Never Sound Retreat

Tanks and machine guns. Ha'ark has been forced to attack the Republic before he was absolutely ready, but the Republic buckles under pressure. This time both armies are modern and their leaders understand modern war. Also, expect the unexpected from Hans, who will turn the tide once more. A very interesting aspect of the series is how fallible Keane is. He inspires his people, but makes terrible mistakes that must be payed for with lots of blood later on. This destroys him little by little. Forstchen manages to make him very human, very far from a legend, and closer to what people really are. This book is transitional. Not as spectacular as those before, it still is very good and sets the stage for more to come. Also, a new major character is developed: the tank commander Timokin. And since Ferguson is dead, the technological edge that the Republic could always count on seems threatened. Read on.

I started reading the series last week and have read all 6 now. Just found out about A band of brothers and am going to buy as soon as possible. Keep it up and I will keep on reading.

This book and the next instalment are almost inseperable due to the cliffhanger at the end, but the suspense pays off in a resounding fashion in 'A Band of Brothers.' It retains all the favorable qualities of the previous books that have enamored the Civil War, fantasy enthusiast in me.

Everytime before a new book comes out in this series I try to guess the next plot line. I knew the humans wouldn't have gotten away so easy. So I figured on everything from another modern set of humans (Confederates I planned), Horde rediscovery of ancient weapons, to different alien races would arise to challenge the 35th. But a new Horde leader is genius. But 1 criticism. I feel Forstchen is writing himself into a corner by allowing weaponry to advance too fast. He will lose the civil war theme soon by bringing in airplanes 45 years too soon. And why havent the humans adapted aerosteamer engines to land transport? And certainly at least some humans must have tried to rebel before? But all in all a good work. Please hurry and give a map also.

Another great book in this series. I found myself recommending the series yet again in a local store. One request to the author (hope he reads these!): Whenever he decides to end this series, I would LOVE to read a good postlogue about the world 100 years after the "Horde Wars" is over...I would really enjoy seeing what world they create after they defeat (which I'm sure they will!) the hordes. The technology would certainly be beyond where we are today since the wars pushed technological advancement faster than it went on earth...and of course there's that secret place at the pole where the lost horde technology exists...maybe a book about the search for that stuff??? Anyway, there's some ideas I'm sure we'd all love to read! That's all! -- Scott Will