Customer Reviews

Lieutenant

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

 

 

A World War II shoot'em up set on a different world. Good pacing, and the impact of fatigue was well shown but the enemy were led by idiots and are just targets. And friendly tactics were almost as dumb. Minimal science. Basicly rifles and grenades. No heavy weapons, no artillery, not even mortars. Come on, why call it science fiction if we're going to use tactics and weapons from the Battle of Stalingrad.

Set in the future, but excellent descriptions of small unit tactics and leadership that stand the test of time - past, present, and future. Pay particular attention to the scenario where "doing nothing" (this is an action book!) is the correct choice. Also, this is one of the few fiction books that allows its characters to get tired and have clouded decisions.

This is a zero star book. Mind-numbing in detail about WW II infantry tactics supposedly still in use in the age of interstellar travel. The entire senseless wrap-up of the plot is done in one page. Even the author must have been tired of the whole thing.

This novel was one long tactical exercise. The enemy was nameless, faceless, and with no apparent motivation for engaging in warfare. Our hero was never in danger and never much disturbed by being in combat. As a new officer, he seems to have little connection with his men. I have the next book in this series, and I wonder if I will be able to finish it. There are many, many better science fiction books to read.