Step into the thrilling world of the Change series, where modern technology vanishes in a flash, plunging humanity into a new Dark Age! S. M. Stirling’s Emberverse saga, set in the lush Willamette Valley of Oregon, blends post-apocalyptic grit with alternate history and a touch of fantasy. This captivating series follows survivors as they forge new societies, wielding swords and bows in a world where electricity, guns, and engines are relics of a forgotten past.
With its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes, the Change series invites readers to ponder the fragility of our tech-driven lives and the resilience of the human spirit. Ready to explore a world reborn from chaos? Let’s dive into Stirling’s masterpiece!
How Change Began
The Change series, also known as the Emberverse, sprang from the imagination of S. M. Stirling, a French-born Canadian-American author with a passion for history and speculative fiction. Inspired by his Nantucket series, where an island is hurled back to the Bronze Age, Stirling crafted a parallel timeline where a mysterious event, 'The Change,' disables all high-energy technology on March 17, 1998. His love for anthropology and martial arts shines through, grounding the series in realistic survival scenarios and vibrant cultural rebirths.
Stirling’s vision was to explore how humanity adapts when stripped of modern conveniences. The first book, Dies the Fire, published in 2004, set the stage for a sprawling saga that blends historical detail with mythic storytelling, earning praise for its balance of grit and glory.
The Heart of Change
The Change series kicks off with Dies the Fire, where ex-Marine Mike Havel and Wiccan priestess Juniper Mackenzie lead survivors in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Havel’s Bearkillers form a militaristic clan, while Juniper’s Clan Mackenzie embraces a nature-based spirituality. The novel pits them against the neo-feudal Portland Protective Association, led by the ruthless Norman Arminger. The Protector’s War (2005) continues the saga, escalating tensions as the valley’s free communities resist Arminger’s tyranny.
A Meeting at Corvallis (2006) wraps the first trilogy, resolving the conflict with a dramatic duel, while The Sunrise Lands (2007) shifts focus to Rudi Mackenzie, Juniper’s son, on a quest to uncover the Change’s origins. Themes of adaptation, community, and myth permeate the series, with Stirling weaving in Tolkien-esque references and Wiccan spirituality. The Willamette Valley setting, lush yet perilous, grounds the story in a tangible sense of place, making every battle and harvest feel urgent.
The series evolves from post-apocalyptic survival to a fantasy-infused epic, exploring how myths shape societies. Stirling’s prose is engaging, blending action with cultural depth, and his characters—flawed yet inspiring—resonate with readers who crave stories of human endurance.
Why Change Resonates
The Change series captivates fans of post-apocalyptic and alternate history genres with its unflinching look at a world without technology. Its exploration of societal collapse and rebirth speaks to modern anxieties about our reliance on tech, making it strikingly relevant. Fans praise Stirling’s world-building, with communities like the Bearkillers and Clan Mackenzie offering hope amid chaos. The series’ shift toward fantasy, with visions and prophecies, adds a mystical allure that broadens its appeal.
Though not a household name, the Emberverse has a dedicated following, with discussions at conventions like DragonCon and interest in adaptations, including a potential TV series. Its legacy lies in challenging readers to imagine a world where survival hinges on ingenuity and courage, inspiring reflection on our own society’s strengths and vulnerabilities.
- First Published: 2004 (Dies the Fire)
- Number of Books: 15 in the main series, plus short stories
- Setting: Willamette Valley, Oregon
- Genres: Post-apocalyptic, alternate history, fantasy
Grab Dies the Fire and dive into the Change’s gripping world of swords, clans, and survival! Whether you’re a fan of epic sagas or curious about a tech-free future, Stirling’s Emberverse will keep you hooked.