Classic Space Opera

In space everyone can hear you sing. A century ago, intelligent space-faring life was nearly destroyed during the Sentience Wars. To bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity and understanding, the Metagalactic Grand Prix was created. Part concert, part contest, all extravaganza, species far and wide gather to compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes or faces.

In this book, Palmer took a giant stride forward from his contemporaries, replacing the noble, uncomplicated heroes of the first space operas, with the tormented anti-hero, "Suicide" Martin Brand, one of science fiction's most memorable characters. The half-crazed Brand, who likes to play classical music while rocketing toward a half-dozen enemy ships, atomic cannons blasting, is Earth's only hope.

Quinn doesn't have much to his name but a broken-down old freighter; even keeping it fueled is a constant struggle on the edges of civilized space where jobs are scarce and honest ones non-existent. With the death of the Emperor civilized space begins to dissolve into squabbling factions fighting for control and beautiful new passengers aboard Quinn's ship all bring their own load of problems and opportunities.

A battered starship is reborn as the galaxy's greatest weapon vs. a horde of armored transhuman warriors...The RCS Musashi is an antique ship - a last-chance posting for the unmotivated and undisciplined in the Fleet. But their captain, aging war hero Harrison Kane, believes that his crew of misfits can summon their talents to become the very best.