Starfist: Firestorm [Mass Market Paperback]

Firestorm (2007) is the twelfth SF novel in the StarFIST series, following Flashfire. In the previous volume, the Coalition of Worlds had seceded from the Confederacy. Coalition troops drove the Confederate troops into Bataan, a hastily fortified storage area near Fort Seymour.

General Billie was sent to Ravenette to defeat the Coalition troops. But he has not yet started a counteroffensive. Aside from raids by the marines and defense of the peninsula, the Confederation troops are only marking time.

In this novel, Jason Billie is a General in the Confederation Army. He has been a staff officer during his entire career. Now he was promoted and placed in charge of the defense of Ravenette. He doesn't listen to advice and doesn't like Marines.

Alistair Cazombi is a Lieutenant General in the Confederation Army. He had been commander of Fort Seymour. Now he is Deputy Commander of the Confederation forces on Ravenette.

Balca Sorca is a Major General in the Confederation Army. He is now Chief of Staff for General Billie.

Kyr Godalgonz is a Lieutenant General in the Confederation Marine Corps. He has been recently promoted and is now being shipped to Ravenette in provisional command of two Army divisions and two Marine FISTs.

Theodosius Sturgeon is a Brigadier in the Confederation Marine Corps. Ted is commander of the 34th Fleet Initial Strike Team.

Lewis Conorado is a Captain in the Confederation Marine Corps. He commands L company within the 34th FIST infantry battalion.

In this story, General Billie decides to breakout of Bataan. He chooses the 34th FIST to attack the center of the Coalition position. Captain Conorado announces the mission and tells his marines to get ready. Naturally, most know that their mission is sure to result in widespread casualties.

As they assemble for the assault, the operation is delayed and then canceled. General Godalgonz has arrived earlier than expected and his Corps is orbiting Ravenette. When the General reports to the Supreme Commander, General Billie mentions that they are early.

Soon after his arrival, Godalgonz meets the deputy commander and gains some insight into General Billie. It isn't so much what Cazombi says than what he doesn't say. Then Godalgonz speaks with Brigadier Sturgeon, who doesn't mince words.

Godalgonz learns about General Billie's incompetence, procrastination and dislike of marines. So he decides to show Billie what marines can do. He gains permission for another raid on Gilberty's Corners.

General Godalgonz leads the mission himself. It is rare that a man of his rank can go on such an operation. Unfortunately, he is killed in action.

After the news reaches Billie, the general calls Sorca into his office and lets him read the message. Billie is highly amused at the news, laughing so hard that he almost falls out of his chair. Sorca is so disturbed at this behavior that he tells Brigadier Sturgeon and warns him that Billie has plans for the remaining marines.

This tale takes the 34th FIST into heavy fighting. They and the 27th Division are faced with a Coalition reinforced division and other troops. Then General Billie closes his trap.

Obviously General Billie is not fully sane. He acts like a psychopath, with little regard for others. His forces soon begin to realize their situation.

This volume concludes the Ravenette duology. The next novel -- Wings of Hell -- confronts the 34th FIST with more skinks. Read and enjoy!

Recommended for Sherman & Cragg fans and for anyone who enjoys tales of armed combat, military intrigue, and personal courage. If anyone has not previously read this series, the initial volume is First to Fight.

-Arthur W. Jordin

An excellent addition to the STARFIST series - my only regret is that the authors do an excellent job of writing which means it takes so long before each new story is available!
I recommend that the series be read from the first volume forward - it isn't necessary as the books are able to stand alone, but the details carry forward from one novel to the next.

Simplistic but thorough as to the Corps and its growth technologically. But, the Marines themselves never seem to change. They are the spearhead, a force that will never stop until the job is complete or until some dunbass politician sticks his/her nose in for political attention.David Sherman's Marines are individuals with their own assets and shortcomings but no matter what, they are "Semper-Fidelis".

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