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And the Last Trump Shall Sound: A Future History of America
Set in the near future, And the Last Trump Shall Sound is prophetic warning about where we, as a nation, may be headed. A politically torn nation watches as the Republicans solidify their hold over the US with a series of electoral victories and judicial appointments. Mike Pence leads the country, succeeding Donald Trump as the flag-bearer of an increasingly dogmatic movement.
There are parts of the country, however, that cannot abide by what they view as a betrayal of the nation's founding principles. At what point do these communities break down and the unthinkable suddenly becomes the only possible solution...the end of the Union.
Harry Turtledove, James Morrow, and Cat Rambo give us three novellas, each following the other, describing the frightening possible consequences of our increased polarization--a dire warning to all of us about where we may be headed unless we can learn to come together again.
There are parts of the country, however, that cannot abide by what they view as a betrayal of the nation's founding principles. At what point do these communities break down and the unthinkable suddenly becomes the only possible solution...the end of the Union.
Harry Turtledove, James Morrow, and Cat Rambo give us three novellas, each following the other, describing the frightening possible consequences of our increased polarization--a dire warning to all of us about where we may be headed unless we can learn to come together again.
210 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
90 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Harry Turtledove
561 books1,947 followersDr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 29, 2020
First sentence of The Breaking of Nations by Harry Turtledove: Nichole Yoshida clicked the remote's channel-up button, first once, then twice.
First sentence of The Purloined Republic by James Morrow: Let's get the snickering over with right away. Yes, I was a porn star.
First sentence of Because It Is Bitter by Cat Rambo: The electric bus was driverless, but you could see the shifting of the driver's wheel back and forth as it adjusted its course, as though someone invisible sat in the seat.
Premise/plot: And The Last Trump Shall Sound is a collection of three novellas set in the 2030s. It is satire slash dystopia. Each story is rooted in the idea that Presidents Trump and Pence have ruined The United States of America beyond all hope of redemption--the only choice remains is for individual states to secede from the USA and form their own nations.
In the first novella, California, Washington, and Oregon secede from the USA--not without threats and rants from President Pence--to form the new nation of Pacifica. (They are not the only states that will secede by the end of the collection, but they are the first three.) The point of view is that Pacifica encapsulates everything good and right and moral...according to a Leftist/Liberal point of view. And the USA encapsulates everything evil, repugnant, and disgusting. To be Southern, to be Christian, to be Conservative, to be Republican, well, you might as well not have a soul, not even be a human being. You are evil, evil, evil, evil, evil. Did you get the idea that you're EVIL. There are no nuances allowed in this satire/dystopia. You can't be a Christian and espouse Christian values and morals and ethics AND question the character and integrity of Trump/Pence. No, if you're a Christian then you are 100% team Republican all the way. Not only team Republican, but TEAM TRUMP AND TEAM PENCE. (As if Republicans aren't divided in some ways about these two). And it's not a good thing to be Christian in this one, no, it automatically makes you evil because you must breathe hate in and out all day long. Again no nuances allowed. Same thing with Southern states. To be born in the South is to automatically be a hater and all kinds of backward. I would assume there's also bias in being WHITE and or white and male and being evil. But by this point, just assume that if you're not well left of anything moderate and common sense then you are just EVIL. There are three stories in all. The first establishes the world that all three are set in. The first story is definitely the weakest--in my opinion.
In the second novella, Polly Nightingale (former porn star) goes undercover for Pacifica and impersonates Reverend Walker Lambert, an advisor to President Pence. Her mission is to speak for the Lord (not really) and convince President Pence to do crazy, outlandish, ridiculous things that even the totally evil people who remain in the USA will find repugnant. Since they are so "warped" in their thinking, Pence's words and actions must be really, really, really, really really out there. Her visions from the Lord must be convincing enough to fool Pence. The climax of this one involves a "supernatural" resurrection of a certain somebody....
In the third novella, Ernst, a worker for GoogleSoft finds himself in a bit of a mess as he leaves the relative safety of Pacifica to venture into the United States pursuing a person who stole his life's work (a research project first started by his grandmother).
My thoughts: I would not recommend this book for Christians, not because I believe--as the authors must???--that ALL Christians must by default be Trump/Pence supporters and be Team Republican until their dying breaths...and maybe even beyond. I would not recommend this book for Christians because it uses crude language, is condescending in its general tone and assumptions, and lacks the depth of being thought provoking. I'm fine completely with critiquing the system and offering political commentary. Political commentary isn't unwelcome--nor is satire, if it's good. Satire, in my opinion, should hold a kernel of truth with some mocking humor. The absolute best writers of satire are equal opportunists--they know that there is plenty worth poking on both sides: Republican and Democrat, Liberal and Conservative, Left and Right, etc. I can laugh at both sides most of the time. I'm not so team anything that I can't find humor in dark and dry places.
The best dystopias have some subtlety thrown in. They draw you into the story in some delightfully creepy ways. Think Twilight Zone, for example. The created worlds can be bizarre, super bizarre, oppressive, weird, horrifying--combinations of all the above. But there is usually some subtlety. Think The Giver...one of the best in the genres. Or think 1984 or Fahrenheit 451. Again the best of the best of the best. This book lacks any hint of subtlety. I would say it would be like applying lipstick with a paintbrush. A smaller brush would do a better job.
This book isn't great at being satire or great at being a dystopia. I will say this....the third story is the best of the three. I would actually rate the third story by itself as closer to four stars. The other two stories--I'm being generous with one and two stars respectively. If all three stories were as clever and as well written as the third story, I would give the book a higher rating.
The book felt lazy to me.
First sentence of The Purloined Republic by James Morrow: Let's get the snickering over with right away. Yes, I was a porn star.
First sentence of Because It Is Bitter by Cat Rambo: The electric bus was driverless, but you could see the shifting of the driver's wheel back and forth as it adjusted its course, as though someone invisible sat in the seat.
Premise/plot: And The Last Trump Shall Sound is a collection of three novellas set in the 2030s. It is satire slash dystopia. Each story is rooted in the idea that Presidents Trump and Pence have ruined The United States of America beyond all hope of redemption--the only choice remains is for individual states to secede from the USA and form their own nations.
In the first novella, California, Washington, and Oregon secede from the USA--not without threats and rants from President Pence--to form the new nation of Pacifica. (They are not the only states that will secede by the end of the collection, but they are the first three.) The point of view is that Pacifica encapsulates everything good and right and moral...according to a Leftist/Liberal point of view. And the USA encapsulates everything evil, repugnant, and disgusting. To be Southern, to be Christian, to be Conservative, to be Republican, well, you might as well not have a soul, not even be a human being. You are evil, evil, evil, evil, evil. Did you get the idea that you're EVIL. There are no nuances allowed in this satire/dystopia. You can't be a Christian and espouse Christian values and morals and ethics AND question the character and integrity of Trump/Pence. No, if you're a Christian then you are 100% team Republican all the way. Not only team Republican, but TEAM TRUMP AND TEAM PENCE. (As if Republicans aren't divided in some ways about these two). And it's not a good thing to be Christian in this one, no, it automatically makes you evil because you must breathe hate in and out all day long. Again no nuances allowed. Same thing with Southern states. To be born in the South is to automatically be a hater and all kinds of backward. I would assume there's also bias in being WHITE and or white and male and being evil. But by this point, just assume that if you're not well left of anything moderate and common sense then you are just EVIL. There are three stories in all. The first establishes the world that all three are set in. The first story is definitely the weakest--in my opinion.
In the second novella, Polly Nightingale (former porn star) goes undercover for Pacifica and impersonates Reverend Walker Lambert, an advisor to President Pence. Her mission is to speak for the Lord (not really) and convince President Pence to do crazy, outlandish, ridiculous things that even the totally evil people who remain in the USA will find repugnant. Since they are so "warped" in their thinking, Pence's words and actions must be really, really, really, really really out there. Her visions from the Lord must be convincing enough to fool Pence. The climax of this one involves a "supernatural" resurrection of a certain somebody....
In the third novella, Ernst, a worker for GoogleSoft finds himself in a bit of a mess as he leaves the relative safety of Pacifica to venture into the United States pursuing a person who stole his life's work (a research project first started by his grandmother).
My thoughts: I would not recommend this book for Christians, not because I believe--as the authors must???--that ALL Christians must by default be Trump/Pence supporters and be Team Republican until their dying breaths...and maybe even beyond. I would not recommend this book for Christians because it uses crude language, is condescending in its general tone and assumptions, and lacks the depth of being thought provoking. I'm fine completely with critiquing the system and offering political commentary. Political commentary isn't unwelcome--nor is satire, if it's good. Satire, in my opinion, should hold a kernel of truth with some mocking humor. The absolute best writers of satire are equal opportunists--they know that there is plenty worth poking on both sides: Republican and Democrat, Liberal and Conservative, Left and Right, etc. I can laugh at both sides most of the time. I'm not so team anything that I can't find humor in dark and dry places.
The best dystopias have some subtlety thrown in. They draw you into the story in some delightfully creepy ways. Think Twilight Zone, for example. The created worlds can be bizarre, super bizarre, oppressive, weird, horrifying--combinations of all the above. But there is usually some subtlety. Think The Giver...one of the best in the genres. Or think 1984 or Fahrenheit 451. Again the best of the best of the best. This book lacks any hint of subtlety. I would say it would be like applying lipstick with a paintbrush. A smaller brush would do a better job.
This book isn't great at being satire or great at being a dystopia. I will say this....the third story is the best of the three. I would actually rate the third story by itself as closer to four stars. The other two stories--I'm being generous with one and two stars respectively. If all three stories were as clever and as well written as the third story, I would give the book a higher rating.
The book felt lazy to me.
January 28, 2022
Fairly decent story, but way too much "America Was Already Great"/Resistance liberal bullshit, including a main character who's nostalgic for the "good" pre-Trump U.S. foreign policy.
September 22, 2020
A highly polished ‘What If’ look into the future of the US (gulp!)
Pennsylvania author James Morrow (‘outrageous and eccentric’), California author Harry Turtledove (prolific and highly awarded) and Washington author Cat Rambo (polished fantasy and fiction) lock thoughts in this anthology of three novellas, one by each of the named authors. The theme – a ‘what if’ dark future of the United States: the possible consequences of the Trump impact on current and future history.
As the country shudders from the constant rhetoric, media blitzes, television snapshot moments, Twitter et al social media posts, and every other kind of information dissemination as the 2020 election battleground nears, up pops AND THE LAST TRUMP SHALL SOUND, and the authors speculate on just what may lay ahead. It is at once frightening, and also a masterfully conceived and entertaining conglomerate of ideas that deserve heeding.
Very wisely the authors open with a statement of intent: ‘This is a political satire, and meant to be a parody on how events might look in the future. Although certain political figures are used as characters in these stories, there is no attempt to prove or even imply that the future events depicted in these stories represent actual events related to any of these individuals. As a parody/satire with occasional over-the-top elements some readers may find certain portions of these stories caustic. But the reader is reminded that this is a satire and neither the authors or the publisher purport that any of this is either true or likely to happen, or a true representation of the characters.’ With that ‘safety net’ the book opens to one of the more controversial (or prescient!) speculations (prophecies!) presented to the reading public to date.
The stories include ate Harry Turtledove’s “The Breaking of Nations,’ James Morrow’s ‘The Purloined Republic,’ and Cat Rambo’s “Because it is Bitter.’ The postulate: Trump wins the 2020 Presidential election, extending the growth of his divisive behavior and control of the country, dies, is replaced by VP Pence as a leader not much better than his predecessor, and the current symptoms of a crumbling democracy become a full-fledged disease. A sample of the content is present in Turtledove’s opening lines: ‘Nicole Yoshida clicked the remote’s channel-up button, first once, then twice. The same story led on Fox news, Fox-CNN, and Fox-MSNBC. At President Pence’s order, the governor and lieutenant governor of Connecticut had been remanded to protective custody on a charge of treason for refusing to cooperate with federal court-mandated immigration sweeps…’
Sound a bit familiar? Read on, because while this book is a satire/parody, the ideas (when view as reflections of our ‘now’) are very tenable. This is brilliant satire, and as with ancient court jesters, we should think while we laugh.
Pennsylvania author James Morrow (‘outrageous and eccentric’), California author Harry Turtledove (prolific and highly awarded) and Washington author Cat Rambo (polished fantasy and fiction) lock thoughts in this anthology of three novellas, one by each of the named authors. The theme – a ‘what if’ dark future of the United States: the possible consequences of the Trump impact on current and future history.
As the country shudders from the constant rhetoric, media blitzes, television snapshot moments, Twitter et al social media posts, and every other kind of information dissemination as the 2020 election battleground nears, up pops AND THE LAST TRUMP SHALL SOUND, and the authors speculate on just what may lay ahead. It is at once frightening, and also a masterfully conceived and entertaining conglomerate of ideas that deserve heeding.
Very wisely the authors open with a statement of intent: ‘This is a political satire, and meant to be a parody on how events might look in the future. Although certain political figures are used as characters in these stories, there is no attempt to prove or even imply that the future events depicted in these stories represent actual events related to any of these individuals. As a parody/satire with occasional over-the-top elements some readers may find certain portions of these stories caustic. But the reader is reminded that this is a satire and neither the authors or the publisher purport that any of this is either true or likely to happen, or a true representation of the characters.’ With that ‘safety net’ the book opens to one of the more controversial (or prescient!) speculations (prophecies!) presented to the reading public to date.
The stories include ate Harry Turtledove’s “The Breaking of Nations,’ James Morrow’s ‘The Purloined Republic,’ and Cat Rambo’s “Because it is Bitter.’ The postulate: Trump wins the 2020 Presidential election, extending the growth of his divisive behavior and control of the country, dies, is replaced by VP Pence as a leader not much better than his predecessor, and the current symptoms of a crumbling democracy become a full-fledged disease. A sample of the content is present in Turtledove’s opening lines: ‘Nicole Yoshida clicked the remote’s channel-up button, first once, then twice. The same story led on Fox news, Fox-CNN, and Fox-MSNBC. At President Pence’s order, the governor and lieutenant governor of Connecticut had been remanded to protective custody on a charge of treason for refusing to cooperate with federal court-mandated immigration sweeps…’
Sound a bit familiar? Read on, because while this book is a satire/parody, the ideas (when view as reflections of our ‘now’) are very tenable. This is brilliant satire, and as with ancient court jesters, we should think while we laugh.
August 13, 2020
Meh.
A set of three novellas, each one building on the previous.
The first story, by Turtledove, imagines that the Trump era gets so bad that the Pacific Northwest secedes from the United States, and becomes it's own country. Honestly, this scenario is not so far fetched. I live in Washington. There has been talk of forming a new country, called Cascadia. For years. They even have a flag for the new country! I was wondering when someone was going to get around to writing this scenario into a book. Enter Turtledove. Honestly, it's the area where he is at his best. He's explored the topic before, with the Civil War, and with his World War series. I enjoy his imagination. So, here he's written a good, engaging story. It kept me guessing, right up to the ending. You do have to deal with his somewhat "folksy" dialogues, he never has grown past the "he said, then she said, then he said" descriptions. All in language that seems from the 40's or 50's. But it's okay, if you accept that's just him.
The other two stories build on the first. Each gets a little more "out there". I didn't really enjoy either one. I would have rather let Turtledove build on his scenario.
Mildly entertaining.
A set of three novellas, each one building on the previous.
The first story, by Turtledove, imagines that the Trump era gets so bad that the Pacific Northwest secedes from the United States, and becomes it's own country. Honestly, this scenario is not so far fetched. I live in Washington. There has been talk of forming a new country, called Cascadia. For years. They even have a flag for the new country! I was wondering when someone was going to get around to writing this scenario into a book. Enter Turtledove. Honestly, it's the area where he is at his best. He's explored the topic before, with the Civil War, and with his World War series. I enjoy his imagination. So, here he's written a good, engaging story. It kept me guessing, right up to the ending. You do have to deal with his somewhat "folksy" dialogues, he never has grown past the "he said, then she said, then he said" descriptions. All in language that seems from the 40's or 50's. But it's okay, if you accept that's just him.
The other two stories build on the first. Each gets a little more "out there". I didn't really enjoy either one. I would have rather let Turtledove build on his scenario.
Mildly entertaining.
July 30, 2020
Received from #Netgalley
This book can really make you think. Even as a political parody it hits too close to home for comfort. I don't care if you lean red or blue, you should read this awesome book.
This book can really make you think. Even as a political parody it hits too close to home for comfort. I don't care if you lean red or blue, you should read this awesome book.
September 2, 2020
This is definitely one of his better books. I love the alternate histories. This one gives off sort of a cautionary vibe. I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend it.
September 26, 2020
The Review
This was a marvelous, eye-opening, and engaging mixture of historical fiction/dystopian future novels with a “what if…” twist. The narratives each author brought to life capture the raw emotion and power that this world’s division has created in recent years, and showcases how the world and in particular the United States could look like if events continue to unfold the way they are.
From a future that sees the West Coast states seceding from the Union to the leader of the free world turning portions of the United States into a religious-run state and the “resurrection” of the man who started it all, these author present ideas and futures which could prove to be our future. The way the authors write captures the emotion of our nation as it stands now: confusion, frustration, anger, and sadness all extend over us all right now.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, engaging, and detail-oriented in its delivery, the authors give readers a marvelous yet haunting look into what the United States could become. In the face of racial tension, immigration horrors, pandemics and so much more, the American Empire as it stands could look drastically different in just a couple of decades. Utilizing real political and historical figures into a well-developed fictional political satire, these authors have delivered a memorable novel that cannot be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!
This was a marvelous, eye-opening, and engaging mixture of historical fiction/dystopian future novels with a “what if…” twist. The narratives each author brought to life capture the raw emotion and power that this world’s division has created in recent years, and showcases how the world and in particular the United States could look like if events continue to unfold the way they are.
From a future that sees the West Coast states seceding from the Union to the leader of the free world turning portions of the United States into a religious-run state and the “resurrection” of the man who started it all, these author present ideas and futures which could prove to be our future. The way the authors write captures the emotion of our nation as it stands now: confusion, frustration, anger, and sadness all extend over us all right now.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, engaging, and detail-oriented in its delivery, the authors give readers a marvelous yet haunting look into what the United States could become. In the face of racial tension, immigration horrors, pandemics and so much more, the American Empire as it stands could look drastically different in just a couple of decades. Utilizing real political and historical figures into a well-developed fictional political satire, these authors have delivered a memorable novel that cannot be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!
December 3, 2020
I requested this book on Netgalley and I'm so glad I did!
This isn’t a novel but an anthology of three stories by different writers. Each one takes the events of an alternative US a bit farther. Mainly, Trump has died and Pence has succeeded him. The former has achieved a god-like stature for the masses. Things have become so bad that several States decide to secede. Those stories show us what happens during and immediately after secession. The scary part is how easily all of this could come true because, as we know, the country is divided into red- and blue-voting states. Even now, there are Americans who have voted for Trump. There’s an incident where Pence’s government sends the SS to kidnap the leader of one of the first States to secede. It was harrowingly prescient of what happened months later with the Governor of Michigan. In other words, these didn’t read like far-fetched tales. Sure, they’re heavy-handed and one even has a ridiculous resurrection scene in it (the second one). But this is 2020 and anything can happen!
Anyway, these are the stories you’ll find in this collection:
The Breaking of Nations by Harry Turtledove
The Purloined Republic by James Morrow
Because It Is Bitter by Cat Rambo
January 30, 2025
A three part mosaic novel telling the story of the sundering of the United States.
The Breaking of Nations
by Harry Turtledove
2031. After the Pence administration institutes a de facto national news propaganda system and arrests a blue state governor, California, Oregon, and Washington secede to form the new nation of Pacifica.
I began reading this on the day of Trump's second inauguration, during which he legislated trans people out of existence and pardoned 1500 J6 insurrectionists. So the fantasy of ejecting red states is especially satisfying right now. Cathartic. It definitely needs polishing though...it reads like Turtledove knocked it out in one bitter, wrathful, breakneck writing session.
----------------------------
The Purloined Republic
by James K. Morrow
2036. Pacifica inserts an agent into President Pence's advisor circle to convince him to do crazy things, testing how far he can go before support in the remaining United States breaks down.
Things like:
The doublespeak from Pence's press secretary is wonderfully reminiscent of Sarah Huckabee's gaslighting during Trump's first term.
But there is a feel of inconsistency. Much is made of how much less stupid than Trump Pence is, yet the story still treats Pence like an idiot. Morrow just seems to be having fun lobbing narrative insults at MAGA. Which is fine in and of itself, but it's a jarring tonal departure from Turtledove's deadly serious first story.
----------------------------
Because It Is Bitter
by Cat Rambo
2041. The pollinators are gone, coffee is vanishing, pollution is everywhere, and the younger generations' receding hope leads to global economic malaise. A Pacifican man is forced to journey to Kansas, the heart of MAGA USA, so that the author can show us what a blood red post-secession MAGAland might look like. Massive deregulation means undrinkable water and fast food spiked with mild stimulants to make customers feel content. Asking for hotsauce can get you in trouble because it violates the religious rights of those who 'don't believe in foreign food'. Free gun laws and rampant xenophobia mean that a good American citizen can shoot an (unarmed) Pacifican as long as he says he felt threatened. (But he might have to pay a fine to the dead man's American employer.) And citizens monitor each other via a patriotic spy app called LoyalEye.
----------------------------
Three understandably angry authors paint a bleak picture. The end result reads like it could have benefited from another pass through editing, unfortunately. Like it was rushed into printing. I'm uprating slightly because resistance is paramount right now (and because I so enjoyed the schadenfreude.)
The Breaking of Nations
by Harry Turtledove
2031. After the Pence administration institutes a de facto national news propaganda system and arrests a blue state governor, California, Oregon, and Washington secede to form the new nation of Pacifica.
I began reading this on the day of Trump's second inauguration, during which he legislated trans people out of existence and pardoned 1500 J6 insurrectionists. So the fantasy of ejecting red states is especially satisfying right now. Cathartic. It definitely needs polishing though...it reads like Turtledove knocked it out in one bitter, wrathful, breakneck writing session.
----------------------------
The Purloined Republic
by James K. Morrow
2036. Pacifica inserts an agent into President Pence's advisor circle to convince him to do crazy things, testing how far he can go before support in the remaining United States breaks down.
Things like:
The doublespeak from Pence's press secretary is wonderfully reminiscent of Sarah Huckabee's gaslighting during Trump's first term.
But there is a feel of inconsistency. Much is made of how much less stupid than Trump Pence is, yet the story still treats Pence like an idiot. Morrow just seems to be having fun lobbing narrative insults at MAGA. Which is fine in and of itself, but it's a jarring tonal departure from Turtledove's deadly serious first story.
----------------------------
Because It Is Bitter
by Cat Rambo
2041. The pollinators are gone, coffee is vanishing, pollution is everywhere, and the younger generations' receding hope leads to global economic malaise. A Pacifican man is forced to journey to Kansas, the heart of MAGA USA, so that the author can show us what a blood red post-secession MAGAland might look like. Massive deregulation means undrinkable water and fast food spiked with mild stimulants to make customers feel content. Asking for hotsauce can get you in trouble because it violates the religious rights of those who 'don't believe in foreign food'. Free gun laws and rampant xenophobia mean that a good American citizen can shoot an (unarmed) Pacifican as long as he says he felt threatened. (But he might have to pay a fine to the dead man's American employer.) And citizens monitor each other via a patriotic spy app called LoyalEye.
----------------------------
Three understandably angry authors paint a bleak picture. The end result reads like it could have benefited from another pass through editing, unfortunately. Like it was rushed into printing. I'm uprating slightly because resistance is paramount right now (and because I so enjoyed the schadenfreude.)
October 15, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a series of 3 sequential novellas. The first, by Harry Turtledove, deals with the secession of California, Oregon, and Washington State, to form the new nation of Pacifica. It really is a near term alternative history, maybe 15 years along, after Trump and then Pence have solidified total authoritarian control over the US. A cautionary tale, really, as nothing about it seemed to be terribly far fetched, if things continue as they have been. This was my favorite of the three, not because I liked what happened, but because it was very well written and sadly plausible.
The second, by James Morrow, continues a bit farther along in time, with efforts by Pacifica to undermine the Pence administration. Somewhat fun, but it just didn't hold my attention as much as Turtledove's story. I think, perhaps, because it just seemed way too nonsensical. Things were thrown in, like the unexpected presence of the main character's daughter at one of the events, but then didn't really seem to have much point to them, nor did they have any real influence on the plot.
The third, by Cat Rambo, was again a little further along in time. There were interesting touches - the protagonist worked for Googlesoft, after Google and Microsoft merged, but overall, it didn't seem to really advance the overall plot. The story here could happen anywhere/any time, and while there were details like the difficulty in crossing the border and the hostility of the US toward Pacifica citizens, those were just background.
In short, as the three novellas proceeded in time, they also became less involved in the basic premise, and I found them less interesting as they went along. It's a fast read, and certainly enjoyable, but I have to average out the book at a 3.
This is a series of 3 sequential novellas. The first, by Harry Turtledove, deals with the secession of California, Oregon, and Washington State, to form the new nation of Pacifica. It really is a near term alternative history, maybe 15 years along, after Trump and then Pence have solidified total authoritarian control over the US. A cautionary tale, really, as nothing about it seemed to be terribly far fetched, if things continue as they have been. This was my favorite of the three, not because I liked what happened, but because it was very well written and sadly plausible.
The second, by James Morrow, continues a bit farther along in time, with efforts by Pacifica to undermine the Pence administration. Somewhat fun, but it just didn't hold my attention as much as Turtledove's story. I think, perhaps, because it just seemed way too nonsensical. Things were thrown in, like the unexpected presence of the main character's daughter at one of the events, but then didn't really seem to have much point to them, nor did they have any real influence on the plot.
The third, by Cat Rambo, was again a little further along in time. There were interesting touches - the protagonist worked for Googlesoft, after Google and Microsoft merged, but overall, it didn't seem to really advance the overall plot. The story here could happen anywhere/any time, and while there were details like the difficulty in crossing the border and the hostility of the US toward Pacifica citizens, those were just background.
In short, as the three novellas proceeded in time, they also became less involved in the basic premise, and I found them less interesting as they went along. It's a fast read, and certainly enjoyable, but I have to average out the book at a 3.
February 12, 2022
This is an anthology of three novellas about future developments from the Trump presidency.
#1: Harry Turtledove - "The Breaking of Nations"
This story takes place after Trump had two terms as president and Pence is in his second term. The US has become increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. California, Oregon and Washington declare they are seceding from the US and forming a new nation, "Pacifica." The story deals with some of the problems such a breakaway would face. The resolution to the immediate threats comes from (what most readers will probably think is) an unexpected source. However, there is a logic to it.
[While the biases in the US election system (Electoral College, 2 Senators per state, gerrymandering, voter suppression, big money, etc.) may make secession sound appealing to some, there seem to be more complications involved than the story raises. For instance, The US government would still hold the funds for Social Security recipients in Pacifica, have the funds and facilities for veterans, etc.]
#2: James Morrow - "The Purloined Republic"
This story centers around Pres. Pence's minister / advisor being secretly replaced by a similar looking citizen of Pacifica (who is a former porn star.) Pacifica arranges this in order to give Pence advise which they hope will make Pence seem unhinged. I didn't find this story as interesting or as effective in exploring how to deal with the demagogue / right-wing rule in the US or what a split-off society might look like.
#3: Cat Rambo - "Because it is Bitter".
While this story is set in the same world/history as the above, it seemed to have less exploration. There is a short part near the end which portrays a side of the lives of sociopathic rich people, but not so clearly something that requires a Trumpish government.
#1: Harry Turtledove - "The Breaking of Nations"
This story takes place after Trump had two terms as president and Pence is in his second term. The US has become increasingly authoritarian and corrupt. California, Oregon and Washington declare they are seceding from the US and forming a new nation, "Pacifica." The story deals with some of the problems such a breakaway would face. The resolution to the immediate threats comes from (what most readers will probably think is) an unexpected source. However, there is a logic to it.
[While the biases in the US election system (Electoral College, 2 Senators per state, gerrymandering, voter suppression, big money, etc.) may make secession sound appealing to some, there seem to be more complications involved than the story raises. For instance, The US government would still hold the funds for Social Security recipients in Pacifica, have the funds and facilities for veterans, etc.]
#2: James Morrow - "The Purloined Republic"
This story centers around Pres. Pence's minister / advisor being secretly replaced by a similar looking citizen of Pacifica (who is a former porn star.) Pacifica arranges this in order to give Pence advise which they hope will make Pence seem unhinged. I didn't find this story as interesting or as effective in exploring how to deal with the demagogue / right-wing rule in the US or what a split-off society might look like.
#3: Cat Rambo - "Because it is Bitter".
While this story is set in the same world/history as the above, it seemed to have less exploration. There is a short part near the end which portrays a side of the lives of sociopathic rich people, but not so clearly something that requires a Trumpish government.
September 19, 2021
This aged well. I picked this up because I have been a huge fan of Harry Turtledove since high school and I thought the premise would have been a little funny, and it is, for all the wrong reasons. I first must say that this book is set too close to the present day, not enough time has passed to make an Alternate history on something that happened a couple months ago.
Second, the amount of hyperbole that is compacted into these three short stories is impressive. Billed as prophetic, it reads less like Nostradamus and more like a schizophrenic strung out on amphetamines. No judgement on either but it is really hard to take it seriously. This feels like one of those snap chats where a white girl screams/cries in their car while they rant about how unfair it is that RBG died at the tender age of almost 90. But as a book.
Tropes galore - concentration camps, evil Christians, back alley abortions, not to mention the secession of the west coast, within a couple years of a second term. It’s a little over the top. Also, the new nation state, Pacifica, that rises to prominence after succeeding is a, wait for it, utopia that upholds the tenants of all that is good and just.
Finally, without even discussing current events, the critical research failure of these “award winning authors” is disheartening. As I said, I appreciate Turtledove’s stories because they are normally pretty grounded, but these short stories are nothing but an amalgamation of Twitter talking points and regurgitated corporate media neurosis. It really just seems like their was a bunch of dystopian tropes, GOP politician names and contentious wedge issues that were copy-pasted and put into a blender without any real thought about the logistical realities involved. America turned into a Christatorship where all the non-white (insert group here) are treated like animals because, you know, Pence. Remember him from a few months ago? Mike Pence, the most charismatic man to ever be number two in our federal governments history? Yeah, in this book, that guy led a second awakening and turned middle America into a crusader state. Color me skeptical.
In conclusion, read this screed if you want a glimpse into the minds of people during the late 2010s and how as grown adults, respected members of society collectively lost their minds for 4 years. If you are looking at our president now, and you don’t understand how someone you wouldn’t let operate a motor vehicle became commander and chief, look no further than this book. Read it knowing that the same geniuses that elected the current dementia patient as president are the ones that penned this drivel.
Second, the amount of hyperbole that is compacted into these three short stories is impressive. Billed as prophetic, it reads less like Nostradamus and more like a schizophrenic strung out on amphetamines. No judgement on either but it is really hard to take it seriously. This feels like one of those snap chats where a white girl screams/cries in their car while they rant about how unfair it is that RBG died at the tender age of almost 90. But as a book.
Tropes galore - concentration camps, evil Christians, back alley abortions, not to mention the secession of the west coast, within a couple years of a second term. It’s a little over the top. Also, the new nation state, Pacifica, that rises to prominence after succeeding is a, wait for it, utopia that upholds the tenants of all that is good and just.
Finally, without even discussing current events, the critical research failure of these “award winning authors” is disheartening. As I said, I appreciate Turtledove’s stories because they are normally pretty grounded, but these short stories are nothing but an amalgamation of Twitter talking points and regurgitated corporate media neurosis. It really just seems like their was a bunch of dystopian tropes, GOP politician names and contentious wedge issues that were copy-pasted and put into a blender without any real thought about the logistical realities involved. America turned into a Christatorship where all the non-white (insert group here) are treated like animals because, you know, Pence. Remember him from a few months ago? Mike Pence, the most charismatic man to ever be number two in our federal governments history? Yeah, in this book, that guy led a second awakening and turned middle America into a crusader state. Color me skeptical.
In conclusion, read this screed if you want a glimpse into the minds of people during the late 2010s and how as grown adults, respected members of society collectively lost their minds for 4 years. If you are looking at our president now, and you don’t understand how someone you wouldn’t let operate a motor vehicle became commander and chief, look no further than this book. Read it knowing that the same geniuses that elected the current dementia patient as president are the ones that penned this drivel.
August 23, 2020
Three short stories by three different authors, but all sharing the same universe, that is the charm and the problem of And The Last Trump Shall Sound. Harry Turtledove does a very nice job of laying the groundwork for the breakup of the US of A. The readers quickly realizes that this is near time future AH. the technology is recognizable and the situation is relatable. The story resolution is plausible. James Morrow then chimes in with an over the top espionage tale that takes the situation Turtledove laid out and builds on the wackiness inherent in the system. A spy impersonates an advisor of the president of the United States to try and destroy him, but the law of unintended consequences intervenes and the results are very strange. The third tale by Cat Rambo is more dystopian and rambling then the first two. This reader had a harder time getting to the story and carrying for the characters. And the ending just goes off into the sunset. So just beware that not all the tales are equal, but most are reasonably entertaining.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this title.
February 6, 2021
No sé qué me esperaba. Tiene la sutileza de un ladrillazo en la cara. La tercera historia vale un poco más la pena, pero las dos primeras no.
La primera es un pedazo de USA separándose del resto porque Pence (Trump está muerto hace tiempo) se fue demasiado al carajo. Ok, la premisa en sí no es mala. Pero tiene pinta de que le pidieron al autor que estire una historia de dos páginas.
La segunda es una actriz porno la mandan a hacerse pasar por el asesor espiritual de Pence. Demasiado divague.
La tercera es más una historia post apocalíptica clásica en el mismo setting. No es brillante, pero está entretenida.
Si mirás los reviews en la mayoría de los casos es gente pro Trump dándole 1 estrella y diciendo que es malo y gente anti Trump dándole 5 estrellas y diciendo que es genial. Mirá, Trump es una mierda fascista, en eso estoy totalmente de acuerdo con el libro. Pero eso no alcanza para que el libro sea bueno.
La primera es un pedazo de USA separándose del resto porque Pence (Trump está muerto hace tiempo) se fue demasiado al carajo. Ok, la premisa en sí no es mala. Pero tiene pinta de que le pidieron al autor que estire una historia de dos páginas.
La segunda es una actriz porno la mandan a hacerse pasar por el asesor espiritual de Pence. Demasiado divague.
La tercera es más una historia post apocalíptica clásica en el mismo setting. No es brillante, pero está entretenida.
Si mirás los reviews en la mayoría de los casos es gente pro Trump dándole 1 estrella y diciendo que es malo y gente anti Trump dándole 5 estrellas y diciendo que es genial. Mirá, Trump es una mierda fascista, en eso estoy totalmente de acuerdo con el libro. Pero eso no alcanza para que el libro sea bueno.
September 26, 2020
Having enjoyed another of Harry Turtledove's books, I figured this would be witty exploration of where we as a nation are headed in the Trump years.
Sadly, it's just every bad thing any political enemy has ever said about President Trump and Mike Pence and the deplorable people of flyover country repeated as though Gospel truth, with no wit in evidence at all. It reminded me of discussions I used to have with a Palestinian friend about current events in the Middle East. No matter what event we talked about, it soon became evident we had no truth sources in common, and needn't have bothered trying to talk.
Fortunately, Amazon allows Kindle books to be returned for refund for a week after purchase, and for only the second time ever, I did so with this book, unwilling to bless such garbage with even a penny of profit.
Sadly, it's just every bad thing any political enemy has ever said about President Trump and Mike Pence and the deplorable people of flyover country repeated as though Gospel truth, with no wit in evidence at all. It reminded me of discussions I used to have with a Palestinian friend about current events in the Middle East. No matter what event we talked about, it soon became evident we had no truth sources in common, and needn't have bothered trying to talk.
Fortunately, Amazon allows Kindle books to be returned for refund for a week after purchase, and for only the second time ever, I did so with this book, unwilling to bless such garbage with even a penny of profit.
September 19, 2021
It was disappointing to read this latest story from Harry Turtledove; his basic premise here was the everything ever said by the Left about a conservative automatically just had to be true. The only saving grace in the book was that he (presumably inadvertently) accurately portrayed the hypocracy that is demonstrated by the leftists in modern American politics.
April 9, 2025
I love Harry Turtledove's alternative histories, and I'm impressed with how quickly he got this one done. While it's a little outdated, on the whole it's a really plausible series of stories in a not-very-far-from-now future.
January 5, 2021
Very creative and a little creepy.
This book is the work of three authors. Each taking a third of the book with an overarching theme. Harry Turtledove took the first and created a very realistic work in his Alternative History way, carving out a very realistic scenario. In this, Trump won his second term, despite killing over a million voters with his pandemic bungling, but dies a year in. Pence is bumped to president, and Devin Nunes is pushing into interim VP. The country splits, with California, Oregon and Washington State forming Pacifica, and Pence’s deranged authoritarianism and blind religious fascism causes New York, NJ, New England and Mass leaving to form their own country as well. The three countries square off on each other in a political death match.
The second story follows an underground film star who is hired to impersonate Pence’s Spiritual Advisor who makes a completely gullible and cowed Pence do all kinds of weird political gambles and stagecraft. It’s hilarious. Especially with Trump being risen from the dead, spouting his usual idiotic garbage, then running out of the church and down the street naked.
The third is not as fun as the first, rather like a segment of Westworld dropped into Pantywaist Pence’s America.
Overall a fun read, written very plainly and enjoyable. The creepy factor comes in with how close we came to becoming a fascist state with a moronic 3 year old intellect like Trump, and close to having an Ayatollah religious zealot like Pence who wouldn’t think twice before shredding the constitution and imposing North Korea like conditions.
Aside from that, any fans of Turtledove should Definately pick this up and give it a go.
This book is the work of three authors. Each taking a third of the book with an overarching theme. Harry Turtledove took the first and created a very realistic work in his Alternative History way, carving out a very realistic scenario. In this, Trump won his second term, despite killing over a million voters with his pandemic bungling, but dies a year in. Pence is bumped to president, and Devin Nunes is pushing into interim VP. The country splits, with California, Oregon and Washington State forming Pacifica, and Pence’s deranged authoritarianism and blind religious fascism causes New York, NJ, New England and Mass leaving to form their own country as well. The three countries square off on each other in a political death match.
The second story follows an underground film star who is hired to impersonate Pence’s Spiritual Advisor who makes a completely gullible and cowed Pence do all kinds of weird political gambles and stagecraft. It’s hilarious. Especially with Trump being risen from the dead, spouting his usual idiotic garbage, then running out of the church and down the street naked.
The third is not as fun as the first, rather like a segment of Westworld dropped into Pantywaist Pence’s America.
Overall a fun read, written very plainly and enjoyable. The creepy factor comes in with how close we came to becoming a fascist state with a moronic 3 year old intellect like Trump, and close to having an Ayatollah religious zealot like Pence who wouldn’t think twice before shredding the constitution and imposing North Korea like conditions.
Aside from that, any fans of Turtledove should Definately pick this up and give it a go.
February 20, 2021
With "And the Last Trump Shall Sound", Harry Turtledove, James Morrow & Cat Rambo paint across 3 novellas a rather "interesting" possible future for the US had Donald Trump actually won the 2020 election. In "The Breaking of Nations" by Turtledove, the US currently led by Mike Pence in the early 2030s is about to be split apart as the states of California, Oregon & Washington vote to secede from the US and form the nation of Pacifica. In Morrow's "The Purloined Republic", we find agents of Pacifica using 1 person to make President Pence look beyond incompetent and in "Because It Is Bitter", Cat Rambo uses political theater to have one person's journey turned into a reality TV show.
All 3 of these novellas do an plausible job of showing what potentially could have happened to the US in their vision of the period from the last 2020's into 2040 with a vision that has the US more divided than ever and eventually losing not only the 3 states on the Pacific coast having the NE US secede as well as Alaska getting returned to Russia. While mostly political satire, the novellas remind us of just how badly divided the US and the potential impacts that a prolonged Trump (but more-so Pence) administration could have turned the US into something unrecognizable. While not political in nature there are some readers out there who might take offense to what is presented here. I choose to enjoy these simply because being a fan of this type of work. Obviously with the results of the 2020 election this future will not happen, but it is interesting to really wonder "what if".
All 3 of these novellas do an plausible job of showing what potentially could have happened to the US in their vision of the period from the last 2020's into 2040 with a vision that has the US more divided than ever and eventually losing not only the 3 states on the Pacific coast having the NE US secede as well as Alaska getting returned to Russia. While mostly political satire, the novellas remind us of just how badly divided the US and the potential impacts that a prolonged Trump (but more-so Pence) administration could have turned the US into something unrecognizable. While not political in nature there are some readers out there who might take offense to what is presented here. I choose to enjoy these simply because being a fan of this type of work. Obviously with the results of the 2020 election this future will not happen, but it is interesting to really wonder "what if".
December 17, 2023
*3.75 stars*. (From the blurb): “Set in the near future, And the Last Trump Shall Sound is prophetic warning about where we, as a nation, may be headed. A politically torn nation watches as the Republicans solidify their hold over the US with a series of electoral victories and judicial appointments. Mike Pence leads the country, succeeding Donald Trump as the flag-bearer of an increasingly dogmatic movement.
There are parts of the country, however, that cannot abide by what they view as a betrayal of the nation's founding principles. At what point do these communities break down and the unthinkable suddenly becomes the only possible solution...the end of the Union.”
Well, this book of three novellas is certainly applicable to today in so many ways. Upfront statement, I am definitely more liberal than I am conservative so this book was preaching to me! That being said, I am also quite pragmatic and have been watching the Republican Party (MY PARTY for so long!) change for the worse and unfortunately I could see some of this happening in the future-and is starting to happen now. Okay-enough political views! On with the review…..all three novellas are linked within the same world just in slightly different time periods which are chronological. I liked the first story the best but all three were quite good. I definitely recommend reading this book no matter your political viewpoints! It’s interesting and creative.
There are parts of the country, however, that cannot abide by what they view as a betrayal of the nation's founding principles. At what point do these communities break down and the unthinkable suddenly becomes the only possible solution...the end of the Union.”
Well, this book of three novellas is certainly applicable to today in so many ways. Upfront statement, I am definitely more liberal than I am conservative so this book was preaching to me! That being said, I am also quite pragmatic and have been watching the Republican Party (MY PARTY for so long!) change for the worse and unfortunately I could see some of this happening in the future-and is starting to happen now. Okay-enough political views! On with the review…..all three novellas are linked within the same world just in slightly different time periods which are chronological. I liked the first story the best but all three were quite good. I definitely recommend reading this book no matter your political viewpoints! It’s interesting and creative.
October 11, 2020
Believable
Three authors each write a story about the fascist takeover of the US, giving us the story of a secession of the pacific states from the rest of the country.
The Breaking of Nations by Harry Turtledove is by far the strongest story in book. It details the exit of California, Oregon, and Washington from the US to form their own nation. It was a gripping story and every time I thought I found a hole in the logic it got addressed. This story alone is worth the price of the book and I hope to see more stories from Turtledove set in this universe.
The Purloined Republic by James Morrow was a solid offering if a bit silly. It’s essentially a spy story where an ex porn actress replaces Mike Pence’s spiritual adviser and feeds him religious visions that have him enacting bizarre policy decisions. I felt the depiction of Pence was far too sympathetic and didn’t reflect how evil the man really is.
Because It Is Bitter by Cat Rambo was the weakest story in the bunch. It was also somewhat of a spy story with a twist, focusing on life in both the new US and to a lesser extent the breakaway states. To me the story kind of rambled and I didn’t really have much of a point and a not very satisfying resolution.
Three authors each write a story about the fascist takeover of the US, giving us the story of a secession of the pacific states from the rest of the country.
The Breaking of Nations by Harry Turtledove is by far the strongest story in book. It details the exit of California, Oregon, and Washington from the US to form their own nation. It was a gripping story and every time I thought I found a hole in the logic it got addressed. This story alone is worth the price of the book and I hope to see more stories from Turtledove set in this universe.
The Purloined Republic by James Morrow was a solid offering if a bit silly. It’s essentially a spy story where an ex porn actress replaces Mike Pence’s spiritual adviser and feeds him religious visions that have him enacting bizarre policy decisions. I felt the depiction of Pence was far too sympathetic and didn’t reflect how evil the man really is.
Because It Is Bitter by Cat Rambo was the weakest story in the bunch. It was also somewhat of a spy story with a twist, focusing on life in both the new US and to a lesser extent the breakaway states. To me the story kind of rambled and I didn’t really have much of a point and a not very satisfying resolution.
June 28, 2024
**.5
One of the problems with satirical political fiction based on current events is that things often change quite quickly, rendering a lot of it obsolete almost immediately. This was even more the case with trump, who changed cabinet ministers the way that most presidents change socks. The stories could have been made a bit more universal by creating a fictional version of figures like Mike Pence, that would have described him in everything but name. But the book was published shortly before the 2020 election and perhaps was intended to scare people into voting for Biden.
Another problem is how to make an exaggerated version of reality seem plausible and not too over the top. Here again it's tough to compete when it's already often hard to tell the actual headlines from The Onion. Let alone how bad things will get in 20 years. But for satire to be effective, there needs to be at least a whiff of plausibility, otherwise it's a strawman attack and not legitimate criticism.
Some of that could have been forgiven if the stories were entertaining. But they were too bitter and self-righteous, the anger overwhelming the humour, the plots an afterthought and the characters stereotyped to the point of grotesquery.
One of the problems with satirical political fiction based on current events is that things often change quite quickly, rendering a lot of it obsolete almost immediately. This was even more the case with trump, who changed cabinet ministers the way that most presidents change socks. The stories could have been made a bit more universal by creating a fictional version of figures like Mike Pence, that would have described him in everything but name. But the book was published shortly before the 2020 election and perhaps was intended to scare people into voting for Biden.
Another problem is how to make an exaggerated version of reality seem plausible and not too over the top. Here again it's tough to compete when it's already often hard to tell the actual headlines from The Onion. Let alone how bad things will get in 20 years. But for satire to be effective, there needs to be at least a whiff of plausibility, otherwise it's a strawman attack and not legitimate criticism.
Some of that could have been forgiven if the stories were entertaining. But they were too bitter and self-righteous, the anger overwhelming the humour, the plots an afterthought and the characters stereotyped to the point of grotesquery.
October 19, 2020
Okay, so I am not a fan of the impeached WH occupant. That being said, I was probably the target audience for this book. And it hit the target. One of the things I liked about it was that it did not portray the new nation of Pacifica as a utopian paradise of liberal values. It still had problems and was far from perfect. I don't expect any one view of politics (even my own) to provide all the answers and be a panacea for all current societal problems. There was a good amount of sardonic humor here. More in the first two stories. Some of it seems to be gallows humor. If you are a fan of 45, you probably won't like this book. But if you are not, or you are on the fence, then you may want to give this a go.
September 25, 2020
Eerie...
This trio of stories is set up so slickly that you don't realize what you're reading until deep into the second story. Harry Turtledove, as usual, does a masterful job ... but this time his "alternate" history is straining to be fantastical. Its not his fault that reality is stranger than fiction these days. He may have simply written fact this time.
The second story is equally good, if a bit more dark in its depictions.
The third story messed with my head...plain and simple. The twists and turns it takes are terrifying. The storyline is as disarming as it gets ...until it drops you off of one cliff after another.
Gotta say...I loved it.
This trio of stories is set up so slickly that you don't realize what you're reading until deep into the second story. Harry Turtledove, as usual, does a masterful job ... but this time his "alternate" history is straining to be fantastical. Its not his fault that reality is stranger than fiction these days. He may have simply written fact this time.
The second story is equally good, if a bit more dark in its depictions.
The third story messed with my head...plain and simple. The twists and turns it takes are terrifying. The storyline is as disarming as it gets ...until it drops you off of one cliff after another.
Gotta say...I loved it.
May 19, 2025
An extraordinary Anthology, AND THE LAST TRUMP SHALL SOUND is subtitled "A FUTURE HISTORY OF AMERICA." Published in September 2020, this Anthology is more than that: it's prophetic. Sure, some of the events in these three novellas haven't come to pass....yet. But as each day of 2025 brings a new unconscionable revelation, a new unConstitutional declaration, a new rush toward totalitarianism and global domination and the reality of George Orwell's also predictive 1984, one can't help but feel part of these narratives by three exceptional authors vivifying life under a Fascist regime. Read it, weep, ponder: and make some decisions about the future.
October 26, 2020
A timely, interesting collection of 3 novellas, all in the same universe post-Trump. Harry Turtledove's opener sets the stage, with secession by the West Coast and New England. I enjoyed that one, but then I'm a Turtledove fan. The second story is, well, a lot weirder. I couldn't really get into it, though it is well-written (and the "Trump" speech is golden." The last story, by Cat Rambo, drew me in, and kept me guessing. The ending felt rushed. But, I wanted to finish this before the election anyway. Worth a look, entertaining, topical.
April 6, 2021
3.5 Bit of a mixed bag. While I was pleasantly surprised that this was a shared universe, the stories are very different in tone. Turtledove's is full of political tension and quite believable. Morrow's part is so over the top you first think "that couldn't happen" before you're forced to admit that it probably could. Rambo's is frankly a bit boring and that - along with really tremendous levels of dystopian sadness - kind of ruins the central conceit. Each piece was interesting, but in the whole the trajectory did not work too well for me. Had to force myself to finish the last part.
October 26, 2020
I don't know if this is alternate history or horror but I know it's a gripping and interesting read.
The three novella are well written and the world building is excellent.
I discovered two new to me author, requested it because I'm a fan of Turtledove, and I will surely read other books by them.
It's a book that it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The three novella are well written and the world building is excellent.
I discovered two new to me author, requested it because I'm a fan of Turtledove, and I will surely read other books by them.
It's a book that it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 20, 2024
This is three stories, the second building on the first, and the third building on the second. Alternate Histories have a turning point, and in this book, Donald Trump wins a second term. The first section is by Harry Turtledove and is very well done, the last two fail the willing suspension of disbelief rule. They are just too much over the top. Turtledove’s section is very believable, and scary. Is it worth a read? Yes, if only to see what the US might be under Trumpism.
September 27, 2020
A very clever satire on Trumpian policies that is sure to be divisive in that divided land. As an outsider, I found its reflections on what is 'the real America' quite interesting. It's perhaps not as amusing as satire can be, but well written enough that a longer novel from each story would be worth reading.
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