Collaboratively edited by Peter Weber and J. J. Newby, and now in a fully revised third edition, Find It Online: The Complete Guide To Online Research by journalist and online trainer Alan M. Schlein is the all-purpose single resource and reference book to looking up the latest and most useful information on anything, anywhere, using the resources of the Internet. Individual chapters address the basics of the Internet, framing one's search strategy, the best tools and search engines available, government resources, evaluating the credibility of information found on the net, and a great deal more. Find It Online is a very highly recommended addition to any personal, professional, school or community library Internet Information Resources reference collection.

I do online marketing and because of my knowledge of the internet, am often asked to do research projects, as well.

Schlein's book is a wonderful resource and is proving to be a great time-saver for me in my work. I highly recommend it to anyone who uses the internet as a research tool, or simply wants to find information quickly and easily.

This book deserves more than 5 stars for making the Internet fully accessible to anyone for a minimum of cost in time and money.

If you have enough skill to turn on your computer and get onto the Internet, this book will take you where you want to go in the fastest, least frustrating way. Within hours, you will be more efficient and effective than people who have done online research for years, but have not yet read this book.

Although Web addresses and sites will change, the best basic methods of how to do research online will shift much less often. You should be able to apply what you learn from this book for some time to come.

Some of the many helpful things you will learn include:

(1) which search engines work best for which kinds of questions

(2) how to get the fewest possible sites from a search with the greatest likelihood that they will be helpful to you

(3) which sources of information to go to directly without a search first

(4) how to assess the credibility of a source

(5) how to get things for free that most people pay for

(6) when to spend money to save time

(7) how to manage your e-mail to spend less time on it.

You will also benefit from three sample search models in chapter 12, one for finding a person, another for doing a business profile, and a third for problem solving. Most of your searches will involve one of these three search types.

An area you may not think about now is what people can learn about you while you do your research. The sections on privacy issues and how you can protect yourself are outstanding.

About a third of the book is devoted to indexes to make it easier for you to find government public records and the right Web site for your research needs.

Even though I have been doing online research for many years, I plan to keep this book next to my computer from now on. If you read many of my reviews, you will notice that that is something I rarely say about a book.

After you have finished learning how to do better and faster online research with this wonderful resource, I suggest that you step back and think about new questions that you should be asking now that you have improved access to good and timely information. For example, should you be doing more to check out investments? Or should you be learning more about becoming a better parent? Or spouse? Asking and answering those questions will probably be the biggest payoff you can get from this very helpful guide.

Be rich in knowledge and turn it into wisdom!

U.K. author Shaun Jeffrey: intellectual thrill ride!
Reviewer: A reader from London, U.K.
Shaun Jeffrey, author of Evilution (Invisible College Press)
If you like conspiracy theories and intellectual thrillers, you cannot afford to miss Dark Protocols. Richard Weber writes with panache and an eye for detail that shows in the meticulous research he must have undertaken to write this book. Taking us from the Vatican to the mean streets of Chicago, the reader is transported on a terrifying odyssey, but is also left with a strange sense of, 'What if ...?'
The characters leap out from the page; they are people you care about or fear: A gritty detective in the form of Sam Goldstein; Josey Schulman, a beautiful Mossad agent, and the terror that is The Other. The author keeps a tight hold of the reins, letting the dark prose run at just the right speed, relinquishing control only to heighten the breathtaking excitement. A cultural excursion through the dark side of life. Read it at your peril.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author Sephra Giron,Curse (Leisure 2004)THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
Review:
"Secret societies, an ancient book that renders people mad, deadly games of erotica and murder...all are woven together for a page turning journey into the ultimate evil."

"Weber leads his readers down a treacherous path of conspiracy, corruption and seduction with a fim hand and engaging prose."

Terror never takes a holiday!!, May 5, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from CA
I stubbled upon this book, but to my surprise it was a great fast-paced read. I haven't been scared and shocked with true visceral terror since I first discovered the late Dick Laymon's work. This guy knows how to pry under you fingernails and twist until you scream with agony. I've been looking for a new horror writer that could take me to places in my imagination that most fear to tread. This author took me there--and then some. He combined an in-your-face police procedural and euro-thriller with a quiet, brooding horror novel. You've got a ball-busting, femme fatale Mossad agent, a Shape Shifter, a golem, and a cross-dressing villain that makes Hannibal look like a kindergarten teacher.
What more would you want in a cross-genre thriller?
The action ratchets between scenes with one cliffhanger after another. A bit of the DaVinci Code but with rich prose and far more action.
I'm waiting for a sequel ... hopefully not too long!

ebook Reviews Weekly Patricia Spork, April 8, 2003
Reviewer: from Canada
Chicago Detectives, Michael Ryan and Samuel Goldstein investigate the murders of a Catholic archbishop and nun - victims of grisly mutilations and bloody atrocities. Fingerprints on a knife lead the detectives to twelve-year-old boy, Matt Mendecka.

Across the globe in Italy, The Black Rose Notebook is stolen from its private case in the Vatican Library and hand-delivered to Mossad Agent Josephine (Josey) Schulman. Josey has the ancient book special-delivered by diplomatic pouch to her father, a Professor of Theology at the Hebrew University in Israel on loan to the University of Chicago.

The forces of evil overwhelm the detectives and Mossad agent, as they are forced to accept and rely on paranormal powers and unbridle their long forgotten religious beliefs and faith to battle the Brotherhood. But can God favor telepathy, sheer determination, and love against satanic motivated PSYOPS (psychological warfare)? Can angels actually save Holy warriors from the depths of despair? Can der Golem, summoned by a Rabbi, help battle the spawn of Hell itself? Or will the world succumb to total mind control and adhere to The Brotherhood's protocols?

R. D. Weber takes the reader on a mind-boggling horror ride
in PROTOCOL-17. International intrigue and espionage, murder
investigations, occult and supernatural occurrences are blended
together in a compelling and frightening novel. Characters, human and supernatural, leap from the pages at times, via dialogue and description. Unforgettable villains and credible well-fleshed-out heroes add to this enjoyable thriller.
Readers of The DaVinci Code and cross genre King and Koontz novels will add Weber to their list of favorite suspense authors. His background as a former government agent lends realistic detail to his writing.

Chicago Detectives, Michael Ryan and Samuel Goldstein investigate the murders of a Catholic archbishop and nun - victims of grisly mutilations and bloody atrocities. Fingerprints on a knife lead the detectives to twelve-year-old boy, Matt Mendecka.

Across the globe in Italy, The Black Rose Notebook is stolen from its private case in the Vatican Library and hand-delivered to Mossad Agent Josephine (Josey) Schulman. Josey has the ancient book special-delivered by diplomatic pouch to her father, a Professor of Theology at the Hebrew University in Israel on loan to the University of Chicago.

The forces of evil overwhelm the detectives and Mossad agent, as they are forced to accept and rely on paranormal powers and unbridle their long forgotten religious beliefs and faith to battle the Brotherhood. But can God favor telepathy, sheer determination, and love against satanic motivated PSYOPS (psychological warfare)? Can angels actually save Holy warriors from the depths of despair? Can der Golem, summoned by a Rabbi, help battle the spawn of Hell itself? Or will the world succumb to total mind control and adhere to The Brotherhood's protocols?

R. D. Weber takes the reader on a mind-boggling horror ride
in PROTOCOL-17. International intrigue and espionage, murder
investigations, occult and supernatural occurrences are blended
together in a compelling and frightening novel. Characters, human and supernatural, leap from the pages at times, via dialogue and description. Unforgettable villains and credible well-fleshed-out heroes add to this enjoyable thriller.
Readers of The DaVinci Code and cross genre King and Koontz novels will add Weber to their list of favorite suspense authors. His background as a former government agent lends realistic detail to his writing.

ebook Reviews Weekly Patricia Spork, April 8, 2003

Chicago Detectives, Michael Ryan and Samuel Goldstein investigate the murders of a Catholic archbishop and nun - victims of grisly mutilations and bloody atrocities. Fingerprints on a knife lead the detectives to twelve-year-old boy, Matt Mendecka.

Across the globe in Italy, The Black Rose Notebook is stolen from its private case in the Vatican Library and hand-delivered to Mossad Agent Josephine (Josey) Schulman. Josey has the ancient book special-delivered by diplomatic pouch to her father, a Professor of Theology at the Hebrew University in Israel on loan to the University of Chicago.

The forces of evil overwhelm the detectives and Mossad agent, as they are forced to accept and rely on paranormal powers and unbridle their long forgotten religious beliefs and faith to battle the Brotherhood. But can God favor telepathy, sheer determination, and love against satanic motivated PSYOPS (psychological warfare)? Can angels actually save Holy warriors from the depths of despair? Can der Golem, summoned by a Rabbi, help battle the spawn of Hell itself? Or will the world succumb to total mind control and adhere to The Brotherhood's protocols?

R. D. Weber takes the reader on a mind-boggling horror ride
in PROTOCOL-17. International intrigue and espionage, murder
investigations, occult and supernatural occurrences are blended
together in a compelling and frightening novel. Characters, human and supernatural, leap from the pages at times, via dialogue and description. Unforgettable villains and credible well-fleshed-out heroes add to this enjoyable thriller.
Readers of The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons and cross genre King and Koontz novels will add Weber to their list of favorite suspense authors. His background as a former government agent lends realistic detail to his writing. Stunning locales and great attention to detail make Weber a refreshing new voice in the thriller genre.

I can't say enough good things about this cookbook. I never thought I would get excited about a cookbook in my life, but the Weber Big book of Grilling is, to me, the Bible of barbeque grilling whether it be Charcoal or Gas.

I have been a Weber Gas Grill owner for several years and have loved it. I own several small Weber cookbooks, but each one only covered different types of meats. I have been wishing for a 'consolidated' but HIGHLY expanded grilling cookbook for quite some time. The folks at Weber have come through!!!

This is not JUST a cookbook... the folks at Weber have taken the time to explain the different techniques from Charcoal vs. Gas, to different types of rubs, marinades, the best way to eat ribs as well as a GREAT history of barbequeing....

Not to mention, the recipes are, for the most part, extremely easy to make... They are NOT like trying to imitate or recreate the recipes some of those famous, big name, chefs on that cooking channel try to pass off as 'easy' with 192 ingredients... Weber makes grilling fun and easy to do for EVERYONE with minimal ingredients.

By the way, although the book is written by Weber, you do NOT need to have a Weber grill to use this book. They (Weber) understand that and write the book for EVERYONE (of course the pictures are of their grills, hey! They are not dumb)....

If you like to grill outside a lot, like I do.... You MUST get this book!!!!

Mike Heine ('winterstone')

The Weber's Big Book of Grilling is the single most used cookbook that I own, out of over 100 cookbooks. There are so many outstanding recipes that it is difficult to know where to begin. If I get a couple of good recipes out of a book I think it's mostly successful, but I have made at least 30 from this (most of them I have repeated) and they are all outstanding. The beer can chicken, the tequila shrimp, the texas rub. There are excellent technique descriptions throughout the book that describe how to do various things correctly right down to making the proper grill marks on a steak. This is a serious grilling book for those truly dedicated to the type of Man cooking that provokes both ridicule and awe from the fairer sex. Grill on, but you will need this book!

I got a Weber Summit grill two years ago, then I went out looking for cookbooks, since I never had owned a grill before and had no idea what to do or where to start. Some cookbooks are strictly for charcoal grills; other cookbooks just didn't have the right kind of directions. It seems like some authors out there don't want to recognize the existence of gas grills. I really like the convenience of a gas grill. I discovered the Art of the Grill cookbook and it had the kind of directions I needed and understood. The recipes in that book are great. The salmon is a snap because you cook it on a sheet of foil, so it's easy, delicious and no cleanup. Even the strawberry pie was wonderful.
Then along came this latest book. It's even better with lots more recipes and great instructions. I hate grill books that don't have clear instructions on the heat you need, among other things. I have made the stuffed veal chops several times and the sea bass and the simple pork chops that you just marinate for 30 minutes. Vegetables are also easy to grill, and I think they always taste better grilled. The recipes always come out as promised. I have no been disappointed, and I am anxious to try many more recipes that I know will turn out. This is the ultimate grill cookbook.

This book really helped me to see how and what I needed to do for me in order to improve my relationship with my wife.

This book has guided me through some touch time with my wife. The last two years has been a lot better than the first twelve. I can now talk to my wife in language that she can understand.

Relationships In Progress has become a vital tool in our early intervention domestic violence support group. The exercises in the book provide a clear, safe, informative and manageable process to examing their relationsips with themselves and others. We thank you, Dr. Brewer, for your insight, knowledge and foresight in developing such a powerful and user friendly guide to managing the most difficult and challenging work of our lives.

Domestic Violence Shelter Director

I am buying several of these books as Christmas presents this year. In the wake of September 11, I think a wonderful, magical story about New York City is just what we need. To believe again in beauty, magic and the gift of connection and love. It is a story about connections, relationships -- between New York City folks and their tree, Sister Anthony and the gardener, her tree, and her past. It is a wonderful (sometimes teary) story that makes us appreciate the magic that still exists in the world and is personified at its best through the wonderful Rockefeller Center Christmas tree!

This is the third Christmas season that I have snuggled with my daughter and experienced this lovely story. Both of us have come to love this tale of "Tree", Sister Anthony and of the little girl named Anna. It is told by the chief gardner from Rockefeller Center, who meets Sister Anthony during one of his annual quests for the perfect Christmas tree for the famous New York landmark. It is with each of Sister Anthony's storytellings that we witness the beautiful tapestry that unfolds, showing us the pure love between a child and a tiny tree and of their journey through life. This is truly a beautiful and heartfelt story that will evoke tears of sadness and joy. I look forward to sharing this treasure with my daughter for many years to come and I know she will always remember it...as will I. THANK YOU JULIE SALAMON!

As the chief gardener of Rockefeller Center in New York City the narrator of our story has a colossal job ahead of him each year at Christmas Days end. Another year begins and he is already scouting out possibilities for the next years most perfect tree to decorate the prestigious Center for all to take pleasure in.

It is when the perfect tree is found on the Bush Creek Convent grounds that his job gets just a little bit harder. Sister Anthony unfolds a splendid Christmas tale that will leave the reader with a story you will want to share with the whole family. I can see this book easily becoming a family tradition. Heartwarming and wonderful a 5 star Christmas tale for certain. Kelsana@yahoo.com 12/25/01

This is the very first David Weber book I ever read! It is still one of the very best of any book he has ever written, I also feel it is one of the true, "New Classics" in science fiction. Weber is is a Tom Clancy of science fiction and his books are worth every moment spend in reading there pages. This is a book you will not be able to put down!...

Weber gives us three special "woman" in his creation of "Fury" Alicia the human "Special Forcess" type soldier who has lost everything that she holds dear. Tisiphone, a immortal creature of spirit from ancient greece, alone, a orphan in the distant future of man where her name is nothing more than a fading legend from the shadows of earth's past. Megarea a creature of logic circuits and computer code, she never-the-less is selfaware and as protector and daugher/sister to Alicia will do anything to help her gain revenge for the lose she has suffered.

This is Weber space opera at its very finest! Battle tactics, character development and storyline are all handled with Weber's impecable attention to detail. My appreciation for the author's skill grows with each time I read another author. Mr. Weber handles the Techonology of his "Universe" with great skill. We always understand what he is talking about yet he never needs a encyclopedia of space and technical terms to tell us all he wants us to know. This is a book that is DEFINATELY worth reading!...

I LIKE David Weber's writing. After I found my first Honor Harrington, I couldn't rest till I had the whole series. And I've read 3 or 4 of his other books.

But this book is really special. Weber brings three distinctive personalities: Alicia, a very special warrior; Tisiphane, one of the three furies; and a very advanced AI. All three inhabit the same body although the AI also inhabits their star ship.

There is breathtaking suspense as our protaginist(s) track down some particularly evil pirates, solving the mystery of who they are, where they come from and what their ultimate purpose is. Aided and impeded by her own military, she uses the arcane talents of all her selves to accomplish her goals.

But more important than the space opera aspects (and Weber sets up some of the best tactics and strategy in space warfare you'll find), the development of the conjoined leading character is fascinating. For both adventure and character development,this is a don't miss book.

"Path of the Fury" is probably the best book David Weber has written. This is the book that started it all for me. I picked it up in a library years ago back in 1994, and I've been an avid fan of David Weber ever since. I can't hold back recommending this book to any reader who might see this review. Now if we can convince him to write a sequal...

"Path of the Fury" follows retired Imperial Commando Alicia DeVries and her search for vengence against the pirates who murdered her family and gutted the planet she had made her home. She is helped, by the mystical and self-serving Tisiphone, one of the long lost Furies of Greek legend. Their quest leads them to steal an artificially intelligent ship and... well, why spoil it.

Weber has a unique way of creating universes that have extrodinary depth and complexity, while at the same time intertwining character development and action flawlessly. It is the depth that makes David Weber such a good author. This book shows all of his best qualities, and could easily be called the best of what he's written. He's an ever more popular author. This book shows why.

I can't recommend it enough to those who haven't read it. Give it a read, you won't regret it.

Stu Weber has written a very good book that all men should read. He guides you on how to be a strong follower of Christ by doing the things that God intended for man. That is to love God first and foremost, cherish and honor his wife and protect and guide his children. Also can be used as a study guide for mens accountability groups.

This book has been a very inspirational tool and a guiding light for how I strive to live as a man of Christ. Drawn from the Word, Stu Weber writes about manhood. Not the manhood under attack today on TV and in the media, but the real Godly truth. He proves and speaks of the responsibility given to man by God, and all the roles that we play while upon the earth. You will have goosebumps from cover to cover and in the end, you will challenge yourself to be the man you know you are meant to be. Tender Warrior will become a cornerstone in you Christian library.

If you really want to know how to be a real man, read this book. Weber goes right to the biblical principles of how Jesus Christ set the mold for us to follow. The book outlines the roles a man must play during his life's walk and how those roles are intermingled with one another. How a real man is one who is a devoted father, husband, and friend. One who depends on Jesus Christ, the greatest man of all, for his counseling. You want to know what macho is, read the book! I'm using it right now for my men's ministry in my church and I can't keep them on the shelf. It's an awesome book to use for a Men's Sunday School or for a Men's class Thursday nights. Great job Stu!

Unfortunately, the third time around for Carl Weber's latest novel was not what I expected. While I assumed it would be about babies, the momma and their drama, the writing of the story seemed somewhat simple. Having read Mr. Weber's first two novels, both of which were thoroughly enjoyable and extremely entertaining, Baby Momma Drama had a very very slow start, almost to the first 1/3 of the book. When it finally picked up, it just seemed too late to introduce the drama and after finishing the book, it was like....."is that it?" I'm inclined to think that this is the author's first story written, yet published third in line. One character in particular just seemed a little bit too....dumb for lack of better words and while I made the attempt to stretch my imagination as far as it could go considering the title and contents of the novel, the character just lacked even minimal common sense.

What I did find positive about the novel is that many readers may relate if they've ever known someone or personally experienced the particular baby momma drama syndrome expressed in the novel. In addition, the author's story kept your attention with the anticipation that the drama was on it's way. There are many times in the book that one will find themselves saying "oh my goodness" as there is plenty of drama going on (last 2/3rds of the book) with the inter-woven lives of the characters, however, for me, the story was just too predictable.

On a final positive note, I believe that Mr. Weber definately has a nack for telling drama filled stories, as he's proven that with all of his novels. As a reader I will continue to buy his work because he adds a different kind of flavor to the world of fiction writing and one "not so good" novel by an author doesn't set the pace for future stories to come.

This was an excellent fast pace read and I recommend it to other bookclubs.

Baby Momma Drama consists of several Main Characters. Jasmine who is dealing with her Drug Dealer Boyfriend Derrick and his Baby Momma Wendy. Jasmine finds herself falling in love with Dylan while Derrick is in jail but Dylan has drama of his own by dealing with trying to get over his ex-girlfriend Monica. Then there is Travis who is dating Jasmine's sister Stephanie who can't seem to stay away from her baby's daddy Malek. Stephanie risks her securee future with Travis by constantly getting tangled up in lies concerning her relationship with Malek.

Will anyone be happy in the end? Hmmm .... You'll just have to read this hard to put down book. There are so many twists and turns it will have you glued to each page.

Carl Weber has definitely done it again . I am looking forward to the sequel to Married Men in 2004 called Player Haters.

This book was GREAT!!! Mr. Weber has a talent for bringing modern day situations to life. All of his books are so detailed and vivid. I read the book in three days. Now I find myself looking over my girlfriend shoulder while she's reading it. The book is so real. If you can't relate directly then you'll be saying something like "oh my goodness so and so did the exact same thing" or "My friend wouldn't listen to me when I told them don't go there." Also, I'm glad "Player Hater" has the fellas in it. I can't wait to catch up with the guys from "Married Men". In short the man is an awesome writer. Please support his work so we can continue to be engrossed with his great writing. "Lookin For Luv, Married Men, Baby Momma Drama" Get them while you can. TRUST ME

This was my first DW book, and it made a lot more sense after I read Mutineers' Moon. In this book, Senior Fleet Captain Colin MacIntyre, having defeated the mutineers and restored the Imperial Planetoid Dahak to working order, goes off to find as much of the Fifth Imperium Battle Fleet as he can, because the Achuultani have returned, and this time, they're going to finish the job. But at the first few stops he makes, certain clues lead Colin to suspect an unthinkable conclusion--maybe the Achuultani aren't the only danger to the Imperium this Galaxy holds! Finally, Colin decides the heck with it and sets sail for the capital system, where he's sure to find someone who can help him, right? Those who are into Solar geography will be pleased or outraged as Weber "juggles borders," while tipping a hat to Arthur C. Clarke's 2001. The battle scenes are very realistic (as far as the word "realitic" can apply between starship battles) and the human interest is very touching. Those readers who are active Whovians will recognize the obvious ripoff--the names have been changed to avoid copyright infringement. For those of you who like battles, bureaucracy, alien enemies, and imponderables like how a Galactic Imperium fifty-odd thousand years ahead of us can fall apart in a matter of months--without the Achuultani's help--then this book is for you!

The Armageddon Inheritance is the second book in a series that so far stretches three books. The series begins with Mutineers' Moon and concludes, so far, with Heirs of Empire. Often middle books are just a bridge from a great beginning to a great ending. Not so with Armageddon Inheritance. This is, in my opinion, the best of the three books in this series. This is also a relatively short novel, a mere 344 pages (Baen paperback edition). I don't think that this is an accident. David Weber is a fun author who has a great deal of talent. I do believe, however, that his best books are his shortest ones. This is true with his Honor Harrington series as well. Strip the fat away and there is only a lean mean story left.

This book takes place after the suppression of the fifty one thousand year old mutiny by Anu, see Mutineers' Moon. Humanity, with the great Spaceship Dahak captained by Colin MacIntyre in the lead, must prepare for the imminent invasion of the Achuultani. The Achuultani are to humanity what locus are to corn. Get enough of them together and Humans and everything they rely upon to exist ceases to exist. The Achuultani's only purpose seems to be to sweep the Galaxy in cycles stretching millennia and exterminating all life. I can't tell you why, but you can find out in the book.

The book is handled as a split novel. Half of the book covers Colin and crew aboard Dahak searching for aid from a possibly extinct Imperium and Horus staying on earth preparing for the imminent invasion.

The novel is non-stop and very exciting. The book has two climatic points that would have served as a books climax by themselves. I can't really tell you what happened after all but I can tell you that enough of humanity survives to provide a third book in the series. I can also strongly recommend this book. It would be helpful to read the first book before attempting to enjoy this one but I do not think it is necessary. Have fun!

The Armageddon Inheritance is the second novel in the Dahak series, following Mutineers' Moon. In the previous novel, Senior FleetCaptain Colin McIntyre, Imperial Battle Fleet, and former Lieutenant Commander, USN, has led the assault against the mutineers' enclave and has singlehandedly defeated Anu, launching him in a lifeboat toward the Dahak. Having identified the occupant of the lifeboat as the only remaining mutineer at large, the Dahak had let it come within the five thousand kilometer kill zone, destroyed it with a single burst of energy, and then marked its Alpha Priority task as completed. Two months later, Colin has pronounced himself Planetary Governor, re-established peace, appointed a Lieutenant Governor and Imperial Councilors to run the planet, executed all the unrepentant mutineers, created an Imperial technological and industrial base, and prepared to embark on a mission to find the lost empire.

In this novel, the hypercom transmitter has been repaired and used to broadcast to all Imperial stations, but has not received any responses. Colin takes the Dahak to Sheskar, the nearest known Imperial military base, but finds it has been destroyed by weapon fire, probably in a civil war. They then travel to Defram, but find it completely devoid of life; they speculate that this was caused by a biological weapon. Before leaving the immediate vicinity, they go to Kano, a nearby star, and are greeted with sublight missiles; after destroying the opposing orbital installations, they discover that the planet, Keerah, is also devoid of life, but one of the orbital stations still contains plants in its hydroponics facility. Sending a volunteer aboard, they find valuable information and equipment. From there, they travel to the Bia system and the Imperial capital, Birhat.

Back on Earth, Horus and the Imperial Council direct a vigorous program of retooling and rearming with Imperial technology to meet the threat of the Achuultani. The Supreme Chiefs of Staff expands to nine members, co-opts Marshal Tsien of the Asian Alliance, and directs him to select three others from the Alliance. The Planetary and Orbital Defense Centers are almost on schedule when an attempted coup by Alliance officers severely wounds General Hatcher, the Chairman of the Supreme Chiefs, so he appoints Marshall Tsien as the Acting Chairman. Deeply shamed by the mutiny of his own officers, Tsien promptly, and thoroughly, quells the attempted coup. However, two Asian PDCs have been sabotaged and fall far behind schedule. Although other problems occur, Earth should be ready to defeat the first assault by the enemy advance party, but probably will not be able to withstand the following attacks by the vanguard and the main force unless Colin can bring reinforcements from the empire.

This novel has a basic plot much like the Ringo's Legacy of the Alldenata series, but without the ground combat, or like Dickson's Hour of the Horde. For that matter, it is much like an old western, with the settlers circling their wagons and the scout riding off to get the cavalry. Obviously, the enjoyment comes from the details, which have the precision and realism that we have come to expect from Weber.

Recommended for Weber fans and anyone who enjoys realistic space war stories.