Customer Reviews

Gulf Run (Demontech, Book 3)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Gulf Run (2003) is the third novel in the Demontech series, following Rally Point. In the previous novel, Spinner and Haft have led their band of refugees south along the Eastern Waste until they encountered the small town of Eikby. The refugees made camp nearby and the leaders entered the town to reassure the residents. While they are away, the camp was attacked by bandits. After that attack is repulsed, the refugees and townsmen started building obstacles and clearing fields of fire around the town and evacuating the noncombatants. Repeatedly attacked by bandits and Jokapcul, Eikby was eventually burned to the ground. However, Spinner and Haft escaped with over a thousand townsmen and other refugees.

In this novel, the refugees manage to ambush and overcome the pursuing Jokapcul troops and reach Dartmutt just in time to see the Jokapcul invade the city from the sea. Fleeing once again, they head north to the Low Desert. On the way, they collect thousands of additional refugees, including hundreds of fighting men and many more who could fight with the proper training. Then they encounter Sergeant Rammer, the detachment leader who had to be left behind when Spinner and Haft escaped from New Bally.

Spinner and Haft are having command problems. Since they are merely junior enlisted men -- Lord Gunny calls them "pea ons" -- many of the men under their command hold higher rank. Then they encounter a Dartmutter captain who demands that they yield command to him. Now their old detachment leader shows up. Their followers will not allow them to relinquish command, yet Sergeant Rammer is much more experienced than they are.

The refugee caravan has become the size of a small town, with the logistical problems of an army on the move. Moreover, they have a divided command structure, with the military leadership having to defer to the women on matters of health and well-being of the civilians and wounded. Both Spinner and Haft feel overwhelmed by the problems that are outside their area of competence. They really need some guidance from Rammer. What to do?

Spinner is also having woman problems. Alyline, the Golden Girl, still resents his "liberation" of her from slavery, Doli stills wants him for herself, and Maid Primrose still believes he has been two-timing both Alyline and Doli. On the other hand, Haft is still enjoying good relations with Maid Marigold.

This story adds new complexities and problems to the plot. Defeating the Jokapcul in combat is becoming almost routine, but taking care of so many refugees requires a new command structure and additional expertise. Moreover, their path will take them through country that is inhabited by some very hostile natives.

Highly recommended for Sherman fans and for anyone else who enjoys military fantasy with real world problems.

I know many of you know that David Shermans Publishers made a very stupid choice by not publising any more Demontech books. I think this series was AWESOME!! We need to do whatever we can to get more of this series. If you are just thinking of getting this book I say. DO IT!!!!!

The series just keeps getting better as the story goes along. Spinner and Haft are fighting their way to the sea so that they can make it to their home. Along the way, they amass a small army of troops from all over the world and even more refugees that flock to them because the two Marines are the only ones able to lead troops to victory against Jaktopol onslaught. The tough Golden Girl manages to fill any leadership gaps that the two Marines have, mostly in dealing with the refugees. Great series, too bad the publisher cancelled the series, too short sighted, and too worried over instant profits. Where have the publishers who want a good story written go?

sad sad day when accountant determin was is cancelled are not I have read and re-read the series this is a great read with all of the elements need for fant/sfi buff. WE NEED A BOOK IV!!!!

Spinner and Haft are still one the run from the invaders and still looking for a safe pot in which they can seek passage back to their home islands but that goal is looking more and more remote because their entourage keeps growing. Refugees keep joining their caravan and the occasional fighting man shows up from time to time as well. That's a good thing because they need all the fighters they can get with the bad guys in pursuit.

Having a couple of marine privates become feudal lords is not without its difficulties. This is especially true when their sergeant, long presumed dead, turns up. He naturally feels that the privates are still "his men" (they are) but the 7000+ camp followers and men at arms have other ideas on the matter..

The series seems no closer to reaching a resolution than after the last book but it is still a series of interest.

The third installment in an excellent Science Fiction/Fantasy series built on the concept of what the impact of USMC training and traditions would be on the inhabitants of a low tech society. As was true in the first two books, I found this one to be a worthwhile reading experience with good characters and an outstanding story line. Unfortunately, I too have read on the author's web site that the series has been cancelled due to low sales. I think that anyone who reads this book, and the previous volumes of the series, will be looking forward to future volumes in the series. Hopefully, either the publisher will come to their senses and continue the series, or the author will be able to find a smarter publisher, such as Baen, who will appreciate the quality of the writing and continue the series.

The series is very well written and keeps you wanting more. But I understand the publisher has killed the Series. I think they have made a very big ERROR IN JUDGEMENT.

In this, the third novel in the Demontech series, Spinner and Haft, those redoubtable Frangerian Marines, have gone from being two fugitives (in the first book, "Onslaught") to the leaders of a refugee force of thousands. Because of their unique military successes in resisting the murderous Jokapcul, displaced and threatened people have flocked to them, swelling their ranks. The Marines in turn struggle to incorporate the newcomers, and they have a steep learning curve to master the logistics of moving such a multitude. There is doubt and second-guessing and mistakes made, yet their training and their sense prove equal to the task.

The battle scenes are wonderful, the action fast. And the story BUILDS, the characters grow, we look with anticipation for the next perilous adventure. Yet there are also delightful small character interplays, such as a dubious Haft talking to the apparently understanding Wolf. The demons are so entertaining that they alone make reading the book worthwhile. I enjoyed it -- everything -- immensely.

Spinner and Haft have managed to survive so far against steep odds and in the process are forced to take on much more responsibility than either of them ever wanted, especiallly Haft. It leaves the reader with some unanswered questions and has a tendancy to allow the women characters to take on an 'only better', female stand point (i.e. women are as good as men only they can be better whenever they put their minds to it). While generally this type of thinking can't start croppingup until the great equalizer (gunpowder and guns) rears its ugly head in widespread use, this is a magical realm so anything is possible.
On the whole this is a good book with alot of combat and action for those of us who like battle sequences. I recommed this book. This book isn't perfect, but I am eagerly awating the next book in the series. Even though the men are hen pecked more than men of thier social era should allow.

I am not going to put a synopsis of the book here, others have already done it and probably done it better than I ever could. I just want to say that I own all 3 books in the series and was very disappointed to see that that last 3 books will NOT be published. It seems sales are low even though reviews are rating this series very highly. I urge you to buy this book is you like Sword and Sorcery and/or Military SF, this series seamlessly combines both. The book is entertaining, well written, with great fully realized characters. Recommend this book to others you think would like it and take a moment to write the publishers and ask them to please release the rest of the books.