Title: Midshipman’s Hope
Author: David Feintuch
First published November 1, 1994
391 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781857234343 (ISBN10: 1857234340)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
After a devastating incident, Midshipman John Harrison finds himself in command of UNS Intrepid, carrying hundreds of passengers on a treacherous journey to a distant planet. With no experience and no time to prepare, John must navigate through dangerous space and face tough ethical decisions to protect those under his care.
Will he rise to the challenge and prove himself worthy of the uniform he wears? Midshipman’s Hope is a thrilling space adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
David Feintuch, who passed away in 2006, was a talented author known for his captivating military science fiction Seafort Saga series. The series includes seven books: Midshipman’s Hope, Challenger’s Hope, Prisoner’s Hope, Fisherman’s Hope, Voices of Hope, Patriarch’s Hope, and Children of Hope.
Before pursuing writing, Feintuch worked as a lawyer and antiques dealer. Despite starting his writing career later in life, he won the John W.
Campbell Award for Best New Writer from the World Science Fiction Society at the age of fifty in 1996. Feintuch also explored the fantasy genre with his Rodrigo of Caledon series, which includes The Still and The King.
Editoral Review
In his 1994 debut novel Midshipman’s Hope, David Feintuch offers a classic tale of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. The book, which is the first in a series, follows the adventures of Nicholas Seafort, a cadet at the Royal Naval Academy.
Feintuch, who himself served in the US Navy, brings a vivid authenticity to his portrayal of military life, and the book is replete with technical jargon and nautical detail. Yet his prose is also accessible and engaging, and he uses humor and wit to make the characters and situations come alive.
The story takes place in a future where humanity has colonized other planets and developed faster-than-light travel. Seafort is a promising but somewhat naive young man who is determined to live up to his father’s legacy as a naval hero.
However, he soon finds himself tested in ways he never imagined. When his ship is attacked by space pirates, Seafort must take charge and make life-and-death decisions that affect not only his crew but also his own conscience.
As he rises through the ranks, he must confront corruption, betrayal, and his own demons, all while facing the ever-present danger of space travel. Feintuch’s themes of duty, loyalty, and honor are timeless and universal, and his characters are complex and relatable.
Seafort is a sympathetic protagonist, flawed but decent, and his relationships with his crewmates are realistically portrayed. Feintuch also includes strong female characters, both in the military and civilian worlds, who challenge Seafort’s assumptions about gender roles and social norms.
The book’s setting, a futuristic empire on the brink of political upheaval, adds depth and relevance to the story, as it explores themes of power, privilege, and resistance. The book has its flaws, however.
Some readers may find the pacing slow and the focus on technical detail overwhelming. The book is also very much a product of its time, with some problematic aspects in its treatment of race and sexuality that may be off-putting to modern readers.
However, Feintuch’s skillful writing and clear passion for his subject matter make up for these shortcomings, and the book remains a satisfying read for fans of military science fiction. Midshipman’s Hope is an impressive debut from a talented author who went on to win multiple awards for his work.
It will appeal to readers who enjoy adventure stories, character-driven narratives, and thought-provoking themes. Although it may not be for everyone, it is a book worth checking out for its engaging storytelling and authentic portrayal of military life.
The book is rated 4 out of 5 stars, based on its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and strong writing.
