''A Hymn Before Battle'' is the first book in
John Ringo
John Ringo (born March 22, 1963) is an American science fiction and military fiction author. He has had several ''New York Times'' best sellers. His books range from straightforward science fiction to a mix of military and political thrillers ...
's ''
Legacy of the Aldenata
The Legacy of the Aldenata, also known as the Posleen War Series, is the fictional universe of one of John Ringo's military science fiction series.
Premise
The central premise is that in 2001, humanity receives greetings from a highly advance ...
'' series. Earth is introduced to extraterrestrial life by the Galactics, who tell the leaders of the World that an invasion by another alien race, the
Posleen, is coming. Earth's military forces are made available to the Galactics in exchange for technology to help stop the onslaught, but it is unclear just who can be trusted as the invasion nears.
Title
The title recalls
Rudyard Kipling
Joseph Rudyard Kipling ( ; 30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936)''The Times'', (London) 18 January 1936, p. 12. was an English novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist. He was born in British India, which inspired much of his work.
...
's poem "
Hymn Before Action
"Hymn Before Action" is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling in 1896. It takes the form of a prayer by troops to God and to Mary on the eve of battle.
Publication history and reception
The poem was inspired by the 1860 hymn ''The Church's One Founda ...
", which is quoted extensively throughout the book.
Major characters
* Bob Duncan, Staff Sergeant, Chief Fire Direction Controller for the 2nd Battalion 325th Infantry Heavy Mortar section
* Jack Horner, Lieutenant General, commander Joint Special Operations Command
* Jacob "Jake the Snake" Mosovich, Command Sergeant Major Special Forces
* David Mueller, Sergeant First Class, Special Forces
* Michael O'Neal, Web designer and former Sergeant. Recalled to develop technology and tactics to deal with the alien threat.
* Sharon O'Neal, wife of Michael and former Naval Officer.
* Earnest Pappas, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC (Ret.)
* Himmit Rigas, representative of his race to humans
* Jimmy Stewart, PFC Fleet Strike and former gang member
* Tulo’stenaloor, First Order Battlemaster of the Sten Po’oslena’ar.
Reviews
Library journal praised the "fast-paced action and acid humor". Booklist praised it as "splendid if somewhat sprawling, but added "Critics may not give it the time of day".
References
Novels by John Ringo
Legacy of the Aldenata
2000 American novels
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