Finally, The Whole Story, Saturday, May 17, 2008

I have owned and red all the stories in the book many years ago. But it way like seeing an old friend you haven't seen in a long time. Putting the whole thing together was wonderful. I only wish that Mr Pournelle and his editors would have included all of the 42th and Leigon stories. I especially like the short piece on John Christiam taking over as Commander of the 42th. Now if there were only stories about the formation of the First Empire. . .

Rating: 5 out of 5

Together, at last!, Monday, February 27, 2006

Wow. I read The Mercenary when it first hit the stands (I was a high school freshman); I've stayed with Falkenberg, et at, ever since. Yes, Dr Pournelle can get a tad preachy at times (as do most of my favorites--Asimov, Bujold, Heinlein, and Weber to name a few)--and so what? He manages to work through his ongoing ruminations on the place of the soldier in society in an engaging and literate fashion. So many of his characters remind me of so many folks I knew when I served in the Army. I've always hoped that one day someone'd publish the stories in chronological order; I never dreamed that I'd finally get the whole lot in one massive volume. Now if we could get the same with the War World stories...

29 Jul 09 NOTE: I have no idea why White's Prince of Sunset is being shown here...

Rating: 5 out of 5

DONT BE FOOLED, Friday, October 08, 2004

Based on the title, inside jacket synopsis, and first couple of pages of the book one would think they were going to read about a 21st century Richard "Dick" Sharpe.

One would be totally wrong.

First of all the title character is barely even in the book. Second his 'Legion' is barely discussed also. Essentially the book is about other characters/organizations besides Faulkenbergs Legion.

I thought I was going to be reading about a "military genius", a master of military tactics however, Pournelle gives no basis [that might not be totally accurate, his fater was a military historian, but Pournelle didnt have Faulkenberg remembering lessons from ancient battles to win current battles] or examples of the title characters military "genius". One of the major shortcomings of the book is that according to the story when the fate of "civilization" hanged in the balance and could only be decided by a 'battle' the main character was not even present. Furthermore, he was barely even mentioned in the last book.

I guess one could say that the book was not about 'Faulkenberg' but about his 'Legion'. That would be a fair argument except once again when the battle for civilization was to take place Faulkenbergs Legion was not present.

Who was present?

The non-combatants, families, children, and the aged[members close to retirement]. That is hardly a "Legion".

Pournelle did not center the books around one character which is ok [i guess] but he didnt give any examples of how characters got their skills. Characters start off as new Lieutenants and are not mentioned again until they're Lt. Colonels.

The book probably would have been better if Pournelle would have showed how Faulkenberg learned the battle skills needed to win a battle to save civilization. However, he did not. Even if it wasn't Faulkenberg, at least show a specific soldier go from green recruit to battle tested veteran.

For all those familiar with the Sharpe Series and who have read this book, could you imagine the scenes with Sharpe and Harper training the Spartans?

For all those looking for books that show/follow a military career from the ranks to command (and battles in between)look at the Sharpe Series by Bernard Cornwell.

Rating: 1 out of 5