With the Lightnings

RCN Series, Book 1

By: David Drake

Narrated by: Victor Bevine, David Drake

Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Daniel Leary is a lieutenant in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy with no money and no prospects since he quarreled with his ruthless, politically powerful father.

Adele Mundy is a scholar with no money and no prospects since her family was massacred for conspiring against the Government of Cinnabar.

Kostroma is a wealthy planet which depends on diplomacy to stay independent in a galaxy whose two great powers, Cinnabar and the Alliance, battle for supremacy.

In a few hours, diplomacy is going to fail Kostroma. Daniel, Adele, and the scratch crew they gather aren't much to stand in the way of a powerful invasion fleet, but just possibly they're enough.

Men and women who hold courage cheap and honor more dear than life itself face impossible odds in a novel of color, intrigue, and slashing action. From the corridors of a treason-ridden palace through the perils of unknown seas and hellish jungles to a final blazlng climax in space, the heroes never bow and the action never flags.

They have nothing on their side but each other - and heaven help whatever tries to stand in their way!

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by author David Drake.

Go Navy: download more titles in the RCN Series.

©1998 David Drake (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The yarn unfolds into an authentically taut and exciting tussle, courtesy of Drake's unflinching portrayal of battle's downside and his eye for telling detail." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"A full measure of appealing derring-do." ( Publishers Weekly)

Another great one by Drake

Great story. I have always liked the detail that Drake puts in his military Sci-fi. The reading though was rather flat and failed to convey the full experience of the book.

Slow and borring

Borring book
Don't know if it's the narrator or the book itself. But it was borring.

One of Drakes best series

interesting characters, fast action, damn good book. The series is at leadt a three reader, possibly four. The narration is good. I recommend this series if you like space opera and military SF.

good book

decided to try the audible version after reading the kindle book. liked having it read.

Great except for Narrator

The story is excellent, however the Narrator is very monotone and it is easy to fall asleep while listening.

I really like this series

I actually just fininshed the 1st book last (because of the ratings ya-know), and have to say I liked it the best. Maybe it's because I already knew so much about the characters that seeing how they all got together made the book more interesting.
Also, I do agree with the author that this is not your typical military Sci-Fi Space-Opera. It's geered more to a grown-up audience.
I will difintely buy any new releases.

SPACE OPERA

Any additional comments?

ONE OF THE GREAT WRITERS OF SPACE OPERA . AUTHOR SETS THE SCIENES JUST LIKE YOU ARE THERE.

Horatio Hornblower In Space . . .

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Looking for Henry James? Proust? Keep going. Light entertainment and adventure? Come on in and prop your feet up.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lt. Leary's servant, Hogg -- a delightfully disreputable character.

Have you listened to any of Victor Bevine and David Drake ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

That would be when Adele Mundy realized there were people she could trust, after all.

Character Set Up Took a While, Worth It in the End

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is a well written and imaginative story.

What did you like best about this story?

The complex characters and a real accuracy when it comes to describing sailors - even in space!

Would you listen to another book narrated by Victor Bevine and David Drake ?

I am listening to the whole series. The narration struck me as a bit flat, though it grew on me once I got used to the narrator's style.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were times in the book where the action and suspense were so real that I found myself sitting up straight as I listened to it.

Any additional comments?

The book starts slow as the author introduces you to the complex backgrounds of the main characters and sets up the book and the rest of the series. It is interesting, but a bit slow. It is totally worth it, though, as the book becomes very action packed with suspense and battles!

Sit back and enjoy

This is an enjoyable series, well written and narrated. Initially I was wary of the modelling on Patrick O'Briens series but I have absolutely no complaints and I am happily working my way through all David Drake's stories. It's a delight to find a great storyteller.