Pagan Bookworm

Dies the Fire is the first book in a trilogy by S.M. Stirling about the end of the world. What does this dystopia have to do with paganism you ask? Well I’ll explain… Dies the Fire takes place in 1998 when a strange electrical storm hits and wipes out all technology, electricity and explosives (this includes guns and dynamite), leaving humanity without their crutch of technology. Planes fall from the sky, cars crash, ships are stranded – millions die. The survivors break up into groups and this book follows two groups – one of them a coven of Georgian Wiccans with their high priestess Juniper Mackenzie.

This book is a Wiccan SCA member’s wet dream. What if the end of the world did happen and set us back a few hundred years – what would life be like? And apparently SCA members and Wiccans survive easier and better in Stirling’s dystopic world than your average North American.

Dies the Fire is a very positive portrayal of the Wiccan religion that reaches some depth throughout the tale. Reading this novel may make you think S.M. Stirling himself is a Wiccan, but if you read the acknowledgements you will see that he is not. He was helped by friends who are Wiccan on the details of Juniper’s faith and coven practices.

Overall, it’s a great novel with strong lovable characters that make you want to follow their stories. Dies the Fire’s horrifying realism makes you believe Stirling’s tale could actually happen… As a bonus note, if you love Stan Rogers you will see many references to his songs in this book – I love Stan too Mr. Stirling *wink*

• “Pale was the wounded knight, that bore the rowan shield
  Loud and cruel were the raven’s cries that feasted on the field
  Saying “Beck water cold and clear will never clean your wound
  There’s none but the witch of the Westmoreland can make thee hale and soon“