The Draka, for instance, choose and face a different imperative in their conquest of Africa, and turn earlier to breech-loading firearms and steam power than the rest of the Western world.

Stirling frequently explores technological development within the context of many of his novels. One of his recurring topics is the influence of the culture on an individual's outlook and values, with an emphasis on the idea that most people and societies consider themselves moral. In addition to his books' military, adventure, and exploration focus, he often describes societies with cultural values significantly different from modern Western views. Stirling's novels are generally conflict-driven and often describe military situations and militaristic cultures. Stirling, along with Eric Flint, was tuckerized as a Secret Service agent in John Birmingham's alternate history WWII novel Weapons of Choice (2004). He has lived in several countries and currently resides in the United States in New Mexico with his wife Jan. Stirling was born on September 30, 1953, in Metz, France-then the site of a Royal Canadian Air Force base-to an English mother and Canadian father. Stirling is well known for his Draka series of alternate history novels and his later time travel/alternate history Nantucket series and Emberverse series. Stephen Michael Stirling (born September 30, 1953) is a Canadian-American science fiction and fantasy author who was born in France. Science fiction, fantasy, alternate history

Sm stirling dies the fire series