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htb2050's review against another edition
3.0
A little boring at times. Writing could be better. But the concept is really good. Different from others in the same genre.
joecotellese's review
If I recall correctly I felt like this book needed an editor.
johhnnyinla's review
5.0
Just fantastically entertaining. A little slow at the beginning, but picks up quickly, and has a great
ending. A new universe for Mr. Larson and it could prove very interesting as a series. Some of the science isn't great, but easily overlooked.
When in space, the story is very entertaining. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the "non-space" parts - there is some attempt at political intrigue but it isn't as tightly written and the characters are somewhat flat. The space-action is entertaining and the crew members' characters completely fleshed out and multi-dimensional.
The main character, William Sparhawk, is rebelling against his family's wishes, but it's not really explained why in any interesting detail. The main parties are the politicians, who seem to be opposed to the military section for monetary reasons - and the military who have very few ships, but at least three admirals.
I quite liked the 'universe' setup, so there is here is potential for a decent series, especially if the author concentrates on the space action.
ending. A new universe for Mr. Larson and it could prove very interesting as a series. Some of the science isn't great, but easily overlooked.
When in space, the story is very entertaining. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the "non-space" parts - there is some attempt at political intrigue but it isn't as tightly written and the characters are somewhat flat. The space-action is entertaining and the crew members' characters completely fleshed out and multi-dimensional.
The main character, William Sparhawk, is rebelling against his family's wishes, but it's not really explained why in any interesting detail. The main parties are the politicians, who seem to be opposed to the military section for monetary reasons - and the military who have very few ships, but at least three admirals.
I quite liked the 'universe' setup, so there is here is potential for a decent series, especially if the author concentrates on the space action.
adamjcalhoun's review
3.0
Battle Cruiser has one of my favorite premises: a hulking ship is found from an alien civilization. What mysteries await!?
The book is fun and the universe is interesting but the characters are flat and GOD does the author lean on the characters-do-what-the-plot-needs trope. It is frustrating when characters have no motivation other than what the plot demands, are frustrating for the sake of being frustrating.
I would probably read the next one (err, listen to it on audiobook) if it was heavily on sale but I don't know that I could recommend it in good conscious unless you were a fan of this particular scenario.
The book is fun and the universe is interesting but the characters are flat and GOD does the author lean on the characters-do-what-the-plot-needs trope. It is frustrating when characters have no motivation other than what the plot demands, are frustrating for the sake of being frustrating.
I would probably read the next one (err, listen to it on audiobook) if it was heavily on sale but I don't know that I could recommend it in good conscious unless you were a fan of this particular scenario.
the_smoking_gnu's review
2.0
Military science fiction by the numbers. There is nothing innovative or revolutionary here.
The science is bland, the characters are thin.
I guess it's acceptable if you are a fan of the genre and looking for escapism.
For once I want to read military science fiction that doesn't involve an upstanding, resourceful protagonist that manages to do the right thing in a heavily unequal, authoritarian society that is divided either by lineage, class or wealth.
This genre usually resembles ship of the line in space too much, not only the battles but also the societies are comparable.
2,5 stars
The narrator is quite good.
The science is bland, the characters are thin.
I guess it's acceptable if you are a fan of the genre and looking for escapism.
For once I want to read military science fiction that doesn't involve an upstanding, resourceful protagonist that manages to do the right thing in a heavily unequal, authoritarian society that is divided either by lineage, class or wealth.
This genre usually resembles ship of the line in space too much, not only the battles but also the societies are comparable.
2,5 stars
The narrator is quite good.
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