Too many characters and subplots, and some very disjointed storytelling, but also some interesting characters and plot developments, so I had kind of a mixed reaction to the book.

Jack McBryde and Herlander Simoe were two of the more interesting characters, and their parts of the story were some of the best. It was also fun to have Zilwicki and Cachat back in action.

Glad to be returning to the main Honorverse storyline in the next book. ( )

Meh. Very meh. Disjointed and just a setup for the next book. And if I never read another statement about how exceptional the heroes are in what they do it would be a huge improvement.

I have hope for the next book when Eric Flint is not part of the duo. ( )

This 21 hour episode in the Honor Harrington universe takes place mainly away from Manticore. There is some overlap and repetition of events in other books in the series including the assassination attempt on Queen Berry on Torch. But this one focuses more on that assassination attempt and on Anton Zilwicki's and Victor Cachat's investigation into the causes.

Zilwicki and Cachat end up going to Mesa to see if they can find proof of Mesan involvement. While on Mesa we learn more about the aims of the Mesan Alignment and spend time with Jack McBryde and Herlander Simoes.

Jack McBryde is the head of security for the Gamma Center where Herlander works. He becomes Herlander's friend when he is told to watch him carefully. Herlander is a astrophysicist who has done work on the Alliance's secret streak drive. He is also a grieving father whose daughter was culled by the Mesan Alliance Long-Range Planning Board when her genes didn't meet the LRPB's standards. Watching Herlander's grief is enough to give Jack second thoughts about the aims and goals of the Mesan Alliance and lead him to want to defect along with Herlander.

Meanwhile, back on Torch, military forces are being gathered. The Mesan Alliance has recruited left over Havenite State Security forces to try to take over Torch. If they can't take it over, they are to destroy the planet even though it is a violation of the Eridani Edict which forbids attacks on inhabited planets. The forces against them are led by Admiral Luis Rozsak who is from the Solarian League Navy and who is Governor Barregos' top military advisor. They are doing an end run around the Solarian League and building up their own forces in secret from the League.

This was an excellent episode in the series and makes me eager for the next book since quite a number of plot threads were left dangling. ( )

This 21 hour episode in the Honor Harrington universe takes place mainly away from Manticore. There is some overlap and repetition of events in other books in the series including the assassination attempt on Queen Berry on Torch. But this one focuses more on that assassination attempt and on Anton Zilwicki's and Victor Cachat's investigation into the causes.

Zilwicki and Cachat end up going to Mesa to see if they can find proof of Mesan involvement. While on Mesa we learn more about the aims of the Mesan Alignment and spend time with Jack McBryde and Herlander Simoes.

Jack McBryde is the head of security for the Gamma Center where Herlander works. He becomes Herlander's friend when he is told to watch him carefully. Herlander is a astrophysicist who has done work on the Alliance's secret streak drive. He is also a grieving father whose daughter was culled by the Mesan Alliance Long-Range Planning Board when her genes didn't meet the LRPB's standards. Watching Herlander's grief is enough to give Jack second thoughts about the aims and goals of the Mesan Alliance and lead him to want to defect along with Herlander.

Meanwhile, back on Torch, military forces are being gathered. The Mesan Alliance has recruited left over Havenite State Security forces to try to take over Torch. If they can't take it over, they are to destroy the planet even though it is a violation of the Eridani Edict which forbids attacks on inhabited planets. The forces against them are led by Admiral Luis Rozsak who is from the Solarian League Navy and who is Governor Barregos' top military advisor. They are doing an end run around the Solarian League and building up their own forces in secret from the League.

This was an excellent episode in the series and makes me eager for the next book since quite a number of plot threads were left dangling. ( )

Yes, I am fascinated by the Honorverse and this book was perfect for me. I got to discover more behind-the-scenes action and information whilst reading a coming-of-age story with other stories of spies, intrigue, plotting, and treacherous villains.

At this point I can only recommend the series for fellow fans as there is too much going on for this to be a starting point. (If you are new, start with David Weber's On Basilisk Station.) But for fans, this is a really good story with lots of background filled in. ( )