On Basilisk Station by David Weber
“My duty is not affected by what others may or may not do to discharge their own.” - Honor Harrington
The first novel in David Weber's Honor Harrington series, On Basilisk Station, follows Commander Honor Harrington and Her Majesty’s light cruiser Fearless during their assignment to the Basilisk system. Though Basilisk Station and the planet of Medusa have become a dumping ground for misfits and rejects from her home star system of Manticore, Honor is determined to discharge her duty regardless of the circumstances.
The story follows Honor and her crew as they deal with the responsibilities of their assignment. When their duty leads them to discover events that would lead to an invasion of Medusa, they have no choice but to act.
I was impressed with the details presented in this novel, although doing so made the first hundred or so pages slow-going. The action picks up as Commander Harrington demonstrates her skill and courage, first improving the organization of the station post and then preparing for more serious action against what turns out to be an attempted invasion of the planet Medusa.
The obvious intelligence of Commander Harrington made her both plausible and likable as a heroine. She has a remarkable way of instilling confidence in her followers - leading by example. The long introduction provided a good foundation for the later action. There are political maneuverings, tactics, battle strategies, fight scenes, and chase scenes which by the last section of the novel could be described a spectacular. This is a bold space opera that delivers both setting and story in fine fashion.
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6 comments:
It has been a long time since I have read a novel like this but I used to enjoy them. I would likely find this a fun read.
I know that this series has a great reputation.
Brian,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I think this novel compares favorably with Banks' Consider Phlebas.
I've been reading more science fiction lately, and this was one of my dad's favourites, so I'll need to eventually give it a try. I've also been looking at Banks' Culture series, though, and I've been leaning more towards that.
Rob,
Thanks for your comment. I enjoyed both of these authors.
I'm trying to read more sci fi, revisiting what was a favourite area of reading when I was young. I agree with the comment above concerning The culture books of Ian M Banks.
Gary,
I've included SF in my reading agenda a bit more lately - it was also a favorite of mine in my teens.
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