Books 3 and 4 in the New YorkTimes best-selling Empire of Man series: March to the Stars and We Few, both New York Times bestsellers.
Prince Roger MacClintock was an heir to the galaxy's Throne of Man and a self-obsessed spoiled young brat - that is, until he and the Royal Marines sent to protect him were stranded by an assassination attempt on the wild and dangerous planet of Marduk. After much travail, Roger has developed into a competent and compassionate leader of men. That competence will be tested when Roger and the Marines face an even greater challenge. The Throne of Man has been usurped. With his brother dead and the forces of an interstellar empire arrayed against him, Roger must avenge his family and fight for the just rule of a thousand stars.
About The Empire of Man Series: "Will fascinate sophisticated readers (the manual of arms for a four-armed, ten-foot soldier is a thing of beauty) . . . [and] grip straightforward action lovers." Publishers Weekly
"Coauthors Weber and Ringo excel in depicting the lives and times of soldiers both on and off the battlefield." Library Journal
David Mark Weber is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952.
Many of his stories have military, particularly naval, themes, and fit into the military science fiction genre. He frequently places female leading characters in what have been traditionally male roles.
One of his most popular and enduring characters is Honor Harrington whose alliterated name is an homage to C.S. Forester's character Horatio Hornblower and her last name from a fleet doctor in Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander. Her story, together with the "Honorverse" she inhabits, has been developed through 16 novels and six shared-universe anthologies, as of spring 2013 (other works are in production). In 2008, he donated his archive to the department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Northern Illinois University.
Many of his books are available online, either in their entirety as part of the Baen Free Library or, in the case of more recent books, in the form of sample chapters (typically the first 25-33% of the work).
This book is a great climax to a superb series of 4 books. A fruitful collaboration which has reminded me to read more Honor Harrington and has prompted me to start reading John Ringo. I really like space opera since starting to read his genre a couple of years ago. David Weber was one of the first authors I tried and he is still among my favourites, but I have tried maybe 20 different sci-fi authors over the two or three years and the "March Upcountry" series has certainly been one of my favourites. There is a depth of detail to the tactics, politics and relationships in these (and David Weber's other work - cannot comment on John Ringo's work, other than to say that it his influence here has only been positive!) books which really enhances the reading experience for me. This may make them a little 'slower' than some other author's work at times, but it makes for a much deeper and less superficial experience for me. I cannot praise this series too highly. For those who like to alternate reading the book with listening to the audiobook - the narration of the series is superb.
The only thing I dislike about a Ringo Weber book is their tendency to have so many characters that it would take a spreadsheet to keep them in order . It was hard to put this book down as it has always been hard to put any book written by rings or Weber down . Both excellent writers with main characters you can believe in and be willing to follow into hell .
This series has always been among my go to books to re-read. The characters are well developed and the action keeps the attention. It’s been years since the first time I have read the series. It’s now an old pleasure.
I am a huge fan of Weber who, together with another excellent SF author, Ringo, have created a great tale of Arthurian proportions. Enjoy the journey, and like me, feel sad when you get to the last page.
Of course I did not like some of the characters. But most of prince rogers group characters I liked. I can not find anything wrong with this. If I was the Author, I might have done something different, but I am not the Author and in know why qualified. I wish there was a sequel, but while a CA come up with several scenarios, I can not write like a story teller.
Love the story,love the characters. Feeling a little salty toward Ringo. You need to get your feet and knees together and write me some more Prince Roger! Seriously, both of these authors are first rate. Read their works.
Five it should be six stars. The unwavering search for Justice is effective as a noble goal. So often we rarely get a chance to live that dream. Dreams are good for all ages.
It isn't hard to apply great words to the work of great writers, and these are two of the very best! These books will keep you reading on and on. Super characters with a sensational story, what else could you ask for?
The detail and background throughout the story line was one of the best the author has ever accomplished. A deeply emmersive adventure that will capture the readers imagination and not disappoint through the last sentence.
This is one of the best collaborations that David Weber has ever entered into. An interesting tale that is very character driven and a plot that never lets up. Some of the best work of his career.
While still enjoyable definitely a step down from the first two. There are many developments that occur and make you say, "well that happened too easily." People just accept things sometimes and it makes no sense. I'm still willing to read more though.