For most of the 1990s, I didn't read for pleasure. I'm remedying that now, by not only reading more, but by reading what I missed then. On Basilisk Station is part of that endeavor.

I picked this up thinking it would be a good way to familiarize myself with military sci-fi -- I didn't really expect to like it. Imagine my surprise when I did. It moves well, is interesting and has fabulous characters. It reminded me of a Tom Clancy novel -- if Tom Clancy were capable of writing a book of less than 450 pages, and if he could create a believable and likable female character.

The story finds Honor Harrington exiled to far reaches of the Manticorean empire, captain of an old, under-armed ship and of a crew that blames her for their exile. She surprises everyone (except, of course, herself) by doing her job and doing it well -- and in the process thwarts an invasion.

This isn't necessarily a good book, but it's a fun book, and I do look forward to reading the rest of the series.