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A review by adamdavidcollings
A Just Determination by Jack Campbell, John G. Hemry
5.0
I always enjoyed the TV show Jag. The appeal to me was the genre mashup of military and legal drama. This was a blending of ingredients that resulted in a whole that was superior to both of its parts. So imagine my reaction when this concept is further mashed up with my greatest love, science fiction. I knew I had to read this book.
The result didn't disappoint. I wasn't surprised to learn that the author is a veteran of the US Navy. This book definitely gave the impression of being written by somebody who knows what he's talking about. This is one of the most believable -feeling military spaceships I've encountered in fiction.
The story took longer than I expected to get to the court case, but everything before that served the development of character, the world-building, and laying important seeds that would become important later in the book.
The author made a surprising choice of protagonist for this book. Rather than using one of the lawyers, or even the accused, the protagonist is an eager young Ensign, fresh from the academy starting his first posting on a spaceship. He is made ship's legal officer as one of his secondary duties and does get involved in the trial, but in an unexpected way.
I've come to love this character as I've read his story. Paul is an idealistic and thoughtful man who gives great consideration to his actions and ultimately puts what is right ahead of what is best for him. He's the kind of guy I'd want to be friends with were I serving on this ship.
A Just Determination explores themes of duty, personal responsibility and sacrifice. Exactly the kinds of themes you'd expect from a military legal thriller. But it explores them well in a satisfying way.
This book has excitement, adventure, intruige, and even a little unexpected romance. It all added up to a great yarn.
This serves as a grand opening to what promises to be an enjoyable and fulfilling series. I, for one, am very eager to continue this journey with Ensign Paul Sinclair.
The result didn't disappoint. I wasn't surprised to learn that the author is a veteran of the US Navy. This book definitely gave the impression of being written by somebody who knows what he's talking about. This is one of the most believable -feeling military spaceships I've encountered in fiction.
The story took longer than I expected to get to the court case, but everything before that served the development of character, the world-building, and laying important seeds that would become important later in the book.
The author made a surprising choice of protagonist for this book. Rather than using one of the lawyers, or even the accused, the protagonist is an eager young Ensign, fresh from the academy starting his first posting on a spaceship. He is made ship's legal officer as one of his secondary duties and does get involved in the trial, but in an unexpected way.
I've come to love this character as I've read his story. Paul is an idealistic and thoughtful man who gives great consideration to his actions and ultimately puts what is right ahead of what is best for him. He's the kind of guy I'd want to be friends with were I serving on this ship.
A Just Determination explores themes of duty, personal responsibility and sacrifice. Exactly the kinds of themes you'd expect from a military legal thriller. But it explores them well in a satisfying way.
This book has excitement, adventure, intruige, and even a little unexpected romance. It all added up to a great yarn.
This serves as a grand opening to what promises to be an enjoyable and fulfilling series. I, for one, am very eager to continue this journey with Ensign Paul Sinclair.