A Talent For War
by Jack McDevitt
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Book Reviews of A Talent For War
Book Review: An enjoyable, quick read
Summary: 3 Stars
It's a very straight forward mystery that begins a series focused on Alex Benedict. This one is from his point of view, while the two others now published (Polaris & Seeker) are from his assistant's POV, as with many mystery novels.
Alex's uncle dies and information left leads him on a hunt for what happened during a war a few centuries earlier. The back cover and my knowledge of military history pretty much gave away most of what would happen, but it was a good introduction to the universe and he gets better in later novels.
Book Review: Booooring!
Summary: 2 Stars
This book is 310 pages long. The first 240 pages describe a 'literature review' by the heroe of the book. If you like to read about people visiting libraries and reading through obscure books (that's right, you're reading about someone else reading), then this is the book for you. Finally, on page 240, the lead character flies of into space to solve the mystery that's been slooowly building.
I like this author, but this book has awful pacing.
Book Review: One Of My Favorite Books
Summary: 5 Stars
A Talent For War is one of those rare books you can read over and over. A classic tale of mystery set upon a backdrop of a fallen hero and a two hundread year old war. Follow the mystery with Alex Benedict and his offsider Chase Kolpath as they unravel the ancient mystery of Christopher Simm and the war against an alien menace that united Humanity. I re-read this book every year, and every year I enjoy it even more. Highly recomended.Book Review: Not at all engaging, very little character action, very plodding story
Summary: 2 Stars
I actually purchased this on audio and was unable to finish it. By the mid-point it still was plodding along, with Alex researching his uncles work, yet it had almost no character development to grab me and pique my interest. I was not at all engaged by him (Alex), or even the subjects of his research, and finally I couldn't take it any longer. I gave up, and frankly didn't care. I would not recommend this novel.Book Review: A damned good read - Ignore the dopey cover and grab it if you like McDevitt's work.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is not a truly action packed story. A nephew is bequeathed some information in a will and he seeks out man of history and legend. We follow him as he questions history, finds allies and those arrayed against him while rushing headlong to find the truth. Is it about a weapon, a man, or a truth no one needs or really wants to know?
Next time how about a less embarrasing cover!