 13, 2016
I love John Birmingham. I especially love his Axis of Time series. Having read the original trilogy in 2009, each of the Stalin's Hammer novellas has been like revisiting old friends. The characters are a joy to read, and I don't know anyone who handles dialogue better than Birmo.
If you enjoyed Axis of Time, get on to Stalin's Hammer (as if you haven't already).
If you enjoyed Axis of Time, get on to Stalin's Hammer (as if you haven't already).
October 14, 2016
Nailed it!
See what I did there?
Great wrap up for the latest trilogy and while the focus has been on Harry until now nice re-introduction of some old 'friends'.
If you haven't read and AoT DON'T start here - get reading on Weapons of Choice right now!
If you have, you've probably already consumed this.
See what I did there?
Great wrap up for the latest trilogy and while the focus has been on Harry until now nice re-introduction of some old 'friends'.
If you haven't read and AoT DON'T start here - get reading on Weapons of Choice right now!
If you have, you've probably already consumed this.
December 29, 2016
My favorite of the Stalin's Hammer Series!! Great action and continuation of an engaging and thought provoking read. This work introduced a new character and revisited others from the past....Just a fun fun read...I highly recommend all of John's Axis of Time series...I'm waiting for #7 (Axis of Time) Mr. Birmingham!...:-)
December 29, 2016
Fantastic read
Had me on the edge of my seat, and I cannot wait to read the follow up books that are teased at the end of the novella. The three part mini series was a gripping follow up to the Axis of Time that's left me with more questions than answers! Thankfully those questions have a change of being answered in the next series!
Had me on the edge of my seat, and I cannot wait to read the follow up books that are teased at the end of the novella. The three part mini series was a gripping follow up to the Axis of Time that's left me with more questions than answers! Thankfully those questions have a change of being answered in the next series!
October 17, 2016
Just what I need.
In era of overly gritty and dark military sci-fi novellas. This just what I needed. A story that is not all woo is me, but one with enjoyable characters and good sense of what it is.
In era of overly gritty and dark military sci-fi novellas. This just what I needed. A story that is not all woo is me, but one with enjoyable characters and good sense of what it is.
November 1, 2016
Action packed
This is my second book of Axis of Time after Cairo and it was pretty entertaining. I liked the whole concept of being put back in time in another universe through the wormhole. I liked Cairo better as it was more crisp. But overall a fun read.
This is my second book of Axis of Time after Cairo and it was pretty entertaining. I liked the whole concept of being put back in time in another universe through the wormhole. I liked Cairo better as it was more crisp. But overall a fun read.
December 11, 2016
Another great installment in the Axis of Time series.
I loved 'catching up' with some old characters we hadn't seen for a while, and it was sad when some characters were confirmed dead. But 'ninja barbie' was a great addition :D
Now we just have to wait for the next installment...
I loved 'catching up' with some old characters we hadn't seen for a while, and it was sad when some characters were confirmed dead. But 'ninja barbie' was a great addition :D
Now we just have to wait for the next installment...
December 29, 2016
Always want more
A nice continuation of this series. Always want more of the Axis of Time series. What is next for the "extra" royal and his friends. Can the west hold off Uncle Joe?
A nice continuation of this series. Always want more of the Axis of Time series. What is next for the "extra" royal and his friends. Can the west hold off Uncle Joe?
January 18, 2017
Excellent end to the novella trilogy, and a great setup for next fool book.
This is an excellent end to the Stalin's novella trilogy. And a great setup for the next series of WW3.1 . Very rarely I give 5 stars for any book. I just did for this one.
This is an excellent end to the Stalin's novella trilogy. And a great setup for the next series of WW3.1 . Very rarely I give 5 stars for any book. I just did for this one.
October 7, 2016
John did it again!
Plenty of action and humor but leaves you wanting more. Can't wait till the next full novel comes out soon enough.
Plenty of action and humor but leaves you wanting more. Can't wait till the next full novel comes out soon enough.
October 13, 2016
Great novella
This was an excellent addition to the axis of time universe. He wrapped up many threads and opened more mysteries to come
This was an excellent addition to the axis of time universe. He wrapped up many threads and opened more mysteries to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews