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sumedhaj's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
halt_bullfrog's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
stripedwolfie's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
evelikesbooks's review
3.0
This book reminded me of the one other Tanya Huff book I've read, Enchantment Emporium, in that no one is introduced at the beginning and the reader is just expected to catch on as it goes. It didn't work as well here, because there were a lot of characters and various species, some of which were not that well described. I never did get a good idea of what Dornargains look like. Also, not much happens until about halfway through the book.
But. Once I figured out who most of the people were and things actually started to happen, it was a corker of a story. I seldom read space-opera, especially military space-opera, so it took some getting used to. I'm going to read the sequels, though, now that I have some idea of what this universe is all about.
But. Once I figured out who most of the people were and things actually started to happen, it was a corker of a story. I seldom read space-opera, especially military space-opera, so it took some getting used to. I'm going to read the sequels, though, now that I have some idea of what this universe is all about.
tessisreading2's review
4.0
This is really good military SF; I was going to express surprise that it never crossed my reading in the 90s, but it was first published in 2000, which explains it. The alien species are well-drawn without the narrative getting bogged down in fictional anthropology and biology lessons; Tarin is a great viewpoint character, and the future Huff presents - while horrible in the sense of “eternal senseless warfare” - is great in the sense of multiple species getting along to fight for the greater good. And Huff’s characterization, especially for military SF (which often sacrifices characterization for explosions and alien weaponry), is just amazing.
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
Sci.fi, military and action. That is what you get when you read this book. And for the history buffs out there one of the battles is based on a battle in the Zulu war.
In the future a confederation of planets is formed to guard against the threat of an alien race called The Others (I totally want to know more btw). Humans are welcomed to serve as the military as those who formed this federation do not fight. But many others fight too so in Torin's squad there are many more lifeforms, "elves", big spiders, the gluttony alien, you get the picture.
Torin is a true marine, kicking ass, liking the life. Even if she is higher up than the foot soldiers they can trust her. She is a good leader and in this book she gets to prove it too.
There is lots of fighting, but also an interesting introduction to a new planet that wants to join. Reptiles who really likes to fight, and I would not want to meet them.
Now what to compare it too? I have read too few as I can only think of one book. So anyway, if you like action, new worlds, adventure, then this is for you.
In the future a confederation of planets is formed to guard against the threat of an alien race called The Others (I totally want to know more btw). Humans are welcomed to serve as the military as those who formed this federation do not fight. But many others fight too so in Torin's squad there are many more lifeforms, "elves", big spiders, the gluttony alien, you get the picture.
Torin is a true marine, kicking ass, liking the life. Even if she is higher up than the foot soldiers they can trust her. She is a good leader and in this book she gets to prove it too.
There is lots of fighting, but also an interesting introduction to a new planet that wants to join. Reptiles who really likes to fight, and I would not want to meet them.
Now what to compare it too? I have read too few as I can only think of one book. So anyway, if you like action, new worlds, adventure, then this is for you.
kerstincullen's review
5.0
This book might be popcorn, but it's such good popcorn. You know, the kind with olive oil and nutritional yeast and pepper that you can eat an entire giant bowl of and not feel sick.
Is the premise absolutely silly? Yes, it is. Can Tanya Huff really write? Oh yes. And the audiobook version read by Marguerite Gavin is really a treat! She makes Torin's snarky inner thoughts really pop, makes the alien accents distinct and sometimes funny, but never annoying.
Perfect for what it is.
If you get a chance, make sure you have the next book ready to go on hand. The last line of this book and the first of the next will make you laugh.
Is the premise absolutely silly? Yes, it is. Can Tanya Huff really write? Oh yes. And the audiobook version read by Marguerite Gavin is really a treat! She makes Torin's snarky inner thoughts really pop, makes the alien accents distinct and sometimes funny, but never annoying.
Perfect for what it is.
If you get a chance, make sure you have the next book ready to go on hand. The last line of this book and the first of the next will make you laugh.
coriandercake's review
4.0
It was a bit of a slow start but just non-stop action for the majority. It was a fun read and the characters were likeable.
qalminator's review
4.0
Enjoyable military SF (which I tend to think of as something I don't enjoy, but I guess I do with some authors). I saw the twist at the end coming, but wasn't certain I was right.
My one complaint is about the audiobook narrator: she's, of the, Will, iam, Shat, ner school of acting, with pauses in very odd places, and, in general, pauses that are just a little bit too long. I've heard much, much worse. This was at least tolerable, but often annoying.
My one complaint is about the audiobook narrator: she's, of the, Will, iam, Shat, ner school of acting, with pauses in very odd places, and, in general, pauses that are just a little bit too long. I've heard much, much worse. This was at least tolerable, but often annoying.
seeinghowitgoes's review
3.0
I shouldn't be surprised that I'm enjoying this series, it's brutal and military heavy but Tanya Huff and Kerr pull it all together for me. Kick ass female lead, soldierly banter made this into an all nighter for me and I went straight into book 2.