Though Hell Should Bar the Way

David Drake [is] the reason a lot of people got started reading military science fiction, because it's always a good idea to start with the best.--David WeberRoy Olfetrie dreamed of becoming an officer in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy until his father's secret criminal enterprise was discovered. Forced to drop out of the Academy, Roy has given up - until he meets Captain Daniel Leary.With Leary and Mundy at his side, Roy finally has a chance to redeem himself. Plunged back into the fray, Roy must contend with slave traders, pirates and assassination attempts, as well as his own father's toxic legacy. But an even greater danger is on the horizon, as war with the Alliance is brewing once again...

David Drake is one of the most respected military science fiction authors in the industry, having developed the 'Hammer's Slammers' series and the 'RCN' series for Baen Books-two of the first hugely popular military SF series. A Vietnam War veteran, he is renowned for bringing the military sensibility to his stories and the soldier's sensibilities to his characters.