I picked up four of the Grantville Gazette books at a library sale today. I've never read anything by Flint, but after looking into the books I found today, I want to read his Ring of Fire series-- beginning with 1632.

Are the Grantville Gazette books integral to the series? Do I need to hang onto them until I've read all of the Ring of Fire books? I'm leaning toward just starting with the series and posting the books I found today, but I don't want to kick myself later, lol.

I've only read the first book of the series and none of the anthologies, so don't take this as an authoritative answer.

I don't believe they're integral to the series.  They're basically fan fiction anthologies with only the occasional story written by Flint.  Flint has said that the stories that make it into the Gazettes are part of the "cannon" - i.e. he does consider the events to have really happened in his universe.  And I've heard that the people/events/technology do influence the novels, some books more than others, but nothing I've heard or read suggests that you'll miss major events by not reading them.  Mostly, (from what I've been told) the stories fill in holes in the background info for the series -- politics, economics, technology, etc.

Again, this is just what I’ve heard from others.  It’s not firsthand experience.

Thanks muchly, Melanti!

Nope, not integral to the series.  A GREAT SERIES.   Check the Baen Website, especially if you have an e-reader; 1632 and 1633 are currently available for FREEE!

http://www.baenebooks.com/c-4-science-fiction.aspx

Enjoy!

-RD

Well, if you have an e-reader, the entire series is free.  Click here.

And yes, this is a legal site.  Baen has awesome e-book policies.  One of many reasons why I have no problems buying any book from them at full price.

If you've never browsed through Baen's CDs (the ones they give away in some of their hardback books) the Fifth Imperium is worth checking out.  Baen often gives away entire series when they release the latest book.   Bujold's Vorkosigan saga, Weber's Honorverse, Lackey's Serrated Edge, and tons of others.  Just try to support Baen & your favorite authors whenever you can so they can keep being awesome.

Melanti-

Good Save.  I've several BAEN series on my Kindle and I had forgotten where I got them; you reminded me where they came from.

-RD