This juggernaut of military science fiction moves slowly but inexorably as the Star Kingdom's Grand Fleet, commanded by series protagonist Honor Harrington, faces the space navy of the Solarian League as well as the shadowy cabal of the Mesan Alignment. The 14th novel in Weber's bestselling series (not counting spin-offs) offers no summary to orient readers. Those who read A Rising Thunder (2012) will know that it has been five months since a devastating strike by parties unknown on Honor's home system of Manticore, and only 39 days since the Grand Fleet handed the Solarian League an overwhelming defeat. Now the unethical Mandarins who lead the League have begun destroying the space infrastructure of defenseless worlds in order to scare systems into remaining loyal. Early naval victories by the Grand Fleet give way to more personal moments as well as politics, diplomacy, discussions of naval hardware capabilities, espionage, and hidden moves by the elusive Mesans. Weber is the Tom Clancy of science fiction; his doorstoppers have a similar pacing and feel. His fans will relish this latest installment, but newcomers shouldn't start here. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

After six years, Honor Harrington is back. The promises made in A Rising Thunder (2012) are fulfilled in a balanced mix of interstellar intrigue, counterespionage, and epic fleet action. The Mesan Alignment has been playing both sides of the escalating conflict between the Solarian League and the Star Kingdom. While the military technologies of Manticore have proven time and again to be superior to those of the League, the Mandarins have begun crossing the line, threatening to break the Eridani Edict and cause civilian casualties in the Protectorates. Some League sectors are showing their displeasure by passing articles of secession. Honor and her people have tracked the conspiracy to Mesa, which sends the League into a reckless attack, and they have just enough advanced Mesan tech to score a victory without revealing itself. It all comes to a head with all the hard- and software details and tactical proficiency that Weber delivers like no one else, along with a large cast of well-developed, believable characters, giving each clash of fleets emotional weight. HIGH DEMAND BACKSTORY: Every book in the Honor Harrington series has been on the New York Times best-seller list; this will be no exception. --Don Vicha Copyright 2018 Booklist