John Ringo's "Claws that Catch" SPOILERS

[TheMuffinKing]

I picked this up last night. For those wondering, "Claws that Catch" is the most recent installment in a series of books authored by John Ringo and Travis S. Taylor. The basic premise is similar to earlier Ringo novels; aliens invade Earth in teh near future/today, space, and use huge numbers to overwhelm their foes. Over the course of the series thus far, we encounter interdimensional travel, "looking glass" warpgates, and bioweapons out the wazoo.

Without spoiling too much, a new ship is introduced, as are new problems. Much of the early novel focuses on working out the kinks with the new vessel as well as examining some of the potential difficulties with interstellar travel. There is also a lot of theoretical physics stuff, along with a healthy dose of technobabble.

Overall I was satisfied with the novel, I was wondering which direction the authors were taking the series, and this seems to lead up to potentially grand scale fleet engagements. Keeping in mind some of the more fantastic elements of the series, die hard realists may be turned off, however keeping in mind the less serious, less grimdark, and slightly comical nature of the series, it should be acceptable.

Feel free to discuss, and I' opening this to spoilers for those who care.

[Count Chocula]

Damn, now I'm intrigued enough to buy Through The Looking Glass. I thought my Ringo fix would be satisfied with his Posleen and Ghost series.

Trivia bit for $500: did you know Ringo got his big break on Bean's Bar at baen.com? Apparently, he so impressed David Weber and Jim Baen they encouraged him to start writing professionally. The rest is history.

Disclaimer: no goddammit, I don't work for Baen Books! I just buy a shitload of their stuff.

[The Dark]

Reply to trivia bit: yes, I knew that. But it's not really fair, since I'm a BarFly

To be honest, Doc and Ringo balance each other out well. Doc's a Southern intellectual who isn't quite as kick-ass-'merika! as John. I've talked with Doc a couple times, and while I'm still not sure if I actually like him or not, he is extremely intelligent. Ringo's better at pulling it down to the layman's level, which keeps the books from being too dry. At least through Vorpal Blade, it makes more sense than the Posleen books, although it's occasionally a bit fluffy on the science (or, at the least, Doc's going with some wildly improbable theories). The humor's good, and they try to keep it somewhat realistic with regards to the military technology, even if subs as spaceships is a brainbug.

[Slacker]

I have to say I've really enjoyed this series compared to a lot of other stuff out there nowadays. It's got a pretty solid mix of action, science fiction, popcorn scifi coolness, and humor. And, yes, as an American I do enjoy the lower-key but still there 'America Fuck Yeah' that Ringo spouts and Doc seems to have toned down a skosh. It's a quick read, but a fun one.