March to the Stars (Prince Roger Series, Book 3) 
asked by willie on November 17, 2006 9:14 PM
Science fiction icon David Weber (the Honor Harrington series) teams up with Airborne-soldier-turned-author John Ringo (A Hymn Before Battle) in their third novel about Prince Roger Ramius Sergei Chiang Alexander MacClintock, Heir Tertiary to the Throne of Man. March to the Stars continues the adventures of Roger and the Bronze Barbarians that started in March Upcountry and continued in March to the Sea as they battle their way across the remote planet of Marduk in their bid to return home to Earth. Through the course of these first three novels, Roger has grown from a spoiled brat into a true leader of men and aliens alike. March to the Stars takes the Bronze Barbarians of the Imperial Guard across the Eastern Ocean of Marduk, facing giant sea monsters and pirates, and eventually to a spaceport held by humans of questionable loyalties. The naval battle with Mardukian pirates contains some swashbuckling heroics worthy of Errol Flynn himself, and Roger learns that not everything is as it seems on either Marduk or Earth. Fortunately, he's got the Bronze Barbarians and the Basik's Own at his back.
Collaboration is a tricky art form, and the resulting work can often feel rough and blocky, with the writers' differing styles at odds. Weber and Ringo deliver a work with a smooth blending of style, serving up a sum that is indeed greater than its parts. Readers should be warned, however, that by the end of the story they will likely be tempted to scoop up other works by these authors to satisfy their reading needs while waiting for the next novel in the series. --Ron Peterson
Reviews
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This novel is a good follow-up to March to the Sea. It deals with the crossing of the sea, the contact on the opposite continent (ruled mainly by a rather brutal theocracy), the concerns about avoiding word of their arrival at Starport, and the eventual effort to take that port. I do not intend to collapse major plot threads on that topic.
Once again, though I do not know the writing breakdown of this book, it reads a LOT like John Ringo. Given the new business tactic of a better-named author outlining a series or novel which a lesser-known author writes, my general rule (except niven/pournelle) is that the author on top is to sell the book, and the one on bottom to write it. It is notable that in the life of this series Ringo has gone from relative unknown to (by last year) arguably more popular than weber.
If anything I think this was more interesting than the previous book. The 'reinventing the industrial age' of the previous novels is pretty much gone as the army sees the goal in reach. There is one major land battle of note, though what one expects to be a well-commanded enemy is replaced with a lesser one before this battle. As usual, it is quantity vs. quality.
There are a few plot surprises in the book, some of which set up the fourth novel.
very enjoyable book, and though it may not be clear from my review, this series has been impossible to put down.
Once again, though I do not know the writing breakdown of this book, it reads a LOT like John Ringo. Given the new business tactic of a better-named author outlining a series or novel which a lesser-known author writes, my general rule (except niven/pournelle) is that the author on top is to sell the book, and the one on bottom to write it. It is notable that in the life of this series Ringo has gone from relative unknown to (by last year) arguably more popular than weber.
If anything I think this was more interesting than the previous book. The 'reinventing the industrial age' of the previous novels is pretty much gone as the army sees the goal in reach. There is one major land battle of note, though what one expects to be a well-commanded enemy is replaced with a lesser one before this battle. As usual, it is quantity vs. quality.
There are a few plot surprises in the book, some of which set up the fourth novel.
very enjoyable book, and though it may not be clear from my review, this series has been impossible to put down.
reviewed by flow on November 21, 2006 6:59 AM
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Another great effort. I am not sure why they call it space opera, its good ol sci-fi to me. If you've started the series you will want to read this too.
reviewed by officefan on November 25, 2006 7:24 PM
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This is an excellent series. The 1st 3 books "March to the..." have a consistent look and feel They definitly deliver a very good read. I loaned a friend the 1st of the series and he wanted the next 2 books immediately!!!
I am looking forward the the next book because it will be in a completely different environment, and will require a different approach to the action.
I am also reading John Ringo's Polseen series, which is good, but not as good as this collaboration with David Weber.
This series is close but not quite up to the Honor Harrington series, my all time favorite SF series.
I am looking forward the the next book because it will be in a completely different environment, and will require a different approach to the action.
I am also reading John Ringo's Polseen series, which is good, but not as good as this collaboration with David Weber.
This series is close but not quite up to the Honor Harrington series, my all time favorite SF series.
reviewed by runningscared on November 25, 2006 11:42 PM