Shadowline: The Starfishers Trilogy: Volume One

Glen Cook is one of those talented writers who have managed to succeed in writing both science fiction and fantasy. His latest, //Shadowline//, is science fiction, the first book in the Starfisher Trilogy. Though set in the distant future amongst the stars, //Shadowline// has a somewhat feudal feel about it. The story revolves around Mouse, the youngest son of a Mercenary King, who despite his father's best efforts to keep him from the gun-for-hire life, has been drawn back in by a blood feud centuries old. Cook is an excellent writer, bringing gritty realism to a world that defies belief. Sadly, as with most trilogies, //Shadowline// only sets up the rest of the story. Despite that, it's a gripping piece of work. The setup includes a broken planet, alien intrigues, mercenary honor, a war of proxies, and a vast conspiracy that leaves the protagonist with no family, no home, and little hope of ever avenging himself. Cook introduces characters and events spanning 300-odd years, and by the end of the book has brought all the seemingly disparate storylines together, drawing Mouse into the life from which his father so desperately wanted to protect him. This is a fantastic first book in what looks to be an excellent hard sci-fi war series. Reviewed by Jonathon Howard

This is one of my all-time favorite science fiction books. A great read, plots within plots, great lines, great story-telling. A complete novel on it's own, this book is also the first book of the "starfisher" trilogy, following Mouse and friends. Riveting stuff.

that this book has been out of print for so long. In my opinion this is Glen Cook's best book (although at times I think that _the Dragon Never Sleeps_ may be almost as good). This is the story of the Storms - a family of mercenaries in the far distant future and their generation-spanning vendetta against Norbon w'Deeth - the head of a massive criminal syndicate who blames them for the deaths of his family and the near destruction of their criminal empire in a raid on his homeword. The book can be enjoyed on a much deeper level than as just a straightforward military sci-fi story, however. I don't want to give everything away, but for those who are interested, I recommend checking out the dedication. Also, I highly recommend the book _The Norse Myths_ by Kevin Crossley-Holland. Every time I reread the book I enjoy looking for parallels I haven't noticed before. One of the main strengths of the book is the characters. The story is very effectively told through multiple points of view, and you really come to care about each of the characters. Even the villains are, if not likeable, at least understandable and compelling, doing what they do because of their carefully detailed histories and psychologies. All-in-all, this is not just one of the best military sci-fi novels ever, but one of my all time favorite books.

that this book has been out of print for so long. In my opinion this is Glen Cook's best book (although at times I think that The Dragon Never Sleeps may be almost as good). This is the story of the Storms - a family of mercenaries in the far distant future and their generation-spanning vendetta against Norbon w'Deeth - the head of a massive criminal syndicate who blames the Storms for the deaths of his family and the near destruction of their criminal empire in a raid on his homeworld. The book can be enjoyed on a deeper level than as just a straightforward military sci-fi story, however. I don't want to give everything away but, for those who are interested, I recommend checking out the dedication. Also, I highly recommend the book The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley - Holland. Every time I reread the book I enjoy looking for parallels I haven't noticed before. One of the main strengths of the book is in the characters. The story is very effectively told through multiple points of view and you really come to care about each of the characters, Even the villains are, if not likeable, at least understandable and compelling, doing what they do because of their carefully detailed histories and psychologies. All - in - all, this is not just one of the best ever one of the best military sci-fi novels ever, but one of my all time favorite books.