In Fury Born – David Weber

Title: In Fury Born

Author: David Weber

Genre: Science Fiction

Strap yourself in when you open this book, because it is quite the ride. Alicia DeVries, though not Honor Harrington, is an equal in her own right. Through the glimpses of her growing up, and then the significant events of her military career which led her to the Cadre, she is revealed as a quite complex character, as well as a devastatingly effective warrior. Through situation after situation you see her not only survive, but overcome. Yet, the realistic side of this survival is portrayed as well, for her survival does not come without it’s own cost.

Weber’s inclusion of a mythogical creature, a Fury, might seem odd at first, but it proves an interesting vehicle to explore the effect of a warrior’s struggles upon his/her soul. In the end, I think the book is an excellent example of a unique idea explored rather excellently. The movement within the book is very fast-paced and his exploration of exactly what the capabilities of such a creature as a Fury would be are interesting, and then the integration of those abilities into such a “souped up” warrior as Alicia is just brilliant.

I actually found that I enjoyed the first portion of the book almost more than the second, mainly because the battles were so well-written and played out. As Devries becomes a more capable warrior and as first the Marines and then the Cadre supplement her enhancements and give her more and more abilities – it was just exciting to see it all play out!

As always, Weber’s universe and science are incredibly well thought out and the science is very thorough (as best my limited understanding could understand). Those familiar with the Harrington book will sometimes experience a sense of deja vu in regards to some of the technology (implants, physical muscular enhancements), but these seem to be a part of almost every one of Weber’s books (apparently he sees this as part of our future…). And having another female lead in a military role will also echo the Harrington books as well,but he does an excellent job of not rewriting her in another universe, but really making DeVries her own woman and warrior.

I would highly recommend this book to any science fiction fan, or even fans of a more military or strategic genre – Weber does both so excellently, and this book is no exception.

Worldview: Secular

Recommended Age: Due more to the unsparing violence and language than any sexual situations, I would recommend this more to the High School age crowd. The science might also be overwhelming for younger readers.