A decent enough read but it's reverting a bit to old school Military SF with women in supporting roles only. Considering half of the book is politicalA decent enough read but it's reverting a bit to old school Military SF with women in supporting roles only. Considering half of the book is political, no good reason for that from what I can see. The interaction with native Americans and the slavery issue is interesting.
Not a good place to start reading this series....more
This story arc starts with The Mongrel Mage, a decent book but if you haven't read the previous two books, you will find it confusing. Also it might hThis story arc starts with The Mongrel Mage, a decent book but if you haven't read the previous two books, you will find it confusing. Also it might have a bit too much combat, it could be shorter....more
A start of a new character, Beltur, following the familiar formulas of the Recluce universe. Beltur is much less whiny than most of the Recluce heroesA start of a new character, Beltur, following the familiar formulas of the Recluce universe. Beltur is much less whiny than most of the Recluce heroes and a bit more mature. A fun read for fans....more
Horatio Hornblower and his dragon friend Temeraire travel to China, what fun! Read the first book in the series though, you need the background.Horatio Hornblower and his dragon friend Temeraire travel to China, what fun! Read the first book in the series though, you need the background....more
Why is it that academic military histories are much more readable than their non-military counterparts? Maybe they expect a broader audience? This wasWhy is it that academic military histories are much more readable than their non-military counterparts? Maybe they expect a broader audience? This was a great read on the evolution of gunpowder warfare, much of which covers China's contributions to the art, which hasn't been tackled by the English speaking military writing community until recently. Many of the earlier weapons are bizarre, early powder mixes were more of a fire tool and not really explosive. The later developments are covered as well as why China seemed to have completely lost its edge starting with the Opium wars. makes extensive use of Asian reference works, unlike earlier works from the 90's and prior. Covers much of the politics and society of the military in gunpowder (900-1900) China at the critical points.
For the academically inclined, this book is about 1/4 footnotes and bibliography neatly tucked away in the back where it doesn't interfere with the narration....more
A fun read with an imaginative plot that manages to avoid most fantasy cliches except for a brief spurt of YA love. The hero has faults and she's not A fun read with an imaginative plot that manages to avoid most fantasy cliches except for a brief spurt of YA love. The hero has faults and she's not so bad assed that you don't wonder why she hasn't already blasted the bad guys to dust. The other characters are not GOOD or EVIL but represent a spectrum with surprises. While GR had it nominated as a YA, adults will enjoy it too....more
Miles takes a break from combat and takes the Dendarii to Earth where various intrigues are uncovered and new family members discovered. A fun, light Miles takes a break from combat and takes the Dendarii to Earth where various intrigues are uncovered and new family members discovered. A fun, light read....more
This is the first Miles Naismith adventure in written order, there may be a few shorts that predate it chronologically. This is the best starting poinThis is the first Miles Naismith adventure in written order, there may be a few shorts that predate it chronologically. This is the best starting point for reading the series.
First off, Miles is a very short, hyperactive, highly intelligent, chaos attracter. After failing his military entrance exam, Miles, without useful employment, is wandering around and stumbles across a pilot who needs help. One thing leads to another and things get totally out of hand and the day is saved via Miles and friends that he makes with his natural leadership and charisma. There's a fair amount of comedy along with some tragic events and one character, Elena Bothari, finds an escape from the sexist culture of Barrarayar.
These are military science fiction stories but they are much more lighthearted than David Drake, David Weber or John Ringo and it doesn't glorify war to the same extent.
Note the disco cover, an '80s cover totally!...more
Aliens rescue a modern day mercenary band from death and force them to work as their enforcers on a primitive planet. The Shalnukis have a secret planAliens rescue a modern day mercenary band from death and force them to work as their enforcers on a primitive planet. The Shalnukis have a secret planet that grows an exotic plant that produces a potent drug. The mercenaries upon landing on this planet break into two groups, the former leader, Captain Rick Galloway and an aide and the much larger group, led by Parsons. Galloway is an ethical type, while Parsons is a bloodthirsty, violent type whose efforts create a Vietnam-like war that he's losing.
And while there's a princess, this book doesn't follow the pattern of interplanetary romances, the female characters have more agency. Instead it's the smart/superior Earthman savior trope that shows the locals how to use superior technology to defeat their enemies.
A decent adventure read, still popular among older fans of military SF....more
Loading...
