Midshipman's Hope

I have read quite a bit of science fiction in 2002 and "Midshipman's Hope" by David Feintuch is the best by far. It is a swashbuckling tale of the high seas that trades the ocean for the cold vacuum of space. The book is populated by a host of fascinating, well-developed characters.The book is written in the first person narrated by the by the main character Nicholas Seafort. We first see him as a lowly, insecure midshipman and watch him rise through the ranks. Along the way he must confront more than his share of demons. His character is at times deeply sympathetic and at other times loathsome. However, he is never boring and always compelling. Another distinguishing aspect of the book is in his depiction of the brutal 18th century style discipline that is employed in Feintuch's universe. It is at oft times quite disturbing. Fans of the movie "Starship Troopers" will certainly recognize the similarities. Perhaps the finest aspect of this novel is that it tells a complete self-contained story even though it is but the first of many in the "Seafort Saga". This is not to say that it does not leave you wanting more which it certainly does."Midshipman's Hope" is one of the best works in the genre of military sci-fi.

As you scroll through the reviews of this book, it becomes obvious that this is a book (and a series) you'll either love or hate. The fact is that Feintuch has chosen to deal with themes such as duty, loyalty and fidelity, and he does so without cynicism. As a result, he's created a central character who is not especially accessible to Gen X readers. Those unwilling or unable to make the adjustment will find these books excruciating.This first of the Seafort books takes a familiar scenario (in a new setting) and handles it well. Nick Seafort, a young midshipman on a starship, is catapaulted into a command he does not want but is obligated to accept. He suffers agonies of loneliness and guilt as he is forced into acts he himself finds repugnant because the alternative is even worse.Seafort's simply drips charisma, despite (or perhaps because of?) his vulnerability. His actions as he deals with one crisis after another whilst pulling his officers and crew together to pilot the ship safely to her destination make for a gripping read.

Feintuch's melodramatic sci-fi epic begins here with Midshipman's Hope. I bought this book at the University of Washington book store some years ago and I still remember how the clerk, who had read it, described the book: "It's terrific! It's like Admiral Hornblower meets Star Wars!" The subsequent books in the Nicholas Seafort saga are also excellent, but none of them resonates with the energy and originality of this, the first in the series. Don't miss it!

I hate following a crowd of 10's by giving the book a 10. The suspicion being I don't have a mind of my own and I didn't keep my mind open while reading the book. But I really did immensely enjoy this book. Why? For me it was a book about command, duty, loyalty and self sacrifice. Captain Seafort is the best commander in SF and extremely tough. He had to make difficult decisions, take risks and many times go against the majority. He is a pessimistic, paranoid person. But I believed that made him more effective as he was constantly alert for trouble. Optimists don't make effective commanders, they are just careless and sloppy. A pessimistic view of things created an inner doubt in his head that he really screwed things up or that he could have done better. Of course he hadn't, he acted superbly. I admit that reading about his self doubt was starting to bug me, but I took it as part of the author's way of describing the psychological makeup of an excellent commander. And I eventually agreed with it. I also loved the intense loyalties that were developed between the characters. Congrads Mr Feintuch on writing an excellent story. Now on to book 2, Challenger's Hope.

Okay, so like I'm going on vacation to visit the in-laws and decide to bring something to read just in case. I randomly pick up the book and read a comment or two about in the "grand tradition of Ender's Game" (Orson Scott Card) which I loved so I decide to give it a try even though the author is new to me. Man what a story! I could not put the book down. I finished it in like 3 nights. Next day, the wife wanted to go shopping, I give the obligatory groans but inside I'm hoping to find a bookstore. Yee ha! Found one and its well stocked. The 2nd book is just as good. The day before we are due to fly back, I told my wife I'd buy her that new dress... I think I finished the 3rd book as we were landing at LAX. Three books in just over a week. Sure glad we took pictures to remind me what we did during our vacation