Colonization Series

“ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE SERIES OF ALTERNATIVE HISTORY NOVELS EVER WRITTEN.”
–Science Fiction Age

World War II has evolved into decades of epic struggles and rebellions targeting the aliens known as the Race. As the 1960s begin, one of Earth’s great powers launches a nuclear strike against the Race’s colonization fleet–and the merciless invaders find themselves confronting a far more complex and challenging species than any they have encountered before. Ultimately, only superior firepower may keep Earth under the Empire’s control–or it may destroy the world. While uprisings and aftershocks of war shake the planet, one nation plots a stunning counterattack . . .

“Hugo winner Turtledove lives up to his billing as the grand master of alternative history. . . . This novel is altogether excellent.”
–Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In 1942 Hitler led the world’s most savage military machine. Stalin ruled Russia, while America was just beginning to show its strength in World War II. Then, in Harry Turtledove’s brilliantly imagined Worldwar saga, an alien invasion changed everything: alliances, technology, commerce, and–most of all–the nature of life and death. Nuclear destruction engulfed some of Earth’s great cities, and the invaders claimed half the planet before an uneasy peace could be achieved.

Colonization takes us into the tumultuous 1960s, as the reptilian Race ponders its uneasy future on the planet it calls Tosev 3. The United States has prospered since the war, and has sent a manned spaceship deep into space. On the other side of the globe, the German Reich remains bloodied but unbowed, brandishing a frightening new weapon and always poised for war. China strains under alien occupation, and from Poland to Jerusalem, Jews must choose between aiding the Race or the Reich. Now, the invaders have been joined by their colonization fleet–millions of newcomers who seek to incorporate our world into their far-flung empire.

A violent black market erupts around ginger–the one substance that deprives the alien colonists of their ability to reason–and a new war threatens, one even deadlier than the last. The clamoring, bellicose tribes of Earth form new alliances and play dangerous games of diplomacy, but the ultimate power broker will be the Race itself. For the colonists have one option no human can ignore. With a vast, ancient empire already in place, the Race has the power to annihilate every living being on Tosev 3 . . .

In Colonization: Down to Earth, Harry Turtledove continues the breathtaking tale that has established him as one of alternate history’s leading practitioners. Populated by a cast that includes the famous, from Khomeni to Himmler, and the unknown–drug smugglers, soldiers, and lovers–this novel continues the excitement of Colonization: Second Contact, and weaves a spectacular tale of tyranny and freedom, destruction and hope.

“[A] tour de force of speculative historical fiction. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal

In the extraordinary Worldwar tetralogy, set against the backdrop of World War II, Harry Turtledove, the “Hugo-winning master of alternate SF” (Publishers Weekly), wove an explosive saga of world powers locked in conflict against an enemy from the stars. Now he expands his magnificent epic into the volatile 1960s, when the space race is in its infancy and humanity must face its greatest challenge: alien colonization of planet Earth.

Yet even in the shadow of this inexorable foe, the United States, the Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany are unable to relinquish their hostilities and unite against a massive new wave of extraterrestrials. For all the countries of the world, this is the greatest threat of all. This time, the terrible price of defeat will be the conquest of our world, and perhaps the extinction of the human race itself.

Praise for Second Contact

“An exciting, often surprising, story that will not only delight his fans but will probably send newcomers back to the Worldwar saga.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Outstanding entertainment.”—Booklist