Black Chamber

The first novel in a brand-new alternate history series where Teddy Roosevelt is president for a second time right before WWI breaks out, and on his side is the Black Chamber, a secret spy network watching America's back.

1916. The Great War rages overseas, and the whole of Europe, Africa, and western Asia is falling to the Central Powers. To win a war that must be won, Teddy Roosevelt, once again the American president, turns to his top secret Black Chamber organization--and its cunning and deadly spy, Luz O'Malley Aróstegui.

On a transatlantic airship voyage, Luz poses as an anti-American Mexican revolutionary to get close--very close--to a German agent code-named Imperial Sword. She'll need every skill at her disposal to get him to trust her and lead her deep into enemy territory. In the mountains of Saxony, concealed from allied eyes, the German Reich's plans for keeping the U.S. from entering the conflict are revealed: the deployment of a new diabolical weapon upon the shores of America...


Genre: Science Fiction

"A rollicking spy thriller set in a familiar WW1, but with a 'what might have been' America racing to cope with a far deadlier, more desperate Germany." - Taylor Anderson

"A slam-bang spy thriller with an engaging female protagonist." - David Drake

"There’s something very exhilarating about watching somebody at the peak of his powers attempt something extremely difficult and pull it off with apparently ridiculous ease. This is a sheer joy of an alternative history, featuring probably the most interesting and talented President ever in a term he never served and a new and darker view of the First World War." - Patricia Finney

"Too many Alternate History stories have become sadly routine. Riding to the rescue is S. M. Stirling's Black Chamber. This novel provides a desperately needed infusion of courage and originality. How appropriate that Penguin, publisher of the James Bond novels, launches a hard edged new spy series with Stirling. How appropriate that Ace, famous for classic science fiction, is onboard for the adventure. Beware the Breath of Loki." - Brad Linaweaver

"Black Chamber is one of the most intriguing and entertaining adventures to come along in years. If you like alternate history, you will appreciate Stirling’s take on what Teddy Roosevelt could have accomplished if he had been allowed. If you like steam punk, you will enjoy elegant inventions that are firmly based on science. If you like derring-do, you will thrill to car chases and combats of all kinds ( there is one scene that anyone with acrophobia might want to avoid). And whatever your gender, if you like a feisty, sexy, intelligent heroine, meet Field Operative Luz O’Malley Arostegui!" - Diana L Paxson

"The nice thing about getting a Steve Stirling book in the mail is that you know for a few hours you can fly on dreams of wonder, travelling to a world so much more than this angry reality." - John Ringo

"Nobody carries a bigger stick in the alternate-history game than S.M.Stirling." - Robert J Sawyer

"Black Chamber is one mighty fine read—sexy, action-filled adventure in a thoughtful alternate history. Enjoy!" - Lawrence Watt-Evans

"It's a great feeling being in the hands of an alternate history master. Black Chamber is a wonderfully fun transcontinental spy romp, and a great beginning to a new series." - Django Wexler