This book is a compilation of two of Pournelle's novels, both around the idea of the struggle for freedom against the seemingly overwhelming power of a much larger opponent. The first, shorter story is about the fight between the independent settlers of Mars against the stranglehold of the corporations. The second is set much further in the future when the human empire is re-exerting its power over lost colonies. One colony is determined not to be classified as primitive to avoid colonization and undertakes a secret mission to acquire spaceflight.
While the concepts are familiar, the solutions that Pournelle's characters come up with are unique and interesting. The first story was written in the mid-1970s when the first human missions were landing on Mars so some of the science is a little outdated concerning the environment on Mars but nothing so major as to be a huge distraction. Both stories have a brisk plot with little extra fluff or long blocks of exposition, preaching or moralizing, even though the second touches on the subject of religion. All in all, both stories were enjoyable.
While the concepts are familiar, the solutions that Pournelle's characters come up with are unique and interesting. The first story was written in the mid-1970s when the first human missions were landing on Mars so some of the science is a little outdated concerning the environment on Mars but nothing so major as to be a huge distraction. Both stories have a brisk plot with little extra fluff or long blocks of exposition, preaching or moralizing, even though the second touches on the subject of religion. All in all, both stories were enjoyable.
