American Empire: The Center Cannot Hold

By: Harry Turtledove

Narrated by: George Guidall

Length: 24 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Harry Turtledove, Ph.D., critically acclaimed novelist and "Master of Alternative History", enriches his compelling narratives with authentic period details. In this enthralling epic begun by Sidewise Award-winner How Few Remain and continued in Blood & Iron, the Great Depression devours the Roaring Twenties - leaving the USA and the CSA vulnerable.

As the Socialist Party battles Coolidge to retain the presidency in 1924, it seems as if it can do no wrong. The stock market soars, and the USA prospers. Although victors in the War of Secession, the CSA still reels from its loss of the Great War while the Freedom Party promises new vigor and pride. But should these gray-shirted fascists seize power, they may prove dangerous. Sharing world supremacy with Germany and bloated with prosperity, the USA fails to notice ominous events inside the weakened CSA.

©2002 Harry Turtledove (P)2008 Recorded Books, LLC

Another amazing installment in this franchise.

Great story. Great performance. 100/100. Truly one of the best pairings of source material and voice talents on the platform. On to the next one!

Another great installment in the series

Turtledove is really a master at the Alternative History genre. Of course, it's supposed to be an analogy to 1920s/1930s Germany but the way the author paints the story in English and in an American context is well done. It's easy to see modern populists also coming through when he paints the main character: Jake Featherstone in this story.

The Rise of FAS-- I Mean FREEDOM

This Series is More than the some of its parts. At times it is difficult to tell where one starts and another ends.
This Installment showcases the second term of President Sinclair. The Elections of 1927 {C.S.A.} and the Elections of {1928} respectively.
The Crash of the Economy in 1929. The Resurgence of Extremism in light of said Crash.
And so much more politics.

However I do have some Criticism; I lot of crazy stuff just happens off the Page. Canadian Uprisings. The Rise of Action François. The Mexican Civil War and some stuff with Japan.

I think because all of the Soldier Characters have moved on to other things, We can't get too much regarding the Frontlines of any conflict anymore, Also they gotta move through 10 years in 20 chapters so some stuff is gonna get skimmed over.
But IDK sometimes it was wanting of more details.

But on a more Positive note; I liked that we got to see a bunch of the Characters who started as Children grow up. I can tell they're gonna become POVs in future installments and setting them up here just makes its better. It Gives us more of a connection to the Next Generation. And in the same vein it's really cool to see technology develop more, The Starts of Film and Radio and Automobiles alongside a cultural Evolution. It's Bul-- I mean SWELL.

I Really Love this Series and I intend to keep reading.

The Center does not hold.

Would you listen to American Empire again? Why?

I would. Not sure why to be honest.

What did you like best about this story?

The overall storylines, and the way they were narrated.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His narration, especially with different accents and dialects is excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Featherston is one of the characters I love to hate the way he treats people around him.

Any additional comments?

None.

Good, not great

George Guidall is fantastic at reading the book, but the story doesn't tie together all that well. The author follows several characters through an alternate outcome if the South had won the Civil War, and the US was divided into two countries. It is an interesting thesis, but there are so many characters that I never bonded with one of them. Please note the recurring use of racial slurs (particularly the N word) gets taxing as a listener. Interesting, but not great.

5 stars!!!!

loved this book so much
harry turtledove is great and the performance was amazing !!!!! 5 stars!!!!

A wonderful and masterful book

Turtledove again has made an incredibly detailed interpretation of alternate history.

I will get what I dislike about the stories out of the way. Turtledove has the infuriating habit of over analyzing things. A small detail may come up that has little bearing on the story. And I cannot count how many times he has used the phrase “__ and __ were two different things” or something like that in this series.

That being said, Turtledove I have come to realize is playing the long game when it comes to book writing and if you have patience this is an extremely rewarding series. Little nods to historical facts can rise up and you realize he did it before many self described historians told you about it.
You don’t Love all characters in the series but there is enough for anyone to find one they like, and I found myself genuinely attached to some. Thoughtful reimagining of certain parts of history come up that are not wild to believe in this universe ( although some are doubtful I.E. the invention of tanks). But in the end turtle dove has created an immersive a complicated story and has done a great job and I am excited for the next one!

Family Guy.

narrative was good. storyline flower at a good rate good Harry Turtledove book. thank you

Just Terrific

Story; Great
Narration; Great
Loved this book.
10/10 gonna read again, can't wait to finish the series.

fascinating series

Good continuation of the series. I love the different points of view. love this book