Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3)

Rating:
Summary: A Problem of Command
Review: Gulf Run is the third novel in the Demontech series, following Rally Point. In the previous novel, Spinner and Haft have led their band of refugees south along the Eastern Waste until they encountered the small town of Eikby. The refugees made camp nearby and the leaders entered the town to reassure the residents. While they are away, the camp was attacked by bandits. After that attack is repulsed, the refugees and townsmen started building obstacles and clearing fields of fire around the town and evacuating the noncombatants. Repeatedly attacked by bandits and Jokapcul, Eikby was eventually burned to the ground. However, Spinner and Haft escaped with over a thousand townsmen and other refugees.

In this novel, the refugees manage to ambush and overcome the pursuing Jokapcul troops and reach Dartmutt just in time to see the Jokapcul invade the city from the sea. Fleeing once again, they head north to the Low Desert. On the way, they collect thousands of additional refugees, including hundreds of fighting men and many more who could fight with the proper training. Then they encounter Sergeant Rammer, the detachment leader who had to be left behind when Spinner and Haft escaped from New Bally.

Spinner and Haft are having command problems. Since they are merely junior enlisted men -- Lord Gunny calls them "pea ons" -- many of the men under their command hold higher rank. Then they encounter a Dartmutter captain who demands that they yield command to him. Now their old detachment leader shows up. Their followers will not allow them to relinquish command, yet Sergeant Rammer is much more experienced than they are.

The refugee caravan has become the size of a small town, with the logistical problems of an army on the move. Moreover, they have a divided command structure, with the military leadership having to defer to the women on matters of health and well-being of the civilians and wounded. Both Spinner and Haft feel overwhelmed by the problems that are outside their area of competence. They really need some guidance from Rammer. What to do?

Spinner is also having woman problems. Alyline, the Golden Girl, still resents his "liberation" of her from slavery, Doli stills wants him for herself, and Maid Primrose still believes he has been two-timing both Alyline and Doli. On the other hand, Haft is still enjoying good relations with Maid Marigold.

This story adds new complexities and problems to the plot. Defeating the Jokapcul in combat is becoming almost routine, but taking care of so many refugees requires a new command structure and additional expertise. Moreover, their path will take them through country that is inhabited by some very hostile natives.

Highly recommended for Sherman fans and for anyone else who enjoys military fantasy with real world problems.

Rating:
Summary: A Problem of Command
Review: Gulf Run is the third novel in the Demontech series, following Rally Point. In the previous novel, Spinner and Haft have led their band of refugees south along the Eastern Waste until they encountered the small town of Eikby. The refugees made camp nearby and the leaders entered the town to reassure the residents. While they are away, the camp was attacked by bandits. After that attack is repulsed, the refugees and townsmen started building obstacles and clearing fields of fire around the town and evacuating the noncombatants. Repeatedly attacked by bandits and Jokapcul, Eikby was eventually burned to the ground. However, Spinner and Haft escaped with over a thousand townsmen and other refugees.

In this novel, the refugees manage to ambush and overcome the pursuing Jokapcul troops and reach Dartmutt just in time to see the Jokapcul invade the city from the sea. Fleeing once again, they head north to the Low Desert. On the way, they collect thousands of additional refugees, including hundreds of fighting men and many more who could fight with the proper training. Then they encounter Sergeant Rammer, the detachment leader who had to be left behind when Spinner and Haft escaped from New Bally.

Spinner and Haft are having command problems. Since they are merely junior enlisted men -- Lord Gunny calls them "pea ons" -- many of the men under their command hold higher rank. Then they encounter a Dartmutter captain who demands that they yield command to him. Now their old detachment leader shows up. Their followers will not allow them to relinquish command, yet Sergeant Rammer is much more experienced than they are.

The refugee caravan has become the size of a small town, with the logistical problems of an army on the move. Moreover, they have a divided command structure, with the military leadership having to defer to the women on matters of health and well-being of the civilians and wounded. Both Spinner and Haft feel overwhelmed by the problems that are outside their area of competence. They really need some guidance from Rammer. What to do?

Spinner is also having woman problems. Alyline, the Golden Girl, still resents his "liberation" of her from slavery, Doli stills wants him for herself, and Maid Primrose still believes he has been two-timing both Alyline and Doli. On the other hand, Haft is still enjoying good relations with Maid Marigold.

This story adds new complexities and problems to the plot. Defeating the Jokapcul in combat is becoming almost routine, but taking care of so many refugees requires a new command structure and additional expertise. Moreover, their path will take them through country that is inhabited by some very hostile natives.

Highly recommended for Sherman fans and for anyone else who enjoys military fantasy with real world problems.

Rating:
Summary: Review of Gulf Run
Review: Spinner and Haft have managed to survive so far against steep odds and in the process are forced to take on much more responsibility than either of them ever wanted, especiallly Haft. It leaves the reader with some unanswered questions and has a tendancy to allow the women characters to take on an 'only better', female stand point (i.e. women are as good as men only they can be better whenever they put their minds to it). While generally this type of thinking can't start croppingup until the great equalizer (gunpowder and guns) rears its ugly head in widespread use, this is a magical realm so anything is possible.
On the whole this is a good book with alot of combat and action for those of us who like battle sequences. I recommed this book. This book isn't perfect, but I am eagerly awating the next book in the series. Even though the men are hen pecked more than men of thier social era should allow.