Hangfire (Starfist, Book 6) [Mass Market Paperback]

David Sherman (Author), Dan Cragg (Author)

Book Description

Series: Starfist | Publication Date: April 3, 2001

Six agents have died hideously trying to penetrate the crime families behind a vast empire of pleasure and debauchery--
Now it's up to the Marines to break the circle.

Most people will visit Havanagas only in their dreams, for few can afford the exclusive resort planet that recreates ancient worlds and caters to every taste. Witches are burned at the stake in medieval towns while riotous hordes fill Rome's Coliseum to watch gladiators battle. Even the basest of human lusts are satiated by deadly sex acts and a thriving slave trade.

The crime bosses' control of Havanagas and its people is brutally effective. Now three Marines from Co. L's 3rd Platoon--masquerading as discharged military buddies on holiday--are going in to break the kingpins' bloody stranglehold. From bordellos and rebellious enclaves to the very pit of the Coliseum filled with deadly beasts, Corporal Pasquin and Lance Corporals Claypoole and Dean face certain death with only their wits and skills as weapons. But they're Marines, built to survive. . . .

Editorial Reviews

Review

"CAUTION! Any book written by Dan Cragg and David Sherman is bound to be addictive, and this is the first in what promises to be a great adventure series. First to Fight is rousing, rugged, and just plain fun. The authors have a deep firsthand knowledge of warfare, an enthralling vision of the future, and the skill of veteran writers. Fans of military fiction, science fiction, and suspense will all get their money's worth, and the novel is so well done it will appeal to general readers as well. It's fast, realistic, moral, and a general hoot. First to Fight is also vivid, convincing--and hard to put down. Sherman and Cragg are a great team! I can't wait for the next one!"
--RALPH PETERS
   New York Times bestselling author of
   Red Army

From the Inside Flap

Six agents have died hideously trying to penetrate the crime families behind a vast empire of pleasure and debauchery--
Now it's up to the Marines to break the circle.

Most people will visit Havanagas only in their dreams, for few can afford the exclusive resort planet that recreates ancient worlds and caters to every taste. Witches are burned at the stake in medieval towns while riotous hordes fill Rome's Coliseum to watch gladiators battle. Even the basest of human lusts are satiated by deadly sex acts and a thriving slave trade.

The crime bosses' control of Havanagas and its people is brutally effective. Now three Marines from Co. L's 3rd Platoon--masquerading as discharged military buddies on holiday--are going in to break the kingpins' bloody stranglehold. From bordellos and rebellious enclaves to the very pit of the Coliseum filled with deadly beasts, Corporal Pasquin and Lance Corporals Claypoole and Dean face certain death with only their wits and skills as weapons. But they're Marines, built to survive. . . .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (April 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345435923
• ISBN-13: 978-0345435927
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #391,905 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Serpents in the Garden, April 24, 2001

By 

Edward C. Stalker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hangfire (Starfist, Book 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

It's the 25th Century and the Confederation spans over 70 worlds. For those who enjoy such things, there is struggle, danger and adventure on the frontiers, but for the majority of the Confederation's citizens, there is peace and prosperity. But all is not well - there are Barbarians massing in the spaces beyond the frontier...and there are criminals hiding in the cracks of Civilization. The Mob has moved in on a colony world, subverted the government, and runs it to their liking. Havanagas is entire planet given over to enormous Disney-esque theme parks and resorts. Normally, the Confederation would not interfere in the actions of member planets, but rumors of criminal actions have brought Department of Justice Investigators. But Investigators are disappearing without a trace, indicating a high-level penetration of the Confederation Government. So the Minister of Justice mounts an ultrasecret, no-written-records operation, using a Marine Fire team with covert ops experience. They soon find out where the agents have been disappearing - many of the "historical re-enactments" involve torture or death. The tourists assume that "witches" burned in the Medievel village, or the "Christians" eaten by the lions in the Roman ampitheater are realistic animatronic special effects - and they usually are...but sometimes the Families use them to dispose of enemies. In the meantime, out on the fringes of the Confederation, aliens are raiding the colony worlds. The colonists attempt to fight back, but they are overwhelmed. And so, the Marines of the 34th FIST are heading out to settle their third brush with sentient, hostile aliens. I rarely give a "5" to any book, but I'd certainly give this a 4.5. Good, solid, believable characters, and a reasonable plot - no problem to "suspend disbelief" for the SF elements. Not Great Literature, by any means, but a good book to throw in your beach bag or travel bag. Don't try to read it unless you have time to read at least a couple of chapters at a time - it's one where you don't want to have to stop reading in the middle of an chapter.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one!, July 4, 2001

By 

sig94 "sig94" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hangfire (Starfist, Book 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of my favorite series and I always eagerly await the next book. The authors do an excellent job of capturing the camraderie and esprit de corps that vets such as myself fondly remember. Additionally, the science of the series is logical and well thought out. The combat descriptions are intense and vivid. I also love the subtle humor: a 25th century religious leader named Bishop Ralphy Bruce Preachintent who wears a pompador wig and a sharkskin suit! If you are looking for a fun and intense book that makes you cheer for the good guys and rejoice when the bad guys get their just reward, this is it. Plus, you might gain an appreciation for those who choose to put on a military uniform. Keep 'em coming Messrs. Sherman & Cragg!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old soldiers don't die... they go on to write great Sci-fi, April 26, 2001

By 

Brian K. Eason (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hangfire (Starfist, Book 6) (Mass Market Paperback)

Hangfire is the 6th book in the StarFist series and I often wonder how I got here... as the Title of the series would not normally attract my attention.

Once again the authors present the Marine Protaganists of the 34th FIST as believable military figures and keep our pulse pounding page after page...

The science is believable and the military is as realistic as it can possibly be. This book,however stands out in the series as the precursor to something begger to come...

I think we are on the threshold of what will carry this series for years... Galatic War.

Kudos Gentlemen... I anxiously await book #7