Intriguing space opera!
Into the Maelstrom (Citizen Book 2) by David Drake and John Lambshead War is on the horizon for the Cutter Stream colonies and Allen Allenson is the right man in the right place at the right time. If war is going to happen it might as well be more than a debacle. The writing contains the same wry understatement that is so indicative of Drake, filled with outrageous characters who know how to get the job done, led by a mindful yet reluctant leader. Allenson doesn't want war but if war it is then do it right! Allenson collects a colorful (in more ways than one) array of personnel, mostly misfits with some dedicated professionals, along with the not so wonderful experienced bully of a colonel, Renald Buller, who on occasions just might be right, and as one of the few who has actual combat experience, has to be 'handled'. Another wonderful space opera exhibiting humour, sardonic comments on wars, politics and human folly, peppered with Allenson's occasional moments...