Double Jeopardy

November 9, 2009
Sherman and Cragg (Starfist: Wings of Hell
) develop their real-life military experience into the realistic undertones of the accessible 14th Starfist novel. Following previous adventures, the Marines of the 34th FIST are now “the most active, most highly decorated unit in the entire Confederate Marine Corps.” With enlistments extended “for the duration” and the promise of more combat soon, morale is at an all-time low. When word comes of what might be a Skink attack on planet Ishtar, the 34th is promptly deployed, only to be drawn into battle with the indigenous Fuzzies and an illegal human mining operation. The verisimilitude of quiet moments and combat scenes alike makes for quality military SF. With such a large cast, very few characters get significant screen time or development, and the emotional beats will undoubtedly hold more resonance for longtime fans.

December 1, 2009
The title of the fourteenth Starfist military sf adventure has a double meaning, referring to Lieutenant Basss domestic arrangements with the two women committed to him and to what faces the war-weary 34th FIST when it is deployed to the planet Ishtar to face what is believed to be a new threat from the alien Skinks. The 34th becomes caught between the mercenaries of the Sharp Edge corporation and Ishtars amiable, intelligent, extremely tough native inhabitants, the Fuzzies. Convincing the Fuzzies that the marines are on their side develops into a life-or-death matter in the best book in the series since Lazarus Rising (2003). Enjoy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)