Smale, Alan

For astronaut wonks and fans of realistic science fiction, Smale’s latest will delight and enthrall.

Roman leader Gaius Marcellinus threw his lot in with the North American tribe he conquered in Clash of Eagles...

Just when it seems there is nothing new in the category of alternative history comes this debut; the novella on which this novel is based won the 2010 Sidewise Award for Alternate History. The world of pre-Columbian mound-building peoples who lived along the Mississippi is full of wonders both real and wildly improbable (if entertaining). Even Smale's wildest fancies, such as hang-gliding native braves, somehow seem possible as they are described so convincingly in the many violent battle scenes. Not much is actually known about the mound builders, leaving lots of room for Smale to play in what looks to be an ongoing series.