With the Lightnings

With the Lightnings: 1

ISBN: 0-671-87881-6 Order from: Amazon.com

A novel of two young, minor functionaries that prove unexpectedly capable under the deadly stress of coup and battle.

Reviewed by David on February 14, 1999

Genre: Science Fiction (Military, Naval Adventure, War)

Synopsis: The planet Kostroma is friendly to the Republic of Cinnabar, although officially neutral in the struggle between the powerful navies of Cinnabar and the Alliance. After her family was brutally purged by the government of Cinnabar, a well-born but poor Adele Mundy finds employment organizing the Elector's library in Kostroma.

The bitter scholar can hardly keep from quarrerling with the Cinnabar navy lieutenant Daniel Leary, brought as a minor member of a negotiating team. The two young people are thrown into deadly danger when the Alliance intelligence fans local political fighting into a full-blown coup, ruthlessly spearheaded by the Alliance shock troops.

Despite Daniel's inexperience, and Adele's resentment of her former home, the two become close, and formidable allies as Kostroma explodes in blood, bullets and plasma.

Full Review: The book shows two capable but underutilized (and underestimated) people pushed to their limits, and performing better than anybody expected when faced with a ruthless and powerful enemy with only a handful of badly-equipped troops. A tale of fear, suspense and heroism emerges, as a green, vain and indolent lieutenant proves to be a capable leader, and the bitter librarian a cool, brilliant and deadly fighter.

Naturally, a slow but warm friendship also develops between the two, as well as in the small team of ratings and non-coms that escapes the coup. The female hero, Adele, is almost improbably capable. However, the characters ar, on the whole, well-drawn if a bit stereotypical; including an undecisive local officer and a sociopathic but capable enemy.

The novel maintains tension, and presents appealing characters that behave consitently throughout the book. While not obviously so, the book appears to prepare the ground for a number of sequels for the two heroes in the gathering conflict between two intersystem governments, one somewhat unlikable (Cinnabar), and the other demonically cruel (Alliance).

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-671-87881-6 Order from: Amazon.com