Citizens [Paperback]

Citizens (2010) is an SF anthology. It contains fifteen short stories, an introduction, and two afterwords. All the stories were written by those who have worn their country's uniform, some in combat.

- Nature and Nurture by John Ringo is an introduction to the stories.

- Field Test (Analog, 1976) by Keith Laumer relates the first use of a Bolo Mark XX Model B.

- Allamagoosa (Astounding, 1955) by Eric Frank Russell tells of the trials of a navy ship returning after a long voyage to find that the Inspector General will soon be visiting them.

- Exploration Team (Astounding, 1956) Murray Leinster concerns an illegal colony on a planet that receives an unexpected visit from a Colonial Survey officer.

- Superiority (F&SF, 1951) by Arthur C. Clarke considers the risks of new technology. This seems to be a recurring theme in military and naval SF.

- The Horars of War (Nova 1, 1970) by Gene Wolfe illustrates the comradery of war.

- Fireproof (Astounding, 1949) by Hal Clement shows the strange effects of a weightless environment.

- Peace with Honor (Analog, 1971) by Jerry Pournelle relates an incident in the history of the CoDominium.

- Under the Hammer (Galaxy, 1974) by David Drake presents an untrained recruit with a situation.

- Time Piece (If, 1970) by Joe W. Haldeman talks of Heaven and Hells in the Forever War.

- Neither Sleet, Nor Snow, Nor Alien Invasion... (first publication) by Dave Freer reveals the power of Political Incorrectness.

- Light (first publication) by Kacey Grannis recounts a mysterious intervention within Iraq.

- The Question (first publication) by Patrick A. Vanner gives the response to an innocent question.

- The Price (first publication) by Michael Z. Williamson examines the thoughts of a small group of dedicated warriors.

- Earth's First Improved Chimp Gets a Job as a Janitor (Cosmic Tales, 2004) by John Ringo introduces a genetically modified human to another -- but older -- genetic mod.

- The Long Watch (American Legion, 1949) by Robert A. Heinlein presents a serviceman with a conflict of loyalties.

- About the Authors is an afterword concerning the writers of these tales.

- About the Editors is an afterword concerning the compilers of these stories.

This anthology includes stories by some of my favorite authors. Although I have never previously read any works by Grannis or Vanner, soon I should be reading Ragnarok. Apparently Grannis has not yet published a novel or collection.

Of course, this is not the first SF anthology containing short works by veterans -- see Combat SF -- and these are only a few of the SF authors who have served in the armed forces. There is always the possibility of more volumes.

These tales often expose the quirks and follies of the armed forces. They are probably based on some of the best war stories in the memories of these authors. Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of armed forces by those who have served.

-Arthur W. Jordin

As a whole this is an excellent collection for anyone who enjoys science fiction or military science fiction. There are a few stories I didn't enjoy but for the most part it was a roarin' good time.

Nature and Nurture by John Ringo is an introduction to the stories.

- Field Test (Analog, 1976) by Keith Laumer
I didn't quite like the layout of this story but I think it was a great way to start off the book.

- Allamagoosa (Astounding, 1955) by Eric Frank Russell
At first I thought this was going to be a boring story, but I have to admit it is one of the first times I have ever laughed out loud while reading.

- Exploration Team (Astounding, 1956) Murray Leinster
This story was decent but I can't say it really impressed me.

- Superiority (F&SF, 1951) by Arthur C. Clarke
I enjoyed this story, it has an ironic and plausible tone.

- The Horars of War (Nova 1, 1970) by Gene Wolfe
Eh, this one was alright. Can't say I was too blown away by it but I'd give it a 5/10.

- Fireproof (Astounding, 1949) by Hal Clement
This one was interesting but not exactly fun, it definitely high-lights the science in science fiction.

- Peace with Honor (Analog, 1971) by Jerry Pournelle
I enjoyed this story, even if the protagonist is a dirty politician.

- Under the Hammer (Galaxy, 1974) by David Drake
This was pretty good, a little too short but I may have to check out some of Drake's work.


- Time Piece (If, 1970) by Joe W. Haldeman
Also pretty good, it reminded me a good bit of Haldeman's Forever War.

- Neither Sleet, Nor Snow, Nor Alien Invasion... (first publication) by Dave Freer
Not as witty as Allamagoosa but every bit as funny.

- Light (first publication) by Kacey Grannis
This is probably the only story that I didn't like at all. I don't feel like it belonged but oh well.


- The Question (first publication) by Patrick A. Vanner
Pretty good, I'm looking forward to Vanner's Ragnarok due to come out sometime this Fall.

- The Price (first publication) by Michael Z. Williamson
I read Williamson's Freehold and Better to Beg Forgiveness, this tale is a good side story.

- Earth's First Improved Chimp Gets a Job as a Janitor (Cosmic Tales, 2004) by John Ringo
Ringo is above all my favorite military sci-fi author. Even if this story sucked I would have loved it, of course it didn't suck so I loved it even more.

- The Long Watch (American Legion, 1949) by Robert A. Heinlein
This is my favorite story in the entire collection. The hero isn't some elite super soldier, he's a weapons technician that dies to prevent a coup in the name of duty.

If you look at the Jordan review above, you will see a table of contents in the review. Except for 4 stories, all were written in the mid-70's or earlier. These are extremely high quality stories and are highly recommended IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THEM BEFORE AND HAVE THEM ALL IN 30 DIFFERENT short story collections. I do. Thus, if you are 30 or younger this is a 4 or 5 star collection. If you are in your 40's+ you have probably read them all. Then you have to decide if this book is worth buying for the 4 new stories. You can't tell from the review or the blurb whether you would be interested. You have to go to a store and look at them. I highly resent the advertising and description which implies that these are all new and different. Personally, I don't think the new stories are worth the price of the book alone. That's why its 2 star for me.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews  3.6 out of 5 stars