Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein Copyright 1959 (Contemporary Cover) ACE Science Fiction

This is, of course, the book which first depicted the future military in combat. The combat has a very realistic tone to it, too. People die - sometimes fast - sometimes slowly - and usually violently. No one dies of old age here, folks. Indeed, the watchword seems to be, "Come on, you apes. You wanta live forever?" This classic was very innovative in its time. It was the first (to my knowledge) to depict women in combat, the first to have a main character who was a minority, the first Science Fiction book to broach the subject of "Why We Fight." It's also a damn good story. The characters are well-rounded, their attitudes realistic. While the Seargents may be hard on the troops, they care about them. Their attitude is to make sure everyone gets the job done, then gets back. The service has too much invested in you to lose you, so just do your job - don’t be a hero! Of course, there are heroes, because everyone is committed to each other. While the book may be old, the plot elements are timeless. Technology aside, this could be any modern army. It does something rare in the genre, it explains WHY all the action is happening. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little intellectual stimulation with their adventure!

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In Enemy Hands by David Weber Copyright 1997 Baen Science Fiction $22 HB, but should be out in PB soon!

This is the latest Weber epic about his herione Honor Harrington. Honor is one of those people that things just seem to happen to. If anything can go wrong, it will, and it usually happens to Honor. In this book, we get our most in-depth look to date at the enemy, The People's Republic of Haven, and at its leadership, the Committee of Public Safety. They're in deep trouble. They're basically in the position of having to ride the tiger to keep from being eaten. Honor hasn't made things easy for them either. One wonders how long they can keep it up. As the story opens, the Committee, which has hobbled Haven's Navy for most of this tale, is about to appoint an Admiral to it's executive council. They know that they're losing the war, so they're finally preparing to get off the Navy's back and let it fight - bad news for Honor. All Honor's old enemies in the Havenite Navy seem to have teamed up to work against her, as well. At last, Honor is captured by the "Peeps." As ever, Honor has to overcome by force of character. This may seem a bit tough - read impossible - while being locked up naked in solitary confinement and being tortured by the Secret Police. But, then, Honor is one tough character! If you're a fan of Weber's Honor Harrington, don't wait for the paperback! Other books in this series: On Basilisk Station The Honor of the Queen The Short Victorious War Field of Dishonor Flag in Exile Honor Among Enemies

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Once a Hero by Elizabeth Moon Copyright 1997 Original PB Edition: 4/98 Baen Science Fiction

Esmay Suiza doesn't try to be a hero, its just her character. Indeed, as the book opens, she's about to face a court martial for her heroic actions in the previous novel. After successfully defending her actions, she's allowed time off to take a trip home to see her family. When she arrives home, the whole planet turns out to welcome her and award her a medal for bravery. It's embarrassing to our little wallflower, who never intended to cause such a fuss. It's also the first time a female has been awarded the medal on her backward chauvenistic planet. While she's home on leave, she uncovers a dark part of her own past. The new facts help explain some of the symptoms she's been experiencing lately (she appears to be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). Ms. Moon uses the rest of the book to show how Esmay faces her past while remaining fully engaged with the present. Nor is this a boring "psychological thriller." There is plenty of action - up close and personal - to satisfy any military SF fan. If you like good character development and lots of action, you'll love this book! Happy reading! Other books in this series: Hunting Party Sporting Chance Winning Colors

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Other Recommended Military Science Fiction: Passage at Arms by Glen Cook Midshipman's Hope (and all the Seaforth Saga) by David Feintuch The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

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Text Copyright © 1998 Paul Roberts

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(Space Reader Illustration © 1998 Joe Singleton)