Step aboard the starships of the Lt. Leary / RCN series, where interstellar adventure and cunning political intrigue collide in a dazzling sci-fi saga! Crafted by David Drake, this beloved military science fiction series follows the daring Lieutenant Daniel Leary and the brilliant spy-librarian Adele Mundy as they navigate a universe of space battles, diplomacy, and betrayal. With its roots in historical naval warfare, this series is a thrilling ride for fans of character-driven space opera.
Picture a universe where advanced sails propel starships faster than light, and the Republic of Cinnabar Navy (RCN) stands as a beacon of power against the scheming Alliance of Free Stars. Whether you’re a sci-fi veteran or a newcomer, the Lt. Leary / RCN series offers a galaxy of excitement that’s hard to resist.
How Lt. Leary / RCN Began
David Drake, a Vietnam War veteran and master of military sci-fi, launched the Lt. Leary / RCN series in 1998 with With the Lightnings. Inspired by Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels, Drake envisioned a space opera with two contrasting protagonists: the charismatic strategist Daniel Leary and the sharp-witted Adele Mundy. His love for historical naval tales, particularly from Ancient Greece and Rome, shaped the series’ intricate plots. After penning a novella for the Honorverse anthology, Drake expanded his vision into a full novel, birthing a saga that blends 18th-century naval traditions with futuristic flair.
The Heart of Lt. Leary / RCN
The series kicks off with With the Lightnings, where Leary, a broke naval officer estranged from his powerful father, teams up with Mundy, an exiled scholar whose family was executed by Leary’s dad. Together, they thwart an Alliance takeover on the planet Kostroma, forging an unlikely friendship. Lt. Leary, Commanding (2000) sees Leary captaining the corvette Princess Cecile, facing pirates and political schemes. The Way to Glory (2005) ramps up the stakes with class riots and Alliance fleets threatening Cinnabar, showcasing Leary’s tactical genius. The Sea Without a Shore (2014) pits Leary and Mundy against kidnappers and rebels in a mining colony, blending ground combat with space warfare.
Themes of loyalty, duty, and friendship anchor the series, with Leary’s charm and Mundy’s pistol-sharpened intellect driving the narrative. Drake’s universe feels lived-in, with gritty realism drawn from historical parallels and a focus on character over tech. The mix of space battles, commando missions, and political maneuvering creates a dynamic pace, while the series’ standalone novels make it easy to jump in.
Why Lt. Leary / RCN Resonates
The Lt. Leary / RCN series has carved a niche in military sci-fi, earning praise for its rich characters and intricate plots. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its blend of action and intrigue, comparing it to a spacefaring Master and Commander. Drake’s ability to weave historical inspiration into a futuristic setting has influenced space opera, offering a blueprint for character-driven narratives. Its 13 novels, ending with To Clear Away the Shadows (2019), remain a testament to Drake’s storytelling prowess, captivating readers who crave adventure with heart.
- First Book: With the Lightnings (1998)
- Total Books: 13
- Author: David Drake
- Genre: Military Science Fiction / Space Opera
Ready to sail the stars with Daniel Leary and Adele Mundy? Grab With the Lightnings and dive into the Lt. Leary / RCN series’ thrilling universe of space battles and intrigue!