Review: Very good. Highly recommended
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 3, 2013
Book Review: Star Soldier by Vaughn HeppnerReviewed by J Bryden LloydWriting Style - 3.5/5.0 (Good)This didn't flow as well as I would have liked, and there were some elements of dialogue that felt `B-Movie' clunky. Nevertheless, this was not the norm across the whole piece.The beginning of the story is excellent and leads very nicely into the later timeline for the main character, as he tries to merge into society.Although some of the construction in the writing feels a bit too regimented, it does stay in keeping with the storyline, and as the character progresses through the book, the writing gets stronger.Character Development - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)For the main character and the supporting characters who come into the story later, there is reasonable development, which remains consistent and keeps the reader involved. The military commanders and the `highborn' characters remain very two-dimensional for the most part, which is understandable, and ensures that the reader does not fully engage with them.For Marten, the main character, the suppressed desire for revenge gradually takes hold, and the author does well to make this more of a careful transition.Descriptive - 5.0/5.0 (Outstanding)The environments and atmosphere of the piece are described in stunning, vivid detail. From a sci-fi fan's perspective, this is pretty much as good as it gets.The characters are nicely described and the battle scenes (where relevant) are superb. If really pressed, I would have to go so far as to say I haven't come across a better example of a good ol' fashioned shoot-`em-up sci-fi... yet.Language & Grammar - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)Yes, I found a handful of very minor grammatical `things'... I wouldn't go so far as to say errors, as this term seems more and more based on reader preference. That said, I found a few that I considered in need of TLC, but nothing more.Beyond that, the word selection and use of language was excellent. As a reading level, this could pretty much fit any sci-fi fan from mid teens upwards.Plot - 4.5/5.0 (Excellent) - NO SPOILERSThis is a terrific story, well told; with some superb sub-plots and excellent action.The author leaves nothing to chance with some excellent story development and some excellent twists.By the time you get to the end, you know you want to read on. For lovers of real sci-fi, this is superb.General - 4.0/5.0 (Very Good)This is a really enjoyable book. Yes, okay, the writing could use a little firming up here and there, but to be honest I wasn't really that bothered.As always, every sci-fi book has its negatives, and no doubt someone out there will read it and decide it is rubbish. For me, it wasn't.Looking forward to getting to the next in the series.4 superb stars!