| Author: | Poul Anderson |
| Copyright: | 1990 |
| Date Reviewed: | 4/1/92 |
| Rating: | 6.0 |
This novel combines three separate novella length stories, each with recurring characters but different plots. Although good reading, it was not nearly as enjoyable as "Time Patrolman", one of my favorite science fictions. All of the major characters in these novels are time travelers. They are employed by the Time Patrol. Many are scientists and observers of various periods in history. Some are police; they help lost or stranded travelers and prevent history from being changed, either maliciously or through accident. The Time Patrol is organized by a mystical, advanced race called the Danellian who are remote descendents of humans.
In the first story, Manse Everard is sent on a mission to 209 B.C. Bactra in what is now Afghanistan. It has been determined that this is a pivotal point in history. The few remaining Exaltationists will try to change this point to create a history of their own choosing. In the end, the last of the enemy is captured or killed. In reality it was a trap all along set by the Time Patrol. This story is based on one from "Time Patrolman" and another from a book I did not read. However, it seemed to be very similar to those stories, only in different locales and times.
The second story centers on Wanda Tamberley who is assigned to Berengia, 13,000 B.C. to observe the migration of oriental people from Asia to the Americas. She becomes enamoured with a peace loving tribe who are eventually bullied into submission by proto-indians. It is obvious that this tribe won't last long but Wanda uses illegal methods to drive the proto-indians out. She takes the leader of the peaceful tribe to a time after his death where he pretends to be a ghost. This story might have been very good on its own but it was too much like the story of the Goths in "Time Patrolman" which for me could not be topped.
In the last story, the unthinkable happens. Time is changed and all future history is obliterated. Investigation shows a Church dominated society which has become stagnant. The problem is traced to one man in the Middle Ages who should not have killed a King in war when he did. Manse Everard prevents the killing but finds that history has not gone back to where it should. Instead, a nation formed, unchecked by the church, which expands to all of Europe and then collapses from within, leaving nothing to take its place. Again, the pivotal scene is traced to that very same man whose wedding prevents a marriage that would produce Pope Gregory. This too is prevented with his death and history returns. Is seems this one man was a convergence of fate but unfortunately we never find out why. Also, this period in history was not very interesting.