This is an interesting novel to review, because it is an almost-perfect example of the Military Action genre. Except for the technical level of the weaponry, this story could have been written about the Marine Corps in any conflict since WWII. The enemy soldiers even carry ceremonial (and deadly) swords. And how many books or movies about war involve a platoon of newly trained recruits complete with a green lieutenant and a grizzled sergeant?

The advantage to this adherence to the style is that the format that works. The girl back home, the widowed mother, the tough boot camp and all the rest are elements that contribute to a tried-and-true emotional experience for the reader.

It is a cleaned up version, however, and we are spared the usual demonstrations of bullying, hazing, and general nastiness that many authors find it necessary to include. Coincidental events and situations (“I just happened to buy a space ship this week.”) smooth the paths of the characters so they can get on with the important action.

Another positive of the writing is the clear, well-thought-out details of the setting and technology. There is a good balance between action and description, and the details are so interesting and clearly expressed we don’t mind taking the time to enjoy them.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention  a few glitches in the writing style. There are several jarring slips into present tense in the narration, and paying closer attention to word order in sentences could make reading smoother in several spots. Otherwise, the style is clear and correct.

This is a great example of the genre, but for the experienced reader, in places it’s a bit predictable. At times it was a bit of a game to guess what was coming next, because often, I was right. Which is just a different level of enjoyment, I suppose.

The final battle is a particularly finely crafted conflict, with the suspense increasing in a series of escalating engagements. While the reader might wish that the main character could be the hero and save everyone, the scope of the battle makes that unlikely, and merely to survive is triumph enough.

And then came the ending. Let’s just say that I’m suspicious the next book in the series will be departing from the pattern. I’m looking forward to it.

Five stars.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery