Robert A. Frezza

A small colonial war is an under-appreciated gem of military scifi. In a genre characterized by right-wing rhetoric and planet destroying super-weapons, this is a story about an under-equipped light infantry battalion on the ass edge of space trying to eke out victory against an entire continent of Afrikaner through intelligence, the surgical application of brutality, and Clausewitz's adage that "war is fought by human beings."

That said, this book felt cramped, too many characters not enough show more characterization. The colonial economy and Japanese Empire that rules the backdrop is plausible-ish, but the part of me that wanted a straight digression on the strategy of space-based counterinsurgency forces was disappointed by how thin it was.

I feel bad giving this book 3 stars, but unless you really love David Drake, A Small Colonial War can probably be skipped. show less

You know that guy? The nice guy, pretty smart, best intentions, but he somehow always seems to end up in the middle of trouble. Fortunately, he's adaptable and he usually has a brilliant woman around to rescue him when he really needs it, so things work out. This book is about that guy. It's got an interesting future world, a variety of odd characters, and a beat up space ship. Nathan Fillion should star in the movie. Worth owning.

The sequel to McLendon's Syndrome, this book continues the adventures of nice-guy Ken and brilliant Catarina. As enjoyable as the first book. Worth owning.

TBR