Okay, so I finally got my hands on this book and let me tell you - Harry Turtledove does NOT disappoint! The way he twists history is just *chef's kiss*. The USA vs CSA dynamic in 1943? Genius.

What really got me hooked were the characters. They're not just good or evil cardboard cutouts - they're messy, complex humans making terrible (and sometimes heroic) choices. That demagogue CSA leader? Chillingly realistic.

Pro tip though: DO NOT start with this book if you're new to the series. I made that mistake and spent half the time googling backstories. Begin with 'The Great War: American Front' - your future self will thank you.

The social commentary hits HARD too. Seeing racial tensions play out in this twisted timeline gave me actual chills. And those battle scenes? Short but brutal - Turtledove doesn't glorify war one bit.

Only complaint? The baseball references went completely over my non-American head. But hey, at least now I know US cigarettes are apparently better than Confederate ones (who knew that'd be important plot point?).

If you love alternate history that makes you think while keeping you on the edge of your seat, this is your next read. Just maybe keep Wikipedia open for all the historical Easter eggs!