Book Review - The Northern Star: Civil War by Mike Gullikson

This is the author's second book in his 'The Norther Star' series and I enjoyed the blend of military action and cybertech developments. This second book continues the theme and raises the stakes. The world it is set in is one of failing resources and the promise (both good and bad) for the ever advancing cyberspace technologies.

The pacing is good and the story flows between the two worlds well. One advancement from the first book is that you get a bit more of a feel for life for the more 'normal' members of the population. I think this aspect could still be developed further, but that's a minor complaint.

It also improves the realisation of the wider world, although the action is still very US centric. The idea for the pricipal bad guy is nicely done, especially the trauma his transformation causes him. Amidst the action there's some politicking and intruigue which adds a bit of depth. It doesn't feel quite as developed as the action parts and there was definete scope for expanding on this and cyber elements.

Overall though I enjoyed reading this a lot. It's a fast paced read with some interesting ideas. Well worth checking out.

Click on image to buy from Amazon

"Prepare to be afraid. Be very afraid. Because even seasoned science fiction readers well versed in stories of military conflict and cyber-futures will enjoy something different in The Northern Star: Civil War . . . . With its cornerstone foundations rooted in perceptions and patterns of modern times, it's military sci-fi and futuristic cyber-reality at its best." - D. Donovan, eBook Reviewer. Midwest Book Review

The Northern Star: The Beginning, which Examiner hailed as on of the "Top 5 Indie-Published Books You Haven't Read, But Should," showed us a violent, technology dependent world where the Coalition--the combined might of China, the U.S., and the EU--occupied oil-rich countries to take all that remained. The Northern Star: Civil War takes us further down the rabbit hole, where the digital connectedness of our world has allowed one man to subvert nations in his quest for immortality. In the first novel, John Raimey, a crippled soldier, sacrificed himself for duty and family and became the first Tank Major, a bionic soldier powerful enough to level buildings. His sacrifice was in vain. Ten years later, mentally ill, estranged from his daughter, and stationed in Africa to protect the mines needed to keep cyberspace alive, he airdrops into a town where the adults are murdered and the children abducted. What Raimey uncovers sets him on a new mission: save his daughter, no matter the cost.

Click here to buy Civil War from Amazon US / Amazon UK (and it's an exciting military sci-fi read)