March to the Sea
In this admirable continuation of the authors' March Upcountry  (2001), Prince Roger McClintock and his diminishing band of  Royal Marines are still on the soggy, hot planet Marduk and  still having an interesting time. Their way to the sea and their  ultimate goal is barred not only by jungle, swamp, weird  wildlife and local politics, but also by a wandering barbarian  horde known as the Boman. In addition, the Marines'  technological advantage is shrinking faster than their numbers,  their vitamins may run out before they reach safety and the  course of true or any other love for the prince and female  sergeant Nimashet Despreaux is not running smoothly. However,  human and Mardukan are able to combine resources including the  engineering skills of the city of Diaspra, the wealth of the  port city of K'Vaern's Cove, and the military talents of Marine  Captain Pahner, exiled Mardukan prince Raster and formidable  general Bistem Kar to generate both weaponry and tactics to  defeat the Boman. The development of a Mardukan combined-arms  force will fascinate sophisticated readers (the manual of arms  for a four-armed, 10-foot soldier is a thing of beauty), while  the overthrow of the Boman will grip straightforward action  lovers in spite of the staggering body count. And there's the  distinct hint of at least one more volume about Prince Roger's  homeward journey at the end of this one, a hint that will please  many. (Aug.)Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.