Gust Front (Posleen War Series #2)

With the help of some alien technology, the humans on two worlds had fought back the ravening Posleen hordes, and now the survivors of Barwhon and Diess Expeditionary Forces take time to regroup and renew themselves, while on Earth they build a new force of recruits, as the Posleen hordes once again prepare to descend on Earth.

Fans of Hollywood-style blood-and-guts sci-fi as exemplified in the film Independence Day will enjoy this sequel to A Hymn Before Battle (2000). Ringo's army background gives his series all the flavor and excitement of the liveliest military SF, illustrating both the tactical and strategic levels of a near-future war that started on distant worlds and has now come to Earth. In A Hymn Before Battle, resourceful Captain Michael O'Neal almost single-handedly defeated the vicious centaurlike Posleen in battle, but with Earth hanging in the balance in this book, it will take more than one man to turn the tide. Ringo begins with long and detailed human preparations for the expected invasion, introducing an immense cast of civilians, veterans, grunts and high-level officers. But when the Posleen forces arrive earlier than expected, improvised plans must be launched without delay. The humans fight for the most part with modern-day weaponry, assisted by advanced artillery from the Galactic Federation allies who got them into the fight in the first place. The resulting carnage will please those who relish high body counts. Ringo's characters often walk a fine line between heroic and stereotypical, while his extended expository passages slow the story. Still, this novel should cement Ringo's reputation as one of the best new practitioners of military SF.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

As part of the Galactic Federation, human armies help battle the aggressive aliens known as the Posleen, meeting them in a catastrophic war on the planet Barwhon V. When the Posleen begin an invasion of Earth, however, the humans ignore the fact that the invaders outnumber them and wage an unorthodox and surprising form of warfare. Ringo's sequel to Hymn Before Battle displays the author's talent for combining fast-moving battle scenes with vignettes of individual courage and sacrifice. A good choice for most sf collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.