However, they underestimate humanity's desire for freedom and the lengths
they will go to gain it. With America and Russia holding the alien invaders
off in a technological standoff, the disorganised red armies of Mao Tse-tung's
revolutionaries causing havoc and the ever-increasing dependence of the
Race on the addictive substance ginger, the Empire realises that the colonisation
of Earth may only be achieved through its total destruction.
'The wizard of If.' Chicago Sun-Times
'Turtledove the standard bearer for alternate history.' USA Today