Reading It All: Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space by H. Peter Alesso

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space by H. Peter Alesso - Review

Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space by H. Peter Alesso

Genre: Science Fiction (sub: adventure/space opera/military)

As the last star fighter in squadron 111, Midshipman Henry Gallant is on his way from Jupiter to Mars. With the United Planets' fleet on the verge of annihilation, he can expect no help as he passes through the asteroid belt and threatening aliens. With so much uncertainty about the aliens’ capabilities and intentions, analyzing the captured computer equipment in Gallant’s possession could prove crucial. The fate of Earth could rest on the abilities of Midshipman Henry Gallant. Unfortunately, it is his abilities that have been much in doubt during his tour of duty. In an era of genetic engineering, he is the only Natural (non-genetically enhanced) officer left in the fleet. His classmates and superior officers have all expressed their concern that he will not be up to the demands of the space service. Only bright and attractive junior officer Kelsey Mitchel has shown any sympathy for him. Now as his navigator on the last fighter in squadron 111, her life as well as a good many others, depends of Henry Gallant.

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My Thoughts: Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space is the first book like this I have read. It was futuristic and full of incredible details. I have read books based in space, and plenty that are futuristic but nothing like this one. I was in a bit of awe at the expanse of information in this book. I never found myself bored by the scientific descriptions, instead I was entranced, wanting to learn everything I could.

I found the characters in this book to be incredibly interesting and engaging. I loved Henry Gallant. His growth in self esteem and abilities was well written and believable. I love that he wasn’t an arrogant person, especially since he could have been quite easily at times. I enjoyed Kelsey for her immediate sweetness to Henry and her obvious strength during times of duress. Red seemed fun and I picture him as a bit of comic relief, but still with a strength and loyalty. He also accepted Henry quickly, despite the other Midshipmen’s aversion to Henry.

I thought the plot in this book was exciting. The details were just that, detailed, but also interesting and enticing. I loved the battles, but also the training and even the down time. I liked the unique take on the alien life forms. I didn’t want the story to end, and I hope another book is in the works. I would suggest this book to everyone. If I could give it more stars I would, and I will read it again, because I expect that it will only get better the second time.

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About the author:

As a scientist and author specializing in technology innovation, H. Peter Alesso has over twenty years research experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). As Engineering Group Leader at LLNL he led a team of computer scientists and engineers in innovative applications across a wide range of supercomputers, workstations and networks. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. and served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear submarines before completing an M.S. and an advanced Engineering Degree at M.I.T. He has published several software titles and numerous scientific journal and conference articles, and he is the author/co-author of six books.