Review: Sophia's Tears
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2013
So I read The Fighter Queen Saga in chronological order and by the time I reached the final book, The Fighter Queen, I wanted satisfaction.  I wanted to see that Federation-Syrian war won by the Federation.  I wanted to see retribution given where it was due and mountains of punishment heaped on those who deserved it.  Primarily, having seen Onja loose her two greatest loves and her father, I wanted her to find her mother and sister.  I wanted Onja to be given some measure of peace.I am rating The Fighter Queen with five stars because it met all of my expectations and desires as well as delivers a superb ending.  Plus, it threw in a few unexpected twists and delightful surprises with plenty of action throughout.However, it is my personal opinion that John Bowers' most spectacular writing is contained in A Vow to Sophia and Star Marine.  While each of the five books of the saga are individual stories, so much is left out when a person only reads one of them. I fully believe those who read The Fighter Queen without first reading the other stories will ask themselves questions like:  'Why was Johnny Lincoln so great?'  What's the story behind Oliver Lincoln III?  What's the whole history between Onja and Ursula?  Why do they both hate Jack Hinds?  And so, seeking 'the rest of the story' they will continue to read the other four books.I see The Fighter King and The Sword of Sophia as the prelude; the beginning of a horrific scenario that sparks a multi-planetary war.  One planet, inhabited by people who possess no moral or ethical code, no appreciation for the unique races of mankind and no respect for women are a  people hell bent on overtaking and ruling the entire galaxy with no forethought that anyone would dare retaliate against them.  A Vow to Sophia and Star Marine are the crescendo in which the true emotions of all the characters are ripped wide open for the reader to absorb, to feel and appreciate...or hate.  The Fighter Queen is that final hurdle which pulls it all together to a truly splendid climax where once again good triumphs over evil and the primary characters can hope to live happily ever after.