War of the Worlds: Retaliation

I basically requested this because I love the H.G.Wells classic War of the Worlds. I was a bit dubious when I realised the fight was being taken to the red plabet esoecially since the original was a commentary on the way the British Empire was cannibalising much of the rest of the world. That said the authors delivered their version of a sequel with aplomb. It doesn't go deep into character exposition but it doesn't need to. This was an alternate sci fi historical using real historucal figures and a what if premise. Under that the theme seems to be that we are all as likely to turn ruthless conquerer given half a chance. And there's a suprise for both humans and martians at the end. I had no idea I liked military sci-fi especially unleavened with many female characters but apparently I do. I came for War of the Worlds, I stayed for Retaliation. 4 well deserved stars.

Well, this is not the War of the Worlds book that I was expecting! It definitely has a twist as Earth takes the war to Mars. The book begins with the Martians invading Earth in the year 1898 and coming close to destroying it by war. In the 1920's Earth is ready to retaliate and takes the war to Mars. Weapons that were made from the knowledge left behind advanced earth's weaponry so they ready including advanced space travel. Many battles ensue (too many battles to hold my interest). The book has another twist that makes it interesting in that the earth's leaders are early versions of WWII heroes from all sides. Their personalities are what we know from history such as Patton and Rommel...and even Stalin. Interesting sci-fi.
Thanks to NetGalley for this book in exchange for honest review

This was a little gem. I love H.G Welle's War of the Worlds so when I read the description of this title, I was naturally excited to read it; and it was exactly what I hoped for.

The story utilises real historical personalities to drive the plot. This alternate history take made for a really enjoyable read. I also loved the re-imagining of military technology based off martian reverse engineering.
The book was action packed, never letting up on the war for an instant. Because of the pacing, i flew through this book.

If i were to briefly critisise it for anything, it would be that it felt rushed. I wouldn't have minded a longer, drawn out story. Especially nearing the end. It felt a little too abrupt.
<spoiler>The second "final plan" would have made for a great few chapters as humanity struggle to deal with seemingly impending doom. It felt like it was introduced and snuffed out almost within the same paragraph.
The story also jumped instantly away from Mars and into the future the second the final battle was complete. I would have liked to have seen what happened to Mars afterwords. Do humans colonise it? Destroy it? Take the new technology and develop monsterous new machines? </spoiler>

All in all it was a fun read and a decent tribute to the original, never stepping on any of Welle's work.