MARCH TO THE SEA

Sequel—or, better, the second installment of what has metamorphosed into a series—to March Upcountry (p. 372). Young, sulky Prince Roger, nephew of the Empress of Man, has been cast away on a hot, unpleasant world swarming with intelligent but barbaric natives, along with a company of space marines who're sworn to preserve his life. To escape the planet, they must cross thousands of miles of hostile territory, tackle hordes of belligerent natives, capture an enemy base—and, oh, yes, teach the talented but untested Roger how to be a real marine. Meanwhile, their numbers are dwindling, their high-tech equipment's deteriorating, and the ammo's running out. Another doorstopper with abundant action, lively if predictable complications, and no end in sight: thinly stretched and increasingly tedious.