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tomasthanes's review
4.0
Very good space science fiction. Very realistic handling of military ships in space; very "naval" (in the best meaning of the word): mass and momentum, combat in space, visible sensors and the time it takes for light to get from one place to another. Realistic handling of leadership in a large space fleet.
gossamerwingedgazelle's review
4.0
A really good read. I think the author did a good job of presenting an interesting view of how culture changes over time.
neon_capricorn's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
4.0
I would give it 5 stars for sheer entertainment. I really enjoyed reading this book!
rahni_a's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.