The Ninth Circle - R. M. Meluch

Fifth in the hard-hitting military science-fiction series.

On the distant world of Zoe, an expedition finds DNA-based life.
When alien invaders are also discovered, Glenn Hamilton calls on the
U.S.S. Merrimack for help. But the Ninth Circle and the Palatine
Empire have also found Zoe. Soon everyone will be on a collision course
to determine the fate of this planet.

R. M. Meluch is an American SF writer, and published the first of her Tour of the Merrimack series of military SF/space opera novels in 2005. She can be found at rmmeluch.com.

Praise for the Tour of the Merrimack series:

"While Meluch depicts combat and warrior culture as well as any writer in the subgenre, the true joy of this outstanding effort…lies in its inspired use of current speculation on the origins of the universe, quantum singularities and even the old chestnut of time travel…. Meluch shows particular skill increating memorable characters while exhibiting a refreshing ruthlessnessin subordinating them to the logical ramifications of the plot." -Publishers Weekly(starred) (forThe Myriad)

"Rousing far-future SF novel....This isgrand old-fashioned space opera, so toss your disbelief out the nearest air lock and dive in."-Publishers Weekly(starred) (forWolf Star)

"Meluch is an excellent writer, and has a firm grasp of military tactics, character development and storytelling. A good substitutefor those waiting for David Weber's next Honor Harringtonnovel."-Sacramento Book Review

"Enough action and suspense for three novels. Meluch's wry, realistic wit finds the ludicrous in the military, sex in the military, and a dozen other matters.A treat for military sf buffs."-Booklist, forThe Sagittarius Command

"Fast action, hairbreadth escapes, and Meluch's facility for humorin an astonishing range of situations incum-bent on military life become the order of the day.... A fine yarn to chuckle along with, just like the previousTour of the Merrimackadventures." -Booklist, forStrength and Honor

"The Ninth Circleis an immensely readable book that flows very quickly and draws you in withsharp little hooks that demand you finish the bookbefore you dream of beginning any other."-Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"A lovely sequel with excellent writing and wonderful characters…. This is a great readfor people who liked Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey and Daniel Leary." -SFRevu

"A heart-pounding thrill ride….Fans ofStar Trekand Heinlein alikewill enjoy the story…a great story of space warfare and the triumph of the human spirit against insurmountable odds." -Grasping for the Wind