Friday, December 17, 2004
Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling
Dies the Fire chronicles the changes, trials, and lives of several groups (who later interact) following a strange technological apocalypse. With a flash of light electronics and explosives have stopped working, planes drop from the sky and create fires that ravage cities unable to use their motorized pumps, refrigeration failure causes massive loss of stored foods, the government (local and national) fails.
I really enjoy S. M. Stirling's books about "the change" and its results for the people on Nantucket. As in Elizabeth Moon's books the military strategy often goes over my head but the people and stories grab me. Dies the Fire is the other side of the story, the people who don't go back in time but loose much of their technology.
I have some non-technological skills - I can sew, quilt, make candles, cook from scratch over a fire, plant and weed, do a little minor woodcarving - but I have none of the skills that could keep me alive in S.M. Stirling's worlds. The people who survive longest are those with weapon skills then those with horse training/riding and medical knowledge and supplies. The ideal is a group which can protect itself while maintaining a respect for other lives.
One group in the book is lead by a woman who is Wiccan. As their clan grows and becomes, through holding of land, fighting skills, management, and care for their neighbours, influential in their area more and more people join their religion.
I really enjoy S. M. Stirling's books about "the change" and its results for the people on Nantucket. As in Elizabeth Moon's books the military strategy often goes over my head but the people and stories grab me. Dies the Fire is the other side of the story, the people who don't go back in time but loose much of their technology.
I have some non-technological skills - I can sew, quilt, make candles, cook from scratch over a fire, plant and weed, do a little minor woodcarving - but I have none of the skills that could keep me alive in S.M. Stirling's worlds. The people who survive longest are those with weapon skills then those with horse training/riding and medical knowledge and supplies. The ideal is a group which can protect itself while maintaining a respect for other lives.
One group in the book is lead by a woman who is Wiccan. As their clan grows and becomes, through holding of land, fighting skills, management, and care for their neighbours, influential in their area more and more people join their religion.
# posted by JJ @ 7:23 PM 
