On Book Reviews - Scalzi, Etheridge, Bauers, Banks, Baldacci, Kristian, Singer & Cole, and Wright

I decided a couple of months ago to expand my horizon – no I cannot possibly understand Trump supporters no matter how much I expand my horizon – but instead I wanted to read some fiction especially science fiction. I took a course on science fiction when I attended the University of Santa Clara (before it changed its name to Santa Clara University). There I read some classics like A Canticle for Leibowitz and The Man in the High Castle. Therefore, I called a friend of mine, a Ranger from the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment who also served in the Special Forces National Guard, and is an Operation Just Cause vet (you can read about Ranger combat operations in Panama here https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/panama ) for his military science fiction book recommendations. I think he has read just about everything out there. I managed to get four from his long list – they are the first four books below. He also told me about Myke Cole and so I did not buy any of his books – my publisher did send me a copy of his Phalanx versus Legion book and I did reach out to him a long time ago before I knew about his shitty conduct toward women. Fortunately he never responded  probably because he was knee deep in shit. I may do a review on it later but probably not.

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

A book of two halves – pre-military and military service. I liked the concept very much but felt the opening half was a bit too long. The military experiences and wars were entertaining and I wish there had been a bit more on the campaigns. Enjoyable and some stuff was rather cool.

Brother John by Rutledge Etheridge

Another book of two halves. Events leading up to his selection to the dueling school and its course. The first half was excellent, great writing style, interesting lead and characters. The second half was not nearly as good and I would have preferred spending time with John on his adventures until his entry into the school. Overall the first half made more than up for the second part of the book.

Unbreakable by W.C. Bauers

Personal prejudice on my part – I am not a fan of religious people, especially the ones who tell me you can be a scientist and a religious nut. Anyway, the book is told from a female perspective. I thought she was rather annoying and I disliked a number of devices used throughout. The military action sequences though were pretty cool and therefore the book was not a waste of time.

Against a Dark Background by Iain M. Banks

The writing was superb – well above my pay grade – Brother John was equally well written. The lead character is female and a bit too much of a smart ass. The world is fantastic but I did not manage to finish the book. Every time something great was going on the book comes to a screeching halt with a couple of pages of incessant talking that I felt did not drive the story forward – this slowed down an otherwise great story but it happened too often and the lead became a lot less sympathetic throughout. But I want to stress it started with a great opening, and painted an interesting world – just not my cup of tea ultimately. 

Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci

Wow – arguably one of the great commercial fiction writers of our time. The writing style was sparse and moved the story along at speed. The lead is a female FBI agent and the plot moved – ultimately the actual concept was mediocre but told so well that it can be forgiven. A master of the genre. I bought the second book in the series.

God of Vengeance by Giles Kristian

I love his Raven saga so much that back in the day I tried to get the rights for TV but could not persuade my partner to bite. Too bad. The writing as always is good and the story is also interesting although some of it feels familiar by now. Nonetheless another good writing effort and well worth the time. 

Ghost Fleet by P.W. Singer and August Cole

I have been reading a lot of non-fiction on future war over the last few years (also see my review of Warbot 1.0by Brian Michelson) and finally got around to this one. Overall very enjoyable. My only issue is that I did not care too much for the lead naval officer and his family affairs. But a very good book and some really great characters and events. I will certainly buy and read Burn-in. 

The End of October by Lawrence Wright

At long last the great pandemic book by the author of the awesome book The Looming Tower. Not as good but good nonetheless. I actually did like the lead very much (the back story maybe not as much) but told with a steady guiding hand. The scenario is very credible (as I am writing this we near 190,000 Covid-19 deaths – thanks for nothing Trump) but much worse – the book is bleak. Not sure this will make a great film or TV series but you never know. It is a very good telling of an apocalyptic event… 

 All I can think about are the people who have no choice but to work and are getting infected and many are dying. Sad times really. I blame Trump and the Republicans for the many unnecessary deaths – but I guess in his mind there is no profit  to be made from saving lives. Better spend the money on his family and supporters.

Overall, all the books listed are great reads. I wish I could write as well as they do. 

Up next some non-fiction including the great Yuval Harari, Dexter Hoyos and Rick Atkinson. Giants in their respective fields.