Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In space, and on various planets.
First Sentence: Ambassador Sara Bair knew that when the captain of the Polk had invited her to view the skip to the Danavar system, protocol strongly suggested that she turn down the invitation.
This novel is part of Scalzi's Old Man's War series. This series consists of several novels and novelettes based in the Old Man's War universe. In this universe, there are hundreds of sentient species spread out across the galaxy. Humans are represented in space by the Colonial Defense Forces (CDF).
For many rears, the CDF has been at war with many other species who wish to slow down, or even stop humanity's invasion of space. Humans are looked down upon, feared, or even hated by most of the other sentient species.
Now the CDF is hated by most of Earth as well. It seems that the CDF has not been truthful about the status of colonies and the Colonial Union (CU) in space. So the Earth has withdrawn from the the Colonial Union.
Now that Earth is no longer a part of the Colonial Union, the CU has a problem. The CU has used the Earth as a source of new recruits for colonies and the CDF. Given this new state of affairs, the human race may be extinct in thirty years.
The CU needs to use every means it has to rectify this situation. This includes diplomacy. The CU has crack teams of special operators that are used in the most sensitive missions.
It also has the B team. This team is used when failure is the most probable outcome.
The B team consists of several specialists who seem to be able to find a way to solve seemingly unsolvable situations by using technology, thinking out side the box, and a little bit of luck.
It seems that someone has been trying to stop the CU from succeeding in its missions. Will the B team discover who has been trying to covertly disrupt their efforts?
Scalzi is one of my favorite authors. His Old Man's War universe is one of the best thought out universes I have encountered. Scalzi's characters are believable. His plots ore interesting. And he writes in an easy to read style.
I especially like how he tells stories about many different characters in his universe.
For me it was a fun and enjoyable read.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Friday, July 10, 2015
The Synchronicity War: Part 1. by Dietmar Arthur Wehr
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Setting: On Earth, and in interstellar space. Sometime in the future.
First Sentence: Cmdr. Victor Shiloh noticed that the usual Bridge chatter had died down to almost nothing as the Squadron emerged from Jumpspace.
This novel is the first book in Wehr's Synchronicity War series. This series has four parts.
Earth's first contact with aliens became an unexpected battle. Humanity is in the early stages of interstellar travel. So far, the focus has been exploration.
Apparently, the aliens they have encountered are warlike and aggressive. Fortunately, they are not much more technologically advanced than humans.
Clearly, Earth needs to get up to speed and level the playing field before the aliens discover where Earth is. Until now the Space Force has been concerned with smugglers and pirates. Now they have to transform into an elite battle ready fighting force.
Commander Victor Shiloh has quickly become the only commander with successful battle experience. Although he is a good battle tactician, he has an edge up on the other commanders. At crucial points Shiloh has a vision. These visions give him information about future events. So far the visions have been very accurate. When Shiloh follows his visions, the results have been positive and successful.
What is the source of Shiloh's prescient visions?
For me, this was an enjoyable read. If you are into military scifi, you will like this book. There is lots of procedural details about armaments, weapons, and spaceship design. There is plenty of tactical and strategic planning for building a fleet and gathering intel about these unknown aliens.
And of course there is a generous sprinkling of military nomenclature and acronyms.
It's an enjoyable read. Check it out!
Setting: On Earth, and in interstellar space. Sometime in the future.
First Sentence: Cmdr. Victor Shiloh noticed that the usual Bridge chatter had died down to almost nothing as the Squadron emerged from Jumpspace.
This novel is the first book in Wehr's Synchronicity War series. This series has four parts.
Earth's first contact with aliens became an unexpected battle. Humanity is in the early stages of interstellar travel. So far, the focus has been exploration.
Apparently, the aliens they have encountered are warlike and aggressive. Fortunately, they are not much more technologically advanced than humans.
Clearly, Earth needs to get up to speed and level the playing field before the aliens discover where Earth is. Until now the Space Force has been concerned with smugglers and pirates. Now they have to transform into an elite battle ready fighting force.
Commander Victor Shiloh has quickly become the only commander with successful battle experience. Although he is a good battle tactician, he has an edge up on the other commanders. At crucial points Shiloh has a vision. These visions give him information about future events. So far the visions have been very accurate. When Shiloh follows his visions, the results have been positive and successful.
What is the source of Shiloh's prescient visions?
For me, this was an enjoyable read. If you are into military scifi, you will like this book. There is lots of procedural details about armaments, weapons, and spaceship design. There is plenty of tactical and strategic planning for building a fleet and gathering intel about these unknown aliens.
And of course there is a generous sprinkling of military nomenclature and acronyms.
It's an enjoyable read. Check it out!
Saturday, July 4, 2015
An Ensuing Evil and Others by Peter Tremayne
Genre: Historical Mystery, Short Stories
Peter Tremayne is the author of the Sister Fidelma historical mystery series.
In this book Tremayne has compiled of fourteen short mystery stories featuring a unique assemblage of sleuths.
They are:
Macbeth, Shakespeare's Scottish monarch, before he attains the throne.
Doctor Watson relating some of Sherlock Holmes's lesser known mysteries.
Charles Dickens before he became a famous author.
Constable Hardy Drews serving in London during the time of Shakespeare.
Bengali Inspector Ram Jayram during the British Raj.
Captain Richard Roscarrock aboard the HMS Deerhound during the age of sail, investigating a murder that took place during a naval sea battle.
Doctors Ross and Fane solving a locked room mystery aboard an airliner cruising at 32,000 feet.
And, of course, Sister Fidelma finding the true solution to an apparent open-and-shut case.
I enjoyed reading about these different sleuths solving unique mysteries during different historical eras.
Peter Tremayne is the author of the Sister Fidelma historical mystery series.
In this book Tremayne has compiled of fourteen short mystery stories featuring a unique assemblage of sleuths.
They are:
Macbeth, Shakespeare's Scottish monarch, before he attains the throne.
Doctor Watson relating some of Sherlock Holmes's lesser known mysteries.
Charles Dickens before he became a famous author.
Constable Hardy Drews serving in London during the time of Shakespeare.
Bengali Inspector Ram Jayram during the British Raj.
Captain Richard Roscarrock aboard the HMS Deerhound during the age of sail, investigating a murder that took place during a naval sea battle.
Doctors Ross and Fane solving a locked room mystery aboard an airliner cruising at 32,000 feet.
And, of course, Sister Fidelma finding the true solution to an apparent open-and-shut case.
I enjoyed reading about these different sleuths solving unique mysteries during different historical eras.
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