1632 (Ring of Fire) - Eric Flint

1632 (Ring of Fire) is historical science fiction that's free for the kindle. That's amazing, because this is one of the best books I've ever read, free or not. This is literally an alternate universe novel. Imagine a six mile circle of modern West Virginia plunked down in the middle of 17th century Germany. Someone already did.

Mike Stearn is head of the local union in Grantville, West Virginia. It's the summer of 2000, and Mike's sister just got married. The whole town has collected in the local high school for the wedding reception, when there's a blinding flash of light. So begins an American town's adventure in the year of 1632. Modern technology and ideas clash with 17th century European politics and religion. Or do they? This is a great story that combines history and science fiction with an alternate universe that will not be anything like the universe it split off from. Whether that will be good or bad is in the telling of the tale. There are great characters, great battles, and great courage to spare. There is also plenty of humor to bind them together into a story I couldn't put down. Very highly recommended.