Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Vol. 2

Ambition

By: Yoshiki Tanaka, Daniel Huddleston - translator

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

In the thirty-sixth century humanity has conquered the galaxy and colonized countless star systems. The Galactic Empire, modeled along Prussian lines, and the democratic Free Planets Alliance are at war, and the fate of every human being in the universe hangs in the balance. This classic Japanese space opera, adapted into a legendary anime, is finally available in English for the first time.

After a coup d'etat erupts in the Free Planets Alliance, military strategist Yang Wen-li is ordered to use his tactical wizardry put down the rebellion, but the ringleader holding the capital is someone he had once trusted deeply. Meanwhile in the Empire, Reinhard will soon face a new trial as in the wake of the Emperor's death he stands amidst an intensifying power struggle among the aristocracy. The unbeatable magician and the unstoppable genius: the decisions these heroes make will send shockwaves across the galaxy.

Finish the books!

Great book! Love the anime series and the manga. Love this too. I wish audible would finish the series!!!

Glory, deceit, conquest.

So refreshing to have a story who's writer understands a multitude of motives. The characters are numerous and unique, their interactions with each other are a delight. Having finished Evola's: 'The Metaphysics of War,' Legends is more profound.

Hooked

Impossible to not find yourself lost in the world of both the galactic empire and the free planets alliance, truly a space opera epic worth more audio versions

A Fantastic Continuation!

The war between the Empire and the Alliance is in cessation while both the two factions are busy quelling the uprisings within their own territories while a third, yet undeclared faction continues to work insidiously in the background with intent on the ruin of both.

This book is much more invigorating than Book 1 in that there are many levels of intrigue, betrayals, subterfuge and more than a few poignant and emotionally-charged scenes where friendships are called into question and the loss of a few likable characters seem to drain not only the affected characters but the listener, as well.

I also enjoy how the author spends the time to explore personalities of even the 3rd tier characters and the local battles play out. In many instances, it adds a fuller understanding as to how despicable these aristocrats were and how likable and interesting other, less fortunate, were.

A study in causes and effects of Ambition

Very aptly named second part of the series. While Dawn set the stage and major characters, Ambition details the even more meteoric rise of Reinhard and Yang as central figures in the Empire and the FPA while facing civil war and rebellion.

Dawn felt somewhat impersonal and antiseptic focusing solely on high level of tactics, politics and philosophy, I think this outing is more visceral and personal on the effects of war and violence down to the individual level. In my opinion this makes the writing more engaging and well rounded. It drives the point that you can get caught up with your ego or cross fire of egos even when you have the best of intentions.

You also get to learn a bit more about Phezzan and get a glimpse of the maneuvering going on behind the scenes. Being familiar the overarching story, no doubt that will take a few books to fully to take full shape.