CELTICLADY'S REVIEWS: Iron Maiden: An Alternate History of the German Empire by J.T. Maicke Guest Review Guest Post!!

Iron Maiden by J.T. Maicke

Iron Maiden: An Alternate History of the German Empire by J.T. Maicke

Publisher: DX Varos Publishing, Inc. (October 31, 2023)

Category: Historical fiction, Alternate History

Tour Dates

January17-February 23, 20224

ISBN: 978-1955065917

Available in Print and ebook, 411 pages

What if a woman ruled Germany in 1914? This alternate history explores that very question. An elaborate attempt to rid Germany of the Hohenzollerns has left a young sole heiress, Christiana, to take the throne of the German Empire. But this is no typical princess, hidden away in a gilded cage. This college educated, expert fencer, and accomplished equestrienne is not the meek little girl the politicians think they will be able to control. She has her own ideas how to rule!

Praise for J.T. Maicke’s First Novel The Humble Courier

“A great story of an unlikely hero during an awful time. J.T. Maicke has crafted a compelling story of an unlikely hero during a most troubling time, the rise of Nazi Germany. This is a compelling book to read, whether you are a fan of historic fiction or simply seeking a terrific narrative and story. Maicke has created compelling and realistic characters that one can identify with, and truly care about. It is a story that will last with you long after the book is completed, and leaves one longing for new works from this author.”-John, Amazon Review

“This was an engaging read. The years between the ending of WWI and the start of WWII set the stage for events that would completely change the world. Normally when we think of the world wars, we think of Germany occupying other countries, and not other countries occupying Germany. This book takes the reader to a point in time often overlooked, and lets us step into the story through the eyes of a Catholic priest who wishes for justice, and the freedom to practice his religion and minister to his parishioners. I loved Father Harti as a character, and thought Maicke did a wonderful job bringing him to life. It was easy to get lost in the story. A great book for historical fiction lovers.”- Liliyana Shadowlyn, The Faerie Review

“I have greatly enjoyed this book. I am impressed with the historical accuracy which makes the story even more compelling. The reader is draw into the story as if they were right there.”- J. Larkin, Amazon Review

“A humble village, loving community caring Catholic priest. Sounds perfect, but then it centers in Germany in the 1930's. The idyllic life of the priest and others is turned around affecting not only the grownups but children as well. I especially liked the references at the back of the book to places and people. At the end of the story, I had tears in my eyes.”- Christine Mueller, Goodreads Review

“An intriguing story set in Germany mainly during the early WWII era leading to thought provoking events! Harti is a Catholic priest of the small village where he was born. Sounds like a boring life? Oh, no, not for Harti! He is consumed by a deep sense of justice... That's only the beginning of Harti's trail of thoughts.... What I particularly enjoyed in this novel, lies in the writing style.

All along the plot, the author gives a summarized account of the political situation in Germany along with the reactions of the Allies from the end of WWI on (French occupation after the Versailles Contract had been signed).

I learned details I was not aware of, particularly about the role of the Catholic church at this time. Harti referred many times to the Bible (though not overwhelmingly) in order to find a way to find justice. That was for me very interesting and definitely thought provoking! The characters are fictional, some events and real people made fitting the story, but all made sense. A compelling novel!”-Christine, Amazon Review

Guest Review

Iron Maiden

Guest Review by Laura

A historical novel with a twist-- 'Iron Maiden,' by J.T. Maicke is an alternative history novel about early 20th century Germany and the lengths that some will go to in order to seize power.

Christiana Maria Lousia Von Preussen has been raised to be a royal lady. As cousin to the Kaiser, she is told from a young age that she is meant to marry well and have children, to carry on her family name. But as a tomboy and eventually one of the first women to attend university in Germany, Christa has no interest in fulfilling her matriarchal duties.

She wishes to become a scholar and a politician, and she refuses to marry even as she ages into middle-age. But one day something happens that will have ramifications not just for Christa or even for Germany, but for the entire world going forward.

The Kaiser is killed, and with him his entire family and all of the possible heirs to the German throne. In an orchestrated assassination by a group intending to turn Germany into a republic and get rid of the monarchy entirely, the entire royal family is killed down to the last child—all except Christa.

Managing to escape her attempted assassin, Christa even manages to capture one of the main rebels and have the woman arrested. A week later, the cabinet meets and decides to put Christa on the throne, the first woman to rule Germany alone in the country's long history.

The cabinet thinks that they will have a figurehead that they can steer to their own desires, but they have another thing coming when strong-willed, witty and intelligent Christ takes the throne.

I found myself adoring this novel and I want to recommend it to anyone who reads the description and questions whether or not they should pick it up—you should! Trust me, it is well worth the read!

Guest Post

How to Write by the Seat of Your Pants: Outline or No?

I often see this question posted on writing blogs, websites, and social media pages: are you a “Planner” or a “Pantser”? I am clearly more of a Seat of Your Pants writer than a Planner.

This is not to say that I don’t have a solid grasp of my main characters and a general idea as to how the main plot line will develop when I begin. In fact, I have in the past tried drafting detailed outlines that plan out which scenes will take place in which parts of each chapter, only to almost immediately discard them. For me, it seems to be a waste of time and often an excuse to simply delay getting down to work (as if I needed any more distractions). More importantly, I find that attempting to write and stick to a structured outline actually hampers my creativity.

Rather than trying to map out a detailed game plan, I prefer to simply sit down and grind out that opening paragraph—I call it “breaking the seal.” Once I get that solid opening down, I just keep typing and see where the writing takes me. New ideas develop as I am writing, and often some of my most descriptive scenes as well as many of my best supporting characters have been created via the Seat of the Pants method.

In addition, sometimes ideas for other, future stories will pop into mind while “pantser” writing. I simply type out some notes for these scenes, characters, and plot lines and store them away for possible later use. Years ago, I began keeping a small notebook and pen in my car within easy reach. During long, boring, bumper-to-bumper commutes to and from work, I would write scenes and dialogue in my head while driving and occasionally scratch out a couple of notes for future use.

I think that most novelists, playwrights, and short story writers are at least partially “pantsers” whereas detailed outlines tend to lend themselves more toward academic and other forms of non-fiction writing. That said, there really is no correct answer to the question. I know other fiction writers who meticulously plan out each scene of each chapter and do very well with this method. Whatever works for the individual writer is best method.

About J. T. Maicke

A self-described Germanophile, J.T. Maicke writes historical fiction novels that take place in Germany or among German-American communities in the Midwest. He has spent most of his life studying German history, geography, language, culture, customs, and cuisine.

Maicke also spent several years living in and traveling throughout Central Europe, and he has visited many of the locations depicted in his novels. Maicke’s debut novel was ‘The Humble Courier.’

Website:

https://www.jtmaicke.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jt.maicke/

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