The Ethos Effect - Hardcover

Modesitt, L. E.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0765308029 ISBN 13: 9780765308023

Publisher: Tor Books, 2003

Synopsis

Set in the same universe as The Parafaith War (but two centuries later, and intended to be read independently), The Ethos Factor is the story of Commander Van C. Albert of the Republic Space Force of Taran, a brave and resourceful officer who once defeated a larger enemy ship but indirectly caused the loss of a civilian liner in the process. Cleared by the board of inquiry, but an embarrassment to the high command, he retains his commission but is given only dead-end assignments. For a time, he must watch helplessly as cold war among economic, religious and political rivals evolves toward interstellar open warfare.

Assigned as a military attaché at the Taran embassy on Scandya, Van is seriously wounded foiling an assassination. Decorated, promoted and summarily retired while still in a coma, he wakes to find himself honorably but intolerably unemployed. Then the harmless sounding Integrated Information Systems foundation of the Eco-Tech Coalition recruits him to fly a starship, Van finds he now has a powerful new vantage point not just for observation, but for action. The IIS has interests everywhere and Van is not just a pilot, but their point man in a conflict that will shake the worlds.

Modesitt uses a distinctive blend of space battles, political and economic intrigue, and issues of race and religion to address deep questions of good and evil, ethics and self-interest. Van Albert makes his decisions; it is for you to decide if he is a hero.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

"Modesitt not only entertains us with breathtaking adventure, but also gives us food for thought about the character of war and its effects on the human condition."
--Romantic Times on The Parafaith War

"L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is at his very best in his latest, Archform: Beauty."
--Analog

"As highly regarded L. E. Modesitt, Jr. is for his speculative fictions, Archform: Beauty is his best work to date and perhaps the science fiction tale of the year. Satirizing the art vs. science war, the author provides a powerful insight into society through his five narrators. His ability to provide distinct lucid voices for each member of the quintet makes the action packed story work."
--Midwest Book Review on Archform: Beauty

"Archform: Beauty is quite interesting and exciting, both in its plot and in the way it combines the science fiction and thriller genres. Bravo."
--Science Fiction Weekly

"Modesitt has outdone himself . . . This brilliant novel is as thought provoking as it is entertaining."
--Publisher Weekly [starred review] on Archform: Beauty

"With echoes of both Joe Haldeman's The Forever War and Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers: dense gritty, strong on technical detail."
--Kirkus Reviews on The Parafaith War

"Modesitt has created a meticulously detailed military-sf adventure that confronts the ethical reasons behind war but maintains a strong focus on the warrior-of-tomorrow's daily life."
--Library Journal on The Parafaith War

About the Author:

L. E. Modesitt, Jr., is the bestselling author of The Saga of Recluce and of many other popular fantasy and SF novels. He lives in Cedar City, Utah.

About this edition

• Publisher: Tor Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0765308029
• ISBN 13: 9780765308023
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 512