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Mallory Chowansky

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Aug 3, 2024, 11:10:51 PM8/3/24

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David Drake RCN Series: A Space Opera Inspired by History

If you are a fan of science fiction novels that combine military action, political intrigue, and character development, you might want to check out the David Drake RCN Series, also known as the Lt. Leary series. This is a sequence of stand-alone novels by David Drake, a veteran of the Vietnam War and a prolific writer of science fiction and fantasy. The RCN Series is set in a future where interstellar travel is possible through the use of advanced sails that harness a fictional radiation. The main protagonists are Daniel Leary, an officer in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy (RCN), and Adele Mundy, a librarian and spy. Together, they face various threats from the totalitarian Alliance of Free Stars and other enemies, while also dealing with their personal histories and relationships.

What makes the David Drake RCN Series unique is that it is inspired by historical incidents, often from Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome. Drake has described it as "an SF version of the Aubrey/Maturin series" by Patrick O'Brian, a series of historical novels about the Napoleonic Wars. In fact, each novel in the RCN Series has a prologue that explains its historical basis. For example, the first novel, With the Lightnings, is based on the Siege of Syracuse in 415-413 BC, while the seventh novel, In the Stormy Red Sky, is based on the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. By using history as a template, Drake creates realistic and compelling scenarios that explore the themes of war, politics, loyalty, friendship, and honor.

The David Drake RCN Series currently consists of 13 novels and one short story. The latest novel, To Clear Away the Shadows, was published in 2019. You can find all the books in the series in various formats, including epub 22. If you are looking for a thrilling and engaging space opera that blends history and science fiction, you should give the David Drake RCN Series a try.

Meet the Main Characters of the David Drake RCN Series

The David Drake RCN Series features a large and diverse cast of characters, but the main focus is on the two protagonists: Daniel Leary and Adele Mundy. Here is a brief introduction to their personalities and backgrounds:

Daniel Leary is a Lieutenant (promoted to Captain in the later novels) in the Republic of Cinnabar Navy (RCN), a space-faring military force that defends Cinnabar's interests and independence from the Alliance of Free Stars and other rivals. He is a brilliant strategist, charismatic leader, charmer of women, and lover of adventure. He is also an avid reader of history and literature, and a skilled musician who plays the cello. He commands the corvette Princess Cecile, nicknamed the Sissie, which he inherited from his mentor, Captain Locatelli. He is loyal to his crew, his friends, and his homeworld, but he often clashes with his superiors and his father, Speaker Corder Leary, a powerful politician who disapproves of Daniel's career choice and lifestyle.

Adele Mundy is a librarian with a deep-rooted passion for information and knowledge, which has fueled her unparalleled talents in the areas of information retrieval by any means necessary, including systems infiltration and circumventing information security. She is also an expert pistol shot, a skill useful for surviving and avoiding aristocratic duels. She was born into a wealthy and influential family on Cinnabar, but her parents and siblings were executed for their part in a nearly successful treason plot against Cinnabarâa string of executions ordered by Daniel's father, Speaker Leary. Adele survived because she was studying abroad at the time, but she lost her eyesight in an assassination attempt. She was given artificial eyes that allow her to see normally, but also to interface with computers and other devices. She works as a spy for Cinnabar's intelligence service, often under the cover of being Daniel's personal secretary.

Daniel and Adele meet for the first time in With the Lightnings, when they are both stranded on the planet Kostroma during an Alliance-backed coup. They join forces to escape from the planet and to restore the rightful ruler, Prince Sergei. Along the way, they discover that they have more in common than they expected, despite their different backgrounds and personalities. They form a friendship based on mutual respect, trust, and humor. They also complement each other's skills and abilities: Daniel provides Adele with access to places and people that she needs for her missions, while Adele provides Daniel with valuable information and support that he needs for his battles. Together, they embark on various adventures across the galaxy, facing enemies both external and internal.