Customer Reviews

A Law for the Stars (Laser #21)

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This novel explores the themes of barbarism, law and order, fascism, camaraderie, and bureaucracy, all in an atypical sci-fi setting. This is not a shiny Star Trek future, or a pseudo-religious Star Wars vision. Instead most of the universe is culturally and technologically less advanced than current-day Earth, and mostly tribal in nature. Space travel is possible only with relic ships left over from the great exodus from Earth, several hundred years ago.

Against this bleak universe, the Sternverein is the only authority with the resources for any kind of law enforcement or technological advancement. It is fighting what seems to be an uneven battle against barbarity in the galaxy and the darkness in men's minds. The novel includes nail-biting action and well-drawn reflections on duty and military life, before delving into larger issues about society and government. The language is straightforward, which keeps the plot moving and focuses more on the characters' motivations and less on long descriptions.

By the way, this is the fourth book in John Morressy's Sternverein series, in my opinion one of the most underrated sci-fi series around. It can be read independently of the others (Starbrat, Stardrift, Under a Calculating Star, Frostworld and Dreamfire, The Mansions of Space) as no characters or plots appear in more than one book. While I loved this book, if you are going to read only one of the series, I'd recommend Mansions of Space, the last one.

is this novel by John Morrissey.

This is excellent SF adventure with a message contained in the story. See other review for a broader discussion.

I read this in one sitting, and looking back on my experience, I feel it is superior, even as an adventure story, to the Star Trek and Star Wars movies.

Highly recommended.