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Cobra #2
Ударът на кобрата
Отново колониалните светове на човешкия Доминион са застрашени. Този път заплахата идва от расата на квазаманците. В сметката си обаче те са пропуснали супервойниците кобра от първо и второ поколение. Малка грешка, но фатална!
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1986
6 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
481 books8,513 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 28, 2024
Добро продължение на първата книга от серията.
Откъснатите от човечеството колонии търгуват активно с трофтите и работят по усвояването на девствените територии на трите планети, на които са се заселили.
Извънземните идват при тях след години на добросъседски отношения с много примамливо предложение. Планета посетена от тях - Квазама им се вижда опасна и те искат хората, с помощта на бойците кобри да неутрализират тази заплаха. В замяна им предлагат цели пет годни за обитаване светове като заплащане.
Дали Джони Моро и вече пораслите му синове ще успят в това ново предизвикателство?
В тази книга намерих няколко авторови несъответствия в сюжета, но карай - нищо не е толкова сериозно, та чак да ми развали читателския кеф.
Откъснатите от човечеството колонии търгуват активно с трофтите и работят по усвояването на девствените територии на трите планети, на които са се заселили.
Извънземните идват при тях след години на добросъседски отношения с много примамливо предложение. Планета посетена от тях - Квазама им се вижда опасна и те искат хората, с помощта на бойците кобри да неутрализират тази заплаха. В замяна им предлагат цели пет годни за обитаване светове като заплащане.
Дали Джони Моро и вече пораслите му синове ще успят в това ново предизвикателство?
В тази книга намерих няколко авторови несъответствия в сюжета, но карай - нищо не е толкова сериозно, та чак да ми развали читателския кеф.
October 19, 2024
Zahn turns a corner from the straight military SF/Vietnam war allegory of book one in the series into a really original and very interesting first contact story. From the ending, though, it looks like it’s back to the military SF for book three, unless he throws us a curveball.
Zahn’s prose style on this series is very matter of fact and mostly unemotional; it’s almost as if Hemingway had lived into the 1980s and started writing science fiction…
Zahn’s prose style on this series is very matter of fact and mostly unemotional; it’s almost as if Hemingway had lived into the 1980s and started writing science fiction…
August 9, 2012
Book Info: Genre: Military Science-fiction Reading Level: Adult
Disclosure: I received the 6th book in the series (or 3rd book in the 2nd trilogy) in exchange for an honest review; I have purchased these earlier books on my own, but am happy to provide an honest review anyway.
Synopsis: Will the COBRAs turn mercenary under Troft command? If anyone had told Jonny Moreau the Cobras would one day take orders from the alien Troft, he would have laughed without humor. He'd lost too many friends during the Troft war, though the Cobras triumphed in the end. Now, though, the Troft were trading partners – and they feared what might be a mutual danger. A new race, ruthless and tenacious, that threatened human space as well as Troft. And the offer was territory – five new planets for the overcrowded Cobra Worlds. Jonny Moreau's son Justin would carry the Moreau name to danger... and learn on Qasama that it takes more than a Cobra father to make a Cobra son
My Thoughts: This book moves its focus onto Jonny’s sons – Corwin, who has followed into his father’s political footsteps, and the identical twins Joshua and Justin. Again, there is an old-school sexism that amuses the heck out of me, since this is supposed to be way into the future – I guess the conservatives win! I also couldn’t help but notice the anti-conservationism approach of the characters in this book toward the native wildlife on the planets they colonize. Rather than trying to find a way to live with the native species, they set out to basically exterminate them. I probably wouldn’t have even noticed this back in the 1980s when they were written, as there was a very different mindset than now about this issue, but I surely do notice it now! Even scientists in this book are heard to insist: Shoot it, shoot it! However, toward the end of the book and in response to the Qasaman and mojo threat, they sort of redeem themselves in that respect.
Speaking of the mojos, those are some really interesting birds; I would have liked to have had all questions regarding them answered, but the overall situation was a bit too tenuous, so I’m happy with the outcome.
I must say I was incredibly impressed with the character of York, a Marine, and a truly brave and noble human. He endures a real trial and comes out of it with a healthy respect for his enemy – additionally, he is not afraid to admit his fear, nor is he so worried about others’ perceptions of him that he would risk himself unnecessarily. All-in-all a brilliant bit of characterization; it’s a pity he’s not a more major character.
A fast-paced book, in which the characters face some tough decisions, and show that it is indeed possible to win a war, of sorts, without firing a single shot. Great bit of military science-fiction.
Disclosure: I received the 6th book in the series (or 3rd book in the 2nd trilogy) in exchange for an honest review; I have purchased these earlier books on my own, but am happy to provide an honest review anyway.
Synopsis: Will the COBRAs turn mercenary under Troft command? If anyone had told Jonny Moreau the Cobras would one day take orders from the alien Troft, he would have laughed without humor. He'd lost too many friends during the Troft war, though the Cobras triumphed in the end. Now, though, the Troft were trading partners – and they feared what might be a mutual danger. A new race, ruthless and tenacious, that threatened human space as well as Troft. And the offer was territory – five new planets for the overcrowded Cobra Worlds. Jonny Moreau's son Justin would carry the Moreau name to danger... and learn on Qasama that it takes more than a Cobra father to make a Cobra son
My Thoughts: This book moves its focus onto Jonny’s sons – Corwin, who has followed into his father’s political footsteps, and the identical twins Joshua and Justin. Again, there is an old-school sexism that amuses the heck out of me, since this is supposed to be way into the future – I guess the conservatives win! I also couldn’t help but notice the anti-conservationism approach of the characters in this book toward the native wildlife on the planets they colonize. Rather than trying to find a way to live with the native species, they set out to basically exterminate them. I probably wouldn’t have even noticed this back in the 1980s when they were written, as there was a very different mindset than now about this issue, but I surely do notice it now! Even scientists in this book are heard to insist: Shoot it, shoot it! However, toward the end of the book and in response to the Qasaman and mojo threat, they sort of redeem themselves in that respect.
Speaking of the mojos, those are some really interesting birds; I would have liked to have had all questions regarding them answered, but the overall situation was a bit too tenuous, so I’m happy with the outcome.
I must say I was incredibly impressed with the character of York, a Marine, and a truly brave and noble human. He endures a real trial and comes out of it with a healthy respect for his enemy – additionally, he is not afraid to admit his fear, nor is he so worried about others’ perceptions of him that he would risk himself unnecessarily. All-in-all a brilliant bit of characterization; it’s a pity he’s not a more major character.
A fast-paced book, in which the characters face some tough decisions, and show that it is indeed possible to win a war, of sorts, without firing a single shot. Great bit of military science-fiction.
November 6, 2016
Whereas the first novel in the series told the story of the beginning of the Cobra worlds through the eyes and life of Jonny Moreau, the sequel tells a more concise story. Set about 14 years after the events of the first one, Jonny Moreau has solidified his place in the politics but at the expense of his relationship with his wife and children. He is also suffering from arthritis and anemia - like all other men who have received the Cobra enhancements - and knows that he will die relatively young. The rising stars of the family are the Moreau children: the eldest, Corwin, is following his father's footsteps into politics while Justin wishes to become a Cobra despite the short life expectancy that the enhancements come with.
The main story deals with a mystery of a civilized planet somewhere between the Cobra Worlds and the Troft empire. The Troft wish to hire the cobras to eliminate the threat that this world poses, but when the humans land on the planet, one mystery and revelation follows the other...
There's a small peculiarity with the Cobra laser weapons - in the first novel the beams were said to be invisible (as they should, being lasers), but now some descriptions give the impression that they are, in fact, visible. Some other pieces of tech, such as phones and cars, feel somewhat dated even to a modern reader, let alone a civilization existing 400 years from now.
An enjoyable read from Zahn once again, although one begins to wonder about the small role of female characters - certainly there's Jonny's wife and a random politician and scientists, but otherwise the storyline is very male-dominated. Luckily, the next novel in the series will fix that problem.
The main story deals with a mystery of a civilized planet somewhere between the Cobra Worlds and the Troft empire. The Troft wish to hire the cobras to eliminate the threat that this world poses, but when the humans land on the planet, one mystery and revelation follows the other...
There's a small peculiarity with the Cobra laser weapons - in the first novel the beams were said to be invisible (as they should, being lasers), but now some descriptions give the impression that they are, in fact, visible. Some other pieces of tech, such as phones and cars, feel somewhat dated even to a modern reader, let alone a civilization existing 400 years from now.
An enjoyable read from Zahn once again, although one begins to wonder about the small role of female characters - certainly there's Jonny's wife and a random politician and scientists, but otherwise the storyline is very male-dominated. Luckily, the next novel in the series will fix that problem.
April 12, 2011
I don't feel like I can give an impartial review of this book. This book explores nearly all of my favorite tropes, and all together in one place. In many ways, this book was so many light years ahead of anything that I'd read before it, that it is probably the most fun I've ever had reading a book.
One of the most suprisingly awesome tropes in this book is the idea that myth can have power, and embracing your own reputation, however ill deserved, can give you advantages. This creates a crowning moment of awesome near the end of the book when a suprising development plays right into the undeserved reputation of the "Cobras."
Most of this book deals with a colony that had to be seperated from the motherworld that create it. They have to learn how to develop their colonies as well as interact as an independent actor in interstellar politics.
Surrounded by groups larger and more powerful, the colonies have to consider short and long term effects of their actions. When they are offered a way to expand their little empire in exchange for providing a service they are individually well suited for, they agree.
The conflicts while often military in nature are often resolved in non-violent or creative ways that are much more dependent on brain than on brawn. This is refresh when compared to the other slew of books about technology enhanced special forces.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in space opera or military sci fi, or new world colonization. It is the second book in the series, but is much more approachable than the first book. I think you could start with this one, but the first one is rather short, so you could start there as well.
One of the most suprisingly awesome tropes in this book is the idea that myth can have power, and embracing your own reputation, however ill deserved, can give you advantages. This creates a crowning moment of awesome near the end of the book when a suprising development plays right into the undeserved reputation of the "Cobras."
Most of this book deals with a colony that had to be seperated from the motherworld that create it. They have to learn how to develop their colonies as well as interact as an independent actor in interstellar politics.
Surrounded by groups larger and more powerful, the colonies have to consider short and long term effects of their actions. When they are offered a way to expand their little empire in exchange for providing a service they are individually well suited for, they agree.
The conflicts while often military in nature are often resolved in non-violent or creative ways that are much more dependent on brain than on brawn. This is refresh when compared to the other slew of books about technology enhanced special forces.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in space opera or military sci fi, or new world colonization. It is the second book in the series, but is much more approachable than the first book. I think you could start with this one, but the first one is rather short, so you could start there as well.
June 19, 2013
Please vote on list Best Timothy Zahn Novels.
This book takes place 14 years after the events of Cobra. Members of the Moreau family are the main characters; namely Jonny, Justin, Joshua, and Corwin. Gwen also makes a couple of appearances. A really solid and enjoyable entry in the series, just not quite as good as the first one. The twist at the end was unexpected and interesting. Good characters from Zahn as always.
This book takes place 14 years after the events of Cobra. Members of the Moreau family are the main characters; namely Jonny, Justin, Joshua, and Corwin. Gwen also makes a couple of appearances. A really solid and enjoyable entry in the series, just not quite as good as the first one. The twist at the end was unexpected and interesting. Good characters from Zahn as always.
November 3, 2025
Timothy Zahn's Cobra was one of my biggest surprises in recent memory. For a reader with a limited background in military science-fiction, I had tempered expectations for my first non-Star Wars Zahn novel, but Cobra was easy to enjoy. It was far more character-focused that what I'd been led to suspect from military sci-fi, and at times it was closer in tone to classic space opera. Right up my alley. That being said, the book's episodic, time-hopping formula cast doubt as to whether the magic could be maintained across a multi-volume series. And that brings us to Cobra Strike- the second component of Zahn's original Cobra trilogy. Although it predictably falls short of its predecessor, it's a worthy follow-up that ditches the episodic structure for a more conventional narrative. A somewhat different reading experience, but still recommended to anybody who enjoyed the first Cobra novel
Cobra Strike takes place approximately fifteen years after the end of Cobra. The "Cobra worlds" are thriving, despite their isolation from the Dominion of Man, and they have entered into uneasy economic alliance with nearby Troft clans. Narratively, Cobra Strike shifts its perspective from Jonny Moreau to the entirety of the Moreau family (and several associated figures). Jonny himself is recently retired yet still involved with local politics, whereas all three of his sons are now fully grown (eldest Corwin, twins Justin and Joshua). The book kicks off with Justin leaving to join the next generation of Cobras. Shortly thereafter, the Trofts offer the Cobras five new world in exchange for eliminating a new alien threat known as the Qasama. Cobra Justin and non-Cobra Joshua both join a mission to scout these mysterious Qasama, and much of the novel concerns their subsequent investigation. Meanwhile, Jonny and his wife lead a survey of the worlds proffered by the Trofts. Unlike Cobra, Cobra Strike is presented as a cohesive narrative, with no significant time jumps.
Personally, although I was mixed-to-positive when I started Cobra Strike, my opinion of the book greatly improved over its second half. I initially didn't know what to make of the novel's shift in tone: in addition to ditching the episodic structure, stylistically it lands much closer to space opera than to military sci-fi. In particular, there's surprisingly little action here until the second half. As such, I suspect that Cobra Strike may disappoint some readers in search of fast-paced adventure, whereas I agree that the novel's more conventional narrative deprives the series of much of its uniqueness. It's just hard to deny Zahn's knack for knack for space opera storytelling. And when the action finally appears, it's as great as ever.
Ultimately, I'd actually say that Cobra Strike benefits from its slower burning plot. If nothing else, the characters here are far better flesh-out than any of the non-Jonny figures from Cobra. This isn't to say that the novel totally redeems itself: despite the great ending, those shortcomings are notable enough that I'm forced to rank Cobra Strike as a step down from its predecessor. The most obvious of this flaws is the amount of time that Zahn spends describing the peculiarities of society on Qasama. I realize all of this becomes relevant to the twist ending, but I sometimes felt as though I had been transported into a "Star Trek-esque" first contact mission. Definitely not what I was looking for. Cobra Strike also uses a few too many POVs. Especially while on Qasama, Zahn loves to skip to previously minor characters (presumably in order to give readers a first-hand account of the action), and that can be confusing when you've barely just learned the names of everyone on the Qasama mission. Restricting the perspective to the Moreaus and Almo Pyre probably would've worked far better.
Cobra Strike isn't perfect, but it's still entertaining enough to earn a (relatively low) four-star rating and a solid recommendation. Here's hoping that Cobra Bargain continues to expand upon Zahn's universe in exciting ways.
Cobra Strike takes place approximately fifteen years after the end of Cobra. The "Cobra worlds" are thriving, despite their isolation from the Dominion of Man, and they have entered into uneasy economic alliance with nearby Troft clans. Narratively, Cobra Strike shifts its perspective from Jonny Moreau to the entirety of the Moreau family (and several associated figures). Jonny himself is recently retired yet still involved with local politics, whereas all three of his sons are now fully grown (eldest Corwin, twins Justin and Joshua). The book kicks off with Justin leaving to join the next generation of Cobras. Shortly thereafter, the Trofts offer the Cobras five new world in exchange for eliminating a new alien threat known as the Qasama. Cobra Justin and non-Cobra Joshua both join a mission to scout these mysterious Qasama, and much of the novel concerns their subsequent investigation. Meanwhile, Jonny and his wife lead a survey of the worlds proffered by the Trofts. Unlike Cobra, Cobra Strike is presented as a cohesive narrative, with no significant time jumps.
Personally, although I was mixed-to-positive when I started Cobra Strike, my opinion of the book greatly improved over its second half. I initially didn't know what to make of the novel's shift in tone: in addition to ditching the episodic structure, stylistically it lands much closer to space opera than to military sci-fi. In particular, there's surprisingly little action here until the second half. As such, I suspect that Cobra Strike may disappoint some readers in search of fast-paced adventure, whereas I agree that the novel's more conventional narrative deprives the series of much of its uniqueness. It's just hard to deny Zahn's knack for knack for space opera storytelling. And when the action finally appears, it's as great as ever.
Ultimately, I'd actually say that Cobra Strike benefits from its slower burning plot. If nothing else, the characters here are far better flesh-out than any of the non-Jonny figures from Cobra. This isn't to say that the novel totally redeems itself: despite the great ending, those shortcomings are notable enough that I'm forced to rank Cobra Strike as a step down from its predecessor. The most obvious of this flaws is the amount of time that Zahn spends describing the peculiarities of society on Qasama. I realize all of this becomes relevant to the twist ending, but I sometimes felt as though I had been transported into a "Star Trek-esque" first contact mission. Definitely not what I was looking for. Cobra Strike also uses a few too many POVs. Especially while on Qasama, Zahn loves to skip to previously minor characters (presumably in order to give readers a first-hand account of the action), and that can be confusing when you've barely just learned the names of everyone on the Qasama mission. Restricting the perspective to the Moreaus and Almo Pyre probably would've worked far better.
Cobra Strike isn't perfect, but it's still entertaining enough to earn a (relatively low) four-star rating and a solid recommendation. Here's hoping that Cobra Bargain continues to expand upon Zahn's universe in exciting ways.
October 15, 2022
This book is one of the best frictional book written by Henry. I really enjoyed reading this one. It was quite scary to imagine the scenario of war, but it was interesting. The story starts with an astrologer predicting a huge war between India and China in year 2030. This war is supposed to be the biggest and scariest war between the two countries. In this war, India will try to regain it's territories which were captured by China in 1962. India also wants to help Tibet to liberate from the Chinese occupation. To do so, they hired a girl from Tibetan University and trained her for a big mission
Do give this short book a read. It's just 182 pages long, though have so many emotions from past as well as from future
Do give this short book a read. It's just 182 pages long, though have so many emotions from past as well as from future
March 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book better than the first one. This one had a more complete feeling plot, not a set of stories about a single person. I liked Jonny and enjoyed reading about his experiences, but this book felt more like a novel with a linear plot and characters. There was more action in this one but it could have been more, more action is always better. I did like seeing the next generation of Moreaus and how they are all following in their father's footsteps in their own way. 3 out of 5 stars.
November 22, 2020
#2 in the original trilogy did not really do it for me. The setup to the problem seemed overly complex, especially for the overly simple solution. Not bad if you're looking for a quick read to fill some time but not memorable.
December 6, 2020
The worst book by Timothy Zahn I have ever read. Most of what happens lacks any logic and at the same time huge portions of the book are very boring. Definitely does not feel like science fiction, closer to disney fiction or marvel fiction.
February 1, 2024
The moral and ethical decisions in this one were interesting and challenging. I found myself wrestling with the characters’ decisions, especially since I strongly disagreed with many of them. The book really made me think, and I appreciate that.
January 5, 2019
Didn't actually finish.. Read the first one and OK.. 2nd one about the same but just didn't hold my attention.
October 5, 2012
Timothy Zahn is like an amusement park ride. Dare I say a Disneyland ride? When you get on a ride you know there might be some slow spots, just to catch your breath, but mostly it’s just going to go and twist you around in unexpected ways until you don’t think you can take any more. Then it ends.
I have more books by Timothy Zahn than any other author, and I still think that his original Star Wars books are better than any of the movies or books that have come since.
Cobra Strike is just more Timothy Zahn. That’s a good thing. Timothy Zahn is always good at fielding great moral questions then letting his readers work out the answers as the characters go on a great action and mystery hunt. There are usually politics and politicians thrown in as well.
What I like about Zahn’s politicians is that many times their motives and concerns are on a different scale than the average citizen. They make decisions that baffle the rest of the world but when we see what they are thinking it makes sense. This is how politicians look from the outside. I can only hope that on the inside they are as thoughtful as Zahn makes them sound.
In order to win five worlds in a bargain with the Troft aliens the government of the Cobra worlds agrees to send a neutralizing force to Qasama, a planet that the Troft find dangerous. The Cobra are turned from peacemakers to mercenaries over night.
Things get really fun when they get to Qasama and discover what the Troft didn’t tell them and the secret the Qasamans are trying to hide. The usual Timothy Zahn exploding and fast thinking cleverness ensues.
This is some of Zahn’s early work and it’s fascinating to see how quickly he improves as a writer. He deftly juggles several characters of different ages and background in order to tell a compelling story. Each of his characters has a history and their own sets of goals and fears. It’s almost hidden at first since the information comes as snippets in the middle of action but the people are distinct.
I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this book feels vaguely familiar. The political maneuvering, the government oversight, the strange aliens and brilliantly depicted action scenes against improbable odds have all been seen before. This book doesn’t present much that’s new to the world. If you’ve read Timothy Zahn before you probably know what to expect. However, that isn’t a bad thing – yet. There are other authors (Terry Brooks, David Eddings, etc.) who get tiresome. Maybe their formula isn’t as flexible or maybe I just wasn’t as patient.
I fully recommend this book. The beauty of it, and most of Zahn’s books that I’ve read, is that you don’t need to read the former Cobra book – though you should – in order to understand this one. Just pick it up and be ready for a ride.
I have more books by Timothy Zahn than any other author, and I still think that his original Star Wars books are better than any of the movies or books that have come since.
Cobra Strike is just more Timothy Zahn. That’s a good thing. Timothy Zahn is always good at fielding great moral questions then letting his readers work out the answers as the characters go on a great action and mystery hunt. There are usually politics and politicians thrown in as well.
What I like about Zahn’s politicians is that many times their motives and concerns are on a different scale than the average citizen. They make decisions that baffle the rest of the world but when we see what they are thinking it makes sense. This is how politicians look from the outside. I can only hope that on the inside they are as thoughtful as Zahn makes them sound.
In order to win five worlds in a bargain with the Troft aliens the government of the Cobra worlds agrees to send a neutralizing force to Qasama, a planet that the Troft find dangerous. The Cobra are turned from peacemakers to mercenaries over night.
Things get really fun when they get to Qasama and discover what the Troft didn’t tell them and the secret the Qasamans are trying to hide. The usual Timothy Zahn exploding and fast thinking cleverness ensues.
This is some of Zahn’s early work and it’s fascinating to see how quickly he improves as a writer. He deftly juggles several characters of different ages and background in order to tell a compelling story. Each of his characters has a history and their own sets of goals and fears. It’s almost hidden at first since the information comes as snippets in the middle of action but the people are distinct.
I feel like I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that this book feels vaguely familiar. The political maneuvering, the government oversight, the strange aliens and brilliantly depicted action scenes against improbable odds have all been seen before. This book doesn’t present much that’s new to the world. If you’ve read Timothy Zahn before you probably know what to expect. However, that isn’t a bad thing – yet. There are other authors (Terry Brooks, David Eddings, etc.) who get tiresome. Maybe their formula isn’t as flexible or maybe I just wasn’t as patient.
I fully recommend this book. The beauty of it, and most of Zahn’s books that I’ve read, is that you don’t need to read the former Cobra book – though you should – in order to understand this one. Just pick it up and be ready for a ride.
October 25, 2019
Timothy Zahn has always been one of the best Science Fiction Writers. This book shows how he earned his reputation. During the time he wrote this, sci-fi novels had been popularized by Andre Norton, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and many others. This book, and it's predecessor(Cobra) reflect a classic 60s-80s sci-fi vibe. The cover itself is completely in the classic sci-fi style and the storytelling as well.
While "Cobra" was about establishing setting and the universe, "Cobra Strike" is about establishing characters and conflict. Cobra had a basic premise "Trofts are bad, Trofts are invading, the only way to stop the Trofts is to join the army and fight as a Cobra, therefore our heroic protagonist, Jonny Moreau joins the military and Cobra." That's an incredibly simplistic way of stating it, but you can get the point. The beginning of the novel reflects the attitudes and concepts established in World War 2, with only a few minor tones of the Vietnam War in the second half. "Cobra Strike", however, is all one giant metaphor for the Vietnam War. The concept of going to fight an enemy who doesn't directly pose a threat to you but is in the greater good or may have no practical use to you but is in the government's interest is greatly explored in this novel. I could go on, but that would make for a really long review.
If I'm honest, "Cobra Strike" is not one of Timothy Zahn's best works. In fact, of the 17 novels of his that I've read, this is probably #17. I enjoyed it but not nearly as much as I enjoyed "Cobra" or "Angelmass" or any of his Star Wars novels. He has a character named "Corwin" who is the son of Jonny Moreau from the first novel who has a minor role in this. While I enjoyed the character, I found it a bit odd(or meta as the case may be) because Timothy Zahn's actual son is named Corwin. I don't know which came first, but it's slightly odd to me.
The plot was really unpredictable and read very differently to me than the first. The first was closer in design to a Star Wars story whereas this one felt more like a Star Trek storyline. Of the two, I generally prefer the Star Wars design.
Despite my criticisms, it's still a fun book and I would say it's ok to read. This is going to be the lowest score I've given a book yet, but this book gets a 5.1 out of 10(3 out of 5 for Goodreads purposes)
While "Cobra" was about establishing setting and the universe, "Cobra Strike" is about establishing characters and conflict. Cobra had a basic premise "Trofts are bad, Trofts are invading, the only way to stop the Trofts is to join the army and fight as a Cobra, therefore our heroic protagonist, Jonny Moreau joins the military and Cobra." That's an incredibly simplistic way of stating it, but you can get the point. The beginning of the novel reflects the attitudes and concepts established in World War 2, with only a few minor tones of the Vietnam War in the second half. "Cobra Strike", however, is all one giant metaphor for the Vietnam War. The concept of going to fight an enemy who doesn't directly pose a threat to you but is in the greater good or may have no practical use to you but is in the government's interest is greatly explored in this novel. I could go on, but that would make for a really long review.
If I'm honest, "Cobra Strike" is not one of Timothy Zahn's best works. In fact, of the 17 novels of his that I've read, this is probably #17. I enjoyed it but not nearly as much as I enjoyed "Cobra" or "Angelmass" or any of his Star Wars novels. He has a character named "Corwin" who is the son of Jonny Moreau from the first novel who has a minor role in this. While I enjoyed the character, I found it a bit odd(or meta as the case may be) because Timothy Zahn's actual son is named Corwin. I don't know which came first, but it's slightly odd to me.
The plot was really unpredictable and read very differently to me than the first. The first was closer in design to a Star Wars story whereas this one felt more like a Star Trek storyline. Of the two, I generally prefer the Star Wars design.
Despite my criticisms, it's still a fun book and I would say it's ok to read. This is going to be the lowest score I've given a book yet, but this book gets a 5.1 out of 10(3 out of 5 for Goodreads purposes)
May 17, 2016
(3.5 stars)
Cobra Strike mainly follows the children of the hero of the original Cobra book. It's a Timothy Zahn book, and that alone gives it a certain value, but it's not nearly my favourite of what I've read of his. It's one of his earlier works, and I feel that shows. Many of the transitions are quite abrupt, and there are a number of point-of-view changes that break my interest away from the narrative and require me to re-focus on a new character (some of the characters are more interesting than others). It probably doesn't help that it's been over six years since I read Cobra, so any affinity that I held for those characters has somewhat died away.
Those complaints out of the way, Cobra Strike is an interesting novel of the consequences of interstellar species divergence and the ripple effects of our choices. It's certainly exciting and tense in parts, even though it lags in others. I intend to continue reading the Cobra series since I know that Zahn has done nothing but become a better writer as time goes on. If you like interplanetary exploration, particularly concentrating on alien flora and fauna, then I would recommend Cobra Strike.
Cobra Strike mainly follows the children of the hero of the original Cobra book. It's a Timothy Zahn book, and that alone gives it a certain value, but it's not nearly my favourite of what I've read of his. It's one of his earlier works, and I feel that shows. Many of the transitions are quite abrupt, and there are a number of point-of-view changes that break my interest away from the narrative and require me to re-focus on a new character (some of the characters are more interesting than others). It probably doesn't help that it's been over six years since I read Cobra, so any affinity that I held for those characters has somewhat died away.
Those complaints out of the way, Cobra Strike is an interesting novel of the consequences of interstellar species divergence and the ripple effects of our choices. It's certainly exciting and tense in parts, even though it lags in others. I intend to continue reading the Cobra series since I know that Zahn has done nothing but become a better writer as time goes on. If you like interplanetary exploration, particularly concentrating on alien flora and fauna, then I would recommend Cobra Strike.
July 28, 2008
Oh I really enjoy the Cobra series by Timothy Zahn and this one, the middle of the 3, is no exception. Set in the far future with a couple of planets of humans who have been separated by the rest of humanity by a whole bunch of aliens, they are given a chance to expand into new territory if they simply do a 'favor' for those same aliens.
Really this book leads into the next and last of the series but it still has all of the fun stuff you expect from humans who have technological enhancements enabling them to become super soldiers. Awesome fun stuff.
Really this book leads into the next and last of the series but it still has all of the fun stuff you expect from humans who have technological enhancements enabling them to become super soldiers. Awesome fun stuff.
January 3, 2016
The contentious Cobra Worlds are marooned from Human Space, to prevent a 2nd War with the Troft. Decades later, the Troft-Human relationship has expanded and they are now trading partners. Now the Troft come to Jonny Moreau with an offer, as well as a plea- they have been facing sporadic attacks by an advanced force on another frontier.
The Troft request the help of the overcrowded Cobra Worlds to scout a group of planets, with the agreement that 5 planets will become theirs. The survey mission leaves, but find something utterly inexplicable...
The Troft request the help of the overcrowded Cobra Worlds to scout a group of planets, with the agreement that 5 planets will become theirs. The survey mission leaves, but find something utterly inexplicable...
April 6, 2014
Second generation of Cobra warriors, and we are enjoying the limits dealing with only one race, and a couple of planets. That race has a problem with aliens in the area, and Jonny Moreau decides to train a new generation of Cobra's to take it on. Justin is a cobra, and his twin brother Joshua, go on the mission. It is pretty awesome, high stakes, keep reading type of space opera/new worlds exploration.
May 20, 2009
Also really really good; I liked the ending. It was not what I expected. It gave me hope that we can find non-violent endings to our problems.
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April 30, 2010Decent sequel to COBRA.
September 10, 2010
Good so far. The politics are a little boring.
December 28, 2013
Better than the first in the series. Great action scenes.
June 17, 2016
How to solve problems interacting with a paranoid branch of humanity.
January 8, 2010
Escapist, fun scifi.
July 7, 2016
The second in the series lags at times, but worth the read.
February 28, 2015
Нещо явно не ми върви Тимъти Зан ...
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