So, um, where to begin? A while ago some Google ads next to a GMail conversation about my reading material (mostly about David Weber and other Baen Books authors) led me to a site advertising a German alternative-history series of military SF called "Kaiserfront 1949". The basic premise is that Germany narrowly won WWI against France and is a major world power with its own military alliance by the year 1949 (WWII did not happen, nor did the Nazi regime or the Weimar republic - the Kaiser is still in power). It is also the only country owning nuclear weapons and wants to keep it that way. The publisher's site provides the first book as a free PDF download, so that's all I've read so far.
Apparently these books aren't self-contained stories, they literally end with a German "to be continued". What I read was not too awful, but a bit boring. The author seems to have decided that German technology roolz, all other tech droolz, so German planes can often simply fly above the maximum range of their enemies, German tanks are unharmed by a direct hit from a Russian shell, but fire one shot at the Russian from the same range and the tank is reduced to molten metal, etc etc. What did annoy me a bit was the way almost all German soldiers were portrayed as honorable people, whereas the Americans like torturing their prisoners, the British lack any troop morale, and the Russians love attacking without any formal declaration of war.
When I looked at the publisher's other offerings, it quickly became apparent that their books are largely aimed at the German-speaking right-wing xenophobe market. One novel set in the mid-21st century, for example, depicts Europe as firmly under the yoke of Islamic oppressors, who have instituted sharia law everywhere but the Vatican, with just a few valiant Germans to resist them.
So yes. Despite enjoying military SF, I am mostly a pacifist in terms of real-life politics. Most American right-wingers would describe my view of social issues as "pinko leftism", which I guess is not too far from the mark. I welcome immigrants into the country with open arms, for one thing.
I am interested in reading the sequels (there are four so far IIRC, with two more planned), but am reluctant to give 12.90 Euro per book (overpriced for just shy of 200 pages) to people whose views are so diametrically opposed to my own ... what do you think I should do?
If you like them, go ahead and buy them. And if anything it encourages them to publish more alternative history novels rather than political ones.
Hell, I would read a Dianetics book if I were ever curious about the body of theory Xenu's followers covet so dearly. You shouldn't let your world-view limit your view of the world.
There was a very talented punk rock group in the US called Skrewdriver. But, because they were white supremicists, all revenue from album sales went to a variety of sinister causes. To that end, I would encourage OP to find as much information as possible on the publishers and authors before considering a purchase
>>1 here, thanks for the advice! Will cautiously order vol. 2 for now.
Or buy them used?
Never. Exposing yourself to opposite yourself would be one of the best things a person can do for yourself.
anyone know where i can download lewis 'scooter' libby's "the apprentice" for free? i don't want to give him any money for it but am afraid if i get it used the pages will all be stuck together with old semen
>>9
I was drunk when I wrote this. I'm sorry.
What I mean is exposing yourself to opposing ideologies is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
not too long ago my mom bought "The Room Where it Happened" by John Bolton despite her being devoutly liberal. Needless to say I was somewhat disappointed but could not help but feel slightly responsible.