Star Marine

Book Title: Star Marine

Author: John Bowers

Niche: Science Fiction

Price: $9.50

Size: 38,000 words (143 pages paperback equivalent)

“It takes all kinds to fight a war” according to the book’s jacket. Well, the story makes good on that claim.

Bowers follows the exploits of three major players during the height of the Sirian War setting of The Fighter Queen saga:

Rico Martinez: A Star Marine, a grunt.  Almost killed in the Titan operation, he is one of six who survives, but his war has only begun

Regina Wells: The only child of Federation Senator Henry Wells, Regina promises her dad she won’t join the military.  But does anyway, as a civilian “expert” on Sirian culture. Unfortunately, her safe billet doesn’t last long.

Wade Palmer: A graduate student and a jock.  When his father is killed in battle against the Sirians, Wade joins the Space Force, but his degree in statistical analysis lands him in the Polygon planning the war instead of fighting it.

The rather large story zips by so fast, that I didn’t realize I was reading something half the size of War and Peace. It was over long before I was ready to put it down.

Bowers manages, with his usual flair, to keep all the characters straight, even in my easily confused mind. He also never lets the reader breathe long enough to become bored with a section of the book (and there are precious few “breathing” moments). His best book so far, Bowers always seems to top himself with each new book.

And yes, Onja lovers, The Fighter Queen herself does make a couple of cameo appearances in the story.

Chronologically, Star Marine falls between A Vow to Sophia and The Fighter Queen.

Get ready to face the enemy, up close and personal.

Formats: Adobe Reader (pdf), ePub, Kindle (prc), Microsoft Reader (lit), Mobi (prc)

No DRM

Reviewed by Allan Kalar, Washington state

By it now at AKW Books