Title: March Upcountry
Author: David Weber
First published May 1, 2001
608 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743435383 (ISBN10: 0743435389)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
Princess Lena of Karthago is a pampered young royal, unprepared for the harsh realities of the universe beyond her palace walls. But when a surprise attack leaves her stranded on a hostile planet, she must quickly adapt or face certain death.
With the help of a tough-as-nails mercenary and a band of loyal soldiers, Lena must navigate through treacherous terrain and battle dangerous enemies in order to find her way back to her people. Will she rise to the challenge and become the leader her kingdom needs, or will her sheltered upbringing be her downfall?
The fate of her entire world rests on her shoulders in March Upcountry.
About the Author
David Mark Weber, an American author of science fiction and fantasy, was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952. Weber’s writing often centers around military themes, particularly naval, and falls under the military science fiction genre.
He is known for breaking gender barriers by featuring female protagonists in traditionally male roles.
Weber’s most beloved character is Honor Harrington, whose name pays homage to Horatio Hornblower and a fleet doctor in C.S. Forester’s novels. Harrington’s story takes place in the “Honorverse”, which has been explored through 16 novels and six shared-universe anthologies, with more works in the making.
In 2008, Weber donated his archive to Northern Illinois University’s Rare Books and Special Collections department.
Many of Weber’s books are available online, either for free through the Baen Free Library, or as sample chapters for more recent works.
Editoral Review
In March Upcountry, David Weber spins a compelling adventure tale set in a universe rife with political intrigue and complex power struggles. Weber has long been known for his epic science fiction stories that encompass military sci-fi, space opera, and diplomacy, and this book is no exception.
First published on May 1, 2001, this book won the hearts of readers who love characters engrossed in military and political conflicts. The plot follows the protagonist, Roger Wilson, as he leads a group of soldiers and civilians through hostile territory on a mission to retake an embassy in a far-off star system.
The story is set in a future where humanity has spread across the galaxy but is still riddled with power struggles, betrayals, and intergalactic conspiracies. Weber excels at creating a detailed, believable universe and his descriptions of the universe’s various worlds and cultures are so vivid that readers can almost smell the scents and taste the foods described.
The principal characters are well-developed, with distinct personal histories, motivations, and relationships to one another. The complex political and social landscapes of the various worlds they pass through are also well-drawn.
However, the star of the story is Roger Wilson, the leader of the expedition. His leadership style, his willingness to break away from tradition to solve emerging problems, and his determination to win the trust of the local inhabitants all make him an excellent protagonist for this type of story.
One of the strengths of this book is its ability to keep readers engaged with a fast-paced, action-packed plot. Although the story revolves around a military operation, there are several moments of suspense and intrigue that keep the reader invested in the journey.
Weber’s writing style is clear and straightforward, focusing on delivering a thrilling story rather than intricate literary devices or overly descriptive passages. This book’s themes revolve around concepts such as loyalty, duty, and honor, which are woven into the fabric of the military culture present throughout the story.
The book also touches on topics such as colonialism, diplomacy, oppression, and the importance of respecting other cultures’ beliefs and traditions. One weakness of the book may be its over-reliance on detailed world-building, which may discourage some readers at the start.
At times, some details feel superfluous, but these are often mitigated by the cast of engaging characters and the book’s fast-paced action sequences. Those who love space operas or military sci-fi would find March Upcountry enjoyable.
However, readers who are averse to detailed world-building or who prefer character-driven stories may want to have reservations. Readers who love stories of heroes leading an impossible quest across strange new worlds while facing down seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and who appreciate nuance when it comes to moral and political conflict, would do well to give March Upcountry a read.
Overall, I give the book four out of five stars for its thrilling action, engaging characters, and fascinating world-building. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full five stars is the book’s occasionally overbearing world-building.
