The Butcher's Bill

by David Drake

The elite crewmembers of Colonel Hammer's tanks hire themselves out for their newest adventure, marked by an enemy's elusive fighting force, unexplored and hostile jungles, and survivors who have never know peacetime. Original.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Adventure, Short Stories, Science Fiction Fantasy, War

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

David Drake is an American author of science fiction and fantasy literature. A Vietnam War veteran who has worked as a lawyer, he is now one of the major authors of the military science fiction genre.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of eight stories (including At Any Price, a novel that was originally published under that title) in Drake's Hammer's Slammers series. Drake was a master of military science fiction, and the Hammer's stories remain his best-remembered achievement. There's plenty of action with his flying tank calvary, but his stories also always focus on the concepts of duty and honor and loyalty and never fail to show the cost of war both to the combatants and civilians.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Drake is the Master of military Sci-Fi.
Contains:
But Loyal to His Own
At Any Price
The Butcher's Bill
Hangman
The Irresistible Force
Cultural Conflict
Liberty Port
Standing Down

[Mark Isaak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skeptical that stories of mercenary tank companies, all by the same author, would be significantly different stories, but I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of the eight stories in this book (plus a ninth, which seems more of an epilogue). Though there is plenty of battle, none of the stories is simply about defeating the opposition; they explore themes such as loyalty, purpose, self-doubt, lust, and, of course, the high and multiple costs of war. Drake's terse style sometimes leaves me unclear about exactly what is happening, but seldom enough that, on the whole, I appreciate it for how it keeps the action moving.

[Charles JunkChuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of fine stories set in David Drake's seminal Hammers' Slammers timeline, some of the best military science fiction available. At surface, Drake's work can be enjoyed as straight action, but the Viet Nam veteran's insights into the nature of war, the politics behind war, and the men and women who fight it, create an unusual and rewarding level of emotional and intellectual depth. Of special note is Captain Jane Ransom, a particularly well-drawn female commander whose appearance in this genre is well ahead of her time.

[josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

compelling

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read many years ago. Drake is arguably the best military SF writer working. He rode with the Blackhorse in RVN many years ago. He knows whereof he speaks.