1637: The Peacock Throne - by Eric Flint & Griffin Barber (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The latest entry in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series created by Eric Flint

The emperor is dead; long live the emperors!

The assassinated Shah Jahan lies entombed beside his beloved wife in the Taj Mahal, while their progeny drag the Mughal Empire into a three-sided struggle over the succession to the Peacock Throne.

The diplomatic and trade mission from the United States of Europe is openly siding with Princess Jahanara and her brother Dara Shikoh. The mission, made up largely of Americans transplanted in time by the Ring of Fire, is providing the siblings with technical assistance as they prepare to fight their rivals for the throne, Aurangzeb and Shah Shuja. Meanwhile, the Afghan adventurer Salim Gadh Yilmaz, confidant of two emperors--Shah Jahan and now his son Dara Shikoh--has been elevated to the position of general. He has great challenges to face, not the least of which is resisting the fierce and forbidden mutual attraction between himself and Princess Jahanara.

As the conflict deepens, the junior members of the mission are sent east to buy opium needed by the USE's doctors. Their guide, merchant Jadu Das, has an agenda of his own, one entrusted to him by Jahanara: seek out her great uncle, Asaf Khan, and promise whatever is needed to bring his army over to Dara's side.

The USE's mission was sent to India in search of goods needed in Europe. But now they find that straightforward task has become enmeshed in a great civil war -- for control of The Peacock Throne.

About 1635: A Parcel of Rogues:

"The 20th volume in this popular, fast-paced alternative history series follows close on the heels of the events in The Baltic War, picking up with the protagonists in London, including sharpshooter Julie Sims. This time the 20th-century transplants are determined to prevent the rise of Oliver Cromwell and even have the support of King Charles."--Library Journal

About 1634: The Galileo Affair:

"A rich, complex alternate history with great characters and vivid action. A great read and an excellent book."--David Drake

"Gripping . . . depicted with power!"--Publishers Weekly

About Eric Flint's Ring of Fire series:

"This alternate history series is . . . a landmark . . ."--Booklist

"[Eric] Flint's 1632 universe seems to be inspiring a whole new crop of gifted alternate historians."--Booklist

" . . . reads like a technothriller set in the age of the Medicis . . . "--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Eric Flint was the creator of the New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series, the best-selling alternate history series of all time. Beginning with 1632, Flint--along with dozens of cowriters--chronicled what happened when the 20th-century town of Grantville, West Virginia, was transported through time and space to 17th-century Europe. In addition, Flint was the author, with New York Times best seller David Weber, of the Crown of Slaves Saga, as well as the Belisarius series with best-selling author David Drake. Flint was the editor of Jim Baen's Universe, as well as numerous short story anthologies. Before becoming a writer, Flint worked as a trade union organizer, longshoreman, truck driver, auto worker, steel worker, oil worker, meatpacker, glassblower, and machinist. Eric Flint passed away in 2022.

Griffin Barber spent his youth in four different countries, learning three languages, and burning all his bridges. Finally settled in Northern California with a day job as a police officer in a major metropolitan department, he lives the good life with his lovely wife, crazy-smart daughter, needy dog, and indifferent cat. He is the author, with Eric Flint, of 1636: Mission to the Mughals and 1637: The Peacock Throne.