Rating: 
Summary: very good book
Review: one of the best books i have read in years can not wait for the next one to come out
Rating: 
Summary: eh....more like 2 1/2 stars
Review: This Author knows how to write but his story structure needs some serious work. That opening battle sequence...WAY too drawn out. I was starting to skim over the pages wondering to myself, is this ever going to end? Especially since I hadn't developed an emotional attachment to any of the characters yet so I really didn't get into the beginning. Less is more or so the old saying goes or should have gone for this book. Overall, it's an interesting idea for a story but not told very well. I may or may not read the next one. I don't think I will lose any sleep over it if I miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: This is one of the best SF books I've read in years. The plot is intense, the characters real and the alternative history seems really well done. If you are into SF or altenative history, then this book is one you have to read. Birmingham writes like a combination of Tom Clancy without the technobabble and Harry Turtledove without the turgidness. (I am a great fan of both, and so know their weaknesses all too well. ) Some scenes in "Weapons of Choice" are so well written that they're almost literary rather than just something else to read in the john. For a while, I was afraid it would turn into a "hey, look how much we can effortlessly kill WWII Japanese with out super-duper 21st century weapons" but it turns back from that kind of disappointment. In fact, I rather think the writer was doing that on purpose, to have a bit of fun with jaded SF fans. He also tosses in a couple of funny references to Turtledove's works ... Can't wait for the next in the series.
Rating:
Summary: The Final Countdown meets The Philadelphia Experiment!
Review: Weapons of Choice is an excellent book and thoroughly recommended. I can't wait to read the next two installments. It is fast paced, intelligent and very detailed. The technology is plausible and well thought out, the characters are interesting (a little PC though) and not cardboard cutouts. The humor is genuinely funny and not forced, the interaction between the future reporters and the 40's sailors is priceless and had me laughing out loud. I loved all the nods of the hat to Turtledove's work (Space Lizards, indeed!) and pop culture references. Finally a time travel series without a reset button and consequences for their future timeline... I am glad that a few of the past sailors weren't all portrayed as racists and sexists, a good mix was thrown in all around. My only complaint is having to wait so long for the next ones!!! Completely worth your time and money...
Rating:
Summary: The future looks bright
Review: While I enjoyed Mr Birmingham's previous works, 'he dided with a falafel in his hand', and 'leviathan' I really loved this book, couldn't put it down. As a longtime fan of these alternative histories I was so glad to find John Birmingham as acomplished an author in the alternative histories as Harry Turtledove. As someone who is living now I really like watching the crusty older generations try to adapt to the kick ass 21st centruy. The most fun is watching how those who live in the a socity where the constant is change clash head on with the staid and steady cast of the 1940s. Not since Douglas Coupland's "Generation X" has an author argued that its the generations who face the suffering of temp employment, the collapse of social instiutuions, constant retaining and job surfing are hence by their nature more adaptable and be able to cahnge the world and can drag the 20th centruy kicking and screaming into tomorrow. My only complaint, how long do I have to wait for book 2?
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