Upsetting the Balance (Worldwar, Book Three)

by Harry Turtledove

Book Overview

Russia, Communist China, Japan, Nazi Germany, the United States: they began World War II as mortal enemies. But suddenly their only hope for survival--never mind victory--was to unite to stop a mighty foe--one whose frightening technology appeared invincible.

Far worse beings than the Nazis were loose. From Warsaw to Moscow to China's enemy-occupied Forbidden City, the nations of the world had been forced into an uneasy alliance since...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345402405
• ISBN13: 9780345402400
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: Random House Worlds
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Great Book!

I believe that this book captures humanity's struggle against an alien force very well. The series is long; therefore, "retelling" the story is vital. The retelling does get old, but usually reminds the reader of why the characters behave as they do.

Draws from the present to re-create the past

In my opinion, this volume of the series did live up to its predecessors. I have enjoyed them very much and cannot wait for the next volume. It really piques the curiosity of those who study history...especially WW-II. I find it to be very enlightening as to just how far we have come in only 50 years...since, as far as I can tell, the Lizards have the same basic force level and technology, and face the same irritating problems, that the U.S. military has at the present time.

Beautiful Standalone

This is the only book I've read in this series and loved it. I am wary though to buy the last book because of others' comments but I thought this one was magic with it's imagery. As a stand-alone, almost perfect, I didn't miss anything by not reading the previouse volumes. Problem is it didn't finish the story.

Very good alternate history

Turtledove realistically portrays the chaos and upheaval of WWII, as well as, the ingenuity and determination of the people of Earth. It is interesting how he depicts the reluctant coalition of formerly bitter enemies who must now work together to defeat a common foe bent on the domination of humanity

Alternate history combined Sci-fi at it's best

Harry Turtledove has definitely found the right balance (no pun intended) between Alternate history, Sci-fi, and Military Techno-thrillers. This book (the third in a four part series) Keeps the reader constantly wondering "what's next?". In fact the unpredictability of main characters fates is what makes this story so interesting. Some hard core Sci-fi fans may find the plot and alien gee-whiz gizmos tame compared to other outer space invader novels, but for those who like Tom Clancy and Larry Bond type Military Techno thrillers, this book has action aplenty, and enough different story lines to keep readers from becoming bored. The aliens employ weaponry which seems to be based loosely on today's military technology, making it easier for average people to imagine how the stuff works. The author has also obviously done his homework on the geographical areas mentioned and the life and times of people who lived during the World War II era. The detailed way people, places, and events are described leaves little to the imagination, putting the reader right there with the characters. Overall this reviewer found this to be the best of the three novels so far, although it doesn't really stand on it's own, so the first two books in the series need to be read in order first to really appreciate it. This reader eagerly anticipates the release of the last of this four part series "Worldwar; Striking the Balance". The only negative comments about this series so far is the time between releases as another reader has already mentioned. It's probably a marketing ploy to sell as many hardbacks as possible, then bring out the new book about the same time the last one comes out in paperback. Very clever