Defiant (Kris Longknife)

"Defiant," the third (and so far best) of the Kris Longknife books, goes down as smoothly as lemonade on a July afternoon, and you're likely to find it just as welcome. As before, the author fills a military story with wit and humanity--and with believeable characters. As before, this series is less tongue in cheek than Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles books, and less solemn than David Weber's Honorverse, the two series it most closely resembles. Mike Shepherd portmanteaus two stories here. In the first part of the book Princess Kris ventures on a diplomatic mission to the planet Hikila, where she negotiates with a Pacific-island culture (and frees some hostages too). Then, she returns to Wardhaven while it's in the middle of a political election battle, the main fleet has been lured away, and six battleships are bearing down on her home planet. Playing "the princess card," Kris--who'd previously been removed from her navy command--assumes command of the defense of the realm "by right of blood, by right of name, by right of title," and the rest of the book is an almost minute-by-minute description of the preparations for, and the execution of, the battle. As the countdown to contact with the enemy begins, the POV, so far all Kris's, now starts to shift around from the defenders to the attackers and back. You know what the plans are; you wait to see how they're going to be executed. Since at the moment three more books in the series have been published, there's little doubt who's going to prevail. But how? Finding out is what will keep you turning the pages.

This is the first in the series that I read-I seem to be reading series backward. The overall writing reminds me of David Webber although not a polished. Character development is good, the story well told and compleing, with an intgeresting mix of societies and clash of cultures. The long term villan of the series gets at least some comupence. Thedre is some humor paritularly with Nelie's interactions with the humans. I'd like to give it 41/2 stars but there is no provision for that. I'd give it 5 but it is stil a little rough around the edges, but even so way better than the run of the mill couyboys in space or SiFi millatry-not as good as Webber yet but definately getting there.

First let me start this off by saying that the proof reading was much better this time around... This story is once again about Kris Longknife and her adventures as rich girl, navy officer and princess. Our favorite cast of characters has returned... along with a few new ones, who help provide a deeper insight into what it means to be a Longknife. Kris finds out much more about this for herself... The author's skill continues to progress and this story is much better in terms of the amount of skill. I am however dissatisfied with the author's obsession with mutiny. In at least 2 of the now 3 books in this series the main character commits mutiny and the other book isn't far behind! While I did enjoy this book more than the previous 2, my note to the author is fine a new plot element. I'm sure you space opera fans will enjoy this tail as well... so pick up a copy... In my opinion the series along with the author are getting better!

In this third volume of Longknife adventures, Mr. Shepherd' characters continued to grown and add aspects to their characters that make for an excellent read. If you like space opera, there is plenty of that, if you like military science fiction, there is plenty of that, if you like heroic characters, that is plenty of that, and finally if you like smart machines, Nelly is there to provide a plenty of that too. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys good science fiction.