Title: Sixteen Ways to Defend a Walled City
ISBN: 978-0-316-27079-3
Publisher: Orbit Books
Year: 2019
Softcover
Pages: 350
Photos/Maps: NA
While surfing the net and going down Amazon rabbit holes, I stumbled across this little gem of a book. The title intrigued me as did the writing pedigree of the author. For those of you who are fans of the Stainless Steel Rat of Harry Harrison or the Terry Pratchett series of books, this will be another author to enjoy. KJ Parker is a pseudonym of Tom Holt and his sarcastic, tongue in cheek (moderately) anti-hero main character both entertains and teaches as he stumbles his way through the narrative.
In this case, our hero, Orhan, is commander of an engineering regiment in the Imperial Army who finds himself in the unlikely position of commanding the defence of the capital city as it is under seige by forces of an unknown origin. The story of how he ended up in this position, his actions and the intrigues that he must endure are very entertaining without being silly or trite. Further the author has weaved a relatively complex story without entangling the reader with multiple layers families and alliances. There are many lessons to be gleaned from how Orhan handles different situations and scenarios. He is a caustic yet self-effacing character who leads through engagement and a common touch. The benefits of this style manifest themselves in his subordinates beginning to undertake actions in keeping with his ‘commanders’ intent’ without having to be told or micromanaged. For the leader of today, be they military or civilian, there are relevant lessons to be learned from Orhan’s efforts.
Parker has drafted an entertaining and suitably complex book that is a unique take on an old theme. Educational without being preachy or dry, his characters actions resonate with real world scenarios. I strongly recommend this book.
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