Caught In The Crossfire by David Drake

A selection of short stories that feature Hammer’s Slammers, the most celebrated mercenary tank outfit in military science fiction.

I generally don’t read books of short stories. I always make exceptions for my favorite authors. David Drake always entertains and frequently causes poignant reflection. Military scifi sounds as if it is just a literary rendition of the first person shooter video games. Drake paints characters that are not always likeable but they are almost always memorable. Slick Des Grieux is a tanker that you would love to have in front of you, definitely wouldn’t want behind you and covering your back wouldn’t be an option. However if you want to define the meaning of hell for the opposing forces, his name would be synonymous with the devil. A memorable and highly un-likeable character, Slick is just one of Drake’s creations. .

I recommend the book.

Body of work of David Drake

Review none found

Web Site:

When the Devil Dances by John Ringo

The action keeps on coming. I am reminded of and will paraphrase the Joker from one of the Batman movies, “where does he get all these marvelous toys?”. The SheVa is a multistory tank that does not defy the imagination as much as tickle it. Once again, Ringo shows he is not adverse to knocking off characters, even if they are highly likeable. The Posleen are learing and thusly more dangerous. In all their conquests, no one any where has successfully fought them, until now. The action is non stop, the characters angst is often palatable. Through it all, Ringo shows he has an undeniable faith in the willingness of man to fight on, regardless of the odds. I recommend it.


Body of work of John Ringo

Review: http://www.scifidimensions.com/Apr02/devildances.htm

Web site: http://www.johnringo.com/Home/tabid/1574/ctl/Terms/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Old Soldiers by David Weber

Weber’s talent seems to be to evoke emotions. I find myself deeply involved with his characters and caring about what happens to them. He apparently has had some strong women in his life because a majority of his protagonists are tough as nails but yet highly feminine. Bolos are land battleships. They are so far beyond tanks that battleship fits better. This story is primarily a relationship story between the Ai in a Bolo and his commander. The setting for a story is a genocide war between mankind and aliens. The aliens are almost a sidebar for the relationship aspects. My perchance for anthropomorphism has been mentioned often, the Bolo Ai highlights that affectation. This is a stand alone story although there are other Bolo stories by other authors. Weber’s work is normally stellar, this book is no exception. READ IT!

Body of work of David Weber

Review of the book: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Bolo/David-Weber/e/9781416520627

Site: http://www.davidweber.net/