By Schism Rent Asunder

If you've read the Honor Harrington series, then you will recognize the long exposition about politics and all the political maneuvering. I stilled enjoyed it but it was definitely short on action compared to the first book. I understand that he is laying the foundation for the next volume in the epic but I was looking for a little more before the book ended.

I enjoyed getting to know old characters better and learning (a great deal) about the new characters, but just as I do when I re-read the Honor Harrington books, I'll be skimming a lot of this (politcal-foundational stuff) the next time around.

Finally though, it left me anxiously awaiting the next volume.

I read other reviewers comments and wonder what book the negative reviewers were commenting upon? David Weber gets better and better, if that is possible, with each new book. This second of his new series with Merlin/Nimue is just plain great, IMO. Each turn of events is fascinating, the exploration of the characters' personalities and character, particularly the lack thereof within the vile and utterly corrupt Vicars (particularly Clyntahn) is amazing. The author's insight into the politics of religion is dead on.

It was refreshing and uplifting to have King Caleb marry Queen Sharleyan which added a bit of softening and humanity to this hard story full of war and inhumanity dished out by the Church's representatives. I liked that Prince Nahrmahn Baytz (love the play on the name) of Emerald was forced to come to heel to Caleb and the Kingdom of Charis.

I look forward to more of Merlin's interfacing with his spaceship and data base in future stories and the re-education of the population of Charis and Chisholm as to what and who they really are. And, most of all the fall of the Church of God Awaiting.

Well, it is a good story (David Weber doesn't write poor ones) but it is a small bite of what I assume will be a long, involved plot spread over many more books. By contrst, the most recent Honor Harrington novel had much more content. If you like Weber's stuff in general, you'll like this one. Just be prepared for the literery equivalent of a BLT rather than a four-course dinner.

I am a David Weber fan, especially of his Honor Harrington series, and throughly enjoyed the first novel of this new series (even if he ripped off some ideas from his earlier novels).

Unfortunately, this book, while a fun read, is sloppy in places, especially with a revelation that was not set up in any way, the consquences of which was treated quite glibly.

I would suggest waiting for the paperback.

Almost as good as the first book, Off Armaggeddon Reef.

This is not the beginning of the End, but it is the end of the Beginning.
WC