School of Fire, StarFist 2 by David Sherman and Dan Cragg

This book stands alone just fine.  It has been over a decade since I read the first one so it is good this stands alone.  There was no backstory which annoys me as I think that is important but it didn’t matter.  The Marines are asked by a planetary government to train their extended police force due to a rebellion’s continuing success.  

The extended police force has little in common with the urban police forces.   The extended police force would be considered a standing army under a different nomenclature.  

Political favors determine the officers in the extended force and it is primarily used as a dumping ground for incapable sons.  Fancy uniforms and spit and polish as opposed to any type of professionalism.    The urban police are capable and professional. 

The Marines find themselves fighting in addition to training.  They also discover that things are not what they seem.  The ruling oligarchy is self-destructing as its members maneuver for dominance.

The Marines must deal with treachery from all sides.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

This is a story of unrequited love.  Emily and Wendell are an item except Emily doesn’t know that.  Emily is totally immersed in her definitive book on the realm of Faerie and its inhabitants, big and small.  She has escaped to the north to avoid Wendell and concentrate on her work.  Emily is not asocial as much as antisocial.  

The story swirls around in bursts of ice and snow as well as stoic northern inhabitants who do not want to disturb the Fae.   Emily is, herself, a walking encyclopedia.   Her research is exhaustive and detailed.   The book is primarily about the interplay between she and Wendell.   

I enjoyed the book, the description of the terrain and weather quite literally chilled me it was so well done.   

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Lest We Forget