2010-01 ON BASILISK STATION Finished reading *spoilers*

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

Here's a topic for people who have read the whole book - may contain spoilers!

(I still haven't read this one, so if anyone wants to start some topics, please feel free...)

[Jon]

I read this back in November 2008 (click here for my review). Once I finish the Vorkosigan series, I plan to return to Honor's universe for my space opera fixes.

[Marty]

I like military sci-fi. stiff upper lip commanders what what.... and bits of politics. For me Weber writes believably of different people's thoughts and concerns. Flew through it considering what week this is for me at work. I had read it before and enjoyed it even more the first time. It made me wonder if I would like to reread the Seafort novels....

[Christine]

I was surprised I liked it because I didn't like Hornblower novel that I read. Yet, I really enjoyed it. I liked the interactions between the women.

[Dusty]

It was slow going at first, but really picked up about 3/4 the way through. After watching Avatar (slight SPOILER ahead), I couldn't help thinking that the Basilisk Station story was a much more original and creative take on the "primitive indigenous alien" theme. Still loved Avatar though.

[Brian]

I finished the novel last night and I would have to say that with the fact that On Basilisk Station is listed as a must read of military sci-fi, I was disappointed.

I found it to be predictable and formulaic in regards to the many of the characters. For example, Santos' (engineering senior officer) death was a fore gone conclusion as soon as the Fearless began to take damage. There was also an inconsistency with the marine captain Nikos Papadapolous. At one point he seems unable to think through what Honor was alluding to during the first briefing with NPA chief Isvarian and yet later he devises strategy and suggests actions for the Marines and Navy. I am not sure if I am missing something about him or if he is just not fully developed. Which brings me to my next point. What happened on Medusa?

In one chapter we are engulfed in "Stilty" madness and marines in "battle armor" and then we are back in space with Honor. I have a hard time believing that the pinnaces show up and well game over. There was a lot of build for something that it would seem like the marines were not even necessary.

I suppose what I learned was while I didn't mind the book, I would say I prefer military sci-fi that is ground based and not ship based.

Also I found the history of hyper-drives interesting but really out of place during the "epic" chase of the Q-ship.

[Frank]

I very much enjoyed the book. Honor Harrington seemed to be a good Captain, who worked hard to get her crew's respect and loyalty. Having served under both good and bad CO's, I had to like her.
In answer to Brian's question, the Stilties were completely wiped out. The Marines were necessary to keep the Stilies in one place so the pinnaces could show up and attack from the air.
I agree that the history of the hyper-drive was totally out of place. It was a jarring bit of info-dump.