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Man of War #2
For Honor We Stand
In 2315, the Earth Union is losing a thirty-year-long war with the Krag Hegemony.
Having encountered the Krag before, Space Commander Max Robicheaux now faces daunting challenges aboard the USS Cumberland: the dangers from the enemy without… and clashes with crew and superiors within.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sahin receives a coded message summoning him to a secret meeting which aims to forge an alliance that could change the balance of power in Known Space. But first, he must circumvent the fighter ships and heavily armed troops of the traitorous emir bent on killing him before he reaches the negotiating table.
Both men must call upon their developing skills and growing friendship to bear the burden of carrying between the Krag Hegemony and the Earth Union a fateful ultimatum and the shocking answer: an answer that could spell eternal slavery, or even extinction, for all humankind.
The second novel in the Man of War series, For Honor We Stand continues the galactic naval adventures of Robicheaux and Sahin.
Having encountered the Krag before, Space Commander Max Robicheaux now faces daunting challenges aboard the USS Cumberland: the dangers from the enemy without… and clashes with crew and superiors within.
Meanwhile, Doctor Sahin receives a coded message summoning him to a secret meeting which aims to forge an alliance that could change the balance of power in Known Space. But first, he must circumvent the fighter ships and heavily armed troops of the traitorous emir bent on killing him before he reaches the negotiating table.
Both men must call upon their developing skills and growing friendship to bear the burden of carrying between the Krag Hegemony and the Earth Union a fateful ultimatum and the shocking answer: an answer that could spell eternal slavery, or even extinction, for all humankind.
The second novel in the Man of War series, For Honor We Stand continues the galactic naval adventures of Robicheaux and Sahin.
492 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2013
About the author
H. Paul Honsinger
9 books475 followersH. Paul Honsinger is the author of the "Man of War" Trilogy, published by 47North Books and available worldwide in English from Amazon and also translated by major publishers in Japan, France, and Poland into those nations' respective languages. Approximately 150,000 copies have been sold to date.
All three volumes are available in Kindle eBook, paperback, and audio editions (from Brilliance Audio, narrated by top-drawer voice actor Ray Chase).
The story of Max Robichaux, Dr. Ibrahim Sahin, and the colorful personalities that populate the USS Cumberland will continue in the "Brothers of the Black Sky" trilogy. The first volume, "To Stations My Lads" is expected sometime in 2020.
Paul is also the author of the shorter works, "Deadly Nightshade," and "The Hunters of Vermin," a novella and a short novel respectively, which are prequels to the Man of War series, tracing the adventures of a teenage Max Robichaux on his first solo deep space mission.
Space and military history are H. Paul Honsinger's life long passions. Lacking the physical attributes to be an astronaut or a soldier, and not endowed with the mathematical ability essential to become an Aerospace Engineer or an Astronomer, he "settled" for a career in law. But, the study of space and war have always been a part of his life. He became an amateur astronomer, made himself an expert on the history of space exploration (if you ever tell him that the moon landings were a hoax, expect an argument; expect to lose), and never stopped studying the history and the art of war. He started reading science fiction at the age of seven (starting with "Between Planets" by Robert Heinlein) and has been a lifelong fan of the genre.
He also developed an interest in military history upon seeing the movie "Patton" on television in 1972 when he was twelve. He has spent years studying in detail the campaigns of Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Lee, Grant, Jackson, Halsey, and Patton and--perhaps most significantly--thinking deeply and precisely about what it would be like if the stories about combat in space he read and saw on the screen were told in a way that made scientific and military sense.
He never thought he would be a fiction writer. His wife, Kathleen, one day pointed at his computer chair and said: "Sit. Start writing. Now." The result was the first draft of Chapter 1 of "To Honor You Call Us" (the Prologue was written later). Paul tremulously presented it to Kathleen and asked "am I wasting my time?" She said "no" and the rest of the novel followed.
Paul's goal is simple: to write military science fiction done right--stories in which the alien enemies are believable foes, fighting for a plausible reason, with weapons that don't violate the laws of physics, and where the tactics used by both sides make some sort of geometric and military sense. He wanted to bring to space the same kind of realistic adventure one finds on the sea in the novels of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. Why not, he thought, tell realistic human stories against the background of a realistic military conflict that just happens to be set 300 years in the future? And why not try to evoke in the imaginations of readers vivid images of what the lives of these men would be like, fighting for the survival of mankind among the stars, thousands of light years from home?
All three volumes are available in Kindle eBook, paperback, and audio editions (from Brilliance Audio, narrated by top-drawer voice actor Ray Chase).
The story of Max Robichaux, Dr. Ibrahim Sahin, and the colorful personalities that populate the USS Cumberland will continue in the "Brothers of the Black Sky" trilogy. The first volume, "To Stations My Lads" is expected sometime in 2020.
Paul is also the author of the shorter works, "Deadly Nightshade," and "The Hunters of Vermin," a novella and a short novel respectively, which are prequels to the Man of War series, tracing the adventures of a teenage Max Robichaux on his first solo deep space mission.
Space and military history are H. Paul Honsinger's life long passions. Lacking the physical attributes to be an astronaut or a soldier, and not endowed with the mathematical ability essential to become an Aerospace Engineer or an Astronomer, he "settled" for a career in law. But, the study of space and war have always been a part of his life. He became an amateur astronomer, made himself an expert on the history of space exploration (if you ever tell him that the moon landings were a hoax, expect an argument; expect to lose), and never stopped studying the history and the art of war. He started reading science fiction at the age of seven (starting with "Between Planets" by Robert Heinlein) and has been a lifelong fan of the genre.
He also developed an interest in military history upon seeing the movie "Patton" on television in 1972 when he was twelve. He has spent years studying in detail the campaigns of Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Lee, Grant, Jackson, Halsey, and Patton and--perhaps most significantly--thinking deeply and precisely about what it would be like if the stories about combat in space he read and saw on the screen were told in a way that made scientific and military sense.
He never thought he would be a fiction writer. His wife, Kathleen, one day pointed at his computer chair and said: "Sit. Start writing. Now." The result was the first draft of Chapter 1 of "To Honor You Call Us" (the Prologue was written later). Paul tremulously presented it to Kathleen and asked "am I wasting my time?" She said "no" and the rest of the novel followed.
Paul's goal is simple: to write military science fiction done right--stories in which the alien enemies are believable foes, fighting for a plausible reason, with weapons that don't violate the laws of physics, and where the tactics used by both sides make some sort of geometric and military sense. He wanted to bring to space the same kind of realistic adventure one finds on the sea in the novels of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. Why not, he thought, tell realistic human stories against the background of a realistic military conflict that just happens to be set 300 years in the future? And why not try to evoke in the imaginations of readers vivid images of what the lives of these men would be like, fighting for the survival of mankind among the stars, thousands of light years from home?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
August 15, 2022
Another nice installment in the series that does not suffer from the sophomore syndrome. As usual, it starts with a naval engagement, but as Robicheaux commands a small destroyer, he has to use his wiles to defeat the Krag rather than firepower. For Honor We Stand explores the political situation of the neutral states and provides a more in depth look at the politics behind the war with the Krag. In the last volume, Max saved one neutral race from a surprise attack by the Krag and now they are allies. After that, Max is tasked to head to another neutral empire, but this one of humans who originally came from the Earth's Middle East; an Islamic empire. Yet, this empire is divided into several areas ruled by Emirs and at least one of them is allied with the Krag...
Honsinger keeps up the excellent pacing here with the good ship Cumberland getting into one seemingly impossible situation after another. This also builds the characters even more. While the Union is still losing the war, the recruitment of additional allies may help turn the tide. Mild spoiler, as this is noted on the cover blurb, but the Krag, after a century of silence, make one last offer for peace, but their terms are, lets say, pretty extreme. Will humanity accept for all intensive purposes slavery to survive, or will they continue the fight? Good stuff! 4 stars
Honsinger keeps up the excellent pacing here with the good ship Cumberland getting into one seemingly impossible situation after another. This also builds the characters even more. While the Union is still losing the war, the recruitment of additional allies may help turn the tide. Mild spoiler, as this is noted on the cover blurb, but the Krag, after a century of silence, make one last offer for peace, but their terms are, lets say, pretty extreme. Will humanity accept for all intensive purposes slavery to survive, or will they continue the fight? Good stuff! 4 stars
May 27, 2014
This book won't be for everyone...and I'll say why below. BUT I like it. The only negative I have for it is it ended...well maybe 2. There isn't a sequel for it yet. This is the second in a fast moving, action packed military science fiction series. It started just a bit slower than the first as it took it's time to give us more of a build up. That said it wasn't a problem. As noted once it blasts off it wastes no time.
It might be called a "rip snortin' adventure".
Now for some of you you'll find the fact that the protagonist is written as a gifted tactician who seems to screw up seldom and have amazing intuition bothersome. I don't, I think he comes across as human enough with flaws of bluntness and rashness along with some emotional baggage that he's "acceptable".
I know that after several books I burned out on Honor Harrington. She started to seem like a sort of borderline "Mary Sue" or maybe an "almost one". She was starting to have superhero traits. That's not what we have here. We get (two) book(s) where a ship captain (Lt. Commander) and his crew overcome and succeed.
As noted I think there are some pretty obvious comparisons to be made with the Hornblower books here.
In this one proving the adage that no good deed goes unpunished our hero's success in the first book gets him dropped into an even worse situation. No spoilers here. I like the book and think if you like science fiction, action, military fiction )including science fiction), space operas etc. You'll like this one.
Recommended. Enjoy.
It might be called a "rip snortin' adventure".
Now for some of you you'll find the fact that the protagonist is written as a gifted tactician who seems to screw up seldom and have amazing intuition bothersome. I don't, I think he comes across as human enough with flaws of bluntness and rashness along with some emotional baggage that he's "acceptable".
I know that after several books I burned out on Honor Harrington. She started to seem like a sort of borderline "Mary Sue" or maybe an "almost one". She was starting to have superhero traits. That's not what we have here. We get (two) book(s) where a ship captain (Lt. Commander) and his crew overcome and succeed.
As noted I think there are some pretty obvious comparisons to be made with the Hornblower books here.
In this one proving the adage that no good deed goes unpunished our hero's success in the first book gets him dropped into an even worse situation. No spoilers here. I like the book and think if you like science fiction, action, military fiction )including science fiction), space operas etc. You'll like this one.
Recommended. Enjoy.
May 28, 2022
Book 2 of 3, prequels notwithstanding.
The humans are still at war, thirty years' worth, with the rats-on-steriods species of the Krag. The Krag feel it's their holy and sacred duty to exterminate humanity and they've been whooping our butts for decades. Luckily for humankind, allies have now come forward to assist.
First is the intriguing and highly intelligent lung fish species called the Pfelungian; they use their fighter ships like a school of piranhas in a feeding frenzy. Neat bunch of aliens! Then there are the Romanovans, (my mind persisted in reading Romulans and I've given up trying to correct myself). They're ultra-pretentious nouveau Romans with sticks up their behinds. I suppose we can't call them alien since their ancestors were from Earth, but be kind and work with me. And finally we come to my favorites, the Vaaach. These have a vague resemblance to koala bears, except they are at least 13 feet tall, and have fangs the length of a human forearm, claws akin to butcher knives, and would as soon tear you apart as look at you. They are the undisputed premier hunter species of space. They haven't exactly overtly sided with the Allies, but they're not opposing them, either.
For the characters, we still follow LCDR Max Robichaux and his crew. All of his crew members have distinct personalities; I have grown to care for them all in one degree or another. Aside from the crew, the Admiral is gruff and funny as crap, (I loved the scenes where he made an appearance); there is the obligatory ass of a commander, (there's always at least one); there is a traitor or two coming out of the woodwork; and of course: Clouseau, my personal favorite of the characters. He is the spoiled, arrogant, lucky ship's cat. Hopefully he'll have even more screen time in the last book.
This isn't a perfect book. It has its fair share of flaws. But overall? I really enjoyed it!
The humans are still at war, thirty years' worth, with the rats-on-steriods species of the Krag. The Krag feel it's their holy and sacred duty to exterminate humanity and they've been whooping our butts for decades. Luckily for humankind, allies have now come forward to assist.
First is the intriguing and highly intelligent lung fish species called the Pfelungian; they use their fighter ships like a school of piranhas in a feeding frenzy. Neat bunch of aliens! Then there are the Romanovans, (my mind persisted in reading Romulans and I've given up trying to correct myself). They're ultra-pretentious nouveau Romans with sticks up their behinds. I suppose we can't call them alien since their ancestors were from Earth, but be kind and work with me. And finally we come to my favorites, the Vaaach. These have a vague resemblance to koala bears, except they are at least 13 feet tall, and have fangs the length of a human forearm, claws akin to butcher knives, and would as soon tear you apart as look at you. They are the undisputed premier hunter species of space. They haven't exactly overtly sided with the Allies, but they're not opposing them, either.
For the characters, we still follow LCDR Max Robichaux and his crew. All of his crew members have distinct personalities; I have grown to care for them all in one degree or another. Aside from the crew, the Admiral is gruff and funny as crap, (I loved the scenes where he made an appearance); there is the obligatory ass of a commander, (there's always at least one); there is a traitor or two coming out of the woodwork; and of course: Clouseau, my personal favorite of the characters. He is the spoiled, arrogant, lucky ship's cat. Hopefully he'll have even more screen time in the last book.
This isn't a perfect book. It has its fair share of flaws. But overall? I really enjoyed it!
March 19, 2015
TLDR: When you have to explain why a joke is funny, it stops being funny. The same thing is true here with the coolness factor, if you have to stop every 30 seconds and explain why things are cool or interesting, they stop being cool or interesting.
As I was reading through the first book something really bothered me but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Finally, partway through the second book I figured it out, despite the series being how many hundreds of years in the future there are almost no references to the more recent past other than information which is directly related to the plot (i.e the texas). We know our history, we live on earth in our time. Tell us about how mankind went into space, how the interstellar empires made up of various human factions came to exist. Tell us a story we haven't heard before. This and the whole info dump thing they did with Doctor Sahin where whenever something happened another character would explain everything really ruined the experience for me.
Don't set up a really cool scene that hugely impacts the plot and then explain to me why its cool and how it impacts the plot. It cheapens the payoff, like when someone tells a joke and then someone says "I don't get it" and then you proceed to explain why its funny, in the end they'll probably say "I get it" but they won't be laughing, the moment has passed. Thats kind of what happens whenever someone explains something to the doctor, we go from awe and wonder to "I get it".
As I was reading through the first book something really bothered me but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Finally, partway through the second book I figured it out, despite the series being how many hundreds of years in the future there are almost no references to the more recent past other than information which is directly related to the plot (i.e the texas). We know our history, we live on earth in our time. Tell us about how mankind went into space, how the interstellar empires made up of various human factions came to exist. Tell us a story we haven't heard before. This and the whole info dump thing they did with Doctor Sahin where whenever something happened another character would explain everything really ruined the experience for me.
Don't set up a really cool scene that hugely impacts the plot and then explain to me why its cool and how it impacts the plot. It cheapens the payoff, like when someone tells a joke and then someone says "I don't get it" and then you proceed to explain why its funny, in the end they'll probably say "I get it" but they won't be laughing, the moment has passed. Thats kind of what happens whenever someone explains something to the doctor, we go from awe and wonder to "I get it".
April 16, 2014
This is an excellent sequel to the first book, To Honor You Call Us, in the Man of War series. The book continues the adventures of Max and Sahin as they combat, not only the Krag but also the all too common incompetent officers, appointed by political maneuvering rather than actual merit and competence, within their own navy.
It has all the good parts of the previous book. The dialog is sometimes quite fun to read. The characters are likable. Heck I even like the loud-mouthed Admiral. There is a fair amount of action which is also reasonably well done.
The book is advancing the story in a nice way and setting the stage for the next book quite well without feeling like a middle-in-the-series kind of book. The interactions with the Vaach are quite entertaining and did put a nice twist to the story so far.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The only negative thing I can say about it is that I wished that the idiot Duflot would have been given the public chewing that he deserved. I would have liked the Admiral to tell him exactly where he could stuff his attitude with Max and a few others present. Instead his reassignment was more or less glossed over in a few sentences after it had happened.
Well, you cannot have everything and I am certainly looking forward to the next installment in this series.
It has all the good parts of the previous book. The dialog is sometimes quite fun to read. The characters are likable. Heck I even like the loud-mouthed Admiral. There is a fair amount of action which is also reasonably well done.
The book is advancing the story in a nice way and setting the stage for the next book quite well without feeling like a middle-in-the-series kind of book. The interactions with the Vaach are quite entertaining and did put a nice twist to the story so far.
I enjoyed this book immensely. The only negative thing I can say about it is that I wished that the idiot Duflot would have been given the public chewing that he deserved. I would have liked the Admiral to tell him exactly where he could stuff his attitude with Max and a few others present. Instead his reassignment was more or less glossed over in a few sentences after it had happened.
Well, you cannot have everything and I am certainly looking forward to the next installment in this series.
July 28, 2015
*I received this novel through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This novel picked up almost right where the previous installment ended. Max and his crew, with a few new faces, are charged with a mission to visit Wothim-Biggs-a man whom Bram met in book one-and some military and political maneuvering ensue.
The action is nearly nonstop in this one. The Cumberland moves from battle to battle, getting her share of scrapes along the way. The characters are fun and we get to know them more throughly. As always, the spacer jargon is interesting and well presented. A very enjoyable read with a satisfactory ending.
Full review on my blog: http://courtneysreads.blogspot.com/20...
This novel picked up almost right where the previous installment ended. Max and his crew, with a few new faces, are charged with a mission to visit Wothim-Biggs-a man whom Bram met in book one-and some military and political maneuvering ensue.
The action is nearly nonstop in this one. The Cumberland moves from battle to battle, getting her share of scrapes along the way. The characters are fun and we get to know them more throughly. As always, the spacer jargon is interesting and well presented. A very enjoyable read with a satisfactory ending.
Full review on my blog: http://courtneysreads.blogspot.com/20...
July 16, 2013
What an enjoyable book! The style and pacing remind me still of Forester's Hornblower series especially if one could imagine "Mr. Midshipman Hornblower" from the perspective of Cpt. Edward Pellew.
The Dr. Sahnin character seems to be there to make this feel like O'Brian's Dr. Maturin but the characters never seem to develop his same richness and depth.
While is may have missed its O'Brian mark and it is not C.S. Forester's equal in prose; it is still very good fiction and a lot of fun to read!
The Dr. Sahnin character seems to be there to make this feel like O'Brian's Dr. Maturin but the characters never seem to develop his same richness and depth.
While is may have missed its O'Brian mark and it is not C.S. Forester's equal in prose; it is still very good fiction and a lot of fun to read!
January 21, 2015
Started out this book and in the first 100 pages started thinking I was going to have to downgrade it to a 2. This was a real bummer for me as I was just starting to enjoy the characters. However it came back swinging and made it to at least a 3.5-4 Where to begin?
The dialogue. Is unfortunately pretty atrocious and forced. Every interaction is plagued with stereo-types of characters previous behaviors and occurrences to the point of madness. Reading every conversation between Bram and Max is pretty much the same. Over and over again. Simultaneously it's also kind of weird. They just talk about how much they respect each other and how clever max is, but also how the doctor is a genius. And tell the same lame jokes about each other. Again. and Again.
The other thing that bothers me in this series is how much they refer back to earths history, phrases, metaphors, and pop-culture. This might just be a canon issue for me but this is a space novel. You shouldn't be putting insane amounts of stuff in there about earth history because it would be largely irrelevant. Besides this, they never once really explain where anyone has learned this knowledge. They state that most of the men have grown up since age 8 on the ship. Since then, they are taught all kinds of useful things around the ship, lessons in engineering, blah blah blah but basically all the stuff that is useful is present day. Stuff that helps them survive. Not obscure quotes from people on earth, sporting events, and witty, but little known phrases from centuries ago that are totally irrelevant and are never mentioned as part of their education. The author is also pedantic about putting this stuff in there so there is a new reference roughly every 2 pages.
Finally. They mention a lot about occasionally being back on home planets. But we never see them. No down time away from the ship. No homes. No thought of family. Nada about where they've lived. The men never talk about it. They don't talk about women either. Ever. What the hell is wrong with these people? If anything this authors biggest failure in my opinion is writing people naturally. Whether that be flowing dialogue, natural thought processes, or just general humanity/ normal behavior. That said he does occasionally get the emotional aspect down. Conveys feelings pretty well, even if sometimes it's a bit much.
I came very close to calling it quits with this book before it picked up like lighting near the end. Last 100 pages didn't want to put it down. Could have done with a bit more pacing throughout but like I said it gets really interesting near the end. I'm impressed! Will continue to stick with it. Slowly but surely.
The dialogue. Is unfortunately pretty atrocious and forced. Every interaction is plagued with stereo-types of characters previous behaviors and occurrences to the point of madness. Reading every conversation between Bram and Max is pretty much the same. Over and over again. Simultaneously it's also kind of weird. They just talk about how much they respect each other and how clever max is, but also how the doctor is a genius. And tell the same lame jokes about each other. Again. and Again.
The other thing that bothers me in this series is how much they refer back to earths history, phrases, metaphors, and pop-culture. This might just be a canon issue for me but this is a space novel. You shouldn't be putting insane amounts of stuff in there about earth history because it would be largely irrelevant. Besides this, they never once really explain where anyone has learned this knowledge. They state that most of the men have grown up since age 8 on the ship. Since then, they are taught all kinds of useful things around the ship, lessons in engineering, blah blah blah but basically all the stuff that is useful is present day. Stuff that helps them survive. Not obscure quotes from people on earth, sporting events, and witty, but little known phrases from centuries ago that are totally irrelevant and are never mentioned as part of their education. The author is also pedantic about putting this stuff in there so there is a new reference roughly every 2 pages.
Finally. They mention a lot about occasionally being back on home planets. But we never see them. No down time away from the ship. No homes. No thought of family. Nada about where they've lived. The men never talk about it. They don't talk about women either. Ever. What the hell is wrong with these people? If anything this authors biggest failure in my opinion is writing people naturally. Whether that be flowing dialogue, natural thought processes, or just general humanity/ normal behavior. That said he does occasionally get the emotional aspect down. Conveys feelings pretty well, even if sometimes it's a bit much.
I came very close to calling it quits with this book before it picked up like lighting near the end. Last 100 pages didn't want to put it down. Could have done with a bit more pacing throughout but like I said it gets really interesting near the end. I'm impressed! Will continue to stick with it. Slowly but surely.
July 2, 2015
First, how many sci fi rip offs of Aubrey/Maturin saga is considered too many? Because I'm at nr 3 and I think I REALLY reached that "no more" point. Apart from that I would have still given this book more stars (mostly because I've read worse, much worse), but I cannot abide silly plot points put there just to show the protagonist's heroism.
Spoiler: At a certain point, the captain and the good doctor are asked to come personally to discuss an alliance with the Kingdom of Rashid. Why someone would ask for a lowly lieutenant commander with only 2 months in an indipendent command to discuss important political issues like alliances is beyond me, but on the other hand our (super)hero has destroyed battleships and cruisers with his little destroyer like he's eating candy so why not dictate high policy too? Anyway the ministry where the meeting is going to take place is surrounded by the enemy, but don't worry: our (super)hero manages to fly over and crash with a plane on the garden and he makes a spectacular entrance... except... don't they have RADIO in this universe?! Actually they do, the Rashidan minister talks with his King during the meeting THROUGH a phone, so they could talk without meeting face to face, so can I get an explanation why our brave captain risked his life and that of his friend?! I suppose I don't get an explanation since there is none and that's why this book gets only one star.
Spoiler: At a certain point, the captain and the good doctor are asked to come personally to discuss an alliance with the Kingdom of Rashid. Why someone would ask for a lowly lieutenant commander with only 2 months in an indipendent command to discuss important political issues like alliances is beyond me, but on the other hand our (super)hero has destroyed battleships and cruisers with his little destroyer like he's eating candy so why not dictate high policy too? Anyway the ministry where the meeting is going to take place is surrounded by the enemy, but don't worry: our (super)hero manages to fly over and crash with a plane on the garden and he makes a spectacular entrance... except... don't they have RADIO in this universe?! Actually they do, the Rashidan minister talks with his King during the meeting THROUGH a phone, so they could talk without meeting face to face, so can I get an explanation why our brave captain risked his life and that of his friend?! I suppose I don't get an explanation since there is none and that's why this book gets only one star.
May 26, 2016
Initially, this second installment didn't grab me as firmly as the first one had. The overall plot structure seemed a little weak, jumping from one thing to another. However, it really picked up as it went on.
The aquatic alien race introduced in book 1 make a return appearance, but we also get to delve into another alien race, and get a little more insight into galactic history.
The story climaxed in a collection of scenes so tense that I simply couldn't stop listening. I felt the same emotions as the protagonist, wondering, but afraid to find out, what would happen next.
All in all this was an exciting and enjoyable read, which compels me forward toward book three.
The aquatic alien race introduced in book 1 make a return appearance, but we also get to delve into another alien race, and get a little more insight into galactic history.
The story climaxed in a collection of scenes so tense that I simply couldn't stop listening. I felt the same emotions as the protagonist, wondering, but afraid to find out, what would happen next.
All in all this was an exciting and enjoyable read, which compels me forward toward book three.
March 12, 2019
https://delivreenlivres.blogspot.com/...
Bien que souffrant des mêmes problèmes que le tome précédent, j'ai tout de même passé un meilleur moment dans ce tome ci.
Pour pouvoir combattre les Krag, qui sont bien trop puissants, les humains doivent s'allier. Malheureusement les nations sont multiples et les enjeux très lourd, rendant les négociations difficiles.
Max Robichaux, nouveau commandant du Cumberland, doit escorter le docteur Ibrahim Salim qui a rendez vous avec les dirigeants des mondes unifiés de Rashid dans l'espoir d'accélérer les choses.
Mais les obstacles sont nombreux, aussi bien externes qu'internes, et le voyage de Max ne sera pas de tout repos ...
Je ne vais pas à nouveau détailler tout les points que j'ai moins apprécié, ils sont quasiment identique à ceux que j'avais décrits dans ma chronique du premier tome, Coeurs d'acier, bien que moins marquants ici.
Heureusement d'ailleurs, sinon j'aurais du mal à dire que cette lecture a été meilleure. Ce qui a été le cas ici, étrangement. On peu peut être dire que le fait que je m'attende à les trouver m'a aidé à les oublier rapidement et à m’immerger plus facilement dans le récit.
Je vais tout de même vous parler de ceux qui m'ont le plus gênés ici.
Le premier est que j'ai trouvé qu'Ibrahim n'était en fait que l’excuse pour Max d'expliquer ses actions au lecteur. En fait en dehors de ça, il ne sert quasiment à rien. Sa présence dans la salle de commande ne se justifie absolument pas et est même contradictoire avec tout les règlements dont Max est pourtant très friand en temps normal. Il pourrait très bien être un autre membre lambda de l'équipage, ceux dont on n'entend jamais parler parce qu'il ne se passe rien autour d'eux.
Le récit est donc émaillé de "Explique moi Max, je ne comprend pas ce que tu es en train de faire et le vocabulaire utilisé", suivi de "Mais bien sur mon cher, voici ce qui va se passer ..."
Et j'ai trouvé ça très énervant, leur relation n'évolue pas un poil, le docteur ne comprend toujours pas plus à la fin qu'au début, il demande sans cesse des explications pour tout.
Le second point est le coté trop parfait de Max. Ce type est vraiment un génie sur tout les points, il a toujours LA bonne idée au bon moment, dans les pires situations, etc ...
Et du coup on a la liaison avec le point précédent, il passe donc le tome à expliquer ses points de génie ce qui donne l’impression qu'il est toujours en train de vanter le fait qu'il est bon et qu'il le sait Et bien sur, que les autres ne le sont pas, on ne rencontre personne qui est à son niveau, vu que le seul qui pourrait l'être est trop éloigné pour être vraiment inclut dans l'histoire. On est dont souvent confronté à l'imbécilité des autre commandants ce qui oblige Max à de nouveau prendre la main d'une façon ou d'une autre.
Bref, une fois mis de coté tout les défauts qui peuvent énerver, le reste m'a bien plu. L'ensemble se tient, et on n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer.
Pour une fois je n'ai pas noté de sentiment de tome de "milieu de série" tellement il se passe d'événements importants et capitaux pour la suite.
Le fait d'ajouter aux problème interne un coté politique était une bonne idée. Ça rajoute de la profondeur au récit et ça nous sort un peu de la routine qui s'était installée dans le premier.
Au final j'ai tout de même passé un bon moment dans cette lecture, contrairement au premier et j'ai du coup bien envie de lire la suite, ce qui est un bon point étant donné ma réticence à donner sa chance à ce tome ci que j'avais à la fin du premier.
15.5/20
Bien que souffrant des mêmes problèmes que le tome précédent, j'ai tout de même passé un meilleur moment dans ce tome ci.
Pour pouvoir combattre les Krag, qui sont bien trop puissants, les humains doivent s'allier. Malheureusement les nations sont multiples et les enjeux très lourd, rendant les négociations difficiles.
Max Robichaux, nouveau commandant du Cumberland, doit escorter le docteur Ibrahim Salim qui a rendez vous avec les dirigeants des mondes unifiés de Rashid dans l'espoir d'accélérer les choses.
Mais les obstacles sont nombreux, aussi bien externes qu'internes, et le voyage de Max ne sera pas de tout repos ...
Je ne vais pas à nouveau détailler tout les points que j'ai moins apprécié, ils sont quasiment identique à ceux que j'avais décrits dans ma chronique du premier tome, Coeurs d'acier, bien que moins marquants ici.
Heureusement d'ailleurs, sinon j'aurais du mal à dire que cette lecture a été meilleure. Ce qui a été le cas ici, étrangement. On peu peut être dire que le fait que je m'attende à les trouver m'a aidé à les oublier rapidement et à m’immerger plus facilement dans le récit.
Je vais tout de même vous parler de ceux qui m'ont le plus gênés ici.
Le premier est que j'ai trouvé qu'Ibrahim n'était en fait que l’excuse pour Max d'expliquer ses actions au lecteur. En fait en dehors de ça, il ne sert quasiment à rien. Sa présence dans la salle de commande ne se justifie absolument pas et est même contradictoire avec tout les règlements dont Max est pourtant très friand en temps normal. Il pourrait très bien être un autre membre lambda de l'équipage, ceux dont on n'entend jamais parler parce qu'il ne se passe rien autour d'eux.
Le récit est donc émaillé de "Explique moi Max, je ne comprend pas ce que tu es en train de faire et le vocabulaire utilisé", suivi de "Mais bien sur mon cher, voici ce qui va se passer ..."
Et j'ai trouvé ça très énervant, leur relation n'évolue pas un poil, le docteur ne comprend toujours pas plus à la fin qu'au début, il demande sans cesse des explications pour tout.
Le second point est le coté trop parfait de Max. Ce type est vraiment un génie sur tout les points, il a toujours LA bonne idée au bon moment, dans les pires situations, etc ...
Et du coup on a la liaison avec le point précédent, il passe donc le tome à expliquer ses points de génie ce qui donne l’impression qu'il est toujours en train de vanter le fait qu'il est bon et qu'il le sait Et bien sur, que les autres ne le sont pas, on ne rencontre personne qui est à son niveau, vu que le seul qui pourrait l'être est trop éloigné pour être vraiment inclut dans l'histoire. On est dont souvent confronté à l'imbécilité des autre commandants ce qui oblige Max à de nouveau prendre la main d'une façon ou d'une autre.
Bref, une fois mis de coté tout les défauts qui peuvent énerver, le reste m'a bien plu. L'ensemble se tient, et on n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer.
Pour une fois je n'ai pas noté de sentiment de tome de "milieu de série" tellement il se passe d'événements importants et capitaux pour la suite.
Le fait d'ajouter aux problème interne un coté politique était une bonne idée. Ça rajoute de la profondeur au récit et ça nous sort un peu de la routine qui s'était installée dans le premier.
Au final j'ai tout de même passé un bon moment dans cette lecture, contrairement au premier et j'ai du coup bien envie de lire la suite, ce qui est un bon point étant donné ma réticence à donner sa chance à ce tome ci que j'avais à la fin du premier.
15.5/20
May 12, 2014
the plot? excellent, with less reliance on cliche than the first in the series. the most notable of these is the "incompetent superior officer" (who won't listen to anything you say).
I'm docking 1.5 stars for excessive, and I mean grossly excessive, use of the doctor (among others) as ignorant people who have to have things explained. by doing this of course, the author conveys information to the reader, but it's really blatant, and it feels forced. sometimes the omniscient narrator can just write a few paragraphs of background information, rather than force everything to be tediously explained in dialog, especially when the dialog feels insulting to the characters. plus, is the fleet education/officer training so bad that the doctor, who is a senior officer, doesn't know some of the very basic facts about the ship he serves on?
if book three, which should have been out by now according to the end of book two, doesn't significantly cut back on this method, then I'm done. This represents a very good illustration of why going through a publisher, who will force you to use a professional editor, may be a good idea for beginning novelists. if you can't get accepted, hire an editor on your own dime.
recommended for fans of the first book who are willing to put up with sloppy writing to find out what happens to max.
I'm docking 1.5 stars for excessive, and I mean grossly excessive, use of the doctor (among others) as ignorant people who have to have things explained. by doing this of course, the author conveys information to the reader, but it's really blatant, and it feels forced. sometimes the omniscient narrator can just write a few paragraphs of background information, rather than force everything to be tediously explained in dialog, especially when the dialog feels insulting to the characters. plus, is the fleet education/officer training so bad that the doctor, who is a senior officer, doesn't know some of the very basic facts about the ship he serves on?
if book three, which should have been out by now according to the end of book two, doesn't significantly cut back on this method, then I'm done. This represents a very good illustration of why going through a publisher, who will force you to use a professional editor, may be a good idea for beginning novelists. if you can't get accepted, hire an editor on your own dime.
recommended for fans of the first book who are willing to put up with sloppy writing to find out what happens to max.
December 30, 2013
The second book of the Man of War series.
As a longtime fan of Napoleonic era naval fiction and of sci fi, this story was doubly satisfying. The book succeeds at combining many elements from the Age of Sail with good space opera. The authors are obviously having a lot of fun working in stuff from the age of Nelson to that of Star Trek. They treat the naval traditions and usages with respect. Naval action can even include boarding, though this has yet to occur.
The first third of For Honor We Stand is pure action, from the very first page. The last third is largely expository.
The writing seems smoother than the first book, with fewer long, convoluted sentences (though the same, eccentric capitalization). This time, however, the doctor's perpetual naval ignorance and the admiral's profane irascibility struck me as more cartoonish, more artifice with less credibility.
Still, I gave the book a good rating--I like this kind of story--and I definitely intend buying the next book in the series.
As a longtime fan of Napoleonic era naval fiction and of sci fi, this story was doubly satisfying. The book succeeds at combining many elements from the Age of Sail with good space opera. The authors are obviously having a lot of fun working in stuff from the age of Nelson to that of Star Trek. They treat the naval traditions and usages with respect. Naval action can even include boarding, though this has yet to occur.
The first third of For Honor We Stand is pure action, from the very first page. The last third is largely expository.
The writing seems smoother than the first book, with fewer long, convoluted sentences (though the same, eccentric capitalization). This time, however, the doctor's perpetual naval ignorance and the admiral's profane irascibility struck me as more cartoonish, more artifice with less credibility.
Still, I gave the book a good rating--I like this kind of story--and I definitely intend buying the next book in the series.
August 1, 2013
I am really enjoying this series and feel connected to the characters. I never get tired of the detailed descriptions of life aboard the ship. I would in fact love to read more about what the crew do while time is passing. I was a US Navy sailor when I was young, a parachute rigger, occasionally stationed aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal. While there was little time too recreate while on alert, it was essential to do so when we were not. I took leave in various ports and had many adventures (I was a rock climber, and mountaineer, and as you can imagine, when I was on tour in Europe, I was out climbing rocks and mountains).
But back to the book. I loved it, as much or more than the first, and I am really looking forward to more ... please. I would not be disappointed if you wrote several more either. Thank you for creating this wonderful adventure in space for us.
But back to the book. I loved it, as much or more than the first, and I am really looking forward to more ... please. I would not be disappointed if you wrote several more either. Thank you for creating this wonderful adventure in space for us.
October 14, 2013
This series continues to please and live up to the high expectations I had after the first book. When you find yourself reading and the idea of science fiction drops from your mind because the story is timeless, you know you have found a real treasure. Too many science fiction authors have fallen into the sea of neural implants, AI driven action and technology that drowns the story and the human element. I would rate these books in the same league as Starship Troopers and The Forever War. I am anxiously awaiting the third novel.
January 16, 2016
First finished: June 5th, 2014: While the early book threatened to take on a formulaic quality, it then stepped up the suspense and delivered a fun story.
Second finish January 15th, 2016 : not too much to add. The book ends on an event that is somehow a satisfying conclusion and a cliffhanger in the "what comes next" sense. I've got the third waiting on my Kindle already and I look forward to reading that one for the first time to finish up the series.
Second finish January 15th, 2016 : not too much to add. The book ends on an event that is somehow a satisfying conclusion and a cliffhanger in the "what comes next" sense. I've got the third waiting on my Kindle already and I look forward to reading that one for the first time to finish up the series.
April 27, 2014
Outstanding and fun read. Well worth the time and awaiting next book with baited breath.
Outstanding and fun read. Well worth the time and awaiting next book with baited breath.
Thoughtful characters, great action, excellent space opera; military sci-fi. Can't wait for book three. Truly worth your time, I couldn't put it down.
Outstanding and fun read. Well worth the time and awaiting next book with baited breath.
Thoughtful characters, great action, excellent space opera; military sci-fi. Can't wait for book three. Truly worth your time, I couldn't put it down.
November 4, 2015
Enjoyed it quite a bit. It was entertaining, with good narrative and gripping battle scenes...not quite as much as the first book of the series, but not bad at all :) Although, I must admit, I didn't quite enjoy the change in doctor's character...he changed into a comic relief, or "the fool" of the book. Anyway...still not bad :)
November 22, 2019
As with the first book, this was an exciting read and the author's enthusiasm for his subject was infectious. The landing at the ministry was a hoot.
I did not see that ending coming. I'm so pleased I came to this series late as I already own book #3, so I don't have to wait to find out what happens next.
I did not see that ending coming. I'm so pleased I came to this series late as I already own book #3, so I don't have to wait to find out what happens next.
March 31, 2014
Ro bi doe
this is a great read can't wait till next 10 it's like the honner Harrington series without the bullcrap so much. promise can't wait for more love this kind of book insight and fun and I have been through at least 1000 sci-fi books like this this is so fun thanks.
this is a great read can't wait till next 10 it's like the honner Harrington series without the bullcrap so much. promise can't wait for more love this kind of book insight and fun and I have been through at least 1000 sci-fi books like this this is so fun thanks.
April 9, 2014
Great, ship to ship combat, ground assaults, navy crews, fighting an epic war that spans hunreds of star systems. good tech, good military lingo, very convincing
May 28, 2014
Excellent second book in this series. Good characterization, good progression, very good battle sequences. Hope the third book is out soon.
July 1, 2014
Highly reminiscent to Master and Commander without feeling derivative. Excellent characterization and a tight narrative.
March 28, 2016
Definitely good stuff, with proper advancements in story arc and character development.
February 7, 2016
If I could, I'd probably give the first two books in this trilogy a 3.75, but because I enjoyed them both so much despite their flaws, they've earned their rounding up to 4 stars. These books were entertaining, gripping and many times so moving that I was surprised by a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, that's how strongly I was able to connect with Max. That's been pretty rare in my experience reading scifi (not that I've had vast experience... I read a lot of scifi in my youth and am only just now getting the space bug again, thank you to both Andy Weir and to "Star Wars: The Force Awakens").
Strengths:
-Max's narrative voice. These two books are told in limited 3rd person, which is something I always enjoy when I really like the character doing the storytelling. He's funny, a little snarky, and honorable (which is important given that's a major theme in this trilogy).
-the technical details, which some may find tedious but I enjoyed reading, though sometimes even I ended up skimming when such passages felt redundant.
-the strong links to humanity's past--too often scifi novels seem to be written with the idea that humans shed any and all knowledge of past pop culture, history and customs. I love that Max is a Cajun and they still eat Cajun food way out there in space, and that he gets a giggle out of a communications man named Marconi. The books are filled with little historical/pop culture references like those and I loved it.
- good worldbuilding in general. I liked that the planets are colonized with people groups from Earth who retain their unique cultural traditions.
- the nods to CS Forester and O'Brien
- Banter. There's some fun banter and good military/Naval humor. The ongoing "celerity" joke was perfect.
- Chrrlgrf and Admiral Hornmeyer... both were so fun. Especially Hornmeyer. I smiled every time he showed up.
- Mother Goose
- Naval traditions in space. I love me a good submarine and a good Age of Sail story and these books have the feel of both. The Cumberland is a bit of a "if Hornblower's HMS Lydia and Clancy's USS Dallas had a baby" type.
Weaknesses:
-the overarching plot does wander a bit as the author indulges in Captain/crew interactions. I can't really complain too much, though, because those chapters are what gives these books their heart. I just wish there'd been as much attention given to the actual political/war aspects. Readers love BIG novels these days, and I found myself wanting a lot more in the way of intrigue and suspense and betrayals, etc. If the novel were longer, or perhaps trimmed of some of the redundant technical details, there would be room for more strong antagonists for Max. Max needed an ongoing thorn-in-his-side character similar to Richard Sharpe's Obadiah Hakeswill, someone to trip up Max's upward journey and make the reader gnash their teeth and groan and want to snap his neck. Duflot comes close to being that sort of foil, but he was too neatly disposed of (unless maybe he someday returns to cause issues). Max *is* lovable, but he also needs some plausible haters to wreak some havoc, much as it pains me to say.
-there's quite a few spots where more closely following the writing adage of 'show, don't tell' would have strengthened the books, especially w/r/t the bigger plot. The Krag, for all that they're the Big Bad, really don't actually leap from the page as I wanted them to. It would have been nice to have seen them in as much detail as the Pfelung and Vaaach.
-Max and crew were perhaps a bit *too* perfect. While the story does leave you feeling there's a sense of real peril as you read it, looking back over all of it, you realize that 'nah, he always makes it out alive'. Even when he was actually injured, it was glossed over and he bounced back a little too easily. The same with his PTSD issues. Those especially fell under the 'I wish Honsinger had shown those, rather than telling' heading. There was no sign Max had those problems until suddenly they were dropped into the story in an expository bit that came a little out of the blue. There were little mentions of it farther along and one very nice moment with the middies that had some good emotional heft, but overall, it would have been far better if Honsinger had dropped in mannerisms and tells that the reader could pick up on (along with Bram, who, sadly, leads to my next weak point...)
-Bram remains really underdeveloped, especially considering he's supposed to be Max's best friend. The idea of a slow-burn buildup of their friendship was nice, but it was... too slow? Bram often felt superfluous other than to ask questions during battles. There were some really good opportunities to show their friendship building that were missed, one of which might have been when Max got injured.
-Much as I enjoy male-driven stories and don't get hung up on whether a book passes the Bechtel test etc etc etc, gosh this book needed women. I suppose that there weren't token women there only for romance was a strength, but the utter lack of female characters was a definite flaw.
Overall, these are both *very* good books, despite their flaws (and maybe that's why I went on at length... these books and their characters and world are now living and breathing in my brain). I'm definitely going to read the 3rd book in the trilogy and am looking forward to future stories as well. Max has definitely jumped onto my 'favorite literary heroes' list and I need more of him and his adventures.
Strengths:
-Max's narrative voice. These two books are told in limited 3rd person, which is something I always enjoy when I really like the character doing the storytelling. He's funny, a little snarky, and honorable (which is important given that's a major theme in this trilogy).
-the technical details, which some may find tedious but I enjoyed reading, though sometimes even I ended up skimming when such passages felt redundant.
-the strong links to humanity's past--too often scifi novels seem to be written with the idea that humans shed any and all knowledge of past pop culture, history and customs. I love that Max is a Cajun and they still eat Cajun food way out there in space, and that he gets a giggle out of a communications man named Marconi. The books are filled with little historical/pop culture references like those and I loved it.
- good worldbuilding in general. I liked that the planets are colonized with people groups from Earth who retain their unique cultural traditions.
- the nods to CS Forester and O'Brien
- Banter. There's some fun banter and good military/Naval humor. The ongoing "celerity" joke was perfect.
- Chrrlgrf and Admiral Hornmeyer... both were so fun. Especially Hornmeyer. I smiled every time he showed up.
- Mother Goose
- Naval traditions in space. I love me a good submarine and a good Age of Sail story and these books have the feel of both. The Cumberland is a bit of a "if Hornblower's HMS Lydia and Clancy's USS Dallas had a baby" type.
Weaknesses:
-the overarching plot does wander a bit as the author indulges in Captain/crew interactions. I can't really complain too much, though, because those chapters are what gives these books their heart. I just wish there'd been as much attention given to the actual political/war aspects. Readers love BIG novels these days, and I found myself wanting a lot more in the way of intrigue and suspense and betrayals, etc. If the novel were longer, or perhaps trimmed of some of the redundant technical details, there would be room for more strong antagonists for Max. Max needed an ongoing thorn-in-his-side character similar to Richard Sharpe's Obadiah Hakeswill, someone to trip up Max's upward journey and make the reader gnash their teeth and groan and want to snap his neck. Duflot comes close to being that sort of foil, but he was too neatly disposed of (unless maybe he someday returns to cause issues). Max *is* lovable, but he also needs some plausible haters to wreak some havoc, much as it pains me to say.
-there's quite a few spots where more closely following the writing adage of 'show, don't tell' would have strengthened the books, especially w/r/t the bigger plot. The Krag, for all that they're the Big Bad, really don't actually leap from the page as I wanted them to. It would have been nice to have seen them in as much detail as the Pfelung and Vaaach.
-Max and crew were perhaps a bit *too* perfect. While the story does leave you feeling there's a sense of real peril as you read it, looking back over all of it, you realize that 'nah, he always makes it out alive'. Even when he was actually injured, it was glossed over and he bounced back a little too easily. The same with his PTSD issues. Those especially fell under the 'I wish Honsinger had shown those, rather than telling' heading. There was no sign Max had those problems until suddenly they were dropped into the story in an expository bit that came a little out of the blue. There were little mentions of it farther along and one very nice moment with the middies that had some good emotional heft, but overall, it would have been far better if Honsinger had dropped in mannerisms and tells that the reader could pick up on (along with Bram, who, sadly, leads to my next weak point...)
-Bram remains really underdeveloped, especially considering he's supposed to be Max's best friend. The idea of a slow-burn buildup of their friendship was nice, but it was... too slow? Bram often felt superfluous other than to ask questions during battles. There were some really good opportunities to show their friendship building that were missed, one of which might have been when Max got injured.
-Much as I enjoy male-driven stories and don't get hung up on whether a book passes the Bechtel test etc etc etc, gosh this book needed women. I suppose that there weren't token women there only for romance was a strength, but the utter lack of female characters was a definite flaw.
Overall, these are both *very* good books, despite their flaws (and maybe that's why I went on at length... these books and their characters and world are now living and breathing in my brain). I'm definitely going to read the 3rd book in the trilogy and am looking forward to future stories as well. Max has definitely jumped onto my 'favorite literary heroes' list and I need more of him and his adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2020
Progressing well - this 2nd book outdid the initial one in the series. Tighter writing and a bit more original though still a space armada opera type of setting. Will definitely pick up the final installment in this trilogy.
I give it 4 1/2 stars, and was tempted to give it the full 5 for Goodreads, specially when contrasting to other recent novels (from other authors) that seem to be getting super high ratings but have mediocre stories.
I give it 4 1/2 stars, and was tempted to give it the full 5 for Goodreads, specially when contrasting to other recent novels (from other authors) that seem to be getting super high ratings but have mediocre stories.
June 24, 2023
I enjoyed the detailed description of ship procedure, the interesting battle scenes and the internal military politics, but not so much the diplomatic engagement with the Krag.
August 30, 2017
The second book of Honsinger’s military-SF series delivers pretty much everything you’d expect after the first book. Unfortunately, the beginning parts of the novel have some problems. I think he felt too much of a need to re-introduce things with an in media res opening designed to show off Robicheaux’s tactical cunning and generating suspense through use of off-screen actions.
That wouldn’t be too bad as a first-chapter prologue (though I still think there’s better ways to do it), but we’re treated to exactly the same kind of spectacle right afterwards, just a bit more elaborate this time. However, after that the central plot of the story starts taking over and the remaining 70%+ of the book goes a lot smoother.
There’s a good number of familiar tropes again, but as usual they’re well-handled, and they’re not allowed to sidetrack the book. (For instance, we get the ‘snubs from an incompetent superior officer’ this time, but it doesn’t occupy half the book the way it has in some cases.) There’s also a brief lampshade of this series’ relationship to the Aubrey-Maturin series at one point. We also get to see Admiral Hornmeyer a couple times again, and I have to admit the writing for him always makes me laugh.
Overall, its pretty much exactly what you’d expect after the first book: straightforward military SF. It shouldn’t be essential to read the first book before this, but I would highly recommend it.
That wouldn’t be too bad as a first-chapter prologue (though I still think there’s better ways to do it), but we’re treated to exactly the same kind of spectacle right afterwards, just a bit more elaborate this time. However, after that the central plot of the story starts taking over and the remaining 70%+ of the book goes a lot smoother.
There’s a good number of familiar tropes again, but as usual they’re well-handled, and they’re not allowed to sidetrack the book. (For instance, we get the ‘snubs from an incompetent superior officer’ this time, but it doesn’t occupy half the book the way it has in some cases.) There’s also a brief lampshade of this series’ relationship to the Aubrey-Maturin series at one point. We also get to see Admiral Hornmeyer a couple times again, and I have to admit the writing for him always makes me laugh.
Overall, its pretty much exactly what you’d expect after the first book: straightforward military SF. It shouldn’t be essential to read the first book before this, but I would highly recommend it.
January 15, 2015
Honsinger knows his naval history. He also knows his Horatio Hornblower and his Aubry/Maturin novels. That makes for some interesting references and a depth of naval lore and references that should satisfy, amuse and refresh a similarly situated reader.
That isn't to say that you have to plow through obscure references to enjoy this space warfare yarn. Action starts with the prologue and it is often fast and furious.
As is the case with Patrick O'Brian's novels about the British Navy, you don't have to be a military follower to enjoy Honsinger's book. The books are rich in appreciation of naval battle literature but the other references to culture also pop out on a frequent basis.
Some authors of this genre are content with imagining the differences between current warfare and what will be the warfare of whatever future era in which they place their plot. Not so with Honsinger. This is a richly imagined galaxy with multiple intelligent species and various interests that may or may not mix well with the war currently going on between the Krag and the Union's humans, whom the Krag has vowed to exterminate. Every aspect, from ship and naval politics, to training, to technology, to culture is well thought out. There are, already at least a half dozen different species and a variety of human governments beyond the Union. Each has its culture, its attitude toward trade, exploration and alliances. Languages and technological differences are well thought out and described. Honsinger is giving his players a large field to play in.
This book does more to fill in the playing field than to advance the plot. As in the case of Horatio Hornblower, Max Robichaux is an exceptional member of the military and is quickly demonstrating his talents, ambitions and bringing the Union back from a devastating 30 year assault by the Krag Empire. Max notes, "Sir, this is the Navy I've been part of since I was eight years old and that I love as much as my life...We've been fighting for our lives for thirty years. We, or the Krag, have weeded out everyone---at least everyone at the senior levels---who isn't brave, capable, and aggressive, not to mention honorable and worthy of trust as well. I would trust any one of them with my life. In fact, that's exactly what I do. Every day." Some of that is tested in this book.
He has the support of an Admiral who has given him some promising talent with which to make the space destroyer Cumberland a significant factor in the war. Max's exploits include a lot of action, but he is also adept at getting his crew to work together and build confidence that augments courage. You can like this book for its reflection of the ideal military mind; you can enjoy the action; you can marvel at Honsinger's imaginative extrapolations of technology; you can smile at the ways in which camaraderie is built and cultures intersect for better and worse. I find it all fascinating and compelling and look forward to the next book.
That isn't to say that you have to plow through obscure references to enjoy this space warfare yarn. Action starts with the prologue and it is often fast and furious.
As is the case with Patrick O'Brian's novels about the British Navy, you don't have to be a military follower to enjoy Honsinger's book. The books are rich in appreciation of naval battle literature but the other references to culture also pop out on a frequent basis.
Some authors of this genre are content with imagining the differences between current warfare and what will be the warfare of whatever future era in which they place their plot. Not so with Honsinger. This is a richly imagined galaxy with multiple intelligent species and various interests that may or may not mix well with the war currently going on between the Krag and the Union's humans, whom the Krag has vowed to exterminate. Every aspect, from ship and naval politics, to training, to technology, to culture is well thought out. There are, already at least a half dozen different species and a variety of human governments beyond the Union. Each has its culture, its attitude toward trade, exploration and alliances. Languages and technological differences are well thought out and described. Honsinger is giving his players a large field to play in.
This book does more to fill in the playing field than to advance the plot. As in the case of Horatio Hornblower, Max Robichaux is an exceptional member of the military and is quickly demonstrating his talents, ambitions and bringing the Union back from a devastating 30 year assault by the Krag Empire. Max notes, "Sir, this is the Navy I've been part of since I was eight years old and that I love as much as my life...We've been fighting for our lives for thirty years. We, or the Krag, have weeded out everyone---at least everyone at the senior levels---who isn't brave, capable, and aggressive, not to mention honorable and worthy of trust as well. I would trust any one of them with my life. In fact, that's exactly what I do. Every day." Some of that is tested in this book.
He has the support of an Admiral who has given him some promising talent with which to make the space destroyer Cumberland a significant factor in the war. Max's exploits include a lot of action, but he is also adept at getting his crew to work together and build confidence that augments courage. You can like this book for its reflection of the ideal military mind; you can enjoy the action; you can marvel at Honsinger's imaginative extrapolations of technology; you can smile at the ways in which camaraderie is built and cultures intersect for better and worse. I find it all fascinating and compelling and look forward to the next book.
July 24, 2014
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This second book in the Man of War Trilogy manages to not fall into a sophomore slump and continues in the tradition of the first book. The characters are still smug, overexplain every situation, and do a lot of speeches. Despite my frustration with the egregious use of telling and not showing, there is something endearing about the series that will keep me reading to the third volume.
Story: The Cumberland crew continue their work in space, but this time earning new alien alliances while at the same time escalating the war with the Krag. Just as the doctor pulled off at the end of book one with the glass art, so does Robichaux pull off at the end of this book with, of all things, a Krag battleship.
What I like about the series is the diversity: of religions, ethnicities, viewpoints. We have a wide range of characters from different places on Earth (even non existent ones, as done with the Romanovs and Latin). As well, the story does have many characters and they are decently fleshed out and idiosyncratic.
What frustrates me (though these are likely style choices of the author and therefore not something changeable) are the constant speeches, excessive dialogue (every person always asks another to fully explain any point like a teacher to a student, regardless of who they are), and that there's just too much knowledge on hand. Our captain knows physics, obscure military history, observational information on alien species, as well as perfect psychology with his staff. It beggers belief, to be honest, that everyone knows everything all the time, off the top of their head, at the right moment, and will explain it in finite detail. It can quickly veer into Marty Stu territory.
If you've read the first book and enjoyed it, you'll definitely enjoy the second. I was on the fence about reading the second but an Amazon Kindle deal/Audible deal swayed me. I did roll my eyes several times at all the pompous and smugness - but that was also exacerbated by the Audible narration, which had a very good narrator but his way of trailing off sentences as if bored ended up feeling a bit like William Shatner in Star Trek. It was so overly emoted that it overemphasized the excessive unnatural wordiness of the dialogue.
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