I picked up this book on a whim; the cover made it look like one of those schlocky books whose writing isn’t good enough to hold my attention.
But then I read the blurb on the back. Ohhhhhh…. I loves me a good galactic-war-defend-the-earth story.
This is the first novel in the Posleen War series. The backstory runs like this: there are a lot of other races out in the galaxy, and they tend to be peaceful, because warlike races tend to destroy themselves before they reach space.
The Posleen are an exception, and the existing peaceful races simply can’t fight them.
After losing for a few centuries, they finally turn to this backward race they’ve known of for a long time – humans.
Can we save the day? Probably only the last book will tell us.
This story sets up multiple characters, but the major plot line follows one Michael O’Neal. He is ex-military, now working as a web developer and a science fiction nut. When the galactics come calling, he is called back to active duty – as is every other former soldier, as there is now rejuvenation techniques to make them all fighting fit again.
One of the major themes of the book is the use of ‘suits’ for Infantry – an obvious homage to Heinlein‘s Starship Troopers. Its a pure romp for any old Heinlein fan.
I really enjoyed this book; it took me far too long to read it as I am a bit tight for time right now, but I am looking forward to picking up the next one…
