1636: The China Venture
1636: The China Venture by Eric Flint, published by Baen on September 3, 2019, is a continuation of the Ring of Fire series. This edition spans 464 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows the United States of Europe as it engages in international intrigue while attempting to establish an embassy in Ming Dynasty China, aiming to open trade talks for critical resources that have become essential due to the arrival of Grantville from 300 years in the future.
Readers will encounter a complex interplay of diplomacy and survival as the up-timers navigate the challenges posed by a suspicious Chinese government. The story introduces Zheng Zhilong, a former pirate turned admiral, who seeks to protect his family amid impending famine and civil unrest. The plot delves into the consequences of knowledge about future hardships, as the characters strive to persuade the mandarins to forge diplomatic relations with the young United States of Europe, highlighting themes of action, adventure, and alternative history.
Official synopsis Publisher
The Ring of Fire Series Continues! The United States of Europe finds itself embroiled in international intrigue, as the uptimers attempt to establish an embassy in Ming Dynasty era China.
VENTURE TO SAVE AN EMPIRE
The newly formed United States of Europe sends an embassy to the Chinese Empire to open up trade talks for all-important, critical resources. Granted, they are ones no one has ever needed before, but that was before the town of Grantville, West Virginia showed up from 300 years in the future.
There’s even an ally to gain along the way: Zheng Zhilong is a former pirate, now an admiral for the Ming navy, and the head of a wealthy and powerful Fujian province trading family. More impressively, he has read the Grantville history books given to him by his Jesuit missionary connections. He knows the Ming dynasty is about to be hit with famine, bandit armies, and barbarian invaders. He is determined that his family will survive.
It may be too late. Official China is famously suspicious of foreigners. Can the up-timers and their friends persuade the mandarins to establish trade and diplomatic relations with the young United States of Europe? Their greatest asset is also their greatest curse: knowledge that China is due for decades of mass suffering and civil war. Changes must come, but changes also bring their own deadly consequences!
About 1636: Seas of Fortune by Iver Cooper:
“. . . expand[s] the Ring of Fire universe into new or previously limited geography and culture. ‘Stretching Out’ includes seven excellent entries mostly in South America and the Caribbean built on real events but with a nice Grantville twist. ‘Rising Sun’ contains five terrific tales … also built on real events enhanced by historical speculation but with a nice Grantville twist.”—Alternate Worlds
About 1635: A Parcel of Rogues:
“The 20th volume in this popular, fast-paced alternative history series follows close on the heels of the events in The Baltic War, picking up with the protagonists in London, including sharpshooter Julie Sims. This time the 20th-century transplants are determined to prevent the rise of Oliver Cromwell and even have the support of King Charles.”—Library Journal
About 1634: The Galileo Affair:
“A rich, complex alternate history with great characters and vivid action. A great read and an excellent book.”—David Drake
“Gripping . . . depicted with power!”—Publishers Weekly
About Eric Flint’s Ring of Fire series:
“This alternate history series is . . . a landmark…”—Booklist
“[Eric] Flint’s 1632 universe seems to be inspiring a whole new crop of gifted alternate historians.”—Booklist
“ . . . reads like a technothriller set in the age of the Medicis . . . ”—Publishers Weekly
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