Worlds That Weren't

by Harry Turtledove
Worlds That Weren't cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Anthologies (Multi-author)
Technical
  • ID: 3503
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-18
  • ISBN: 9781101212639
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2005-07-05
  • Reviews: 3

Worlds That Weren't brings together four masterful authors to craft compelling alternate histories. Each novella twists the facts of our past, offering glimpses into worlds that could have been. From Socrates' altered fate to a re-barbarized Texas after asteroid strikes, these stories span diverse eras and scenarios, showcasing the creativity and depth of alternate history storytelling. The collection features contributions from Harry Turtledove, S. M. Stirling, Mary Gentle, and Walter Jon Williams, each bringing their unique perspective to the genre. The novellas delve into a range of historical periods and settings, from 15th-century Carthage to the iconic gunfight at the O.K. Corral. This anthology is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, offering a rich tapestry of 'what if' scenarios that challenge our understanding of history and its possible trajectories. The authors' imaginative takes on historical events and figures make this collection both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Reviews
Lee Battersby Author · Lee Battersby · 2013-03-24
good 4.00

The premise is enjoyable and well-executed, with a great deal of setup that effectively draws the reader in. The boy's-own-adventure setting is appropriate and engaging.

Lee Battersby found the premise of the book to be quite enjoyable. They appreciated the boy's-own-adventure setting and execution, which they felt was appropriate to the subject matter. The setup time is extensive, but it effectively draws the reader into the story. The reviewer also highlighted the unique perspective and the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read. Overall, they found the book to be a good exploration of its themes and enjoyed the journey it took them on.

Quick quotes

    The premise is enjoyable, the boy's-own-adventure setting and execution is appropriate to the subject matter, and a great deal of setup time is spent effectively drawing the reader in.

    The unique perspective and the way the story unfolds make it a compelling read.

    The book is a good exploration of its themes and the journey it takes the reader on is enjoyable.

Hardcover.app · Jonathan Palfrey · 2006-09-16
mixed 3.00

The writing and characterization by Mary Gentle were impressive, but the story was too gory and unpleasant for the reviewer's liking.

Jonathan Palfrey was quite impressed by Mary Gentle's writing and characterization in this collection. However, they found the story to be too gory and unpleasant for their liking. The reviewer acknowledged the strength in the writing but felt that the content was not to their taste. Despite this, they recognized the skill involved in the storytelling and the depth of the characters.

Quick quotes

    I was quite impressed by Mary Gentle's writing and characterization, but the story is too gory and unpleasant for my liking.

    Gentle by name but not by nature, this story is a brutal exploration of alternate history.

    The depth of the characters and the skill involved in the storytelling are undeniable.

nwhyte.livejournal.com · nwhyte · 2004-02-23
competent 3.50

Turtledove's story is competent but not his best work, far surpassing his other series like WorldWar. It is an enjoyable read with a unique take on alternate history.

nwhyte found Turtledove's story to be competent, though not as good as some of his other works like 'Down in the Bottomlands'. They felt it was well ahead of his series WorldWar, which they did not enjoy as much. The reviewer appreciated the unique take on alternate history and found the story to be an enjoyable read. While it may not be Turtledove's best work, it still holds its own and offers a compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

    Turtledove's story is competent; not as good as my favourite piece of his, 'Down in the Bottomlands', but well ahead of his execrable WorldWar.

    It's an enjoyable read with a unique take on alternate history.

    The story holds its own and offers a compelling narrative.

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