Content here is by Michael Still, mikal@stillhq.com.
This is the third book in the Bio of a Space Tyrant series (following Refugee and Mercenary). I picked this series up on a whim when it was cheap in a bookstore sale, and liked the first two books, although the first was quite grim and the second a little odd. This book isn’t as strong as the other two, and it took longer to read than usual because of that… I guess the plot just seemed even harder to believe than the others in the series.
[isbn: 0380896850]
This book continues the story of a poor Hispanic immigrant made good that started with Bio of a Space Tyrant: Refugee. This book is overall much more positive than the previous one, with hardly any of Hope’s friends being killed. The book revolves around Hope’s military career, and the leadership team he builds. Its basically a story of personal magnetism, love, sex, and team work. The technical aspects of this book are a little weak, in a similar manner to the first one — specifically some of the science fiction is hard to believe. Then again if you’re willing to suspend disbelief, this is a good book.
[isbn: 0380872218]
I’m not really sure what I think about this book. Its well written, and very readable, but depressing. The book starts with a sexual assault, and then moves on to describe what its like to be the minimum wage labor in a space colony. The short answer — its not much fun. Worse than that, when you try to escape your oppression, you end up being abused by both the authorities who have power to help, as well as assorted criminals. This is not a feel good book.
[isbn: 0380841940]