"The Truth of Valor", the fifth novel in Tanya Huff's "Confederation" series, continues the story of space Marine Sgt Torin Kerr. I didn't find it as much fun as the earlier books, though it has a space-adventure story that still packs enough wit to make me laugh; just not as often.Torin is now a civilian, having retired from the Corps at the end of the previous novel, "Valor's Trial". She's now living with Craig, the salvage operator she met in the second book. But now that the war is (mostly) over, civilian life is rather dull for a professional NCO and killing machine. The plot gives us some space pirates for villains, and of course they will be sorry to have crossed Torin's path. Problem is, Torin seems out of place without a platoon to command and COs to manipulate. The dispassionate, "complete the mission, get my people out alive" hero is replaced by a different, more personal-level, emotion-driven action hero; now, she's Rambo. Without the military context, much of the drollery about the military in general and the omnipotence and omniscience surrounding the role of a marine sergeant in particular is sorely missed, even after a couple of her old subordinates drop in to help out.The ending suggests that Torin & Co. will return in further adventured. I'm hoping for a little more fun next time out. While no where near as golden as the first four books in the series, I did enjoy this book. Above all, I am thoroughly convinced that I would- no I are wanting a Presit doll! Seriously though, 'The Truth of Valor' gives the reader (myself) a tamer, slightly more domesticated Gunnery Sargent. After the military, Torin and her manlove Craig take to a life as salvage operators. However when Craig gets kidnapped, in she rides to a rescue that causes even me to question the intelligence of the bad guys. To doubt that she would ever best the bad guys was moot, it was the how.What Torin did so best in the military, organizing individuals into an efficient force to either attack, survive or defend is an ability Torin really doesn't get to explore in this book. While she does have help, seeing her on the hunt and bent on rescuing her love, does fall short of the guerrilla warfare and hectic environs of prior books. Please don't pick up this book without reading the others in the series, while good- the others are phenomenal!
What do You think about The Truth Of Valour (2014)?
This excellent military sci-fi series continues with Book 5 - this time with space pirates!
—Becky
I read these a while ago. I like them better than the Honor Harrington series.
—Beccalynn2345
More of the same. still good but getting a little old.
—zeyko
