As a retired military guy-and a Technical War Gaming Instructor for the US Army, I read Sci-Fi to be inspired. I love new ideas - I love old ideas that fit into new technology, new ideas that fit into old technology. I'm carried away by the 'what-ifness' of a good read. Inspired by the rapid advances in technology applied to the military - as well as military technology filtering down to the civilian sector in my lifetime - this segment of science fiction - inspired from the early works of Robert Heinlein has always held a fascination for me that has never diminished.
Those who complain of military societies' lack of dimension obviously have never served - or if they have - left with an experience they weren't counting on. That society more or less reflects the population from which it draws its members. The balance between civilian control and military decision making - mocked by some - is very real in our current military. The number of military lawyers present down to Brigade level (that) double as 'legal advisors' to the command is mind boggling - and woe to the soldiers found in violation of Rules of Engagement (ROE). These lawyers in uniform temper the command structure to remind them of their limits of authority - determined by political decisions made by civilian leadership.
Character development may not be this authors strong suit - maybe his least developed ability - but still good enough to string along the technical fantasy he weaves. Again, military populations reflect the society that spawns them - and most militaries are the conservators of that nations legitimacy to its population. Flag Officers are political animals whether they want to be or not - it goes with the rank and the branch of service. A fact of life that through history has never changed.
There has always been a balance between offense and defense - and in this future world of immense offensive power - defense is little more than trying to evade kinetic power that dwarfs anything we currently have on the drawing boards. Military medicine has always been first rate - since my youngest days in the service - to now - the prospective of an old contractor marveling at those advancements that occurred in his life time. A personal fascination that brings enjoyment with every page I turn.
Gene Roddenberry imagined a multi-cultural future that may or may not come to fruition - and one who was born in New York City in the late 40's - I watched - often from afar - wave after wave of human migration come through my old town. It's neither bad - nor good - politically or morally - it just is. Cratering an author because you don't believe in his view of the future - is your right - but so what? Literature is meant to convey an author's view of future, past or current humanity - of trends that develop in one generation and mutate or morph over time. Be it global warming, technology used for good or evil or migration trends - a good author makes one THINK!
Overall - I find the book for me - to be a page turner. Just my personal taste - waiting to see the what, how, when and why that makes reading enjoyable. Say what you want - a series that holds your attention - page after page.
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Top reviews from other countries
Finity's end
Un bon moment de space op militaire ....
Reviewed in France on April 19, 2010
