Kirkus Review
The centaur-like, predatory Posleen threaten a peaceful galactic confederation, to whose member races violence is nigh unthinkable. Finally, the dominant Darhel decide to enlist Earth against the Posleen--meaning that humans will do most of the fighting, the galactics having only relatively ineffectual artificial intelligences capable of battle. Why should Earth get involved? Well, a Posleen invasion fleet, already heading for Earth, will arrive in five years. With their advanced science, the relatively belligerent Darhel supply devastating new weapons, fighting suits, spaceships, AIs, and rejuvenation techniques so that aging vets can be drafted into the struggle. Three main storylines unfold. A squad of highly trained and experienced specialists departs for swampy Barwhon, newly conquered by the Posleen, for an intelligence mission. A huge but poorly trained multinational army lands in the deserts of Diess IV to try to stem a mighty Posleen invasion. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the few experienced soldiers that remain must fight to prevent a social and military meltdown. Nobody yet realizes that the Darhel fear humanity almost as much as the Posleen and will resort to underhand tactics to preserve their ascendancy. Antagonists battle furiously: human against alien, politicians opposing the military, and military old guard resisting the new order. Ringo lays on the military style with a trowel, but the scenario's sound, with plausible consequences and action that never falters. A spirited, gripping debut: stay tuned for sequels. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Michael O'Shea, a fireplug of an iron-pumping ex-soldier, leaves game design behind to train and then lead power-armored infantry in a merciless battle against the equally merciless, centauroid Posleen for the sake of Earth's allies. Several subplots show Ringo's fondness for special ops types and marines, and his experience as a paratrooper shows in the way he handles military small-group politics and disciplinary problems. The subplots point up the potential grimness of Earth finding itself under siege, if not actually under assault. (Don't worry, that will probably come; this book has series written between all the lines.) The interstellar skulduggery is thick, and the final action sequence, occupying a third of the book, juxtaposes power armor, aliens, lasers, and leopard tanks, and is practically impossible not to read in one sitting. An exceedingly impressive first novel is what we have here. Standard military sf based on a standard premise--humans as the desperately needed warrior allies of alien pacifists--it may be, but it is executed with skill, verve, and wit. --Roland Green
Library Journal Review
In the early years of the 21st century, Earth receives news that a federation of alien races has need of soldiers to save them from a race of vicious predators who also threaten Earth. A special army of elite warriors comes together to defend the universe, only to discover that their allies present their own peculiar dangers. Ringo's first novel contains fast-paced action, acid humor, and vivid battle scenes that should appeal particularly to fans of military sf. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
