A Ring of Fire misfit finds a new home. Bernie takes a job in Russia which turns out to be quite successful. Some interesting new characters but it will be stretching things to maintain the Eastern story line. ( )

One of the better entries. Bernie Zeppi has some trouble fitting in the new reality, the first year was really rough on him. But a new job in Russia is what the doctor ordered. The new responsibilities, the new friends bring him into the new world and the ripples are spreading. Natasha and Vladimir are characters I would like to see more of. Czar Mikhail has some growing to do, too. ( )

In some ways, a better title for the book might have been, "1632-1636: Retconning Russia into the timeline now that the series is moving East", as 1636: The Kremlin Games actually encompasses events from the beginning of the Ring of Fire/1632 series.

But in all seriousness, this turned out to be one of the better books from this series. Considering how quality has been varying throughout (especially the co-authored books), this one is like a diamond in the rough. Personally, I believe it benefited from the fact that it's set in a place where none of the other stories took place, that it gave this story room to primarily focus on its own story without having to contort around the canon of the solo-Eric Flint books. In addition, having a limited cast made reading less a chore. Not only does it gives the reader a better chance of keeping track of people (and avoiding the Cast of Characters glossary), you also have a better chance to relate, empathize, and familiarize the characters.

Unfortunately, once you get closer to the end, events seem to accelerate out of hand. Once you reach the end, you're left realizing that everything that took place was just buildup to the real conflict that will take place in a sequel (probably a 1637 book).

Now, that doesn't mean you shouldn't read this, but you should have fair warning not to expect a conclusion once you finish the book. ( )

Bernie really isn't fitting in with the new plan in Grantville and accepts a consulting job with the Czar of Russia. There he finds a new home but troubles are coming. A good and interesting read. ( )

I enjoyed reading this book as I have enjoyed reading the rest of this extended & branching series. I am looking forward to seeing where they end up taking this storyline. ( )