Science fiction is one of my favorite genres, and David Weber has long been one of my favorite authors. His books are long (often 800+ pages) and full of characters, and yet I never have a problem with the number of characters and always hate to finish his books. I think I've read every book in the Honor Harrington series--unless I've somehow missed a newer publication since 2018.. The Safehold series is where I began reading Weber years ago, and I've read at least 4 in that series--but somehow lost track of it. Not for lack of interest, however.
I actually read In Fury Born in 2008, but then I saw an audio book that has the addition of Alicia Devries' backstory. Nearly 32 hours of audiobook! To say it took a long time to finish is an understatement, but I never lost interest, and I did a lot more walking, weeding, stitching, laundry, and other chores done during those days than would otherwise have happened.
The narrator Vivienne Leheny was exceptional.
from description: Imperial Intelligence couldn't find them, the Imperial Fleet couldn't catch them, and local defenses couldn't stop them. It seemed the planet-wrecking pirates were invincible. But they made a big mistake when they raided ex-commando leader Alicia DeVries' quiet home/work, tortured and murdered her family, and then left her for dead.
Alicia decided to turn "pirate" herself, and stole a cutting-edge AI ship from the empire to start her vendetta. Her fellow veterans think she's gone crazy, the Imperial Fleet has shoot-on-sight orders. And, of course, the pirates want her dead, too. But Alicia DeVries has two allies nobody knows about, allies as implacable as she is: a self-aware computer and a creature from the mists of Old Earth's most ancient legends. And this trio of furies won't rest until vengeance is served.
In Fury Born is a greatly expanded new version of David Weber's popular novel Path of the Fury, which has gone through six large printings in its original mass market edition. David Weber has added considerable new material, revealing the earlier life of Alicia DeVries before she embarked on her mission of vengeance, and illuminating the universe of the original story. The result is a novel with almost twice the wordage of the original, and a must-buy for all David Weber fans.
I didn't even realize it was the same book I read years ago because this version begins with Alicia Devries' background, acceptance into the cadre, and first adventures--a prequel, of sorts. Even when it came to the familiar parts, I'd forgotten so much even that it was as good as new.
Not for everyone, but military science fiction and space opera fans should give David Weber a try. I'll be getting back on board with books I've missed. :)
Military Science Fiction. Narrator Vivienne Leheny.
Goose bumps - haha! I really don't know why I don't give Sci/Fi more of a chance. I really enjoy Sci/Fi in films but for some reason I've only read a handful of books in this genre. This sounds like a lot of fun but I think what would deter me is the length more than anything! haha...
ReplyDeleteI'm not much put off by book length, but this was a really, really long audio book, and I had to force myself not to sit down and keep listening. I wanted to binge listen like when they stream all the Star War films back to back. :)
DeleteI don't read sci-fi that often but when I do I generally enjoy it. David Weber is new to me, but this sounds interesting. Maybe I'll give him a try.
ReplyDeleteI started with Asimov all those years ago, and I've continued finding authors I enjoy. The book covers haven't been updated, but On Basilisk Station is the first book in the Honor Harrington series and is a good example of Weber's writing.
DeleteI really need to read more sci-fi. I don't read it nearly as much as should, but I tend to love it when I do. I'll have to look up this author.
ReplyDeleteAction-packed and full of suspense! I love his books!
DeleteHow have I never run across this author's books? My library certainly has a ton of his books. And I do like science fiction, I guess I just haven't been reading it as much as I used to. Too many other books getting in the way. ;D
ReplyDeleteThe books are long, but immersive and compelling. Try the first in the Honor Harrington series, Lark!
DeleteAnd my library has that one...yay!
DeleteWow, 32 hours is a big commitment! I'm glad you loved it. When I'm really into an audiobook, I tend to do a lot more walking and chores too.
ReplyDelete:) If it had not been david weber, I doubt I would have take that step. :)
DeleteOut of my comfort zone but this sounds interesting.
ReplyDelete:) Not everyone likes science fiction or military science fiction. In a way, I think I like it for some of the reasons I enjoy dystopian books. It is out of our "world" view and a little scary for that reason. On the other hand, the politics are always the same--as they have been since civilization evolved.
DeleteI have heard of the Honor Harrington series but not dipped my toe in yet. Fury Born does sound great, however. I do like longer novels. They are daunting, sure, but also immersive. Once I start them, I (usually) really enjoy being able to spend so much time in the world of the book.
ReplyDeleteI've also found that some novels feel long at fewer than 300 pages, while some 500+ page books fly by. Science fiction and fantasy seem to lend themselves better to longer books in modern works, but some of my favorite classics are very long: Bleak House, Crime and Punishment, for example.
Delete"Immersive" is exactly what it feels like!
I totally agree. Some short books take forever and some long books read fast. I just finished The Red Badge of Courage which is only 100 pages long but was INTERMNIABLE to me! It took me a week to get through it.
DeleteRarely read sci-fi but this sounds interesting. I'd be intimidated by the book length, though, haha. And that goose bumps illustration just cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteWeber's books ARE long! I like the goose bumps, too. :)
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