Review: Great series opener
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 30, 2012
I have to admit to being impressed with the opening novel in this series. I just ordered the next two.The antagonists (of which we still, at this time know little about) are intriguing, The science and technology they use is interesting not only from the application of technology but the way it enables and supports the plot.The story unfolds in a way that is standard in military SF, there is also the beginning of a galactic space opera with humans fighting back against a merciless foe whose designs are unfathomable yet are inimical to humanity; they seem to want to destroy us for no good reason and are pretty good at it. You jump right into action and it is only the training and personality (and luck) of the key protagonist that allows her to survive. This book is one of the rare ones which casts a woman as a soldier that works in a seamless way. indeed as a special forces soldier that to me is credible because it done very transparently - she is a highly trained and conditioned soldier who is just plain tough and indomitable. Little is made of her gender and you quickly start to respect her as a professional soldier and really admire her skills and determination. Many women are cast in this book in key roles but it is the best sci-fi I have read where gender is not overdone at all. I was very impressed with that and give the author, Mr Currie a lot of credit for the characterizations in this novel.The world view and technology is also interesting, he extrapolates from today's situations and makes it believable (especially the weapons technology and tactics). I liked the old school approach to the development of the response from earth to the situation as we are caught napping.what didn't I like or or was not as excited about. The colonists are too good to be true, see if you agree when you read the book.Last, but not least, the book is well written and well edited for a self published book, having written several books published in the old school many authors don't realize that the plot, story, editing and layout are all important facets of writing a book and even an interesting book with terrible editing is not going to be successful - too hard to readAll in all a very good story and well worth reading if you are a military sci-fi fan.