A Hymn Before Battle (Ringo)

Tim recommended this book, and I heartily second his recommendation. Ringo paints a largely believable scenario (well, believable for people who regularly read SF): an alien confederation is embroiled in an ongoing interstellar battle, and they’re getting their butts kicked because the two major races are both cowards (think Niven’s puppeteers). They reluctantly partner with humans; the deal is that we get some advanced technology that we can use to defend Earth in return for providing infantry. Anyone who’s ever been in the military will appreciate Ringo’s characters and dialogue; he gets the small details right, which makes it a lot easier to suspend disbelief on the big things. I’m looking forward to later installments (in fact, the Borders at CVG had the third book, but I’m resolved to read them in order, so I had to pass it by. Pity.)