David Drake When the Tide Rises

When the Tide Rises

David Drake

Baen, Mar 2008, $25.00

ISBN 9781416555278

The war continues unabated between the Republic of Cinnabar and the Alliance of Free Stars. Although his side is short on battleships and experienced combat officers, Cinnabar Space Navy Officer Daniel Leary expects to be mothballed since his mentor on the Board was replaced by someone who detests the maverick as success does not matter; political connections do.

Instead he and his crew are assigned to help the fledgling navy of the Independent Republic of Bagaria, who seceded from the Alliance. Espionage agent Signal Officer Adele Mundy accompanies Daniel and his crew. Upon arrival at the frontier republic, they find the biggest problem is from within the divided Bagarian political leadership as treason seems to be the norm especially for those who lost power when Bagaria left the Alliance.

The latest Leary outer space military science fiction thriller (see SOME GOLDEN HARBOR, WITH THE LIGHTNINGS and THE WAY TO GLORY, etc.) is an excellent entry that has the author's trademark look at the brutality of war, but much more. The story line contains the usual Mr. Drake's deep look at the outcome of hostilities on civilian populations as well as the surviving military. However, the tale also provides a fascinating political twist that is mindful of Iraq and the Baath party. Those who were in power under the Alliance want back what they lost; while those who gained power refuse to share. WHEN THE TIDE RISES is a thought-provoking entertaining entry in the Cinnabar-Alliance war.

Harriet Klausner