Editor's Note So this week we begin the new format not only for Weekly Updates, but also for other long running series like Map Monday and Videos for Alternate Historians. Thanks to my new social media strategy, I will be factoring your reaction to alternate history news, maps videos and other posts when I decide what to feature on the main blog. Please be patience as I iron out all the kinks, but I think you guys are going to like what you see in the coming weeks.
Moving on to other projects of mine. I think I have decided that a video once a month for my channel is a reasonable goal for me once I factor in my personal schedule. This month, I will be making a video review of Wild Cards III: Jokers Wild edited by George R.R. "I will destroy everyone you love" Martin. So stay tuned for that one.
And now the news...
People love Dick's The Man in High Castle
They was a lot of excitement when I shared pictures from the set of Amazon TV's The Man in the High Castle. Here is a brief taste below:
And why wouldn't they be excited? It is a classic work of science fiction and alternate history. Plus the pilot episode was a hit with both audiences and critics. Now that Amazon is producing a full season of the show, alternate historians everywhere are obviously excited. This may actually be the show that treats are favorite genre seriously and helps break it into a mainstream audience.
If you need other reasons why you should read The Man in the High Castle, just take a look at this edition from 1975 that is being sold for $250. Or how about this beautiful edition from The Folio Society that John DeNardo of SF Signal called the "definitive volume" of the novel. Just look at some of the illustrations you can find in the Folio Society edition:
Very jealous of John right now.
Paradox announces Crusader Kings II: Horse Lords and releases the final dev diary of Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense
Fans of grand strategy games will be happy to learn that Paradox has announced the eighth expansion for Crusader Kings II called The Horse Lords. In this expansion you can play as the powerful nomadic hordes who built massive empires across Asia and Europe. Check out the trailer below:
Features include an expanded map, nomads that resist settlement, revised interface, clan politics, the Silk Road, tributaries, forts and new rules for successions and trade. Horse Lords, however, is not the only expansion Paradox has coming out and last week they showed the final developer diary for Europa Universalis IV: Common Sense:
You can check out the text version they posted on their forum here. Additionally, a patch featuring additional content for Europa Universalis IV will be available to all players free and without having to purchase Common Sense, which will launch across all territories for Windows, Mac, and Linux tomorrow on June 9th.
What you may have missed...
We end today's Weekly Update with brief comments on some of the popular articles from the week before. First, go read The Times of Israel's coverage on Dr. Jeffrey S. Gurock's new book: The Holocaust Averted: An Alternate History of American Jewry, 1938-1967. I think this article and book highlight an important rule of alternate history, which is that averting a horrible historical tragedy doesn't necessarily make the world a better place for everyone.
I also highly recommend you guys check out SciFi Ideas' list of alternate history scenarios. It was one of the most viewed links on our Facebook page and its author, Mark Ball, was even nice enough to drop by to chat. Most importantly, it has with it probably one of the most awesome flag designs I have ever seen (see right).
Meanwhile, for those writing timelines that don't feature Christianity becoming a dominant religion, check out this fun article from Rick Paulas of Pacific Standard that asks "what year would it be without Christianity?" Its a good question because, honestly, there is no real standard date, even today among the different nations and cultures of the world. In fact the lessons from the article can apply to anyone who is creating their own fictional calendar.
Finally, for those who like traditional history (and let's be honest, you wouldn't be here if you didn't) don't forget to check out this informative article on Viking armor on io9. Spoiler alert: not only did they not where horned helmets...they also didn't wear much protection to begin with.
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Paradox announced a new expansion pack today that is named after Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense, which inspired the people of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from Britain. Paradox’s "Common Sense", which will be available on June 9th, will give Europa Universalis IV players new tools to manage the growth of their domains.
According to the press release, the most significant modification in "Common Sense" is the new provincial development system. Building space in a province is now limited by its terrain and Development Value. The more developed a province is, the greater wealth and power you can squeeze out of it. By spending monarch points, you can now customize your trading hubs or make great recruiting centers. Fewer, more powerful buildings means that every decision about construction has greater importance.
Check out the teaser trailer for more information:
Other major features include:
Parliaments: The English crown and other constitutional systems of government can now use their flexible system to pass laws through parliaments
National Churches: Protestant kingdoms can customize their new faith and make it a true partner to the throne.
New Religious Systems: Buddhism and Protestantism both get fresh coats of faith-based paint
New Options For Subject States: Once just tiny money faucets, recent expansions have made vassals and colonial nations more useful. Common Sense gives you new tools to exploit them or keep them in line
Government Ranks: As you invest in the development of your nation, you can climb from a small duchy to a major empire, unlocking new benefits.
New Government mechanics: Theocracies will have new actions and mechanics to highlight their unique character, and the Holy Roman Empire can create Free Cities
"Common Sense" will also be accompanied by a host of free updates and improvements - including some significant changes to the map of Europe.
As always, if you pick up a copy of "Common Sense", let us know at The Update what you thought about it.
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
An cool announcement from Paradox caught my attention. They are doing something unique to celebrate International Women's Day.
As they put it: ?[t]he pages of history books are filled with the stories of great men – but also great women: artists, authors, councilors, and rulers. Would Tenochtitlan have fallen without the language skills of Malinche guiding Cortez? Had the reign of Edward IV not been cut short by illness, would England have still ruled the seas, deprived of the strong hand of Elizabeth I?"
I certainly like the what if potential those questions provide, but the gamers who follow The Update will probably be even happier to learn that a free update for Europa Universalis IV is now available today that adds 100 great women of history to the game. Each character can be generated through event triggers (a weak regency, a colonial empire, certain ideas, etc.). Players will then have choices about how to use these talented women. Some may join your court as advisers, while other might be more suitable for riskier employment as rulers or leaders.
Thomas Johansson, the head of Paradox Development Studio, says that this DLC does something important for the company’s flagship title. "It's no surprise that the role of women in history isn't as well known as that of men,” Johansson says. “Europa Universalis, admittedly, hasn't done a lot to foreground their contributions. We thought that International Women's Day was the best time to do a little bit to help balance the scales and introduce our audience to some very interesting people."
The Women’s History DLC is free for all Europa Universalis IV players today and you can view the full changelog here. I for one applaud Paradox for not just showcasing the contributions of women to history, but also bringing important and empowering women to the attention of gamers everywhere.
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Editor's Note I was so happy to get one of my two big announcements out of the when I revealed my Capricon 35 schedule. I plan to make the second this week, so stay tuned for some more big news.
Not sure if I talked about this yet, but I am going to be doing something different for the rest of the year. Occasionally I have experimented with "theme" months, but this year I am going to put a little more effort into it. You will learn more about what I am planning later either at the end of the week or next Monday.
And now the news...
What do the critics think of Agent Carter?
I know The Man in the High Castleis still on all of your minds and trust me I didn't forget about it. In fact I made another special link dump for it below under the Links to the Multiverse section. We still don't know when we are going to get a new episode, so if you need your alternate history television fix, why don't you check out Agent Carter?
According to Wikipedia: In 1946, Peggy Carter must balance the routine office work she does for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (S.S.R) while secretly assisting Howard Stark, who finds himself framed for supplying deadly weapons to the top bidder. Carter is assisted by Stark's butler, Edwin Jarvis, to find those responsible and dispose of the weapons.
Now I have always held that the Captain America films and their spin-offs, like Agent Carter, blur the lines of comic book universe and alternate history. Even if it is not a true alternate history, there is no denying it has a dieselpunk aesthetic to it (and if you want some unexpected dieselpunk, go watch The Grand Budapest Hotel). But is it any good?
Well so far the reviews I have seen have been positive. Liz Bourke of Tor said she is in love with the show, but she may be predisposed to liking to show because of her "pro-ladies-hitting-people-with-snappy-dialogue" personality. Meanwhile Vix from Geek Syndicate gave episode three a 4 out of 5 star review and praised the show for being a trailblazer in bringing more female leads to the Marvel universe.
Have you watched Agent Carter yet? Tell us what you think in the comments.
“El Dorado” Expansion for Europa Universalis IV Lets You Go For Gold
Yeah I didn't come up with that title, but I thought it was amusing. Anywho, Paradox Development is bringing the genocide adventure and politics of the Spanish conquest to life with the "El Dorado" expansion for Europa Universalis IV.
This expansion’s historical focus will be on the Central American and South American theaters. According to the press release, you can play "[a]s the Aztecs, [and[ subject the Mexican plain to your rule but make sure you have enough vassal kings to sacrifice to your angry gods. As the Europeans, push deeper into the jungles of the Amazon, following rumors of lost cities and magical fountains. Defer to the Pope as he intervenes to divide the New World among squabbling empires."
The centerpiece mechanic of "El Dorado" is the Nation Designer, a tool that let’s you customize your starting nation in a campaign. You choose your starting capital and neighboring provinces, modify your starting culture and leader and then play as this nation in the game. Sounds like a useful tool when crafting an alternate history scenario.
Learn more by watching the trailer:
Europa Universalis IV: El Dorado will be available on major digital delivery platforms for Windows, Mac and Linux next month.
Videos for Alternate Historians Its time for some more YouTube videos that bend the borders of reality. We begin with Game Theory's look at the Pokemon multiverse:
Learn more about the game's plot here and see how violent the game is here. And finally, we end by asking is time travel possible with some of the most seductive British accents Doctor Who can provide:
Links to the Multiverse Amazon's The Man in the High Castle
Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Editor's Note
Progress continues on the paper. I hope to post an interview with Sidewise judge and Uchronia contributor Evelyn C. Leeper this week. She is one of the founders of our community and I think you guys will enjoy learning more about her. I also got a lot of good chatter from the 1632 and Ill Bethisad communities, but there is a lot of data and people I need to talk to. My outline just keeps getting longer and longer, especially after I added a whole section on podcasting.
Which is good, because I do hope to release a longer version of the paper I am working on if it is well-received. I may try finding a publisher for it or self-publish if I am not successful. If I do self-publish, I will likely crowd-fund it so I can make it as professional as possible. Wish me luck!
And now the news...
Art of War Expansion for Europa Universalis IV Arrives October 30
Paradox Interactive last week announced that Art of War, the newest and apparently largest expansion for Europa Universalis IV, will be available on October 30, 2014. This, the fourth expansion to be released for Europa Universalis IV, adds a vast array of changes to the game at the fundamental level, including a dramatic overhaul to the game map itself.
To mark this announcement, Paradox has a new video dev diary, where Martin Anward who is Project Lead for Europa Universalis IV explains the diplomatic options, the new powers of rebels and other notable changes available to players:
Inspired by the passion and tragedy of the Thirty Years War, Art of War brings the military aspects of Europa Universalis IV into high relief. Although if you really want a fun look at the Thirty Years War, I recommend Eric Flint's 1632, but get the e-book version which is still free on Amazon.
Movie Trailer Makeover: Bloody Pit of Horror
Just one more video to share. The guy who does the voice for Honest Trailers also has his own YouTube channel and I think you may like his version of the trailer for Bloody Pit of Horror:
Fun fact: the main villain from that film makes an appearance in Newman's Dracula Cha Cha Cha (review).
Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Paradox Interactive made two major announcements this week. The first is there “Rush to the Front” reward campaign for Hearts of Iron IV, the upcoming sequel to their World War II strategy game series. Players can visit the Hearts of Iron website and join one of three factions: the Axis, the Allies, or the Comintern. The more members each faction recruits, the more rewards will be unlocked for all players, and players who recruit 20 or more soldiers will have the chance gain access to the Hearts of Iron IV beta. Although I may be a tad concerned if the Axis gets the most members.
As part of this announcement, Paradox also released a new gameplay trailer for Hearts of Iron IV, displaying in-engine footage of the game’s new strategic planning system. Check it out below:
The second announcement was that new expansions are being released for Europa Universalis IV and Crusader Kings II. The expansions, entitled “Art of War” and “Charlemagne,” coming respectively to Europa Universalis IV and Crusader Kings II, will add new events, new mechanics, new in-game abilities, and plenty of new ways to alter history. Both expansions will be available for their respective games on Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs in the near future.
"Charlemagne" will introduce Crusader Kings II players to the man who united much of Western Europe for the first time since the fall of Rome and founded the Holy Roman Empire. Now starting in 769 AD, the expansion will include a series of story events that follows his rise to power, and will come with new game options to allow players to chart their own places in history; such as a new in-game “Chronicle” that highlights a dynasty’s conquests, marriages, and labors for the faith. Kingdoms are also more customizable in Charlemagne with the option to create your own with custom names and banners. You can see the trailer below:
In "Art of War", players of Europa Universalis IV will add new possibilities to explore what Clausewitz called the “continuation of politics by other means.” Changes to battle mechanics will allow players to launch sorties from sieges, sell obsolete ships and transfer occupied lands to allies. A revamped Reformation system will let you relive the Thirty Years’ War in a series of in-game events to see how they fare in Europe’s greatest conflict prior to the 20th century. Once the fighting has settled down, rulers will be able to try a new set of diplomatic options inspired by the Napoleonic Era, including the creation of client states to support, or resist, revolutions. Check out the trailer below:
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Editor's Note Short editorial today, not much really to talk about. Just wanted to let you know I am also reading The Windsor Faction by DJ Taylor, another Sidewise nominee. Expect a review soon.
And now the news...
Harry Turtledove to Be Recognized as Literary Guest of Honor at Dragon Con 2014
“With the increasing popularity of alternative history, Harry Turtledove was chosen as our Literary Guest of Honor for his popular tales that take readers to alternate worlds and immerses them in fantasy action," said Convention Co-chair Rachel Reeves. Although this blogger is still surprised when he hears that alternate history is popular, he can't disagree with the gist of Reeves praise.
Turtledove is probably best known for his novel, Guns of the South, which combines time travel, social commentary, and a Confederate victory into a widely praised and internationally top-selling novel. For more than four decades, Turtledove has been at the forefront of many innovations in science fiction literature, equally at home writing about alien invasions or historically based epics. His many well-received series even include an alien race invading Earth in the midst of WWII.
Congrats to Harry Turtledove for receiving this honor and hopefully he will add another Sidewise Award to the mix as well at Worldcon.
Paradox Unveils New Europa Universalis IV Mini Expansion to the Public
Paradox Interactive revealed the third expansion for Europa Universalis IV. The new mini expansion, entitled Res Publica, will introduce new systems of governance and trade to the game, including an all-new government type and several new Idea Groups for ambitious strategists to explore. The mini expansion is scheduled to release this summer for Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs.
Res Publica, a Latin phrase meaning “Public Affairs,” provides players with even more ways to rewrite history and tell their unique stories of conquest. In Res Publica, dictators and diplomats will discover new ways to manage and govern their empires, including additional ways to influence growth, sway the balance of power, and maintain – or shatter – a nation’s stability.
Res Publica adds the following features to the game’s affairs:
Republic Affairs: Grow your influence with the Merchant Republic faction to create new trade posts and reap bonuses, or exploit the inner power struggles of the Dutch Republic and their unique election events
Meet the New Boss: Try the all-new Republican Dictatorship government type, and decide between increases in power or Republic Tradition in new in-game opportunities and events
Don’t Fight the Power: Retain power for the ruling family by backing heirs in Elective Monarchies; boost your growth with the National Focus bonus and spend your points on Administrative, Diplomatic, or Military Power
Res Publica will provide grand strategy fans with their broadest set of choices and tactics yet when it releases this summer. If you plan to check it out, please let us know.
Video Gallery
Several good videos this week. First up, Epic Rap Battles of History returns featuring a battle between Isaac Newton and Bill Nye (featuring Weird Al Yankovic):
Next up, another shout out to Paradox with their War of the Vikings: Berserker trailer:
And we finish with How to: Papers Please, from the always funny guys at Rooster Teeth:
Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
You can support The Update by clicking the banner on the top right or the links below if you are purchasing through Amazon! Hardcovers 1636: Commander Cantrell in the West Indies by Eric Flint and Charles E. Gannon
New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling alternate history series. Book #14 in the Ring of Fire series created by Eric Flint.
Eddie Cantrell, now married to the king of Denmark’s daughter, is sent by Admiral Simpson to the Caribbean to secure access to the most valuable commodity on that continent—not the gold and silver which the Spanish treasure, but the oil which up-time machines and industry need. The admiral has also provided Eddie’s small task force with the new steam-powered frigates that have just come out of the navy’s shipyards.
Even with the frigates, a giant obstacle stands in his way: the Gulf-girdling Spanish presence in the New World. So a diversion is needed, carried out by an up-time car mechanic and a down-time mercenary colonel who also happens to be the last earl of Ireland. Their mission: grab the oil fields on Trinidad, and so distract the attention of Spain’s New World governors.
While the Spanish galleons and troops head for Trinidad, Commander Cantrell’s smallest and fastest steam sloop will make a run to the Louisiana coast. There, her crew will wind their way up the bayous to the real New World prize: the Jennings Oil Field.
But Cantrell’s plans could be wrecked in a multitude of ways. He faces often-hostile natives, rambunctious Dutch ship captains, allied colonies on the brink of starvation, and vicious social infighting that can barely be contained by his capable and passionate new wife. When the galleons finally come out in force to engage his small flotilla, Eddie will discover that the Spanish aren’t the only enemies who will be coming against him in a fateful Caribbean show-down.
Following on Steampunk Fashion and Steampunk Jewelry comes the serious survey that steampunk art merits
Paradoxically, the astonishing flights of imagination resulting in the most memorable images of the steampunk movement have only been possible due to the advances in digital design packages of the last few years. The astonishing, mind-warping work of 30 of the best of these steampunk artists is featured, including Kevin Mowrer, Guillaume Dubois, Kazuhiko Nakamura, and Collette Ellis. Each has created a distinct series of worlds and aesthetics inspired by different aspects of the genre. An extended essay traces the source and development of steampunk imagery, while detailed biographies of each artist reveals their history and inspirations. For anyone into steampunk, professional or aficionado, this is a must-have volume, while the stunning quality of the images will also bring a new crowd of adherents to the genre.
SUCCESSIO is the third in the Roma Nova thriller series and follows INCEPTIO (the beginning) and PERFIDITAS (betrayal).
Roma Nova – the last remnant of the Roman Empire that has survived into the 21st century – is at peace. Carina Mitela, the heir of a leading family, but choosing the life of an officer in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces, is not so sure.
She senses danger crawling towards her when she encounters a strangely self-possessed member of the unit hosting their exchange exercise in Britain. When a blackmailing letter arrives from a woman claiming to be her husband Conrad’s lost daughter and Conrad tries to shut Carina out, she knows the threat is real.
Trying to resolve a young man’s indiscretion twenty-five years before turns into a nightmare that not only threatens to destroy all the Mitelae but also attacks the core of the imperial family itself. With her enemy holding a gun to the head of the heir to the imperial throne, Carina has to make the hardest decision of her life…
Paradox Development Studio is back with the fourth installment of the award-winning empire building series Europa Universalis.
Wealth of Nations is the second expansion for the critically praised strategy game Europa Universalis IV, focusing on trade and how to make the wealth of the world flow into your coffers. The expansion Wealth of Nations allows you to create trade conflicts in secret, steal from your competitors with the use of privateers, use peace treaties to gain trade power and create a new trade capital to strengthen your grasp over trade.
The age of exploration is brought to life in this epic game of trade, diplomacy, warfare and exploration by Paradox Development Studio, the Masters of Strategy. Europa Universalis IV gives you control of a nation to rule an empire that lasts through the ages.
To fans, authors and publishers...
Is your story going to be published in time for the next New Releases? Contact us at ahwupdate at gmail dot com. We are looking for works of alternate history, counterfactual history, steampunk, historical fantasy, time travel or anything that warps history beyond our understanding.
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
I need someone to invent a time machine. There just isn't enough time in the week to finish all the writing I have to do. I'll be honest with everyone: I bit off more than I can chew with 10 posts a week. I will do my best, but no promises.
Moving onto to our next topic, it looks like we will be reaching 400,000 page views sometime in June. Thank you for all of your continued support. Thanks for all the shares, likes, comments, retweets, favorites, quoting and by clicking through our Amazon banner. Most of all, thanks for sticking with us.
The 2013 Sidewise nominees should be announced any day now. Stay subscribed to The Update to learn who made the cut.
And now the news...
RIP Jay Lake
It was announced yesterday that author Jay Lake lost his ongoing battle with cancer. Joseph Edward Lake, Jr., born June 6, 1964, was a science fiction and fantasy writer. He was a quarterly first place winner in the 2003 Writers of the Future contest, won the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction in 2004 and was nominated for the Sidewise Award in 2007 and 2010.
Lake writings have appeared in numerous publications, including Postscripts, Realms of Fantasy, Interzone, Strange Horizons, Asimov's Science Fiction, Nemonymous, and the Mammoth Book of Best New Horror. He was an editor for the "Polyphony" anthology series from Wheatland Press, and was also a contributor to the Internet Review of Science Fiction.
In the alternate history genre, Lake is best know for his steampunk stories like the Sidewise nominated Mainspring series and "The Baby Killers". He also authored "The Cleansing Fire of God", which you can read at Strange Horizons, and "Our Lady of American Sorrows" which was published in his collection of short stories titled American Sorrows.
Jay, I was a huge fan of short fiction. You knew how to use the medium to tell an evocative story in an alternate setting. You will be missed.
Video Gallery
First up, the guys at The Warp Zone did a funny mash-up of X-Men and Back to the Future:
After that we got a new video from Cody Franklin of the Alternate History Hub who is beginning a new series regarding a Cold War that never ended:
Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Editor's Notes Wow a lot of things happened last week.
First, the topic for the inaugural episode of Voices from Alternia: The Alternate History Podcast was chosen. And no, I am not going to tell you what it is...yet. You are going to have to wait just a little longer.
Second, The Update now has a page on the Alternate History Wiki (AlternateHistory.com's version, not the one on Wikia). It brought a huge smile to my face when Petike of AlternateHistory.com messaged me that he had created it. Thanks Petike and as for the rest of you please go there and start editing.
Third, a side project of mine on Facebook, the Alternate History Online group, just surpassed 1000 members. I actually started this group almost a decade ago when I was still in undergrad. It is amazing to see how much it has grown since then.
Finally, the number of people buying books through our Amazon banner and links has increased dramatically. Thank you guys so much. Every penny of the proceeds we make off the sales is going into the podcast!
Well enough bragging, time for the news. You know I actually thought about taking this Memorial Day off, but there was so much to talk about from last week, I just had to post something. Enjoy!
And now the news...
Preview: My Real Children by Jo Walton
A new alternate history book has caught the attention of the Internet. It is titled My Real Children and is written by Jo Walton. Here is the description from Amazon:
It’s 2015, and Patricia Cowan is very old. “Confused today,” read the notes clipped to the end of her bed. She forgets things she should know—what year it is, major events in the lives of her children. But she remembers things that don't seem possible. She remembers marrying Mark and having four children. And she remembers not marrying Mark and raising three children with Bee instead. She remembers the bomb that killed President Kennedy in 1963, and she remembers Kennedy in 1964, declining to run again after the nuclear exchange that took out Miami and Kiev. Her childhood, her years at Oxford during the Second World War—those were solid things. But after that, did she marry Mark or not? Did her friends all call her Trish, or Pat? Had she been a housewife who escaped a terrible marriage after her children were grown, or a successful travel writer with homes in Britain and Italy? And the moon outside her window: does it host a benign research station, or a command post bristling with nuclear missiles? Two lives, two worlds, two versions of modern history; each with their loves and losses, their sorrows and triumphs. Jo Walton's My Real Children is the tale of both of Patricia Cowan’s lives...and of how every life means the entire world.
So the novel appears to be a character study where two different versions of the characters live in two distinct timelines, neither one exactly our own. Annalee Newitz of io9 (who we will hear from again later in this post) gave a glowing review of the novel saying it was a "complicated, nuanced mediation on the question of how the personal and political intertwine to create a single life" and also complimented Walton on her ability "at evoking the complicated relationship between international politics and domestic dysfunction." Cory Doctorow at BoingBoing also praised the novel and said of its emotional impact that he has to"[keep] the book at arm's length, lest it trigger another round of tears."
To be honest I think I might try picking up a copy of this book when I get the chance. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about My Real Children check out this excerpt on BoingBoing and this interview with Walton at Riffle.
Wolfenstein: The New Order is Out Now, but How is the Story?
Admittedly The Update is primarily a literary blog, but that doesn't mean we don't cover other mediums. Last New Releases I pointed out that the next installment in the popular Wolfenstein saga, Wolfenstein: The New Order, was released. It is set in an alternate 1960s where the Nazis won World War II and conquered the world. Well the reviews have been pouring in, but I am not going to be covering the comments on gameplay or graphics. Instead I want to know what reviewers thought of the plot. How is the alternate history of Wolfenstein: The New Order?
Colin Moriarty of IGN said the Wolfenstein really shines when it comes to plot. He complimented the game on its use real-life Nazi atrocities that made the game feel, in his words, "surprisingly human, and your situation quite desperate." Although he did point out much of the technology in the alternate 1960s is unrealistic. Lou Kesten of The Republic also commented on the use of Nazi atrocities in crafting the story saying "[o]ne minute, you're invited to reflect on man's inhumanity to man; the next, you're expected to relish splattering enemy brains all over their swastika-festooned fortresses". Meanwhile, David Hing of Den of Geek said "Wolfenstein has never needed to or pretended to be terribly smart, but I am going to make the unusual argument that it has been subtle" by not jumping to the usual tropes associated with World War II alternate histories.
And the game itself is chock full of Easter eggs. The guys at Achievement Hunter showcased the appearance of one from Wolfenstein 3D:
And Fallout:
Well it is good to hear that video games can do alternate history justice. Have you played the new Wolfenstein game? What did you think of the story?
More Reviews on Southern Cross: Annuit Coeptis
A couple months ago I reviewed Southern Cross: Annuit Coeptis by Dorvall and Philip Renne, a new comic featuring a Confederate victory at Gettysburg and an overall victory in the American Civil War. A couple recent reviews of the comic, however, have a caught my eye.
Cody K. Carlson of Deseret News (and no I did not pull this from an alternate timeline) said Southern Cross was a "fun and enjoyable alternate history tale that does offer some real food for thought", but knocked off points for too many sub-plots and an implausible post-Gettysburg outcome. Rhetta Akamatsu at Seattle PI called the graphic novel "dramatic and thought-provoking", but did feel certain elements of the book were implausible, like the enslavement of black Union soldiers.
So much like my review, both reviewers felt Southern Cross has merit, but suffers from some implausibilities. Have you read Southern Cross? What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments.
Revolution Airs Finale
Revolution aired its final episode last week. It was reported a couple of weeks ago that the show was cancelled so this episode should have been the second season finale. I won't give any plot details away in case dear reader you have not watched it, but the reviews have not been good.
Annalee Newitz of io9 (told you) said "[t]he season finale — filmed before cast and crew knew it was their final episode — made us glad the show is gone forever." Most of Annalee's problems with the show stemmed from missed opportunities and the nonsensical cliffhanger. Paul Levinson mostly agreed with her on his blog saying "[t]onight's ending, I hate to say, made me glad this was the final season" but did leave a parting comment that about the show overall that let the review end on a high note by saying "everyone associated with the show can be proud for the two good seasons it gave us. Science fiction is a tough sell on television, and Revolution gave it a good shot."
Of course Revolution may still get a chance to do things right. There is always the possibility Revolution could get on another network or some streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. Its a long shot, but if fans really want it, they can convince someone with the money to make it happen...but judging from these reviews I don't think the fan power exists.
Europa Universalis IV Expansion “Wealth of Nations” Available for Pre-order, Ships May 29
You can now pre-order “Wealth of Nations,“ the second expansion to Europa Universalis IV. Adding a plethora of new trade and diplomacy features to the grand strategy game from Paradox, "Wealth of Nations" will be officially released on May 29, 2014 for Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
If you’re the type of person to research routes before heading into choppy waters, this video developer diary highlights the new challenges of "Wealth of Nations", including privateering, shipping companies, and covert economic sabotage:
For more information on the new show and on Europa Universalis IV, please visit the new Paradox website.
Video Gallery
I know I have already showcased a few videos in previous segments, but this is the dumping ground for the rest. First up, Epic Rap Battles of History is back with a rap battle between Superman and Goku:
They sure have been doing a lot of fictional mash ups lately. I would like to see return to more historical figures. Next, the Geeks With Wives podcast discusses alternate history:
I haven't listened to the whole show yet, so my apologies if the quality isn't great. We end with a video from our friend Alison Morton who has a trailer out for her new book Successio:
Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. Check out his short fiction. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
