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John Ringo, Linda Evans Baen, Mar 2004, 25.00, 682 pp. ISBN: 0743471873 The ET Volkswanderung has arrived to conquer the residents of the planet Jefferson, cut off from the rest of the Concordant. Nothing survives the devastation of these marauding interplanetary travelers once they engage in their usual hostile activities. To battle the Volkswanderung, Commander Simon Khrustinov and his Surplus on Loan (SOL) Bolo prepare for one final onslaught yet they successfully vanquish the enemy. However, much of Jefferson is in ruins from the war. Infrastructure either no longer exists or so feeble it might as well not be there. To rebuild the planet means a major influx of capital (both money and people), but few are willing to pay the cost. When the unpopular government tries to make tough decisions, it gains no support and collapses. Narrow vision Utopians take over with a special agenda attempt to trick the powerful Bolo into ethnically cleanse their enemies, not understanding the moral dilemma imposed on this thinking war machine with a conscience. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Political power play Yes Political plotlets - overthrowing govt/kingdom Robots, Computers, VR Yes Robot, PC, VR Plotlets: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 20 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 10 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 50 % Main Character Identity: - An "It". Really unusual traits? Main Adversary Identity: - society How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript |
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