1992;
290 pages. New Authors? : No, and no. Genre
: Science Fiction; Military Fiction. Book #2
(out of 7) of the “General” series. Overall
Rating : 8*/10.
It’s
been two years since the events of the first book in this series, wherein Raj
Whitehall made a name for himself by saving the Civil Government’s butt. Twice, even.
Now, Governor Barholm deems it’s time to go on the offensive and reclaim
the long-lost southern territories. And
who better to lead the near-suicidal campaign than the current hero?
For
Raj, it is a lose-lose situation. Defeat
will mean his head will be cut off and stuck on a pole in enemy lands somewhere. Success will
increase his fame and popularity. But the
Civil Government grows fearful when their military leaders get too
popular. And they have ways of
eliminating such figures.
What’s To Like...
The “Warhammer”
style is identical to the previous book in the series, The
General, reviewed here. The odds
are overwhelmingly against Raj; the only thing he’s got going is the computer
in his head and a small, but well-trained army.
The tone is once again gritty, but the use of violence seems to blend
better with the storyline here. Some of
the good guys die; some of the bad guys get away. But you can probably guess the outcome, since
Tewfik isn’t in this book. There’s a
pair of gay lovers/commanders in Raj’s elite inner circle. That’s kinda daring and kewl, given that The Hammer was written in 1992, before the Gay
Rights movement had really taken off.
There is some humor amongst the gore; particularly the worship of the
Almighty Computer. I still like saying “Endfile”
instead of “Amen”.
This
is an R-Rated book – for the violence, the cusswords, the merciless retributions,
and the adult situations. Some of us
think that’s a plus.
Kewlest New Word...
Panjandrum (n.)
: a person who has or
claims to have a great deal of authority or influence.
Excerpts...
“I can’t interfere in Messer Staenbridge’s household,” she
pointed out gently.
“Oh, I take care of that. I got Gerrin to promise I could come as long
as I healthy – now he and Barton trying to get me pregnant again so I have to stay home.”
“You don’t like that?” Suzette said,
surprised.
“Oh, I like the trying, just don’t want it to work.” (pg. 18)
How are we doing, Center? Raj thought bitterly.
better
than expected, Center replied.
Raj stiffened in surprise; the machine
voice sounded almost jovial.
if the
enemy reacts perfectly, both in making a plan on the basis of
statistically-insignificant intelligence and in execution of that plan, then
they could successfully attack us tonight.
in that case, I will begin to believe in a god myself. A pause, perhaps a heartbeat long. theirs. (pg.
126)
“Goodwill and artillery will get you more than goodwill.” (pg. 54)
One giant plus – the editing and proofing is greatly improved from Book
1. I think I only caught one typo here.
The
Hammer focuses more on Raj and less on (the computer) Center. Maybe it was just because Raj has learned to
listen to the electronic advice. Maybe
there’s only so much you can do with a computer personality. Either way, I liked the switch.
The ending wraps up the immediate storyline
nicely, although it is also somewhat of a cliffhanger, as Raj heads back to the
capital to face the judgment and jealousy of the civil authorities. With seven books in this series, I have a
feeling that each one will cover a campaign by Raj and highlight the increasing
tension between the army and the government.
We shall see.
The
writing is a bit more polished. The
irksome typos have been virtually eliminated.
But, as with any “middle” book in a series, there isn’t a lot of
advancement in the “big picture” – how the exploits of Raj are going to impact the
history of his own nation. 8 Stars. As before, add one
star if war-gaming is your cup of tea.
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