This series has gotten great ratings yet I just can't seem to get into it. Much of it is marred by what ruins so many of Weber's books: exposition disguised as wince inducing dialog, and "humor" where a wag's witticisms consist of criticizing other characters' intellect, height, courage, etc. only for said wag to telegraph by the twinkle in his eye (or half twinkle, or hint of twinkle with a side of barely suppressed grin) to the unseen observer that HE or SHE is ONLY JOKING! One time was meh, given that Weber uses the same trick in so many books, but he repeats it over and over expecting a belly laugh each time.
And not much happens in nearly 16 hours until the very end.
Third time pays for all, as they say, so I'm going to give Weber
one more try with Wind Rider's Oath!