Star Soldiers

Book Description

CONTROLLING AUTHORITY

Andre Norton -- Grand Mistress of science fiction -- presents a grand tapestry of the far-flung interstellar future, in which the first starships from Earth have burst out into the universe...only to run straight into the restraining grasp of the stagnant alien federation known as Central Control.

Only as interstellar mercenaries can humans go to the stars; the aliens who already dominate the galaxy allow no other recourse. But when Swordsman Third Class Kana Karr and his comrades-in-arms are betrayed and abandoned on a hostile world by their alien masters, the warriors from Earth begin a desperate but glorious march across a planet whose every sword is against them. Their actions may doom humanity's future...or lead the way to an empire of their own!

Four thousand years later, galactic civilization is collapsing, and the underfunded crew of an exploration starship is forced to set down on an uncharted planet: a mysterious, abandoned world that is achingly beautiful -- and hauntingly familiar. Ranger Sergeant Kartr, telepath and stellar Patrolman, searches with his crewmates for the source of a beacon which may mean escape for them all. What he finds is far stranger: the first clue to what may become the greatest revelation in galactic history!

The defining events of future history -- as only Andre Norton could tell them!

Customer Reviews:

Planetary Guardians.......2007-09-16

Star Soldiers (2001) is an omnibus edition of two SF novels in the Central Control universe, including Star Guard and Star Rangers. These stories are among the earliest SF works by the author. When Terrans first learned to travel the space lanes, they discovered that the galaxy was already inhabited by many spacegoing species. These aliens were organized into a great confederacy under Central Control.

In Star Guard (1955), Central Control assigned Terrans to a special role that suited their aggressive temperament and also provided a safety valve for other belligerents. The Terrans became mercenaries of the Galaxy. Arch Hordes served on the relatively primitive worlds and Mech Legions served on the relatively advanced worlds. However, even the Mechs weapons were less advanced than those available to the Galactic Patrol. Three hundred years passed before any challenge arose to this system.

In this novel, Kana Karr, newly graduated Arch Swordsman Third Class, comes to Prime to receive his first assignment. Waiting in the hiring hall, he hears rumors of lost legions and refused assignments. Then, a senior Combatant, accompanied by a Galactic Agent, announces that the troubles on Nevers have been fully investigated, with the assistance of Central Control, and certified that the defeat there was due to local problems. Furthermore, rumors concerning this episode are not to be repeated by any of the Corps. Naturally, this stirs up even more rumors.

Shortly thereafter, Karr is offered a position with Yorke's Horde and accepts the assignment. He is told to report to Dock Five at seventeen hours, so he goes to the transients' mess to eat. While there, he hears still more rumors. Then he goes to an information booth to learn the languages of Fronn, the planet where he is to serve, as well as any other facts available. When he returns the record-pak, he notices that a Mech scoops it up before the return belt can load it back into the machine.

On the journey to Fronn, he bunks with Trig Hansu, a very experienced Swordtan. In fact, all the men headed to Yorke's Horde, except himself, are very experienced and, when they reach Secundus, he only finds two other S-Threes in the Horde. Although most of the men seem to be amiable, the other S-Threes warn him to avoid Zapan Bogate.

However, when they reach Fronn, Bogate and one of his buddies, Sim, decides to crowd Karr a little. When Karr chops a clutching hand, Sim slaps him in formal challenge. Karr, however, has the choice of weapons and chooses bat sticks.

Although Sim proves to be an expert swordsman, he is confused by the relative lightness of the stick. Furthermore, he uses it as a rapier, but Karr waits until he can draw it across Sim's forearm, so that the pain forces Sim to drop the stick, thereby conceding the duel. Of course, Sim is furious, but the other veterans rather respect Karr for using his knowledge of the planet in this manner.

After a week of intensive drill to shake out any lingering effects of the space travel, they move out with their employer. As Karr is marching on point, they overtake a caravan of Venturi and he notices that one of the figures walks differently.

His team reports his suspicions and keeps the caravan under observation until a troop of Llor cavalry flushes the suspicious wayfarer from the caravan, straight toward them. The troopers lasso the fugitive, but he sits up and fires a flamer at them. Immediately, the Combatants fire at the shooter.

The robed figure proves to be a Llor, who had no business possessing a flamer, which are reserved for the Patrol. After seven Fronn days, they meet the forces of the enemy and are called to parlay, but the enemy ambush their employer and capture his men. When the Combatants talk to the enemy leader, they are told that the Terran way does not apply to Fronn.

Now that their employer is dead, they head to an auxiliary starport in the hills to get off world. The port is Venturi, but these natives soon leave to go back to their islands, leaving the building to the Terrans. They are forced indoors by a cariolis storm, but find an unusual sight after the storm: a wrecked crawler with a Vegan onboard and boxes of flamers as cargo. Then they find a downed Patrol ship in a rocky valley with bodies in Patrol uniforms laid out as for inspection.

In Star Rangers (1953), Central Control is fragmenting. Even the Stellar Patrol is falling apart from lack of equipment and supplies. One aspiring tyrant helps his prospects by sending the Patrol Scoutship Starfire into the hinterland of the galaxy.

In this novel, the Starfire has crashed on an uncharted planet. The ship is broken beyond the crew's ability to fix it. At least the world is Arth type, so the crew and rangers can breath its air. Ranger Zinga even gorged on the local water creatures and found them nonpoisonous and tasty.

Exploring the unknown world, Ranger Rolth discovers a beacon light in the night. The armsmen convert the ranger sled to use a disrupter power pack and Ranger Sergeant Kartr and Ranger Rolth take it to discover the source of the beacon. They find a highly advanced city with working power sources and robotic guards. Unfortunately, the city is occupied by the survivors of the Nyorai X451.

The passenger ship had been attacked by pirates and only escaped by fleeing in overdrive. Damage to the ship caused it to become lost in uncharted space. After all the fuel was consumed, the ship was forced to land on this unknown planet.

Joyd Cummi, Vice-Sector Lord of Agerat, is the leader of the survivors. He is a sensitive who tries, and fails, to penetrate Sergeant Kartr's mindshield. Kartr and Rolth evade Cummi's questions and are driven back to the vicinity of the sled by a Can-hound, a psychic tool of the Vice-Sector Lord.

Kartr alters the Can-hound's memory and leaves him in the car. The rangers then return to the sled and fly back to their camp. When Kartr reports to the acting-Captain, Jaksan doesn't understand Kartr's qualms about joining the ship survivors and orders the Patrolmen into the city.

These stories tell of the Terran involvement with Central Control. The first tale relates their initial contact with the confederacy and the second tells of the breakup of that confederation. During the passing millennia, the role of the Terrans greatly changes. In the first story, they are the underdogs and, in the second, they are the rulers.

Notice that the first story in this omnibus was published two years later than the second. In some respects, the first story is the better of the two. Maybe the author gained some additional skills in the SF genre during those years.

Notice also that the first story is about a graduating cadet from a military school. This theme has been used subsequently by this author and many others. Maybe this tale is the first use of the theme within the SF genre.

Highly recommended for Norton fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of high adventure, alien relations, and competent teamwork with an optimistic finale.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Classic Andre Norton.......2007-07-18

I read this book when it was first published and have looked for it in recent years. I found the reading as enjoyable this time as I did many years ago.

Somewhat disappointing..........2003-08-28

Over 20 years ago, I read Star Rangers by Andre Norton when I was about 9 or 10. The book blew me away as a child and helped start a life-long love for science fiction.

The book has been out-of-print for some time, so when I found Star Soldiers in the library, I was eager to re-read it to see if it "holds up". Unfortunately, it doesn't. The writing is solid; I also agree that it's message of tolerance is as timely as ever. However, the basic storyline just wasn't that engaging. It's a good juvenile novel, but nothing special for adults.

Stellar Stories.......2002-01-12

My first encounter with Andre Norton came around age 11 or 12 when I bought "Star Guard," a story loosely based on Xenophon's "Anabasis." It proved a rollicking good yarn. Earthlings had gone to the stars and met with a powerful empire under Central Control. Earthlings being too backward for anything else, they were allowed into the empire as mercenaries. "Star Guard" follows the adventures of a unit of mercenaries sent to serve a usurper on a backwater world. Their boss loses and they have to fight their way to freedom across a hostile world. I read and re-read the story several times, and I still have the old thirty five cent Ace paperback lovingly tucked away on a shelf in my library. "Star Guard" forms half of the book "Star Soldiers."

The other half comes from another novel I read multiple times as a preteenager--"Star Rangers." This book also found its inspiration in a historical incident (or at least a historical legend). During the decline of Rome an Emperor decided to rid himself of a pesky legion. He ordered them to march east; they obeyed; and they marched right off the pages of history. Some 6,000 years after that Emperor's edict, it is repeated by another crumbling civilization. Central Control is losing its grip on its far flung galactic empire. The Star Rangers are somewhat of a nuisance to Central Control, so it sends them off on a fool's errand of exploration. "Star Rangers" chronicles the history of this last mission.

The Central Control of "Star Guard" was very similar to the Central Control of "Star Rangers," but try as I might, I could never reconcile the dissimilarities enough to say that "Star Guard" and "Star Rangers" both occurred in the same fantasy universe.

The two stories are aimed at juveniles, their "science" is bankrupt, and they are little more than space opera. But they entertain, and that is all that they were intended to do.

oldies but goodies.......2001-11-16

If you haven't got the original books, get this copy. Or if you have more than one child, get one for each.

I grew up on Andre Norton books. Her young adult books have
lost none of their relevance to children today, and I raised
my sons on the very same books I read. Yes, the early books have
male characters, probably because it was hard enough for a woman
to get science fiction published then. Heinlein, if you notice,
managed to get away with writing strong female characters.
I was an oddity for a female in those days - refused to read/
couldn't stand the "Sweet Valley High" type stuff that was
published for girls, and Andre Norton's books, even if they
had male characters, at least dealt with problems of growing up
and with struggles to remain honest, honorable. Star Rangers
gave aliens a fair deal and they seemed alien enough to me then,
but also characters I could understand and admire. Took me years
to realize the message I'd absorbed - judge the person by what
they are and how they act, not by what they look like. That
message still needs to be delivered, and this is a great, enjoyable way to deliver it to young people.

Average customer rating:

Star Wars, Dark Forces Collector's Trilogy book cd's

Barely worth it

Really not THAT bad

Dark Forces audio dramatization

Excellent! same style & quality of the original radio drama

Star Wars, Dark Forces Collector's Trilogy (Soldier for the Empire; Rebel Agent; Jedi Knight)
William C. Dietz
Manufacturer: Highbridge Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Accessories:

GPX C3948BI Ultra-Slim CD Player with 40-Second Anti-Shock Protection and Car Kit

ASIN: 1565112784

Amazon.com

After you've seen the Star Wars movies enough times, certain unmistakable sounds get hardwired into your brain: the warbly snicker-snack of dueling lightsabers; the signature fwoosh of hatches opening and closing (which Star Trek never did as well); the sharp, metallic bangs of blaster fire; even Han's trademark "yee-haw!" as he and Chewie lay into Imperial ships with the Falcon. If any advantage sets audio CDs apart as the format for telling dramatized Star Wars stories, this is it. In the Star Wars: Dark Forces Collector's Trilogy, all these audio tropes get employed to their full effect--along with John Williams's stirring score, of course--to convincingly transport you to that galaxy far, far away.

A CD drama based on a graphic novel series, based on a video game, and based on ... well, Star Wars, may sound a little suspect, but even derivative work can excel when the original source is strong (Lucas), the writing skills proficient (long-time sci-fi author William Dietz), and the voice talent able (dozens of workman actors, with credits ranging from The Fugitive to Shine to Fargo).

The story arc of the set's three Dark Forces stories (Soldier for the Empire, Rebel Agent, Jedi Knight) spans roughly the same time period as New Hope-Empire-Jedi, following Kyle Katarn, a young Imperial officer turned Rebel operative turned (nearly) Jedi Knight. Old favorites like Han, Lando, Luke, and even Chewie pass in and out of the story, a classic Star Wars tale of honor, love, loyalty, and revenge, which sets Kyle against the evil Imperial pretender Lord Jerec. Good fun, well done. (Running time: six hours over six discs; two discs per title.) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Kyle Katarn has joined the ranks of legendary Star Wars heroes such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. A timeless adventure of revenge and honor, the trilogy is set in a shimmering universe of sound that only CD technology can fully capture. In Soldier for the Empire, Kyle Katarn, having just graduated from the Imperial Military Academy, learns of his father's murder. On his way home, he meets a Rebel agent, learns the ugly truth about the way in which his father died, and swears revenge. In Rebel Agent, Kyle learns more about what his father found in the Valley of the Jedi that ultimately led to his death. Kyle finally earns his Knighthood as a Jedi, and the stage is set for him to avenge his father's death and stop the Dark Jedi from taking control of the source of energy that lies underneath the Valley. Jedi Knight, the exciting conclusion to the series. In Jedi Knight Jerec, the Dark Jedi, brings his forces to Ruusan in the final part of his search for the Valley of the Jedi. Destroying anything that gets in his way, Jerec reaches the Valley just ahead of Kyle Katarn and Jan Ors. With the help fo the indigenous inhabitants of the planet, Kyle and Jan confront Jerec's Jedi and prepare for a final showdown with Jerec. If Jerec defeats Kyle, the unlimited power contained in the Valley will enable him to rule the galaxy. Are Kyle's untrained Jedi powers enough to defeat Jerec?

Customer Reviews:

Star Wars, Dark Forces Collector's Trilogy book cd's.......2007-03-19

Very well made, interesting and easy to follow. Very good sound effects in the back ground to go along with the story telling. If you played any of the games in relation, you will enjoy it even more. I'm glad I bought this and I already went through it twice.

Barely worth it.......2006-02-01

A good idea crushed by weak radio style acting. If the stories were simply narated and not played as though they were old time radio broadcasts, the stories themselves are interesting. Painfull to listen to in the car driving b/c of poor volume in recording. Get some othe Star Wars audio book.

Really not THAT bad.......2004-09-01

It's a well-done audio play. It has all the sound effects of the original radio dramas, used to wonderful effect. Like most Star Wars works, it re-uses the music from the movies but that isn't a bad thing. Each piece is used exactly where you'd expect to hear it. The story is of a young imperial officer discovering that the Empire isn't on the side of the angels and that he shares with Luke Sykwalker a claim to the legacy of the Jedi.

The ONLY complaint that I'd have about this is that it strays from the books it's adapted from and the games the books are based on. In other words, some of the most dramatic aspects of the story are left out. Example: Instead of the old Jedi Knight Rahn holding his own against all the Dark Jedi in his final battle, Jerec (chief baddie) just kills him without a fight. There are a few other examples of incredibly anti-climatic re-tellings of certain aspects of the story... but overall it really isn't that bad. I bought it, and if you've played the games (and you should since Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II features live actors in movie cut scenes that all together could be considered Episode VII) then it's a fun way to revisit a great story. "A Self-taught Jedi" indeed. Kudos.

Dark Forces audio dramatization.......2003-01-22

I've always been a huge fan of Star Wars and own quite a few audio books and dramatizations including the wonderful Star Wars trilogy dramatized radio broadcast, the Approaching Storm, Darth Maul, Episode 1, Episode 2, Rogue Planet, etc.

Judging from reviews I read, I was expecting this to be at least a reasonable facsimile of the original trilogy radio dramatization but it definitely is not that. I felt the writing, acting and even the story concept poor. If you're anxious for something good to listen to and haven't tried the other Star Wars books on audio cd yet, give those a shot first and see if you can pick this up used. This can be mildly entertaining at times but it's certainly not worth full price.

Among all of my Star Wars audio books and/or dramatizations, this one comes in dead last... I'd recommend venturing into non-Star Wars audio books like Frank Herbert's Dune before dropping any money on this selection.

Excellent! same style & quality of the original radio drama.......2000-05-07

These CDs were absolutely wonderful. for those of you who have listened to the original Star Wars radio drama and wished you could have more star wars stories in the same fashion. HERE IT IS! . for those of you new to the star wars universe....or have not heard the original radio drama, this is a full cast audio production with sound effects. This is well written and acted. the story is excellent. a must have for any star wars fan. great for tips on the road in the car.

Stars in Khaki: Movie Actors in the Army and the Air Services

Average customer rating:

Stars in Khaki: Movie Actors in the Army and the Air Services
James E. Wise , and Paul, III Wilderson
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1557509581

Book Description

A companion to the successful volumes on the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, Stars in Blue and Stars in the Corps, this book is filled with celebrity profiles of motion picture stars who served in the U.S. Army and air services from World War I through the Vietnam War. Many readers will discover for the first time details of the contributions made by Audie Murphy, Charlton Heston, Jimmy Stewart and many others. Most remarkable is the large number of celebrities who chose to serve their country in a military capacity--especially during World War II--instead of continuing their lives of luxury in Hollywood. With the previous two books, this work completes the picture of the military experience of movie stars in the United States.

Amazon.com

In Soldier for the Empire, writer William Dietz and painter Dean Williams have accomplished something rare among the numerous spinoffs of the Star Wars films: a story that captures the essence of Star Wars while charting new territory in terms of character development.

The story is a simple one. Like Luke Skywalker, Kyle Katarn is a young farm boy who dreams of the stars. But for Kyle, the way off his home world is through the Imperial Military Academy, not through a Jedi mentor. Just as Kyle reaches the end of his training in a vicious firefight on a Rebel-held asteroid, his father, Morgan, is killed in an Imperial attack. As he learns the truth behind his father's death, Kyle is awakened to a terrifying vision of the Empire that he has grown to respect, and he suddenly finds himself working for the Rebels to steal plans for the newly completed Death Star.

By integrating Kyle's tale into the actual plot of Star Wars, Deitz makes his novel especially relevant for Star Wars fans. But what really drives Soldier for the Empire are the grim details that bring the war to life. Dietz's vision of the Empire recounts the awesome discipline of Nazi Germany, and his descriptions of Dark Jedi Jerec are reminiscent of the twisted minds that must always stand behind organized evil. At the same time, by going inside the Empire (and into the psyches of Storm Troopers), Dietz reveals the seductive power of that evil. Dean Williams's award-winning paintings are a perfect complement to the story, creating a cinematic life for the text. Kyle's tale continues in Rebel Agent and Jedi Knight. --Patrick O'Kelley

Book Description

Kyle Katarn is a decorated graduate from the Imperial Military Academy who would forfeit his life for the Empire. But when he learns of his father's untimely death--and the devastating way in which he was killed--Kyle swears revenge against the very Imperial forces he was about to join. His opportunity comes when the Rebel Alliance offers him a special mission: break into the Imperial Research Facility on Danuta, find the Death Star plans, and bring them out.

Any sensible person would call it suicide. Kyle calls it vengeance.

Customer Reviews:

Great Audio Book!.......2005-05-12

This review covers the audio cassette book (2 tapes, 2.5+ hours). The music score was great, the sound effects terrific, and the acting very good. The plot...well that could take some time finding, but remember episdoe IV! Anyway, I really enjoyed this story. It takes place at about the same time as Ep. IV, and covers things more from the perspective of the Empire. Well worth the purchase price. I will have to see about getting the next two in the series. I want to see what happens!

Reads like a bullet, and leaves nothing out........2002-05-09

I had this book for a year before I actually read it. Since I primarily bought it for the great, poster quality, painted, full page illustrations it didn't matter. Besides I was under the impression that it was a "juvenile", a kid's book. Yeah, right, this is about as much a juvenile as is Heilein's _Starship Troopers_. There are some very gritty combat scenes here- and very well developed characters of depth. This is amazing in a novella of less than 120 pages (after you subtract the illustration pages.) There are hack writers out there that would have told this same story in 300 or 400, or more, pages, but Dietz does it in less than 120 without ommitting any detail, atmosphere, or continuity. That's the mark of a very skilled writer. Combined with the cover quality illustrations this book is practically a cinema quality experience all by itself. Moreover, I had not read the first two books of the trilogy, nor played the games, yet the book held together on its own.
Another thing, for a book that is so good on the combat and technical atmosphere, the metaphysics are also very satisfying. The tale of Lord Hoth and the Army of Light is truly worthy of the best of the Star Wars mythos. Indeed, it could almost be a grand finale in itself.
As a measure of how "in" to this I got, I finally ordered that universal remote shaped like a light saber for the TV. Hey, I needed a new remote anyway....

D2 Differenceý.......2000-12-14

In this final installment of the trilogy, just as the contributors changed from the first to the second book, a change was again made, and this makes the final installment the superior of the 3. Artist David Dorman was selected to illustrate this book; since he is a fixture in the Star Wars Realm he brings more credibility to the work. Mr. Dorman, or one of the other long-term illustrators should have been involved in this project from beginning to end.

The other basic change was the involvement of core characters from Star Wars that everybody who is a fan is familiar with. The role-playing games and the video games are widely played and very popular. However the audience is smaller, and as this series found out, it is not large enough to support a stand-alone series of novellas, which are overpriced, and repetitive.

The problem with this series is there is just too much of a gap between the Star Wars Universe as we know it as moviegoers and book readers, and these adaptations from the role-playing and video experiences. There is a way to greatly improve the readability of this series if you want to make it part of your collection.

"Mastadge" has a great list of some of the illustrated soft cover books that cover the background and the ancient portions of the Jedi and Sith Histories. They cover material you will find nowhere else, and they will add a new dimension to your library, and to your understanding of this ongoing epic.

Some of the titles to check out are, "Knights Of The Old Republic", "Dark Lords Of The Sith", and "The Sith War". They are all available through Amazon, and while I have enjoyed many of them, I have never reviewed the works. But as I said, Mastadge has reviewed almost all the varieties of Star Wars writing, and the list he has put together is well done.

Out Of Step.......2000-11-30

It has been years since I originally read this series, this particular episode, "Rebel Agent", is the second in a three-part cycle. This trilogy is based upon the role-playing games and I believe some of the video experiences. However they are out of synch with the rest of "Star Wars", and this is an issue.

Previously I have commented on how seamlessly the books that now approach 200 in number have fit together, how all were worth the reading time, for bits and pieces of history were to be gleaned from their review. This particular cycle offered full-page paintings by a noted artist of the Science Fiction Genre, and while some readers would have preferred their mind's eye, I think they are good, if inconsistent. Specifically the image that is supposed to portray Princess Leia looks like her less than attractive sister. There is no sister, and there should not have been this image.

At 128 pages in length, backtracking the story as if the reader decided to start in the middle is simply wrong. Star Wars readers tend to read everything, and if the story is weak, or too brief, then perhaps there should be a different story.

Characters like Boba Fett have developed their personalities over the decades, and the version of Fett in this book reads as though the writer never read a word about this character before. Fett sounds like a bad lounge act. Fett actually sounds like someone else dressed in the Mandalorian Armor. This caricature speaks more in this book, than in a dozen other novels, and trite is being kind as to the dialogue.

If someone were to start with this series after viewing the movies, they would be correct in feeling lost. These books populate the galaxy with Dark Side Jedi at every turn. They must have been hiding in the movies.

There is one interesting bit as to Yoda's history, and it may sound strange to some, but if you are as addicted to this world of George Lucas as I am, it nearly justifies the balance.

The best of the Trilogy.......2000-03-29

This book continues the adventures of Kyle Katarn, a young man who is training to become a Jedi. It is by far the best of the trilogy, which began with Soldier for the Empire. The novella is generally pretty good, connecting chapters (levels in the game) pretty well, and developing on Jan and Kyle properly. The plot is not too bad, and the illustrations are great. The drawings alone make this the best of the series, but the plot thickens as a bonus. Still, the novella fails to improve on some of the other books failings. The long and drawn out lightsaber battles in the movies and the game are shortened to just a few paragraphs in length, if that. Maw's duel with the young Kyle lasted no more than three sentences, and Selonia somehow manages to lose a battle she clearly has the upper hand in. While not quite as dissappointing (or as humorous) as Gorc's demise in Rebel Agent, the battles are still far too short for their own good, and a character who ends up dying early is developed almost as fully as Jan and Kyle are. Still, this is probably the best of the series, and a fine ending the trilogy. If you don't have the other two, buy this one first to see if this is the kind of book you want. It won't be very hard to catch on to what happened in the others, and the money you save if you don't like it will be worth it.

Average customer rating:

Interesting Guide to Movie Stars in the Military!

International Stars at War
James E. Wise , and Scott Baron
Manufacturer: US Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1557509654

Book Description

The last in a popular series on movie stars in the military, this handsome book provides readers with a guide to film actors of many nations who served in various branches of their own military forces. Because they appeared in Hollywood movies, many of these figures will be familiar to Americans.

A few even won Oscars. Others worked closer to home but are still readily recognizable. Most of them date their service to World War II, and the preponderance is British. Among the more than sixty stars featured are the British actors Richard Attenborough, Richard Burton, Michael Caine, Royal Navy gunner Sean Connery, Alex Guinness, Rex Harrison, Anthony Hopkins (who spent a year with the Royal Artillery during the Cold War), Ray Milland, Roger Moore (a first lieutenant with the British Army in occupied West Germany after World War II), David Niven, Michael Rennie, and Peter Ustinov. Those from Canada include Lorne Greene, Raymond Massey, and Walter Pidgeon. The Frenchmen include Maurice Chevalier and Charles Boyer. Also featured are Laurence Harvey of South Africa, Peter Finch of Australia, Oskar Werner of Germany, Toshiro Mifune of Japan, and Audrey Hepburn, who as a child was a courier for World War II resistance fighters in Holland.

While the book focuses on the stars' military experiences, it also provides information about their earlier lives and screen careers after their service. Like the other books in the series, it will have wide appeal.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Guide to Movie Stars in the Military!.......2007-05-09

INTERNATIONAL STARS AT WAR is the fourth - and last - in James Wise's 'Star' series. The first three (STARS IN BLUE, STARS IN KHAKI, STARS IN THE CORPS) dealt with U. S. actors/actresses who served in the military and/or saw combat. This time around, Wise looks at international stars and the result is as interesting, if not moreso, than its three predecessors.

Most of the 60+ stars featured in this book are British. There are several Canadians, Frenchmen, Germans, Japanese and Australians along with the occasional South African and even Rin Tin Tin! The list of actors covered is mind-boggling: Richard Attenborough, Richard Burton, Michael Caine, Maurice Chevalier, Sean Connery, Stewart Granger, Alec Guinness, Cedric Hardwicke, Hardy Kruger, Christopher Lee, Patrick Macnee, David Niven, Terry-Thomas, etc.

The "At War' title though is a bit misleading since only a small portion of the 60 saw combat. Most served during WWII but in a non-combat situation. And a small number served in the post-war years.

Be that as it may, the stories found in this volume are quite interesting, sometimes surprising and occasionally humorous, such as the military mis-adventures of blithe spirit Peter Ustinov. It might surprise readers to discover that mild-mannered Alec Guinness had an incredible combat record as did Donald Pleasance, who served in the RAF and ended up in a German POW camp. And then - deja vu - twenty years later, Pleasance starred in 'The Great Escape!' Other combat vets included David Niven, Kenneth More, Anthony Quayle and Richard Todd. Peter Sellers, Trevor Howard and others served in rear area units. Among the men who served post-war were two future James Bonds (Sean Connery and Roger Moore), Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole.

Film buffs and historians will enjoy this book. Well-written and well-researched, it offers a seldom seen glimpse into the lives of some very famous people.

Taming Texas: Captain William T. Sadler's Lone Star Service

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A fascinating history of Texas

Taming Texas: Captain William T. Sadler's Lone Star Service
Stephen L. Moore
Manufacturer: State House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Savage Frontier: 1838-1839: Rangers, Riflemen, And Indian Wars in Texas (Savage Frontier)
Savage Frontier: 1840-1841: Rangers, Riflemen, and Indian Wars in Texas (Savage Frontier)
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Becket

ASIN: 1880510693

Book Description

Profiles one of the leading pioneers of nineteenth-century Texas, who served in the Cherokee War and the Civil War and helped tame the frontier.

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating history of Texas.......2001-02-14

Taming Texas: Captain William T. Sadler's Lone Star Service is a fascinating history of Texas as revealed through the biography of William Turner Sadler (1797-1884). Sadler was one of the leading pioneers of 19th century Texas and participated in most of the major events of the period. He migrated to Texas from Georgia in 1835 to become a farmer. He soon found himself in command of the ranger company that built Fort Houston, served as a private in the battle of San Jacinto, was active in quelling the Cordova Rebellion, and became a leader in the campaign against Chief Bowles and the Cherokees. Eventually Sadler served as a representative in both the Republic Congress and the Texas state legislature. During the Civil War, at the age of 66, he served in Terrell's Texas Cavalry. Highly recommended reading, Taming Texas is informative, engaging, offers a unique perspective on Texas history, and is enhanced with photographs, roster lists, and line-drawn illustrations.

History: Fiction or Science? Dating methods as offered by mathematical statistics. Eclipses and zodiacs. Chronology Vol.I

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? Dating methods as offered by mathematical statistics. Eclipses and zodiacs. Chronology Vol.I
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Delamere Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
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Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621074
Release Date: 2007-03-19

Product Description

History: Fiction or Science? is the most explosive tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by solid scientific data. The book is well-illustrated, contains over 446 graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays, which never cease to amaze the reader. Eminent mathematician proves that: Jesus Christ was born in 1153 and crucified in 1186 The Old Testament refers to mediaeval events. Apocalypse was written after 1486. Does this sound uncanny? This version of events is substantiated by hard facts and logic - validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources - to a greater extent than everything you may have read and heard about history before. The dominating historical discourse in its current state was essentially crafted in the XVI century from a rather contradictory jumble of sources such as innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts whose originals had vanished in the Dark Ages and the allegedly irrefutable proof offered by late mediaeval astronomers, resting upon the power of ecclesial authorities. Nearly all of its components are blatantly untrue! For some of us, it shall possibly be quite disturbing to see the magnificent edifice of classical history to turn into an ominous simulacrum brooding over the snake pit of mediaeval politics. Twice so, in fact: the first seeing the legendary millenarian dust on the ancient marble turn into a mere layer of dirt - one that meticulous unprejudiced research can eventually remove. The second, and greater, attack of unease comes with the awareness of just how many areas of human knowledge still trust the three elephants of the consensual chronology to support them. Nothing can remedy that except for an individual chronological revolution happening in the minds of a large enough number of people.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Star Wars: Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire GSA (Star Wars: Dark Forces)

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Walked the Tight Rope Well
Not Just A Great Novel, But a Work of Art!

Star Wars: Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire GSA (Star Wars: Dark Forces)
William C. Dietz , and Dean Williams
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Star Wars - Dark Forces: Rebel Agent
Jedi Knight (Star Wars: Dark Forces)
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Endgame (Star Wars: Clone Wars, Vol. 9)

ASIN: 1569711550

Book Description

Kyle Katarn is a decorated graduate from the Imperial Military Academy; he would forfeit his very life for the Empire. But he wouldn't forfeit his father's life, and that's what the Empire has taken. Kyle is willing to do anything to avenge his father's death -- anything from selling classified information to a suicide run. And that's just what the Rebel Alliance has in mind for him. Soldier for the Empire is the first in a series of graphic-story albums featuring characters and situations based on the popular Star Wars: Dark Forces interactive games. Like Dark Horse's first graphic- story album, Aliens: Tribes, this novella-length prose story is accentuated by 25 full-page, painted illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Walked the Tight Rope Well.......2003-05-25

It is a tricky assignment to write a story based on a game and still be relevant to the rest of the expanded universe. Mr Dietz did a pretty good job here. Kyle Katarn, which is available as an action figure, is the guy that steals the plans to the death star. Considering that I had already read the Han solo trilogy, (My favorite trilogy in the EU) where Hans first love dies leading the decoy team, I thought it worked.

The art work was uneven to me. Some of it was sharp and germane to the story. Some of it was soft pastels that I just did not care for. And none of the artwork matches Dorman who does the third and book in this trilogy.

I really liked the format for the illustrated novella. I wish there were more.

Not Just A Great Novel, But a Work of Art!.......2002-12-08

I'm a huge Star Wars fan and I love the Expanded Universe characters. I first met Kyle Katarn when I played the Playstation game Star Wars: Dark Forces. The game gave you bits and pieces about Katarn's life, but left you wanting to know more. So you can imagine how happy I was to discover that there was a series of novels based on the characters in the game.
Kyle Katarn is the son of a farmer / mechanic from a planet in the Outer Rim. His family is not rich and the only way that Kyle will be assured an excellent education is to join the Imperial Academy. Although he doesn't always agree with everything he has learned at the Academy, Kyle has become a loyal officer, willing to risk his life for the Empire. Shortly after graduating the Academy, Katarn learns that his beloved father has been murdered. As Kyle journeys to his homeworld, he makes an amazing discovery - his father was not killed by Rebel agents as he had been told. His father WAS a Rebel agent, killed by the Empire. Bent on avenging his father's death, Katarn joins the Rebel Alliance. HIs first mission, given to him by Mon Mothma herself, is a doozy - get hold of the plans to the Imperial battlestation being built in orbit around Despayre (the Death Star for all you non-Star Wars fanatics out there!)! Can Kyle complete the mission, or will he sell out the Rebellion? Mon Mothma can't be sure, so she sends an opreative to keep an eye on him - and dispose of him if he reveals himself to be a traitor!
This book is 126 pages packed with action, adventure and intrigue! Perfectly written by William Dietz, the story will definitely hold your attention. Not only do you get more insight into one of your favorite Expanded Universe characters, you are treated to some guest appearances from the trilogy, such as Mon Mothma and Lando Calrissian. I especially enjoyed the illustrations, which can only adequately be described as works of art, by Dean WIlliams. Soldier for the Empire is part one of a trilogy of Dark Forces novels. I've already read parts one and two, and can't wait to get my hands on the third! A treat for any Star Wars fan, whether you're a fan of the movies, books, or games!

Over Here, over There: The Andrews Sisters and the Uso Stars in World War II (Zebra Books)

Average customer rating:

maxene andrews-an andrews sister-great lady and friend!
Stars that helped out by entertaining the troops...
Back in MY day ...
Back in MY day ...

Over Here, over There: The Andrews Sisters and the Uso Stars in World War II (Zebra Books)
Andrews
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0821741179

Customer Reviews:

maxene andrews-an andrews sister-great lady and friend!.......2005-02-18

I am a professional director in the American theatre, and for the last 20 years of her life, it was my joy to direct and collaborate with Maxene Andrews on many shows, radio interviews, personal appearances, and stage appearances! She was a great lady with a heart of gold, and such pride in America!

She always spoke highly of her sisters and family, and was never boastful about the major contribution "The Andrews Sisters" made to America, and especially the WW II effort to bolster the spirits of our fighting men and women.

Maxene is sorely missed by her friends and fans, but the book she wrote with Bill, "Over Here-Over There," is a treat to read and love! She was excited when "telling the memories!" The book especially reflects wit and faith in times of great trouble for our country. The music and the stories behind the shows for the USO are inspiring!

I am happy to have known Maxene and to have been a part of her life as her director and friend! No single singing group in our history has equally the perfection and spirt of these three Greek daughters of an immigrant to America!

Maxene Andrews is a spirit that continues to brighten our torch of freedom through the music that she and her sisters sang. The stories told in this book reflect the scenes behind the scenes of keeping America smiling!

CASH BAXTER
Producer/Director
Palm Desert, CA

Stars that helped out by entertaining the troops..........2002-11-24

Great book about the Andrews Sisters, their work during the WWII years with the USO, and many of the other stars that participated in these shows to entertain the troops.

Back in MY day ..........2000-05-26

This book provides fabulous insight on WWII and the spirit of America that helped win the war for the Allies. So many times, my parents said, "Why, back in my day we didn't get meat at every dinner. But we didn't complain: we LIKED it!" If you want to know more about America's patriotic spirit and how it "gets the job done", you'll love this book. The Andrews Sisters were a class act and Maxine and the other USO "soldiers in greasepaint" did their best to encourage and cheer our fighting forces on home soil and abroad. This book has a lot of history and tells about emotions of the folks during that time in a very poignant way. If you ever wondered why certain songs with wacky titles were popular ("Six Jerks In A Jeep"), you'll come away with greater understanding.

Back in MY day ..........2000-05-26

Invasion: The Soldiers of Fear (Star Trek: The Next Generation, No. 41)

Average customer rating:

Pretty good story, a bit predictable for my taste.
STNG #41 Invasion! The Soldiers of Fear - A major let down!
The one disappoint volume in the Invasion Series
Excellent in a Series
Too short

Invasion: The Soldiers of Fear (Star Trek: The Next Generation, No. 41)
Dean Wesley Smith , and Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0671541749

Book Description

Long ago, before the dawn of civilization, they were banished to the realm of nightmares. Now the terrors are real . . .

A generation ago, another Starship Enterprise ^TM fought off a ship of exiled aliens intent on conquering all of the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet thought the foe had been repelled forever -- until now. The Furies have returned in might warships even more powerful than before. But their weapons are more than merely physical, for these aliens are the origins of all the demons and monsters of ancient myth, and they have found a way to project fear directly into the minds of their enemies. To defeat the Furies, and save the Federation, Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise ^TM must first conquer the darkest terrors of their unconscious minds.

Download Description

A generation ago, another Starship Enterprise fought off a ship of exiled aliens intent on conquering all of the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet thought the foe had been repelled forever--until now. The Furies have returned in mighty warships more powerful than before, and Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise must again conquer an opposing enemy.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good story, a bit predictable for my taste........2007-08-23

Standard Star Trek fare; enemy fleet comes through a wormhole to attack and enslave the Federation (and anybody else in the vicinity) using an energy beam that generates debilitating fear. Enterprise crew distinguishes themselves in standing up to the fear, Picard tries to negotiate, bad guys won't, battle is joined, etc. But even worse in terms of predictability was the fate of Lt. Redbay; did anybody over the age of ten NOT see that one coming almost from the moment that he was introduced? Certainly by the time it was made clear that a hotshot pilot was going to be required for a "suicide mission"? TOO much telegraphing of plot points.

Other than the excessively predictable plot, book was quite well-written.

STNG #41 Invasion! The Soldiers of Fear - A major let down!.......2003-12-08

After the exciting events of the first novel in this series "First Strike," "The Soldiers of Fear" is a disappointing let down. This is extremely rare for these two fine authors, Dean Wesley Smith and his wife, Kristine Kathryn Rusch. It doesn't take too long to notice that the authors probably weren't given too much of a look at the first novel because several avenues opened during that book were seemingly ignored in this one. Most telling of this tale is the rather short length of the novel, at 234 pages of large print to include a 38 page excerpt from the third book in the series, which is considerably shorter than the other three novels.

To add to the disappointment of this novel is the pure fact that conceptually, the premise is wrought with unrealized potential. I'm sure that if these two fine authors were given more time and another opportunity to write this one, they would've written a much better novel.

The cover art for this novel is only slightly better than the rest at the time of its publishing.

The premise:

After a century of peace and no sign of the Furies, they return with a vengeance to reclaim the territory they believe is rightfully theirs. To make matters worse for Starfleet and the rest of the Alpha quadrant, the Furies have returned with a massive fleet of even more deadly ships than the one that came a century before. To add to that, they learned something from their first encounter and are now employing a weapon of fear upon their enemies, literally crippling them and then moving in with their physical weapons to destroy them.

What follows from there, as stated above, is novel that was wrought with potential that is ultimately unrealized in its execution. I would still recommend this novel and the other three in the series as this is only a bump in the road for the series as a whole. {ssintrepid}

The one disappoint volume in the Invasion Series.......2000-11-10

It is easy to see why Book Two in the Invasion series is so readily dismissed by a lot of readers. We went from 289 pages of small print in "First Strike" to 234 pages of big print in "The Soldiers of Fear." There is even a 38 page excerpt from "Time's Enemy" to pad the book even more. But those numbers are only indicative of the qualitative drop off from Book One in the Series. You get the feeling Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch worked from nothing more than a synopsis or an outline, because all of the background Diane Carey put into that first book are totally ignored. There are references to what happened with Kirk, and certainly the fear weapon used shows the invaders learned something about their opponents since that first encounter, but the entire culture of the Furies is abandoned, particularly the entire Druid angle. Since Carey is one of the co-creators of this series I have to feel that her perspective gets privileged. If they had the opportunity to actually read "First Strike" surely Smith and Rusch they would have made some serious improvements in Book Two to bring it up to line.

Of the Enterprise crew, Geordi La Forge is the only character who shows any additional depth, and this is mainly because the book does spend some time while he is engaged in solving problems as opposed to his just being the disembodied voice speaking from Engineering. There are a couple of interesting chats between Picard and Guinan, and some nice insights into Troi's subconscious as well as her relationship with Picard. But a lot of the emotional part of the story is reduced to short hand. Troi and Worf exchange meaningful looks when Troi is in trouble and the reader supplies all the meaning and import, although it is not at all clear where this story fits into the Next Generation chronology.

There was a sense of tragedy to "First Strike" because Kirk was trying to stop a war that was so unnecessary. In "The Soldiers of Fear" the writers try to create an epic moment, on the level of Spock's sacrifice at the end of "The Wrath of Khan," but when we get to the big moment there is no suspense because as soon as you know what the mission is, you know what will happen. The writers really needed to come up with a better way of getting out of that do or die situation. More importantly, "The Soldiers of Fear" simply needed to follow up on "First Strike" a lot better. The feeling of momentum in the Invasion series is gone by the time you finish this novel and realize the rest of the book is a teaser for the next volume. But I promise you that if you keep reading the rest of the Invasion books, you are going to be impressed.

Excellent in a Series.......2000-10-21

Perhaps not quite as good as the first book, but I loved the way if followed through with the story and made it a continuing series. I've not read the other two yet, but soon will. I highly recommend reading book 1 and 2 of this Invasion series. You'll love it if you're a Star Trek fan.

Too short.......2000-06-01

I found this one to be lacking more description to create a good image of what went on up until the end when it seemed to be at its best. This one was a 2 day reading for me, and I am NOT a fast reader. It just had larger print and less detail. Pretty boring in most aspects, but the ending was good.

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