Book Review: Cobras Two — Books by Timothy Zahn

When I was a teenager, one of the early science fiction books I read was a book titled Cobra, by Timothy Zahn.  He later published a second book, and they were released together under the title COBRAS TWO: Cobra – and – Cobra Strike.

This series has an inter-galactic setting.  Humanity has left Earth behind, and expanded our reach across the universe.  Then, we encounter a war-like species, bent on conquering all the worlds we’ve populated.  And they’re succeeding.

This leads the military to create the COBRA program, which merges cybernetics and weapons to create the ultimate guerilla soldier.  Men and women that can blend in with the population, armed with things like weapons-grade lasers in their pinky finger, sonic disruptor implants, arc throwers, reinforced bones, servos to augment running, etc.  And controlling it all is a computer implanted at the base of their brain.  The computer gives them the ability to survive in high combat situations, automating their response to threats.  They are the perfect weapons to use against these invaders.

Here’s the kicker, though.  What happens when they return home?  We have the perfect soldiers, responsible for freeing humanity from the threat of an outside invader, and they can not control their actions when faced with any situation that may be threatening.  More importantly, they respond with deadly force at each and every turn.

The populace is thankful for what they’ve done, yet fearful of their capabilities.  This is the real story.  How does a society go about re-integrating these hapless souls back into their midst?  The challenge is addressed in Cobra, and becomes more clear in Cobra Strike.  I believe this story formed the basis for a Star Trek:  The Next Generation episode, as well.

I only recently discovered that a third book was published, and all three books are being re-released in paperback under the single cover: The Cobra Trilogy.  This has made my list, to round out this series from my childhood.

This is a good read.  It won’t shake the foundations of your beliefs, but if you enjoy science fiction, it definitely makes the recommended list.

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