Advance and Retreat

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Advance and Retreat is the third and final novel in The War Between the Provinces, a fantasy version of the American Civil War by Harry Turtledove. In this world, after a long civil war, the Southron forces of the Kingdom of Detina defeat the Northoners, and serfdom is abolished throughout Detina.

Publishers Weekly praised the book for its entertaining and well-drawn characters, its grimly realistic depictions of battles and occupied towns, and its subtly handled treatment of racism. The review noted, however, that the parallels to the American Civil War can make parts of the story feel somewhat predictable.

Steven H. Silver added that the parallels aren’t exact, since Turtledove changes events and characters to heighten tension. He also suggested the novel could have been more interesting if it had explored how magic would change military strategy and tactics.