Review by Booklist Review
This first volume in a new series set in the Honorverse established in Weber's popular Honor Harrington novels finds young Travis Long joining the Royal Manticoran Navy. He's looking for some structure in his life but finds chaos. The navy is under attack by political enemies, and it could be doomed. This exciting book marks the first collaboration of two sf powerhouses (Zahn is best known for his excellent novels set in the Star Wars universe), and fans of both writers should be quite pleased with the result. Like Robert A. Heinlein and Orson Scott Card, Weber and Zahn are telling a story about a teenage character but writing for readers of all ages, incorporating political and social themes that will resonate with an older audience. A promising start to a series that has a large built-in fan base.--Pitt, David Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A new series set in the universe of Weber's popular heroine Honor Harrington gets off to a solid start. Travis Long's life is aimless until he opts to join Manticore's dying Navy. Soon he and his half-brother Gavin, a low-level lord, are drawn into crucial military and political affairs. Cowriters Zahn (known for his Star Wars sequels) and Weber do an excellent job alluding to events known to longtime fans without putting off new readers. The dual paths of Travis and Gavin weave together nicely, and their participation in high-stakes affairs doesn't feel forced. Though this astronautical adventure is filled with technical details and military protocol, the minutiae never outweigh the intrigue and political drama. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Travis Uriah Long has picked a difficult time to join the Royal Manticoran Navy. The Star Kingdom of Manticore hasn't faced an enemy in a century, and forces in the government are trying to dismantle the navy. But Travis just wants to survive boot camp where his penchant for following the rules has gotten him the nickname "Stickler" and most of his instructors and fellow enlisted men hate him. There are those who see his potential, though, and Travis finally finds his place aboard a decent ship only to be thrust into a dangerous conflict with a ruthless band of pirates. VERDICT The "Honor Harrington" books (A Rising Thunder; Cauldron of Ghosts) get some backstory in this new series set in the early years of the Star Kingdom. Writing duties are shared between series creator Weber and Zahn (author of the "Star Wars Thrawn" trilogy) and feature the action and military details for which the "Honor" titles have long been known. Fans will want to get in on the ground floor of this series of prequels. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
