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Carerra #7
A Pillar of Fire by Night
Book #7 in the popular Carrera military science fiction series. Carrera's held off his enemies coming by sea from the north, in the process dealing the naval and amphibious forces of the Zhong Empire a stinging defeat. The Zhong won't soon forget the blood-stained waters and the heaped up bodies on the shores of Balboa's Isla Real. Now, though, his adopted country of Balboa is under assault from the east, from the south, from the west, from the air, and from space. The Zhong, smarting from the butchery around the island, have bounced back and forced a lodgment east of the capital. Their lodgment is still a-building but when it is done Carrera can expect several hundred thousand brave and determined Zhong to show up on his barely defended flank. The Taurans, remembering their military roots, have assaulted Balboa from the south, taking half the area of, and cutting, the Transitway that joins Terra Nova's Mar Fusioso and her Shimmering Sea. In the process, they've cut off and besieged the second city of the country, Cristobal, trapping inside the city Carrera's Fourth Corps, and overrunning and capturing a large portion of Carrera's artillery train. West of Cristobal, the Taurans have created, almost from scratch, a series of small ports and airfields to support their siege. Inside the town, a sense of desperation is growing among the men and women of the Fourth Has their leader forgotten about or abandoned them? Meanwhile another Tauran Expeditionary force secures Balboa's eastern neighbor, Santa Josefina, as a base against them. In space, the United Earth Peace Fleet, under the Command of High Admiral Marguerite Wallenstein, keeps as low a profile as possible, all the time spying and feeding intelligence to both Zhong and Tauran. It's beginning to look like the game is up for Balboa and Patricio Carrera. But Carrera's been planning this war for fifteen years. He certainly hopes his enemies think they're winning. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). Carerra A Desert Called Peace Carnifex The Lotus Eaters The Amazon Legion Come and Take Them The Rods and the Axe In 1974, at age seventeen, Tom Kratman became a political refugee and defector from the PRM (People’s Republic of Massachusetts) by virtue of joining the Regular Army. He stayed a Regular Army infantryman most of his adult life, returning to Massachusetts as an unofficial dissident while attending Boston College after his first hitch. Back in the Army, he managed to do just about everything there was to do, at one time or another. After the Gulf War, and with the bottom dropping completely out of the anti-communist market, Tom decided to become a lawyer. Every now and again, when the frustrations of legal life and having to deal with other lawyers got to be too much, Tom would rejoin the Army (or a somewhat similar group, say) for fun and frolic in other climes. His family muttering darkly, put up with this for years. He no longer practices law, instead writing full time for Baen. His novels for Baen include A State of Disobedience, Caliphate, and the series consisting of A Desert Called Peace, Carnifex, The Lotus Eaters, The Amazon Legion, Come and Take Them, and The Rods and the Axe, as well as three collaborations with John Ringo, Watch on the Rhine, Yellow Eyes, and The Tuloriad. Also for Baen, he has written the first three volumes of the modern day military fiction Countdown series.
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
89 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2018
Another good installment, this one resolves a lot.
March 21, 2020
Review forthcoming
June 21, 2019
I obtained this book directly from the Baen.com website.
In the acknowledgments, Kratman says this is the next to the last book in the series. I'm hoping that he is not designating “Terra Nova: The Wars of Liberation” as the last book; I've read it, in the pre-published form (it will be released in August), and while it's wonderful, it's not the last chapter that I want to read in the Carreraverse. At any rate, he promises we won't have to wait long.
I'm going to write this with those readers in mind who are familiar with the background. If you are reading this review, and this is the first book in the series for you, then please STOP! Go get “A Desert Called Peace,” and read that first, and then follow the series along. If you are trapped on a cross-continental bus ride, and “A Pillar of Fire By Night” is all that was available at the news-stand, then you are STILL going to get some enjoyment from the action, and you MIGHT be able to guess some of the back-story of the main characters, but I really do NOT advise this route.
Over the course of the first books, the kind and restrained gentleman know as Patricio Carrera has done all that is within his power to make sure that he does not have an enemy in the world. Or in space. Or on Earth. Admittedly, in the majority of cases, that much-to-be-desired outcome has involved abrupt environmental disruptions for those with hostile intent. In some cases, direct action, in the form of high-speed projectiles, led to the end of hostilities, although at least one individual was persuaded to cease belligerent status by repeated applications of blunt force trauma. At the other end of the spectrum, under very, very special circumstances indeed, tiny bits of matter were induced to rapidly encounter other tiny bits of matter, and so on, until some small fragments were freed from the limits of matter, and enjoyed a brief journey as pure energy. In that case, not only the direct enemies of Carrera experienced a rapid cessation of their implacable hatred, but their friends, neighbors, and all of their family members did so as well.
However, in some cases, the conflict was resolved through mutual realization of self-interest, and those who had been under orders to render Patricio hors de combat recognized the honor and mercy he showed to them, when he could have easily utilized Plan A (see above paragraph). It has always been a characteristic of Patricio Carrera that he valued an honorable enemy, and strove to convert them to honored friends. While I expect that the title is likely derived from an event/series of events toward the end of the story, I believe I could make the case that Carrera's conduct in warfare was itself, figuratively speaking, 'a pillar of fire by night.' His way of doing war was recognizable by the results, but also by the methods; and, just as a light draws the moth, so Carrera's reputation as a fair and just opponent drew those enemies who realized that resistance beyond the point of possible victory was only going to leave them unable to enjoy another evening under the stars, and that they would receive honorable treatment. For these, instead of always fleeing the pillar of light in fear, at the end, they could approach it in the confident assurance that they would be welcomed and cared for.
Despite having proven his character and his ability on repeated occasions, at the beginning of this book, we find Carrera and his forces in what seems to be an untenable position. All of the forces of the Tauran Union have more-or-less agreed to combine their forces, and have an overwhelming advantage in equipment and manpower. Moreover, the person placed in command of the combat units, Bertrand Janier, has had all of his arrogance trodden out of him by repeatedly coming out on the losing side with Carrera, so he is not likely to engage in foolish wastage of the troops under his command.
Besides the massive air and land forces of the Tauran units, Carrera has blundered into drawing the last major power on Terra Nova, the Zhong, who have presented an overwhelming sea force, and have landed troops on one of the Balboan islands.
In the face of the overwhelming forces, Carrera show every sign of disintegrating, just as he did when his first wife was killed in the terror attack that initiated the conflict.
There are (at least) two more significant aspects to this installment, but I stop here, so as not to venture into spoiler territory.
But here's a closing thought, for all of us: would a rebellion have taken place, if Patricio's wife and children had gone to a different location on The Day when the airships crashed into the towers? It's a sure bet that the powers on United Earth would have continued their policies toward Terra Nova, as well as toward their own people. In addition, it was those policies that encouraged the governments on Terra Nova to imitate them. In effect, the politics on Old Earth and Terra Nova represented ONE point of view; the only difference was that the effects of programs initiated by the power elite had more time on Old Earth to manifest. Terra Nova was moving toward the same end.
If this is the case, then there is NO mechanism for change in either Old Earth or Terra Nova. The power elite control everything, and resistance = death. In order for a revolution to take place, someone HAS to get pushed out of the system. That's what happened to Patricio Carrera.
Consider, then: what happens if Carrera endures the minor limits, and lives a full life, dandling great-grand-children on his knee? Does the entire system disintegrate, for a lack of barbarians at the gates?
It's something to think about.
In the acknowledgments, Kratman says this is the next to the last book in the series. I'm hoping that he is not designating “Terra Nova: The Wars of Liberation” as the last book; I've read it, in the pre-published form (it will be released in August), and while it's wonderful, it's not the last chapter that I want to read in the Carreraverse. At any rate, he promises we won't have to wait long.
I'm going to write this with those readers in mind who are familiar with the background. If you are reading this review, and this is the first book in the series for you, then please STOP! Go get “A Desert Called Peace,” and read that first, and then follow the series along. If you are trapped on a cross-continental bus ride, and “A Pillar of Fire By Night” is all that was available at the news-stand, then you are STILL going to get some enjoyment from the action, and you MIGHT be able to guess some of the back-story of the main characters, but I really do NOT advise this route.
Over the course of the first books, the kind and restrained gentleman know as Patricio Carrera has done all that is within his power to make sure that he does not have an enemy in the world. Or in space. Or on Earth. Admittedly, in the majority of cases, that much-to-be-desired outcome has involved abrupt environmental disruptions for those with hostile intent. In some cases, direct action, in the form of high-speed projectiles, led to the end of hostilities, although at least one individual was persuaded to cease belligerent status by repeated applications of blunt force trauma. At the other end of the spectrum, under very, very special circumstances indeed, tiny bits of matter were induced to rapidly encounter other tiny bits of matter, and so on, until some small fragments were freed from the limits of matter, and enjoyed a brief journey as pure energy. In that case, not only the direct enemies of Carrera experienced a rapid cessation of their implacable hatred, but their friends, neighbors, and all of their family members did so as well.
However, in some cases, the conflict was resolved through mutual realization of self-interest, and those who had been under orders to render Patricio hors de combat recognized the honor and mercy he showed to them, when he could have easily utilized Plan A (see above paragraph). It has always been a characteristic of Patricio Carrera that he valued an honorable enemy, and strove to convert them to honored friends. While I expect that the title is likely derived from an event/series of events toward the end of the story, I believe I could make the case that Carrera's conduct in warfare was itself, figuratively speaking, 'a pillar of fire by night.' His way of doing war was recognizable by the results, but also by the methods; and, just as a light draws the moth, so Carrera's reputation as a fair and just opponent drew those enemies who realized that resistance beyond the point of possible victory was only going to leave them unable to enjoy another evening under the stars, and that they would receive honorable treatment. For these, instead of always fleeing the pillar of light in fear, at the end, they could approach it in the confident assurance that they would be welcomed and cared for.
Despite having proven his character and his ability on repeated occasions, at the beginning of this book, we find Carrera and his forces in what seems to be an untenable position. All of the forces of the Tauran Union have more-or-less agreed to combine their forces, and have an overwhelming advantage in equipment and manpower. Moreover, the person placed in command of the combat units, Bertrand Janier, has had all of his arrogance trodden out of him by repeatedly coming out on the losing side with Carrera, so he is not likely to engage in foolish wastage of the troops under his command.
Besides the massive air and land forces of the Tauran units, Carrera has blundered into drawing the last major power on Terra Nova, the Zhong, who have presented an overwhelming sea force, and have landed troops on one of the Balboan islands.
In the face of the overwhelming forces, Carrera show every sign of disintegrating, just as he did when his first wife was killed in the terror attack that initiated the conflict.
There are (at least) two more significant aspects to this installment, but I stop here, so as not to venture into spoiler territory.
But here's a closing thought, for all of us: would a rebellion have taken place, if Patricio's wife and children had gone to a different location on The Day when the airships crashed into the towers? It's a sure bet that the powers on United Earth would have continued their policies toward Terra Nova, as well as toward their own people. In addition, it was those policies that encouraged the governments on Terra Nova to imitate them. In effect, the politics on Old Earth and Terra Nova represented ONE point of view; the only difference was that the effects of programs initiated by the power elite had more time on Old Earth to manifest. Terra Nova was moving toward the same end.
If this is the case, then there is NO mechanism for change in either Old Earth or Terra Nova. The power elite control everything, and resistance = death. In order for a revolution to take place, someone HAS to get pushed out of the system. That's what happened to Patricio Carrera.
Consider, then: what happens if Carrera endures the minor limits, and lives a full life, dandling great-grand-children on his knee? Does the entire system disintegrate, for a lack of barbarians at the gates?
It's something to think about.
November 11, 2018
Absolutely great!
Another kick in the assetes. Carrerra rules!! I have followed this series fromrom the begining. I can't wait for the next one!!!
Another kick in the assetes. Carrerra rules!! I have followed this series fromrom the begining. I can't wait for the next one!!!
April 2, 2019
Kratman has a cynical, critical, and completely negative, view of liberalism, and it definitely smacks you in the face time and time again. Despite that "A Pillar of Fire by Night" is probably one of the best books of speculative military science fiction I've read of the genre and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Reader be warned - all the horrific things that occur in war are not only mentioned, but written about in excruciatingly painful detail. War is a messy, bloody, pain-filled horror show, and Kratman writes in such vivid detail that you can see it in your mind's eye as if you were actually there. It's not superficial or disgusting just because he can, but serves as an integral pattern upon which the whole series rests.
Reader be warned - all the horrific things that occur in war are not only mentioned, but written about in excruciatingly painful detail. War is a messy, bloody, pain-filled horror show, and Kratman writes in such vivid detail that you can see it in your mind's eye as if you were actually there. It's not superficial or disgusting just because he can, but serves as an integral pattern upon which the whole series rests.
February 11, 2019
Experience battle in a hard hitting manner!
Tom Kratman's newest Carerra Series novel showcases Tom's incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to all things military. He shows us the potential pitfalls inherent in different forms of government, and corruption, that mimic real world situations. While we are not as far down the path of open warfare, it is plain to see how political groups can drive society into unthinkable acts.
Tom's unique qualifications to write these types of stories comes through in the rich, often ignored, details of military operations, logistics and training that are present throughout the story. Well done!
Tom Kratman's newest Carerra Series novel showcases Tom's incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to all things military. He shows us the potential pitfalls inherent in different forms of government, and corruption, that mimic real world situations. While we are not as far down the path of open warfare, it is plain to see how political groups can drive society into unthinkable acts.
Tom's unique qualifications to write these types of stories comes through in the rich, often ignored, details of military operations, logistics and training that are present throughout the story. Well done!
January 9, 2019
SIMPLY AMAZING
I realize authors prefer to have reviews submitted after each book but my preference is to wait until the series is completed. I must say that the "Carerra Series" has been the most powerful series that I've read in the last five years and I am a prolific reader. Mr. Hartman has written this series of books in a fashion that draws you in to the story. I'm so thankful that I came across this series of books once the series was completed, I wouldn't have wanted to wait for the next book in the series to be written. FIVE THUMBS ☝
I realize authors prefer to have reviews submitted after each book but my preference is to wait until the series is completed. I must say that the "Carerra Series" has been the most powerful series that I've read in the last five years and I am a prolific reader. Mr. Hartman has written this series of books in a fashion that draws you in to the story. I'm so thankful that I came across this series of books once the series was completed, I wouldn't have wanted to wait for the next book in the series to be written. FIVE THUMBS ☝
November 8, 2018
More of the same
Still good, lots of detail, but doesn't advance the story much. Probably the last 3 books all cover pretty much the same ground, different perspectives, details, but the same events, only marginally advancing what is actually happening, the last 20% or so was really good and definitely leaves you wanting more. Overall a bit disappointed with the pacing but still plenty of what makes this a great series.
Still good, lots of detail, but doesn't advance the story much. Probably the last 3 books all cover pretty much the same ground, different perspectives, details, but the same events, only marginally advancing what is actually happening, the last 20% or so was really good and definitely leaves you wanting more. Overall a bit disappointed with the pacing but still plenty of what makes this a great series.
August 11, 2019
In a "do or die" campaign for little Balboa, it all comes down to this. (Very) long range planning has set the trap for the T.U. and Zhong forces that have, by all appearances, set Balboa back on it's heels. But this is a very big trap.
There's not a lot of fluff here, mostly action, some of it pretty intense and descriptive.
There's not a lot of fluff here, mostly action, some of it pretty intense and descriptive.
November 14, 2018
Interesting addition.
Interesting addition. These books are complex but an interesting way to represent world politics that are not our world. Sometimes overly violent and very right winged but enjoyable as fiction.
Interesting addition. These books are complex but an interesting way to represent world politics that are not our world. Sometimes overly violent and very right winged but enjoyable as fiction.
January 14, 2019
All seven
I have devowered all seven books in the series so far written ,they are great well thought out.If you have time read them one after another.Hope the next one will follow soon,very soon.I,m hooked.
I have devowered all seven books in the series so far written ,they are great well thought out.If you have time read them one after another.Hope the next one will follow soon,very soon.I,m hooked.
February 27, 2019
Tom writes a great book, just gets a little too detailed, and that is the only reason I only give 4 stars. The story is good, I love the concept and the allegory. He has the solutions for everything that comes along, action is good to great and very well written. Just too logistical for me.
December 12, 2022
Deadly capability confront the soft underbelly of hubris.
Once the battle Began I was oh so hard to put this book down. The spacesuits are the best lead to the next chapter in this sceries.
Once the battle Began I was oh so hard to put this book down. The spacesuits are the best lead to the next chapter in this sceries.
July 19, 2018
Number seven in the series...one of the best military SF writers of his generation, Kratman delivers. A great read.
November 15, 2018
Enjoyed this. Worth reading. Obviously more to come.
December 21, 2018
You have to be into the authors brand of politics and humor. If you are, you will love this book.
December 30, 2018
Great sequel!
Continues the Carrera story without the distracting errors in the more recent paperback edition sequels. Perfect for those who've been reading since Carnifex
Continues the Carrera story without the distracting errors in the more recent paperback edition sequels. Perfect for those who've been reading since Carnifex
March 3, 2019
He suckered them in, & looks to complete it.
April 7, 2019
The battles to save Balboa approach finality.
September 1, 2019
Probably more for military fans. And men. The woman were all sexy "despite" age or baggy uniform or whatever.
March 21, 2020
Phenomenal. TK gets it.
March 8, 2021
Another excellent addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews