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The Peshawar Lancers

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About this listen

In the mid-1870s, a violent spray of comets hits Earth, decimating cities, erasing shorelines, and changing the world's climate forever. And just as Earth's temperature dropped, so was civilization frozen in time. Instead of advancing technologically, humanity had to piece itself back together....

In the 21st century, boats still run on steam, messages arrive by telegraph, and the British Empire, with its capital now in Delhi, controls much of the world. The other major world leader is the Czar of All the Russias. Everyone predicts an eventual, deadly showdown. But no one can predict the role that one man, Captain Athelstane King, reluctant spy and hero, will play....

©2002 Steven M. Stirling (P)2017 Tantor Adventure Science Fiction Steampunk Fiction Russia Imperialism

Critic reviews

“An irresistible read." ( Booklist)
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Such a disappointment! Stirling’s Nantucket series along Died the Fire series are two of my absolute favourites. So much so, I’ve listened to both over again at least once a year. But, The Peshawar Lancers, began at what seemed like book 2 or 3 of a series. Completely confusing with no build up at all as to how the “sci-fi” bit occurred. Further, Stirling penchant for details upon details is in overdrive, and with discernable plot makes the novel rather boring.

Disappointing and Boring

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This is one of the best alternate history novels I've ever come across; the world-building is in depth and (once you get past some of the more out-there parts) relatively believable. I enjoyed the characters more than I thought I would going in; I thought they would be pretty 2-D (with most of the attention on the world) but they were all engaging and mostly sympathetic (except Count Ignatieff, you'll see why). A brilliant adventure in the spirit of books like a Princess of Mars and Conan!

Amazing world-building, exciting story!

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I really like this. It felt a bit like a Bond story but also learned into the tradition of classic British adventure stories whilst delivering a wonderfully realised alternative history.

Great alternative history. Great world building.

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Well written with rich characters and a unique choice of departure point from true history. Highly recommend.

Fascinating and utterly original

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Excellent alternative history riveting story and characters I only wish there was more of it

Brilliant world building

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