Worldwar
The extent of the Race's conquests on Earth
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Worldwar: In the Balance (1994)
Worldwar: Tilting the Balance (1995) Worldwar: Upsetting the Balance (1996) Worldwar: Striking the Balance (1996) Colonization: Second Contact (1999) Colonization: Down to Earth (2000) Colonization: Aftershocks (2001) Homeward Bound (2004) |
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| Author | Harry Turtledove |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre |
Science fiction Alternate history |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
The Worldwar series is the fan name given to a series of alternate history science fiction novels by Harry Turtledove. Its premise is an alien invasion of Earth during World War II, and includes Turtledove's Worldwar tetralogy; as well as the Colonization trilogy; and the novel Homeward Bound. The series' time-span ranges from 1942–2031. The early series was nominated for a Sidewise Award for Alternate History in 1996.
Worldwar deals with a military invasion which begins on or around May 30, 1942, by a force of aliens who call themselves the Race, a reptilian species. They had reached Earth orbit in December 1941, but delayed their attack for various reasons.
Although the Race has the advantage of superior technology, their information on humanity had been collected by robotic probe during the 12th century AD. The invaders are surprised to find that humanity had progressed far more rapidly than any other species which they had previously studied and conquered. Contrary to their expectations, at the time of invasion, the Race's technology is only marginally more advanced than the contemporaneous 20th century Earth technology. Their commander hesitates, and considers turning back without revealing their presence to the humans, but finally decides to avoid the disgrace of that course of action.
The narrative follows the intersecting fortunes of a large number of human and alien characters. Notably, the series depicts how the Axis and Allied powers must cooperate to fight the alien menace.
Turtledove approaches the novels' science fiction scenario with less of a focus on the technological and fantasy elements typically associated with the genre and shows greater concern for the role of more mundane affairs such as the political repercussions of an alliance between the Allied and Axis powers; the impact the presence of alien creatures has on human society; and the ways in which warfare is paradoxically a hindrance to civilization and—simultaneously—a catalyst for the progress of civilization.
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