"Hammer's Slammers" by David Drake is a collection of short stories that follows the interstellar mechanized mercenary unit known as the Slammers. The stories depict the evolution of the Slammers from an ad hoc military force to a powerful juggernaut under the leadership of Colonel Alois Hammer. The writing style is described as gritty, brutal, and realistic, providing detailed descriptions of battle scenes and character development, while also highlighting the human cost of the Slammers' actions.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, often displaying a mix of loyalty and ruthlessness, embodying the moral ambiguities of war.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by gritty realism and detailed battle descriptions, reflecting the author's combat background.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows a mercenary unit through multiple conflicts, illustrating their origins and the complexities of their missions.

Setting:

The setting encompasses an interstellar future where mercenaries operate across various planets in conflict.

Pacing:

The pacing varies throughout, with intense action often tempered by reflective interludes, which some find repetitive.

It is remarkable—though never remarked—how few writers have been soldiers in wartime. Kipling, who wrote of soldiers and soldiering as well as anyone ever has, was never himself a soldier. I believe I...

Notes:

Hammer's Slammers is a collection of seven short stories about a mercenary tank unit in a sci-fi setting.

Each story is followed by an 'Interlude' that provides additional background information for the reader.

The series was inspired by David Drake's own experiences as a Vietnam veteran.

The characters in the stories are depicted as realistic and complex individuals, often facing moral dilemmas.

Colonel Alois Hammer is the main character, known for being both ruthless and loyal to his crew.

The stories explore themes of military ethics, and the harsh realities of mercenary warfare.

Military actions in the stories often prioritize profit over cultural preservation, contrasting with real-world military strategies.

The book contains gritty and brutal depictions of war, appealing to fans of realistic military sci-fi.

Drake's writing is praised for its clarity in describing combat scenes amidst chaos.

The series offers a cynical view of mercenary life, where characters are not necessarily the 'good guys.'

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings due to themes of violence, war, and psychological trauma.

From The Publisher:

When a planetary government faces threats from guerrillas, insurgents or terrorists, the men they hire are Hammer's Slammers-known throughout the galaxy for their cold, ruthless ferocity, their ability to defeat overwhelming forces, and their willingness to go up against impossible odds.

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Hammer's Slammers

David Drake

Book 1 in the series:Hammer's Slammers