"Interesting alternate history storyline"
In 1878, comets strike the earth broadside. The debris
in the atmosphere causes a seemingly endless winter while
the oceans flood the coasts. The civilizations of the
Northern Hemisphere collapse. English Prime Minister
Disraeili and Queen Victoria lead a mass migration to the
Indian subcontinent. In 2025 the world contains two superpowers and several
other smaller empires struggling for global domination.
The Angrezi Raj, as the British Empire is now known,
centers in Delhi, India. It primarily vies with the
Russians for supremacy. Though the empire includes
numerous races and religions, most live in harmony with one
another, but the world as a whole is as dangerous as it
ever has been. Two independent assaults occur on twins Peshawar Lancer
Athelstane King and astronomer Cassandra King. Neither
understands why someone would want them dead, but another
attempt occurs. Based on the vision of a true dreamer,
Russian Count Vladimir Ignatieff has foretold that the
deaths of the Kings would begin the end of the British
Empire. However, Athelstane will not sit idly by and just
wait for his assassin to succeed. THE PESHAWAR LANCERS is vivid detailed look at the late
nineteenth century Indian subcontinent. The story line is
deep and provides much insight, but fans of alternate
history must understand that the plot reads more like a
Victorian historical novel than a rewriting of history
leading to a different future. S. M. Stirling shows his
ability to paint quite a vivid tale of intrigue that will
excite historical novel readers and those alternate history
aficionados who relish a twenty-first century Victorian age. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted December 2, 2001
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