New York Times bestselling author Harry Turtledove describes S. M. Stirling's premise for Dies the Fire as "an alarmingly large speculation: How would we fare if we suddenly had the past 250 years and more of technological progress taken away from us? No more electricity. No more internal-combustion engines. No more gunpowder or other explosives. All gone, vanished in the blink of an eye. "
Now the national bestselling author continues his monumental epic of Earth's regression into a dark age....
It's been eight years since the Change rendered technology inoperable across the globe. Rising from the ashes of the computer and industrial ages is a brave new world. Survivors have banded together in tribal communities, committed to rebuilding society. In Oregon's Willamette Valley, former pilot Michael Havel's Bearkillers are warriors of great renown. Their closest ally, the mystical Clan Mackenzie, is led by Wiccan folksinger juniper Mackenzie, the Queen of Witches. Their leadership has saved countless lives.
But not every leader has altruistic aspirations. Norman Arminger, medieval historian and scholar, rules the Protectorate. He has enslaved civilians, built an army, and spread his forces from Portland and throughout most of western Washington State. Now he wants the Willamette Valley farmland, and he's willing to wage war to conquer it.
And unknown to both Northwest Pacific factions is the imminent arrival of a ship from Tasmania bearing British soldiers....