Worlds That Weren't

I bought this for the S. M. Stirling story, which is worth three stars: an inessential but readable prequel to [b:The Peshawar Lancers 179021 The Peshawar Lancers S.M. Stirling https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309201529l/179021.SY75.jpg 172953]. The others, about two stars each.I was quite impressed by Mary Gentle's writing and characterization, but the story is too gory and unpleasant for my liking. Gentle by name but not by nature, apparently.