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Starfire #2,3
The Stars at War
Three complete novels in the New York Times best-selling series, all in one generous volume.
After the war against the Khanate ended in victory, the Inner Worlds found it hard to give up the powers they had seized over the Fringe Worlds during the conflict. So they invited the Khanate in to the Federation, to keep the colonial upstarts in their place. The Fringers have one answer to Insurrection!
Neither side in the Human-Orion war was strong enough to defeat the other, so it fizzled into an uneasy peace filled with hatred and mistrust on both sides. Then a ship appeared from the dim mists of half-forgotten history, and fired on the Orion sentry ship, igniting the fires of interstellar war anew, in a quest to free Holy Mother Terra.
In Death The human race and two other star traveling races had warred with each other in the past, but now all three are at peace-a peace which is shattered by the discovery of a fourth race, the "Bugs." The newcomers are mind-numbingly alien in their thought processes, have overwhelming numbers, and regard all other species as fit only to be food animals. There is no hope for peace with the invaders, and the galaxy explodes with a battle to the death. Kill-or be eaten!
806 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2004
128 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
David Weber
322 books4,552 followersDavid 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).
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidw...
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).
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidw...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 20, 2012
(Note: this review now covers all three stories in this volume.)
Story One: 3.5 stars, really, but I downgraded because, while this individual story was good reading, it is also a clone of so many of Weber's Honor Harrington and Bolo stories. As "pop corn for the brain" that may be fine, but someone wandering in unawares may stumble over all the cliches and assumed background of those series. For example, the book opens with a space naval battle in which familiar-to-Weber-readers ship- and weapon-types are tossed at the reader without explanation; Weber perhaps assuming the reader will recognize them from the Harrington/Bolo books.
As military action fiction The Stars at War enjoys and suffers all the superlatives and distractions of the Harrington stories: slightly larger-than-life cast, satisfying techno-babble, bureaucratic idiocy, dastardly politicians, true blue heroes and heroines, growth, hopeless odds, and victory pulled from the teeth of defeat. (I won't even mark this as a spoiler as we all know what to expect, and Weber delivers.)
(After reading the second two volumes) Despite what I wrote above, I'm dropping the rating to Two Stars because the book ends before the story. I really, really dislike authors who close intermediate volumes with next-to-nothing resolved. Okay, the publishers are forcing them to split their tome into multi-volumes to make more money; then use a little creativity for those who--like me--have no intention of reading more.
That said, at least Weber avoided the obvious Jordan-ism of having his tale go sideways. By the end of this book, the stakes couldn't be higher, humanity's back is to the wall, and most of what we know about the "bugs" is likely to be wrong. But Weber has killed off his most likeable characters, and I'm beginning to think maybe the bugs should win. After all, I saw the ambush the allies were walking into in Book Three. "Hubris is its own reward."
It's also tiresome that all of Weber's stories display such similar technology that the reader has trouble remembering which universe he's in. Even the aliens, whom the protags can't figure how they organize, think, communicate, have the same ships with the same drives, same armor and the same weapons as everyone else. Lazy writing.
Not a bad read, just not recommended.
Story One: 3.5 stars, really, but I downgraded because, while this individual story was good reading, it is also a clone of so many of Weber's Honor Harrington and Bolo stories. As "pop corn for the brain" that may be fine, but someone wandering in unawares may stumble over all the cliches and assumed background of those series. For example, the book opens with a space naval battle in which familiar-to-Weber-readers ship- and weapon-types are tossed at the reader without explanation; Weber perhaps assuming the reader will recognize them from the Harrington/Bolo books.
As military action fiction The Stars at War enjoys and suffers all the superlatives and distractions of the Harrington stories: slightly larger-than-life cast, satisfying techno-babble, bureaucratic idiocy, dastardly politicians, true blue heroes and heroines, growth, hopeless odds, and victory pulled from the teeth of defeat. (I won't even mark this as a spoiler as we all know what to expect, and Weber delivers.)
(After reading the second two volumes) Despite what I wrote above, I'm dropping the rating to Two Stars because the book ends before the story. I really, really dislike authors who close intermediate volumes with next-to-nothing resolved. Okay, the publishers are forcing them to split their tome into multi-volumes to make more money; then use a little creativity for those who--like me--have no intention of reading more.
That said, at least Weber avoided the obvious Jordan-ism of having his tale go sideways. By the end of this book, the stakes couldn't be higher, humanity's back is to the wall, and most of what we know about the "bugs" is likely to be wrong. But Weber has killed off his most likeable characters, and I'm beginning to think maybe the bugs should win. After all, I saw the ambush the allies were walking into in Book Three. "Hubris is its own reward."
It's also tiresome that all of Weber's stories display such similar technology that the reader has trouble remembering which universe he's in. Even the aliens, whom the protags can't figure how they organize, think, communicate, have the same ships with the same drives, same armor and the same weapons as everyone else. Lazy writing.
Not a bad read, just not recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2011
A great set of books and a must great for any Weber/White fan or anyone who likes military science fiction/space opera. There's few with the mastery of this genera like Weber & White...
June 25, 2017
Just keep in mind that despite being listed as #2-3, it's actual a chronological 1-2.
December 19, 2023
Honestly, I never really felt the need to review a book until now.
The good:
The grand scale of the space battles, the strategic nature of the conflicts, and the use of loss/sacrifice from a military sense were all good. The different races were interesting. I also enjoyed the take on how an advanced society (Humans) could turn a less-advanced society (Thebans) into religious zealotry.
The bad:
Honestly, where to begin…
There is essentially zero character development. Every character is one-dimensional. There’s no emotional attachment to the characters because each of them has a singular personality trait. Every character is hyper-stereotypical to Weber’s weird world view.
Bear-like, no-nonsense Russian? Check.
Beautiful, slim, pale Japanese woman? Check.
Red-blooded, plain-speaking American hero? Check.
Passionate yet simple Scot of the William Wallace variety? Check.
The mother/love interest who would do anything to keep her family safe yet still somehow needs saving? Check.
Slimy, whiny political figure? Check.
It’s like every character is a bad caricature of Weber’s personal viewpoint.
The first book of the duo was decent aside from the poor character development and the character stereotypes. The Thebans were at least interesting, and the grand space battles mixed with covert ground operations kept my interest. This changed drastically by book two.
Book two eliminated what little character development there was in book one and replaced it with more immense, repetitive space combat. Nobody cares how many of each ship type were involved in each confrontation after the 30th battle and its casualty count. We get it, lots of ships. We have lots of ships, the enemy has lots of ships.
The enemy of book two was even more disastrous. Bugs, a mindless force of nature meant only to consume. I feel like this has been done before. Are they evil? Yes. Do they have numbers on their side? Yes. Are they technologically inferior to the humans? Yes. Are they interesting, compelling, or even remotely original? No.
Weber also makes absolutely zero effort at hiding his political/ideological viewpoints. In fact, he outright ruins otherwise decently written scenes by inserting it wherever possible.
Liberals/Progressives are whiny, entitled wimps who know nothing of real sacrifice.
Conservatives are the true patriots and they selflessly care about humanity as a whole. In fact, humans could learn something from the noble Orions, the only species in the galaxy more conservative than we are.
All military members are honorable, honest, brave, and the smartest members of society. They also all share an identical political ideology.
Government control is bad and dangerous, unless that government is the military and we’re talking martial law, then it can be good and necessary.
“Oh, you’re wondering what we could have done differently to reduce unnecessary casualties?… well, you’re just a whiny, liberal nut-sack so I don’t have to explain war to you.”
Man, we get it. I don’t really care which way you lean, but I wanted the military sf book the cover reviews promised me, not your personal manifesto against the “liberal elites.”
In summary:
Started good, steadily got worse. If you don’t want to get bogged down by character details, love mindless counting, and happen to be on the far-right of the political spectrum… this is your book. If you appreciate good writing, nuance, twists, turns, or something that requires even the tiniest bit of actual thought… do yourself a favor and skip it.
The good:
The grand scale of the space battles, the strategic nature of the conflicts, and the use of loss/sacrifice from a military sense were all good. The different races were interesting. I also enjoyed the take on how an advanced society (Humans) could turn a less-advanced society (Thebans) into religious zealotry.
The bad:
Honestly, where to begin…
There is essentially zero character development. Every character is one-dimensional. There’s no emotional attachment to the characters because each of them has a singular personality trait. Every character is hyper-stereotypical to Weber’s weird world view.
Bear-like, no-nonsense Russian? Check.
Beautiful, slim, pale Japanese woman? Check.
Red-blooded, plain-speaking American hero? Check.
Passionate yet simple Scot of the William Wallace variety? Check.
The mother/love interest who would do anything to keep her family safe yet still somehow needs saving? Check.
Slimy, whiny political figure? Check.
It’s like every character is a bad caricature of Weber’s personal viewpoint.
The first book of the duo was decent aside from the poor character development and the character stereotypes. The Thebans were at least interesting, and the grand space battles mixed with covert ground operations kept my interest. This changed drastically by book two.
Book two eliminated what little character development there was in book one and replaced it with more immense, repetitive space combat. Nobody cares how many of each ship type were involved in each confrontation after the 30th battle and its casualty count. We get it, lots of ships. We have lots of ships, the enemy has lots of ships.
The enemy of book two was even more disastrous. Bugs, a mindless force of nature meant only to consume. I feel like this has been done before. Are they evil? Yes. Do they have numbers on their side? Yes. Are they technologically inferior to the humans? Yes. Are they interesting, compelling, or even remotely original? No.
Weber also makes absolutely zero effort at hiding his political/ideological viewpoints. In fact, he outright ruins otherwise decently written scenes by inserting it wherever possible.
Liberals/Progressives are whiny, entitled wimps who know nothing of real sacrifice.
Conservatives are the true patriots and they selflessly care about humanity as a whole. In fact, humans could learn something from the noble Orions, the only species in the galaxy more conservative than we are.
All military members are honorable, honest, brave, and the smartest members of society. They also all share an identical political ideology.
Government control is bad and dangerous, unless that government is the military and we’re talking martial law, then it can be good and necessary.
“Oh, you’re wondering what we could have done differently to reduce unnecessary casualties?… well, you’re just a whiny, liberal nut-sack so I don’t have to explain war to you.”
Man, we get it. I don’t really care which way you lean, but I wanted the military sf book the cover reviews promised me, not your personal manifesto against the “liberal elites.”
In summary:
Started good, steadily got worse. If you don’t want to get bogged down by character details, love mindless counting, and happen to be on the far-right of the political spectrum… this is your book. If you appreciate good writing, nuance, twists, turns, or something that requires even the tiniest bit of actual thought… do yourself a favor and skip it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
An interesting space opera. Very much in the genre of military SF, but I found it almost impossible to read because they keep doing silly things like saying star ships have a universal top speed of 0.2c (+/- some differences for those with bigger engines) and describing locations using clock positions with no referent to orientation. - All basic stuff I'd readily ignore for the story if only they didn't keep doing it.
If you can get past the basic physics of what is a velocity in space and why is there a maximum (other than c) that is promptly ignored everywhere - then you have an interesting story about how disparate races handle a series of unstoppable opponents and can use a shared disaster to learn to work better together than apart. It's filled with all the mil-SF staples of honor and competence and how to handle people or groups that think otherwise.
If you can get past the basic physics of what is a velocity in space and why is there a maximum (other than c) that is promptly ignored everywhere - then you have an interesting story about how disparate races handle a series of unstoppable opponents and can use a shared disaster to learn to work better together than apart. It's filled with all the mil-SF staples of honor and competence and how to handle people or groups that think otherwise.
April 3, 2020
Crusade (1st novel in this omnibus) gets 3 stars. Plenty of exciting space fights and military sci fi action, but the learning curve is high and David Weber loves to info dump which can take some getting used to. A fair amount of said-bookisms and adverbs are present as well which I believe may have been the style when this was written; overall, Crusade is a good and exciting read but nothing mindblowing.
In Death Ground (second novel), however, nets 4 stars. By the time I read this, I had gotten used to Weber's style, was passed the learning curve, and the enemy pitted against the Alliance in this story is awesome. Can't wait to dig into the next volume soon!
In Death Ground (second novel), however, nets 4 stars. By the time I read this, I had gotten used to Weber's style, was passed the learning curve, and the enemy pitted against the Alliance in this story is awesome. Can't wait to dig into the next volume soon!
April 19, 2019
Read these two books because they take place in the universe of the Starfire space battle game of the 80s. I was looking for more info on the civilisations described in the game. Did not find much excepts clichés and a predictable storyline. The first book had a few good moments but the second space bugs inter warp wormhole war was tedious.
June 18, 2019
Good writing, good pace, good plot. Needs a sequel!!
The story held my interest throughout. It is unusual to find a book that can create a plausible enemy without showing an weekness in its thought process that distroys credibility.
The story held my interest throughout. It is unusual to find a book that can create a plausible enemy without showing an weekness in its thought process that distroys credibility.
December 1, 2024
This was an interesting clash of civilizations style story and good space warfare, although the ending reminded me of the end of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy— you think it’s moving to wrap up but, hey, no, there’s like six major scenes left. (It was much more action packed than that though.)
December 15, 2024
A compilation of two books that are wholly separate from each other in the Starfire book series. Why they chose to bundle book #'s 2 and 3 in this title (and bundle books #'s 1 and 4 in another) is the big question here.
May 2, 2025
As good a MilSF writer as we have
This is an entirely different universe than the Honor Harrington. And just as rich and well thought out.
You will enjoy it.
Promise.
This is an entirely different universe than the Honor Harrington. And just as rich and well thought out.
You will enjoy it.
Promise.
November 23, 2008
This is actually two novels in one (called a megabook). This volume includes both Crusade and In Death Ground. Those familiar with David Webber's other books will not be surprised at the large emphasis upon the military, strategy and the role of technology in warfare.
Crusade is a very intense book, about an alien race's invasion of human space. Their goal, actually, is to "rescue" the human race from their apostasy and return them to their true faith. White and Webber have crafted a rather intense narrative. Though there are breaks from the intense action and warfare for some political maneuvering as well as military strategizing, a bulk of the book is taken up with the battles. The author's do not skimp on the intensity or harsh reality of war, at the same time, though, they maintain a pace and energy throughout which keeps you completely enthralled with what is unfolding therein.
In Death Ground runs much the same gamut, taking place roughly 50 years (or so) in the future from the time the events chronicled in Crusade happened. The action, though not the same, is of equal or even more intense nature. And the stakes have been raised. Now the humans and all their allies are being attacked and invaded by an alien race, referred to as 'Bugs'. The Bugs have one thing in mind for their enemies: annihilation. Well, annihilation as well as finding them to be a food source. Though slightly more advanced in their technology and weaponry, the Bugs more than make up for their lack through brute numbers and a total disregard to sacrificing its own for its purposes.
Please note that In Death Ground starts a story that is actually concluded in The Shiva Option, which is also the first of the two novels in the megabook which follows this one: The Stars at War II.
Both novels are filled with compelling and intriguing characters. Be forewarned, though, unlike the Honor Harrington series, there really are no central characters. This is more a universe based series of novels. Though there is definitely some continuity between characters from one book to the next - but all bets are off as to who survives and who doesn't.
All in all, an excellent pair of novels, though I would recommend getting the second megabook of the series so you don't have to wait for the conclusion of the storyline started in In Death Ground. I highly recommend this to any fan of science fiction, especially those who like the more strategic oriented narratives of the Military Sci-Fi genre.
Crusade is a very intense book, about an alien race's invasion of human space. Their goal, actually, is to "rescue" the human race from their apostasy and return them to their true faith. White and Webber have crafted a rather intense narrative. Though there are breaks from the intense action and warfare for some political maneuvering as well as military strategizing, a bulk of the book is taken up with the battles. The author's do not skimp on the intensity or harsh reality of war, at the same time, though, they maintain a pace and energy throughout which keeps you completely enthralled with what is unfolding therein.
In Death Ground runs much the same gamut, taking place roughly 50 years (or so) in the future from the time the events chronicled in Crusade happened. The action, though not the same, is of equal or even more intense nature. And the stakes have been raised. Now the humans and all their allies are being attacked and invaded by an alien race, referred to as 'Bugs'. The Bugs have one thing in mind for their enemies: annihilation. Well, annihilation as well as finding them to be a food source. Though slightly more advanced in their technology and weaponry, the Bugs more than make up for their lack through brute numbers and a total disregard to sacrificing its own for its purposes.
Please note that In Death Ground starts a story that is actually concluded in The Shiva Option, which is also the first of the two novels in the megabook which follows this one: The Stars at War II.
Both novels are filled with compelling and intriguing characters. Be forewarned, though, unlike the Honor Harrington series, there really are no central characters. This is more a universe based series of novels. Though there is definitely some continuity between characters from one book to the next - but all bets are off as to who survives and who doesn't.
All in all, an excellent pair of novels, though I would recommend getting the second megabook of the series so you don't have to wait for the conclusion of the storyline started in In Death Ground. I highly recommend this to any fan of science fiction, especially those who like the more strategic oriented narratives of the Military Sci-Fi genre.
March 2, 2014
Product Description
Three complete novels in the New York Times best-selling series, all in one generous volume.
Insurrection: After the war against the Khanate ended in victory, the Inner Worlds found it hard to give up the powers they had seized over the Fringe Worlds during the conflict. So they invited the Khanate in to the Federation, to keep the colonial upstarts in their place. The Fringers have one answer to that: Insurrection!
Crusade: Neither side in the Human-Orion war was strong enough to defeat the other, so it fizzled into an uneasy peace filled with hatred and mistrust on both sides. Then a ship appeared from the dim mists of half-forgotten history, and fired on the Orion sentry ship, igniting the fires of interstellar war anew, in a quest to free Holy Mother Terra.
In Death Ground: The human race and two other star traveling races had warred with each other in the past, but now all three are at peace-a peace which is shattered by the discovery of a fourth race, the "Bugs." The newcomers are mind-numbingly alien in their thought processes, have overwhelming numbers, and regard all other species as fit only to be food animals. There is no hope for peace with the invaders, and the galaxy explodes with a battle to the death. Kill-or be eaten!
-- My Notes
Starfire series volumes 1 (short) 2, & 3
November 7, 2010
Getting 2 novels in one is always a good start.
This pair of books are set in the universe of the man-Kzin wars and are good space-opera.
Crusade is a good read with some nice twists and turns and some charming characters. The plot device of religious control strike me as a little contrived but there are enough real examples of religious wars that it's not completely unrealistic. Yea I know we're talking about a story with spaceships and aliens, the point is that the plot and the progress are entrtaining, internally consistent and suitably epic.
In Death Ground is actually my favorite novel in the Stars at war series. It's where you discover that the writing team like to jolt you and shake up that expectation that we all build up around the hero. I imagine the team discussion went like this...
"They can't die cause they're a hero huh? Maybe if the death is cool enough...... mwahahahaah"
I've heard interviews with David Weber. I believe he could do a very convincing Mwahahahahaah.
Anyway read the book. The characters are engagingly human and fallible. The evil aliens are suitably evil, alien and implacable and the space battles are suitably epic.
Yea there are sci-fi cliche's scattered around but they're like your favorite chair comfortable parts of the scenery just waiting to be blown to pieces by the new fangled deathray
This pair of books are set in the universe of the man-Kzin wars and are good space-opera.
Crusade is a good read with some nice twists and turns and some charming characters. The plot device of religious control strike me as a little contrived but there are enough real examples of religious wars that it's not completely unrealistic. Yea I know we're talking about a story with spaceships and aliens, the point is that the plot and the progress are entrtaining, internally consistent and suitably epic.
In Death Ground is actually my favorite novel in the Stars at war series. It's where you discover that the writing team like to jolt you and shake up that expectation that we all build up around the hero. I imagine the team discussion went like this...
"They can't die cause they're a hero huh? Maybe if the death is cool enough...... mwahahahaah"
I've heard interviews with David Weber. I believe he could do a very convincing Mwahahahahaah.
Anyway read the book. The characters are engagingly human and fallible. The evil aliens are suitably evil, alien and implacable and the space battles are suitably epic.
Yea there are sci-fi cliche's scattered around but they're like your favorite chair comfortable parts of the scenery just waiting to be blown to pieces by the new fangled deathray
May 3, 2015
David Weber, nothing else needs to be said. This was and excellent book as are all of his books I have read. His writing style and his stories lock you in to the point where you cannot put it down.
As with all his other books, this is a must read for any military sci-fi fan.
As with all his other books, this is a must read for any military sci-fi fan.
September 30, 2008
A collection of clichés (Niven wants his Kzin back, authors!), but it moves at a good pace, and is entertaining.
Read
January 9, 2010baen ebook
September 30, 2018
3.5 stars. Pretty good, but stories lack strong characters and begin to be a bit boring
December 2, 2010
Both parts of this mega book are 5 stars, so the combination also deserves 5 stars.
Read
April 1, 2013Non-stop action - a hard to put down extravaganza from David Weber.
February 10, 2013
So far this book is awesome.
August 1, 2017
I must have read through this whole series a number of times. as an enjoyable read in this kind of genre I can find little better. It's not going to set your vocabulary alight or have you crying for characters, but for a holiday read it will always be the first I download for kindle
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews