A Talent For War
by Jack McDevitt
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Book Reviews of A Talent For War
Book Review: Great writing transcends genre
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I went through a period of busy reading in science fiction, I don't have any on my shelves today except this one. Great characters, great plot, and a backdrop built on an obvious passion for history, acracheology, and the classics. I recently re-read it, and it is just as good as when I got it from the SF book club (in hardback). I can't say enough good about this book. Whether you're an exclusive SF reader, or never read SF but have heard a friend talk about this work, you won't be disappointed by A Talent For War. But c'mon, Ace Publishing, great writing deserves great cover art! Both the paperback and hardcover editions are poorly served in that regard.Book Review: I am the dissenter in the group
Summary: 3 Stars
I am a rabid fan of Jack McDevitt and have read his books in reverse order. I read all of this latest befor reading his first publications. Maybe this is why I found "Talent for War" less enjoyable reading than "Chindi" or his others. It is certainly good writing, yet I found myself bogged down and waiting for something to happen. It struck me more as a mystery novel in a science fiction setting. If you are looking for high tech and action-packed, this is not the story for you. But, if you want a well written story that has a mystery..then you will probably enjoy this. Either way, for me, his other novels are his best--IMHO. ;-)Book Review: A Talented History
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe this is Jack McDevitt's second novel. McDevitt seems to have come out from nowhere, and it actually took me years to discover him. And like I have said in a previous review, I began reading science fiction as a devoted Larry Niven fan. And since the mid- and late-Niven writings are a chore to read, McDevitt is to the rescue. ATFW is about history, how its participants try to create a historical record to suit their own goals. Is history that really pliable? How much of history is mythology? Who are the Heroes? The Cads? Thank you Jack for coming onto the SF scene. Read star-traveler if you dare, and learn.Book Review: Not as good as his later books.
Summary: 3 Stars
I had read all of Jack McDevitt's books that came after this one. In fact, I didn't know this one existed. I really liked the characters in this particular series, so was delighted to discover this book. However, the story was really disjointed and I had to look back several times for different references to follow the plot. It was a good read except for the confusing story. I am thinking that this was one of his first books and wasn't as finely tuned as his later ones. I was glad to have the book because it explained references in the later books in the series.Book Review: dusty
Summary: 2 Stars
This book was a strange experience. It was, in large part, the story of a story. We follow a very dry, and somewhat dim hero unearthing dusty histories, reading over his shoulder snippets describing vast adventures as if through smoked glass. Minutes are devoted to characters we never see again, and events that deserve far more explication are lovingly set up and then casually abondoned. On the plus side, if you are patient, the ending suddenly rouses to slam-bang action and poignancy that ties the whole effort together at long last.