Opening Atlantis--A Novel of Alternate History

In the fifteenth century, a Breton tells English fisherman Edward Radcliffe about the uncharted land of Atlantis. Radcliffe decides to gather colonists to build a new life there. Harry Turtledove tells the story of three generations of Radcliffes as they settle the mythical continent and deal with wildlife, rival countries' settlers, and the wake of war at home. Todd McLaren reads with a deep, commanding voice that keeps listeners' attention, deftly handles a variety of accents, and gives the story the broad sweep it needs. Despite science fiction trappings, including strange animals and, of course, the nonexistent land itself, this novel plays out like a historical epic that also makes sharp observations about colonialism and expansion. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

October 1, 2007
Turtledove explores the mythical lost continent of Atlantis in this somewhat formulaic alternate history, the first volume of a planned trilogy revolving around the colonization of the legendary island. When an English fisherman discovers an isolated paradise between Europe and Terranova (North America) during the reign of King Henry VI, he and a group of disgruntled countrymen pack up and set sail for a new life. Free from social, political and religious repression, Edward Radcliffe and his family thrive until an exiled nobleman shows up on the shores with dreams of establishing a new kingdom with himself on the throne. Generations pass and Radcliffe's descendants find themselves fighting with colonists from rival nations and bickering among themselves. Featuring Turtledove's trademark multithread narrative and realistic depiction of warfare and its aftermath, the predictable story is disappointing; readers hoping to find Atlantis full of advanced civilizations or mythical creatures will have to settle for oversized, flightless birds, miles of undeveloped wilderness and the inevitable struggle between settlers from opposing countries.

February 25, 2008
Even in his lesser efforts, like this start of a trilogy about the Lost Continent of Atlantis, Turtledove is still the master of alternative history. Helped by the cool understatement of Todd McLaren, who makes all the "What ifs?" of the genre fresh and believable, listeners should plunge right into this predictable but intriguing story of the discovery of an unknown island during the reign of Henry VI by a wandering English fisherman. Fed up with political repression, the fisherman, his family and a few friends head for the promised paradise-only to find themselves pitted against an exiled nobleman who wants to rule the island. McLaren makes all the voices distinct and identifiable, from lowly Brits and smarmy lords to the foreigners flocking to Atlantis. There's not much magic or even the startling hooks on which Turtledove has hung earlier books (like the sudden arrival of repeating rifles during the American Civil War in Guns of the South), but Turtledove fans will appreciate McLaren's efforts. Simultaneous release with the Roc hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 1).

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.