Into the Looking Glass

(Reposted from 2006, also referenced in 2007.)

So after reading a couple of texts on quantum physics disguised cleverly as science fiction novels, I nosed around the Baen site, to Baen's Bar to see what else might be related. That turned up this novel by John Ringo, one of Baen's regular authors. He's the author (for example) of the ongoing Posleen series (that somehow is inspired by this character from this comic strip, one of my regular reads).

I started reading it and had a feeling of deja vu. The main character...where have I seen him before? Very funny, Mr. Ringo!

Quantum physics, "wormholes", hordes of aliens, lots of explosions. Could be an season or two of Stargate!

One of the cover blurbs says "If Tom Clancy were writing SF, it would read much like John Ringo". Yep, lots of guns, military tech, explosions, action. Not so much character development. But, as I've said before, I can't take a steady diet of rich food, every now and again you need a snack.

Of course, for those elements, you don't find many Baen Books on the Locus best of lists. But (oddly enough), they have won Hugos and other awards in the past. And they seem to sell quite well. So I'm not the only one who likes the occasional snack food style of book!

Seriously, I did enjoy the book. It was nice to see somebody written up as a SF character. There are many funny bits in the book. It moved quickly, not only due to the constant action, but it caught my attention, and kept it to the point where it was a page-turner.

Another blurb on the cover says "...Beginning a new series..." I'll be back to get the next installments, to be sure. (Voyage of the Space Bubble?)

Addendum (January 22, 2007): Needed something shortish to read, and I ended up rereading this. More fun than the first time around and since the sequel is due later this year, I'm refreshed on the plot. "War porn"? Maybe. Snack food level book? Definitely. But fun, and even more fun to see how much William Weaver resembles one Travis S. Taylor. Here are a few favorite passages from the book: Safety Lecture! Perceptions. Mister Satchel Charge. Telephone Call (One). Telephone Call (Two). Diplomatic Relations. Be Prepared!

Addendum (May 14, 2007): Just spotted this at John Ringo's website (see December 27, 2006 entry). Love this bit: "Then there are the braindead morons who are complaining because THE BOOK HAS TOO MUCH SCIENCE IN IT."