Book Log 2008 #8: The Protector's War by S. M. Stirling

The first book in this series posited a change whereby electricity stopped functioning and combustible materials like gasoline and gunpowder no longer work as effectively, with the sort of gruesome outcome you might expect. The second book moves forwards eight years, where the groups that came out of this change have formed into larger neo-feudal societies, with the largest trying to consolidate its hold over the Pacific northwest. The bulk of the book prepares us for the start of the titular war, with much skirmishing and alliance-forming.

We're also introduced to a trio of Englishmen who, having run afoul of King Charles, need to get out of Blighty and find a new place to live. I'm not sure how much I like the way this part of the story unfolds - we get most of it in flashback - but it's a decent story line. As long as you don't get too distracted by the stereotypical English manner of speech.

I did feel like the book spent more time on the group formed along Wiccan/Celtic lines, which led to a lot of songs (also not surprising given how often Tolkien is referenced as an inspiration for characters). They aren't long, but it gets old quickly. I'd like to get more about the bad guys, and about some of the people we've not really interacted with yet (which is hinted at by the title of the next book).