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neon_capricorn's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I wanted to really like this book, but it honestly reads more like a naval tactical text more than anything. A lot of time is spent with characters sitting around and talking political and military strategies. Plus the main character coming in and being this savior (from the first few pages of the story) to what is essentially an incompetent fleet is also a wild choice.
I did like the science in this, however! Rules of the known universe are utilized in a believable way that helps to ground the story.
I did like the science in this, however! Rules of the known universe are utilized in a believable way that helps to ground the story.
spencervail's review
3.0
Pretty interesting story. Probably my favorite Sci fi in terms of narrating space battles. Uninteresting characters who are very predictable.
silverwolf77's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
kangokaren's review
4.0
I would give it 5 stars for sheer entertainment. I really enjoyed reading this book!
rahni_a's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
paweljw's review
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rbixby's review
3.0
A very good example of middle of the road space opera. Not fancy and high end like Hamilton's The Night's Dawn trilogy or overly dense like Weber's Honor Harrington series.
The action starts early, rises to a nice level of tension and stays there until the end. Not very deep in that the concepts and ideas do not attempt to twist your head into a pretzel. Mostly very well known sci-fi tropes executed well. The main character has to contend with unwanted hero worship and a fleet run by sailors who have lost the skills to fight efficiently rather than with shear brute force.
The plot is very linear in that there are no eddies or side streams to contend with. One thing leads to another until the big climax at the end. Campbell does leave you with a mystery to hook you into sequels, but, in keeping with the style he's established, it's pretty straight forward.
A nice quick read, I finished it in two days.
The action starts early, rises to a nice level of tension and stays there until the end. Not very deep in that the concepts and ideas do not attempt to twist your head into a pretzel. Mostly very well known sci-fi tropes executed well. The main character has to contend with unwanted hero worship and a fleet run by sailors who have lost the skills to fight efficiently rather than with shear brute force.
The plot is very linear in that there are no eddies or side streams to contend with. One thing leads to another until the big climax at the end. Campbell does leave you with a mystery to hook you into sequels, but, in keeping with the style he's established, it's pretty straight forward.
A nice quick read, I finished it in two days.
mary_soon_lee's review
4.0
This is the first book in a military science fiction series. I read the bulk of it during a long day of travel involving two flights. I am not a person who enjoys flying, and this book was a perfect distraction. I was able to lose myself in the plight of its hero, a hero who has to combat both huge military challenges and the fact that his reputation has been inflated to legendary proportions. The situation felt somewhat contrived, but created the fuel for a thoroughly entertaining plot. I found the hero very likable. I liked his discomfort at playing the legendary figure others expected him to be. I also found the space battles nicely done — showing what might happen if two fleets clashed at a significant fraction of lightspeed. I'm hoping that later volumes in the series will develop the relationships between the main character and some of the secondary characters, and I should find out soon, as I plan to read book two on my return flights, if not before.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
olityr's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really like this book, very excited to continue the series.