Hunting Armed Men

by J. M. Erickson
Emergency Comms Press (ECP)
book review by Philip Zozzaro
US Review of Books

"“You're about to go all-in to fight and kill them, and they are a reiteration of this Hemingway of a bygone age."

Cassie Kurtz is a hunted woman living in the mountains of Mars, where her closest friend is Alethia, an AI connection. Kurtz is a natural leader whose words and actions can inspire a resistance movement. Robert Lee VI is the executive officer of the Robert E. Lee spaceship, an ambitious man with something to prove. Lee encourages a mutiny among the men so he can assume command of the ship and pursue the rebel, Kurtz. Willard Bennett could educate Lee on the foolhardiness of his quest, as Bennett has tangled with Kurtz before, ending up maimed for his troubles. However, Bennett's life was spared by Kurtz, and he emerged a better person for it. The hunt is on for Kurtz as well as Lee and his collection of mutineers. The year is 2158, and chaos is a constant.

Planet Earth is in the rearview, and the action is on the Red Planet in this fast-paced science fiction novel where a battle for dominance is being waged, primarily between men and women. Lee credibly reflects the entitlement inherent in those born into a renowned lineage; he believes the ship is his birthright, along with the higher rank. These aspirations are counterbalanced by his weak leadership and lack of charisma. Kurtz is well written as a strong, formidable figure who is both calculating and humane. Bennett is the sagacious veteran providing keen analysis of Kurtz and Lee. The conversations between Kurtz and Alethia are astute, often funny, and occasionally touching. The narrative is vibrant from start to finish and combines enough action and drama to satisfy the reader.