On Earth everything is the same until the start of space exploration, but then the Cold War dampens down into a real, collaborative space race which overtakes the military budgets of both superpowers.

What if Mars and Venus really were habitable and inhabited, as in many SF stories from the early sixties and before? In this alternate history series Mars and Venus were terraformed a long time ago and 'seeded' with Earth life, including several different human species. In the past he has frequently collaborated with other authors, including David Drake, Jerry Pournelle, Anne McCaffrey and Raymond E. Stirling also tends to write strong female characters who have prominent roles within the story.

The stranded islanders of Nantucket must try to rebuild their technological base once the island is stranded in 1250 BC, while the dazed survivors of the 'Change' now face a world where electricity, firearms, and internal combustion no longer work. The Draka (see below) for instance, chose and faced a different imperative in their conquest of Africa, and turned earlier to breech-loading firearms and steam power than the rest of the Western World. Stirling also has a fascination with technological development, and frequently turns to explorations of this 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 a particular emphasis on the idea that most people and societies consider themselves (mostly) 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.

The Protector's War by S.M. Stirling