Boarding a transport ship after the Battle of Gettysburg, Colonel Andrew Keane and his 35th Maine regiment are swept into an alternate world. The first human civilization they encounter on this planet resembles medieval Russia, with boyars and priests ruling over the peasants and townspeople. Soon Keane and his regiment learn this world’s terrible secret: that cannibalistic hordes of large, fierce Tugars circle the planet and demand tribute – including humans to be devoured – and the hordes will be arriving sooner than expected, with several hundred thousand warriors on horseback.
Using all their 19th century know-how, Keane and his men build a new society, with railroads, ironworks etc. and with skill, cooperation and courage, the regiment and most of the Russians work together in hopes of defeating the horde. A great story of survival and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. First novel in the acclaimed “Lost Regiment†series by the author of ONE SECOND AFTER, ONE YEAR AFTER and “Day of Wrathâ€.
"Bill Forstchen's works have flair and power." - Joel Rosenberg, author of the GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME series
"With Bill Forstchen, you'll get some of the best adventure writing in years!" - Science Fiction Chronicle
"One of the most intriguing writers today in the field of historical and military science fiction." - Harry Turtledove, author of THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH and HOW FEW REMAIN
on the LOST REGIMENT series: "A parallel world novel of majestic sweep and gripping intensity." - L. Sprague de Camp, author of LEST DARKNESS FALL and THE ANCIENT ENGINEERS
"Bill Forstchen is highly respected in the military history community because he is the only one working in the field who understands the operational aspects of war, as well as the tactical and the policy/Strategic levels." - Dr. Dennis Showalter, Past President of the Society for Military History, author of TANNENBERG: CLASH OF EMPIRES
re: ONE SECOND AFTER "A riveting, cautionary tale." - Booklist
"… a gripping author. Plot, characters and all the rest of the writing stew are well executed." - The Washington Times
“The only thing more terrifying than this masterfully crafted story is the possibility of it actually happening—and not a damn thing being done to protect us.†--W.E.B. Griffin & William E. Butterworth IV