The Dark Wing. Published 2001 (hardcover), 2002 (mass-market paperback); Tor Books.
Humanity faces an implacable enemy driven by their faith to war. The solution to this long conflict rests with a commander who is willing to adopt the enemy's philosophy and approach in the prosecution of that war – no matter what the cost.
Reviews
"This entertaining first novel plays some welcome variations on formulaic military SF . . . Hunt delivers a bravura performance, especially for a new writer." Publisher's Weekly. (Copyright ©2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.)
"Hunt's first novel, set in the far future, deals with the problematic issues of xenophobia and genocide while presenting a fast-paced story that should appeal to fans of space opera and military sf. Reminiscent of Orson Scott Card's military classic Ender's Game, this work belongs in most sf collections. Library Journal. (Copyright ©2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.)
"A thoughtful debut, reassuringly familiar in shape with glints of originality . . . Satisfyingly complete in itself, though expertly set up for sequels." Kirkus Reviews.
"The Dark Wing is still well worth your attention. It’s perfectly readable, and its resonance with current events makes it quite thought-provoking." Analog. (© 2001 Dell Magazines; "The Reference Library" ©2001, Tom Easton.)
"For a first foray . . . Hunt's work shows promise. With an open ending, it is likely that a sequel is forthcoming and will be welcomed by fans of hard science fiction." VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). VOYA.
My initial impression of The Dark Wing was that it was a just another flashy space opera. Later I thought it was just another dark novel about the genocide of aliens. Still later I decided it was a splendid depiction of the two sides of the Tao told in a Sci-Fi venue. Finally, I realized that this brilliant first novel was in fact all three and more . . . I heartily congratulate first time author Walter H. Hunt and wish him all the success he deserves.SFRevu. (© 2002 Ernest Lilley / SFRevu)
The Dark Wing is a promising first novel and a welcome addition to the ranks of military SF. Hunt has a slight tendency to jump back and forth through the timeline of events, but manages to stick to his basic story without falling into the trap of extensive pseudo-historical or political analysis. Starlog.
