Starfist : A World of Hurt (Starfist)

Rating:
Summary: not much action in this book
Review: I have waited with barely contained anticipation for this book, only to be disappointed. The first half was mostly very wordy, minutely detailed descriptions of barracks talk, how to march in review, what they eat/drink, discussions between various officers, etc.

When the story did finally get to some action, it wasn't much and not what one expects, even given the few hints in the first half of the book. Also, I find it ludicrous that a government would try to keep the skinks secret from the governed. I'm always very irate when an author or even someone in authority cites the possibility of "panic in the streets" as a reason for secrecy. I doubt that very few of any populace would run into the streets, rioting and looting. Rather, they would pull together to face this new threat to their collective civilization. Throwing citizens into lifetime imprisonment, either military or civilian, for knowing even a hint of these aliens existence, is a crime in itself. That is totally outrageous government behavior Not to mention letting their families and friends thus believe they are either dead or "missing in action". That portion of these books is, I believe, very, very unbelievable.

It was a fair story, a somewhat quiet story, given it's military trend. Even Sgt. Bass was treated as a minor character, once the "action" started.

However, it is a part of the series, and as such, should be read by anyone who is following these marines. I await the next book and hope for some more of the "skink war". If the government insists on keeping the existence of the aliens such a secret, other vulnerable populaces and planets are left without a clue to even be looking for signs of a skink presence on their world, so as to defend themselves and/or be alert and prepared.

I love these authors works, and am sorry to be somewhat down on this particular book, and will happily await the next.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Entry In a Stupendous Series
Review: Sherman and Cragg once again pull out all the stops in the tenth entry to the stupendous Starfist series. Incidentally the books they write separately from each other are worth checking out too. In this book, the authors combine accounts of real-life combat with a fanciful kind of science in which, to take one example, a troop of Marines gets shot at by a strange species of fighting flora. Needless to say the Marines give the plants as good as they got, decimating plant life for 100 yards around. The esprit de corps of the Starfist world is what makes you love these rough and tumble characters.

I can easily picture a whole series of motion pictures outlining their adventures. However film is not necessary for enjoyment of an alien universe. It's creepy the way the Corporal in Charge, spotting a tree with vines, has to check out the vine ends in case they are not just dangling, but quivering, ready to do battle. (The vines have the power to spray acid and disgigure and maim all attackers.) You'll love Admiral Orange, the most irascible navy man since James Cagney intimidated MISTER ROBERTS. All in all, a exciting, rousing adventure for the men and women fighters of the 25th century.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: This is a good solid book in the series. As with all of the Starfist series I read it in one day. I don't think this is one of the best though, after Kingdon's Fury and Lazarus Rising it had a tough act to follow. For fans of the series, a must read, but not as good as the others. Thanks to Dan and David for a good book in the series.

I am looking forward to the new series that is starting this summer.

Rating:
Summary: strong military outer space science fiction
Review: When mankind went into space, it thought that it was the only sentient race, but soon found worlds with intelligent species just none as technologically advanced. The 34th Fist of the Confederation encountered intelligent and hostile space faring Skinks on two orbs and defeated them in battles, the war continues. The human populace remains unaware that the 34th Fist is under quarantine on Thorsfinni's World until humanity learns about the Skinks and other species.

Just after gunnery sergeant Charles Bass is promoted, his unit the 34th Fist goes to Maugham's Station because of the recent deaths by acid of colonists there; Skinks use acid guns as part of their weaponry. While exploring the valleys of death, the marines come under attack by acid, but no reports of Skinks have surfaced. While they seek the truth, an armada from the planet We're Here is traveling to the beleaguered station because they believe that an illegal mining operation has occurred on The Rock and the planet believes it is part of their empire. They think Maugham's Station is behind that operation and a trigger happy admiral is willing to go to war to stop them from mining that uninhabited, mineral rich planet.

Fans of military outer space science fiction will find action-packed STARFIST: A WORLD OF HURT fascinating. Surprisingly the hero is not featured doing solo deeds as the encounter scenes involve groups not individuals. Maugham's Station is described in vivid detail so that readers can picture the planet almost as much as filmgoers can mentally see the cantina scene of Star wars. Though in some ways all over the galaxy, David Sherman and Dan Cragg provide a terrific tale that makes military enterprises seem plausible in the deep reaches of space (see STAR WARS: JEDI TRIAL A CLONE WARS NOVEL - also released this month)

Harriet Klausner