When the Tide Rises

by David Drake

Book Overview

When the Republic of Cinnabar doesn't have enough battleships to deal with all the crises in its war with the Alliance, it sends the next best thing: Commander Daniel Leary and his friend, the spy... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416591567
• ISBN13: 9781416591566
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Baen
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.3" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for collections strong in military science fiction writings

Fans of military science fiction will find WHEN THE TIDE RISES is a gripping, fast-paced story telling of Commander Daniel Leary and his spy friend, who are helping the Bagarian cluster in its rebellion against the alliance. From politics to mutiny and beyond, WHEN THE TIDE RISES is a fast-paced complex of action and adventure, and makes for a fine, involving military science fiction read perfect for collections strong in military science fiction writings. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Among the Revolutionaries

When the Tide Rises (2008) is the sixth SF novel in the Leary, RCN, series, following Some Golden Harbor. In the previous volume, Daniel Leary commanded the Bennarian destroyer Sibyl in combat with the Pellegrinian cruiser Caio Duilio and drove the enemy ship into the atmosphere of Dunbar's World. After the cruiser crashlanded, the winners gathered to dispose of the booty. Daniel dictated the ownership of the various ships, weapon and materiel with very little opposition. Adele Mundy had waking nightmares after leading the attack on the missile control trailer, but Daniel calmed her down. Then they went off to listen to Elemere sing. In this novel, Daniel receives orders to aid the Bagarian Republic in their revolution against the Alliance. Naturally, the mission has more to do with Cinnabar's interests than those of the Bagarian Republic. Just maybe Daniel can do enough to draw the attention of the Alliance Navy and relieve the pressures on Admiral James at Diamondia. Adele has received a visitor from Bryce in the Alliance worlds. Rene Cazelet is the grandson of Madame Boileau, who had been training Adele as a librarian when Cinnabar killed off her family. Cazelet's parents have been arrested -- and probably executed -- on charges of treason against the Alliance. Cazelet had only escaped capture because he was with his grandmother and is now fleeing agents of the Fifth Bureau. Madame Boileau asks Adele to take in Cazelet and mentor him as she had done for her. Adele quickly decides to adopt Cazelet, so to speak, and carries him along to the theater. There they see the popular show The Conquest of Dunbar's World, starring Michael Beasley as Lieutenant Daniel Leary, RCN. In this story, the Princess Cecile first sails to Diamondia. With Daniel's permission, Adele includes Cazelet in the ship's company and bunks him in the midshipmen quarters. Adele starts training him as a signals officer during the voyage. On Diamondia, Daniel has a private talk with Admiral James. Then the Princess Cecile sails on to Pelosi and the Bagarian Republic. The Bagarian president and ministers are so impressed by Daniel's reputation that they appoint him as the commanding admiral of the Bagarian Navy. Of course, their navy doesn't amount to much. They do have a former RCN vessel captured from the Alliance -- the light cruiser Victoria Luise -- and offer to rename her Admiral Leary. But Daniel convinces them to name her Ladouceur, the original RCN name. Daniel takes the Ladouceur and other vessels of the Bagarian Navy out on a training mission. Naturally, Daniel makes the mission as realistic as possible. So they raid Dodd's Throne and take two Pleasaunce registered ships as prizes. Adele continues instructing Cazelet on ship identification and other techniques that she uses to do her job as signal officer. Cazelet catches on quickly and starts to become very effective in shipbourne communications. Of course, he has already received training

RCN forever

I found this story to be better than the last officer Leary story. David Drake likes to base his story line on historical battles, which makes these stories a little more real to me. I find the characters a wonderful blend of odd and loyal. The group dynamics are well written and so I can get into character myself and enjoy the ride.

Drake's Leary series continues to excel

David Drake has been a fine writer for many years now, writing a number of memorable series, primarily centering on military SF and fantasy. The Daniel Leary and Adele Mundy series is a top-notch example of him at the top of his game. Drake's style can be off-putting since he frequently uses historical cultures in a futuristic setting, and one can argue whether such cultures are viable in a high-tech environment. In this case, however, the relationship between Leary and Mundy, and their characters, are fascinating. Some would compare them to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey and Maturin, but I prefer Drake's characters. When the Tide Rises continues the story begun so ably in With the Lightnings.

Excellent outer space military science fiction

The war continues unabated between the Republic of Cinnabar and the Alliance of Free Stars. Although his side is short on battleships and experienced combat officers, Cinnabar Space Navy Officer Daniel Leary expects to be mothballed since his mentor on the Board was replaced by someone who detests the maverick as success does not matter; political connections do. Instead he and his crew are assigned to help the fledgling navy of the Independent Republic of Bagaria, who seceded from the Alliance. Espionage agent Signal Officer Adele Mundy accompanies Daniel and his crew. Upon arrival at the frontier republic, they find the biggest problem is from within the divided Bagarian political leadership as treason seems to be the norm especially for those who lost power when Bagaria left the Alliance. The latest Leary outer space military science fiction thriller (see SOME GOLDEN HARBOR, WITH THE LIGHTNINGS and THE WAY TO GLORY, etc.) is an excellent entry that has the author's trademark look at the brutality of war, but much more. The story line contains the usual Mr. Drake's deep look at the outcome of hostilities on civilian populations as well as the surviving military. However, the tale also provides a fascinating political twist that is mindful of Iraq and the Baath party. Those who were in power under the Alliance want back what they lost; while those who gained power refuse to share. WHEN THE TIDE RISES is a thought-provoking entertaining entry in the Cinnabar-Alliance war. Harriet Klausner