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Ascent to Empire #2
Rebel
HE NEVER WANTED TO BE A REBEL
The Five Hundred, the elite families who rule the Terran Federation, control its political power and its wealth, and they’ve grown steadily wealthier and more powerful, thanks to the war against the Terran League. War may be hard on the people who get caught in its path, but it’s very good for business, in the short term, and the Five Hundred own the shipyards that build the Navy’s ships. They own virtually all the industry that produces the weapons and matériel the war consumes so voraciously . . . and they’ve made damn sure someone else does the dying.
True, there are a few flies in the Five Hundred’s ointment.
There’s the growing hatred and resentment of the Fringe Worlds, whose children do eighty percent of the dying in the Five Hundred’s war. But the Five Hundred have made sure the Fringe knows what will happen to any system that goes ”out of compliance.”
There are the lunatic conspiracy nuts who insist that the alien Rishathan Sphere is secretly aiding the League’s military, but the Five Hundred have forced them to keep their mouths shut where it matters.
And then there’s Terrence Murphy, a man of honor who loves the Federation, who springs from the Five Hundred, yet knows it for what it is and is determined to speak for its victims. But the five hundred have dispatched ample force to deal with him and his handful of lunatic followers.
Unfortunately, the Fringe has paid enough of its children’s lives, and it no longer cares what may happen if it dares to defy the Five Hundred.
Worse, the lunatic conspiracy nuts were right, and the Rish have planned carefully for the Federation’s destruction.
And, worst of all, the Five Hundred have fatally underestimated Terrence Murphy.
The Five Hundred, the elite families who rule the Terran Federation, control its political power and its wealth, and they’ve grown steadily wealthier and more powerful, thanks to the war against the Terran League. War may be hard on the people who get caught in its path, but it’s very good for business, in the short term, and the Five Hundred own the shipyards that build the Navy’s ships. They own virtually all the industry that produces the weapons and matériel the war consumes so voraciously . . . and they’ve made damn sure someone else does the dying.
True, there are a few flies in the Five Hundred’s ointment.
There’s the growing hatred and resentment of the Fringe Worlds, whose children do eighty percent of the dying in the Five Hundred’s war. But the Five Hundred have made sure the Fringe knows what will happen to any system that goes ”out of compliance.”
There are the lunatic conspiracy nuts who insist that the alien Rishathan Sphere is secretly aiding the League’s military, but the Five Hundred have forced them to keep their mouths shut where it matters.
And then there’s Terrence Murphy, a man of honor who loves the Federation, who springs from the Five Hundred, yet knows it for what it is and is determined to speak for its victims. But the five hundred have dispatched ample force to deal with him and his handful of lunatic followers.
Unfortunately, the Fringe has paid enough of its children’s lives, and it no longer cares what may happen if it dares to defy the Five Hundred.
Worse, the lunatic conspiracy nuts were right, and the Rish have planned carefully for the Federation’s destruction.
And, worst of all, the Five Hundred have fatally underestimated Terrence Murphy.
612 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2024
134 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
David Weber
322 books4,548 followersDavid Mark Weber is an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952.
Many of his stories have military, particularly naval, themes, and fit into the military science fiction genre. He frequently places female leading characters in what have been traditionally male roles.
One of his most popular and enduring characters is Honor Harrington whose alliterated name is an homage to C.S. Forester's character Horatio Hornblower and her last name from a fleet doctor in Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander . Her story, together with the "Honorverse" she inhabits, has been developed through 16 novels and six shared-universe anthologies, as of spring 2013 (other works are in production). In 2008, he donated his archive to the department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Northern Illinois University.
Many of his books are available online, either in their entirety as part of the Baen Free Library or, in the case of more recent books, in the form of sample chapters (typically the first 25-33% of the work).
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidw...
Many of his stories have military, particularly naval, themes, and fit into the military science fiction genre. He frequently places female leading characters in what have been traditionally male roles.
One of his most popular and enduring characters is Honor Harrington whose alliterated name is an homage to C.S. Forester's character Horatio Hornblower and her last name from a fleet doctor in Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander . Her story, together with the "Honorverse" she inhabits, has been developed through 16 novels and six shared-universe anthologies, as of spring 2013 (other works are in production). In 2008, he donated his archive to the department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Northern Illinois University.
Many of his books are available online, either in their entirety as part of the Baen Free Library or, in the case of more recent books, in the form of sample chapters (typically the first 25-33% of the work).
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidw...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 25, 2025
Shit rolls downhill.
September 10, 2025
Lots of action. Great characters. Heroes.
I want to read it again right now.
FYI, the publisher's description is accurate. I cannot improve on it.
This is book 2 of the prequel series to "In Fury Born (1)". You don't need to read In Fury Born to enjoy this series, but it is interesting to see where all of this leads.
Apparently book 3 will be released in 2026. I look forward to that.
I want to read it again right now.
FYI, the publisher's description is accurate. I cannot improve on it.
This is book 2 of the prequel series to "In Fury Born (1)". You don't need to read In Fury Born to enjoy this series, but it is interesting to see where all of this leads.
Apparently book 3 will be released in 2026. I look forward to that.
October 7, 2025
Ir 2552.gads un jau vairāk nekā divsimts gadus cilvēces rīcībā ir tehnoloģijas, kuras ar tās kosmokuģiem ļāvušas kolonizēt neskaitāmas planētas un zvaigžņu sistēmas, izplesties Visuma dzīlēs un atklāt tās noslēpumus, un, protams arī izmantot visas iespējas, lai iegūtu resursus un no tiem savukārt maksimālu peļnu. Diemžēl arī starp zvaigznēm, kur nevajadzētu trūkt apdzīvojamām planētām, kur nu vēl derīgu izrakteņu objektiem, cilvēce nespēj iztikt bez karošanas, un pēdējos gandrīz 60 gadus Terran Republic nemitīgas kardarbības dēļ ar Terran Līgu nāvei regulāri nolemj simtiem tūkstošus.
https://poseidons99.com/2025/10/07/da...
https://poseidons99.com/2025/10/07/da...
October 16, 2024
The second book in the Ascent to Empire series by David Weber and Richard Fox chronicles deteriorating conditions in the Terran League. The ruling government is controlled by the 500 -- the richest citizens who control all the industries and much of the wealth -- and they will do anything to hang onto their power and position no matter how reprehensible.
With colony planets out on the Fringe declaring independence, the 500 are determined to show them just who is really in charge with extremely brutal tactics including bombing non-compliant planets out of existence. And there is Admiral Terrence Murphy who married into the 500 and who was recently appointed governor of one of the Fringe planets. His failure to stop their secession from the League and his determination to convince them that the Rish, an alien species, is acting to keep the war with the League and the rival Terran Federation at a boil has made him Enemy #1 in the 500.
Murphy believes in the League and is reluctant to believe how far from its ideals it has strayed, but he finds himself the focal point of a revolution as more and more planets secede.
A lot of this episode takes place on Bellerophon which had seceded and asked to join the new Free Worlds Alliance. The 500, with the assistance of their various toadies in the government, has sent General Alaimo to bring the system back into compliance. He had been set aside after atrocities on another planet the 500 wanted to bring into line. This time he has a blanket pardon for any crimes, and he is determined to use it. From strikes from space destroying cities to mass firing squads to torturing individuals for his own sick pleasure, Alaimo runs rampant.
This is excellent space opera. It is, however, the second book in a series which leaves many, many things unresolved. What is resolved is that Terrence Murphy now knows there is no chance of a negotiated settlement of the grievances of the Fringe planets and his determination to fix the League even if he has to bring battle to Earth.
With colony planets out on the Fringe declaring independence, the 500 are determined to show them just who is really in charge with extremely brutal tactics including bombing non-compliant planets out of existence. And there is Admiral Terrence Murphy who married into the 500 and who was recently appointed governor of one of the Fringe planets. His failure to stop their secession from the League and his determination to convince them that the Rish, an alien species, is acting to keep the war with the League and the rival Terran Federation at a boil has made him Enemy #1 in the 500.
Murphy believes in the League and is reluctant to believe how far from its ideals it has strayed, but he finds himself the focal point of a revolution as more and more planets secede.
A lot of this episode takes place on Bellerophon which had seceded and asked to join the new Free Worlds Alliance. The 500, with the assistance of their various toadies in the government, has sent General Alaimo to bring the system back into compliance. He had been set aside after atrocities on another planet the 500 wanted to bring into line. This time he has a blanket pardon for any crimes, and he is determined to use it. From strikes from space destroying cities to mass firing squads to torturing individuals for his own sick pleasure, Alaimo runs rampant.
This is excellent space opera. It is, however, the second book in a series which leaves many, many things unresolved. What is resolved is that Terrence Murphy now knows there is no chance of a negotiated settlement of the grievances of the Fringe planets and his determination to fix the League even if he has to bring battle to Earth.
July 9, 2025
The decadence of the Terran Republic (not to be confused with their bitter enemy, the Terran League) has finally triggered an existential threat from the people it has oppressed in the course of 60 years of war with the League. The series of events begun in volume one of this series is devolving to a full-blown civil war. The timing of the war is especially inopportune, since the war with the League is continuing, and the League is supported by a nearby alien empire.
The Republic's oligarchs have determined to exterminate the threat from the worlds led by Terrence Murphy, the hero of the previous book.
This book is less tightly focused on Murphy, spending more time with his allies and subordinates, which allows for a rather more intimate view of the events here. There are several well-handled fleet battles, main villains whose motivations make sense, and some good development of both the political situation and the focus characters.
This is more of a plot-driven story than a character-driven story, as is typical of novels of politics and grand strategy, though there are excellent character moments.
This is very much a series in the vein of the Honor Harrington series, with both the virtues and faults of that series. If extensive descriptions of space battles and political machinations are the thing you are looking for, this would be an excellent choice. Fortunately, I'm looking for exactly that. Highly recommended.
The Republic's oligarchs have determined to exterminate the threat from the worlds led by Terrence Murphy, the hero of the previous book.
This book is less tightly focused on Murphy, spending more time with his allies and subordinates, which allows for a rather more intimate view of the events here. There are several well-handled fleet battles, main villains whose motivations make sense, and some good development of both the political situation and the focus characters.
This is more of a plot-driven story than a character-driven story, as is typical of novels of politics and grand strategy, though there are excellent character moments.
This is very much a series in the vein of the Honor Harrington series, with both the virtues and faults of that series. If extensive descriptions of space battles and political machinations are the thing you are looking for, this would be an excellent choice. Fortunately, I'm looking for exactly that. Highly recommended.
June 10, 2024
The second book in the Ascent to Empire saga detailing the fall of the Terran Federation (due to the corruption generated by its long war with the Terran League instigated by the alien Rish - the League fares even worse as it happens) and the rise of the Terran Empire under admiral Terrence Murphy whose house of Murphy still rules centuries later at the time of the Fury novel.
Direct sequel to Governor, though it goes a bit slower (as events go not as timeline) and a bit differently than I expected - but it follows the logic of the transformation of Terrence (and many of his friends and subordinates) from loyal sons of the Federation wanting to expose the Rish involvement in the war, so stop it, to improving the treatment of the exploited Fringe worlds (1/10-1/5 of the economic power of the Heart worlds but 2/3 of the Navy and Marines and 90% of the ones doing the dying in the 60 years old war) to reforming the Federation, to realizing that the Five Hundred are so corrupt and bent on utter destruction (including genocide of entire planets of the Fringe) of anyone threatening their exploitation of the Fringe or stopping the war which allowed for their control and massive enrichment (there is a cool sort of speech about this by the actual secretive leader - or at least first among equals of the Five Hundred who usually stays in the background) so only the destruction of the Five Hundred's power by armed force will do...
A few more characters (including a brutal general who epitomizes the methods of the Five Hundred, some more League characters, and of course Fringe leaders), cameos from some of the favorite first volume characters like Silas or the corrupt politician Doyle - a family friend of the powerful Thakore clan - Murphy's in-laws - who got Terry the New Dublin command - and only a little of Callum and Eira and their first intimate romantic scene that comes to quite a sudden and unexpected end... Oh, and Logan finally gets to exorcise his demons (his, we execute people by lethal injection now part, is really cool)
Excellent stuff and fulfilling my high expectations though in slightly different ways than I thought the story would go. Top of the year, while volume 3 (tentatively titled Dictator) is the next huge asap from D Weber.
Direct sequel to Governor, though it goes a bit slower (as events go not as timeline) and a bit differently than I expected - but it follows the logic of the transformation of Terrence (and many of his friends and subordinates) from loyal sons of the Federation wanting to expose the Rish involvement in the war, so stop it, to improving the treatment of the exploited Fringe worlds (1/10-1/5 of the economic power of the Heart worlds but 2/3 of the Navy and Marines and 90% of the ones doing the dying in the 60 years old war) to reforming the Federation, to realizing that the Five Hundred are so corrupt and bent on utter destruction (including genocide of entire planets of the Fringe) of anyone threatening their exploitation of the Fringe or stopping the war which allowed for their control and massive enrichment (there is a cool sort of speech about this by the actual secretive leader - or at least first among equals of the Five Hundred who usually stays in the background) so only the destruction of the Five Hundred's power by armed force will do...
A few more characters (including a brutal general who epitomizes the methods of the Five Hundred, some more League characters, and of course Fringe leaders), cameos from some of the favorite first volume characters like Silas or the corrupt politician Doyle - a family friend of the powerful Thakore clan - Murphy's in-laws - who got Terry the New Dublin command - and only a little of Callum and Eira and their first intimate romantic scene that comes to quite a sudden and unexpected end... Oh, and Logan finally gets to exorcise his demons (his, we execute people by lethal injection now part, is really cool)
Excellent stuff and fulfilling my high expectations though in slightly different ways than I thought the story would go. Top of the year, while volume 3 (tentatively titled Dictator) is the next huge asap from D Weber.
October 14, 2024
What happens if the tinfoil lunatics who insist that aliens are helping their opponents (the Terran League) in the sixty-years+ bloody war are RIGHT?
Rebel is the 2nd book in the Ascent to Empire series. In this series, the Five Hundred back on Earth hold all the cards in the Teran Federation. The Fringe worlds in the Federation, however, comprise 80 percent of the space crew on Federation ships fighting this awful war. So, it is NOT the children of the Five Hundred, so much, that are lost every time Navy ships are blown up in space. And the Fringe worlds are perfectly capable of doing the math and they are FED UP with the status quo.
Terran Federation Admiral Terrence Murphy (who married into the Five Hundred) is sent out to be the Governor of a Fringe world. He just has to keep his head down for his two-year term and then he can continue to rise in the ranks of the Five Hundred back home. Unfortunately for the Five Hundred, Terrence Murphy is a man of honor who actually intends to do his job.
So, now, in Book Two, Terrence is desperately trying to tell the Five Hundred that yes, the alien Rish ARE supplying both weapons & ships to the enemy (AND HE HAS PROOF if anyone would care to see the proof) and are likely the reason that the war has gone on so long. Instead, the Five Hundred promptly labeled Terrence as a traitor and a would-be warlord who has turned his back on the Five Hundred to set himself up as the new power in space.
Worse for Terrence Murphy, the Fringe worlds are spiraling out of control all right. And there is nothing he can do to stop them. He is the man trying to ride the tiger (as they say in India) and still trying to get out ahead of events (but not having much luck so far).
In Book Two, Terence's brother-in-law Admiral Rajenda Thakore is sent out with a fleet to bring Terrence back in chains for trial on Earth. Things do not go as Admiral Thakore expects. And therein lies the tale!
Rebel is the 2nd book in the Ascent to Empire series. In this series, the Five Hundred back on Earth hold all the cards in the Teran Federation. The Fringe worlds in the Federation, however, comprise 80 percent of the space crew on Federation ships fighting this awful war. So, it is NOT the children of the Five Hundred, so much, that are lost every time Navy ships are blown up in space. And the Fringe worlds are perfectly capable of doing the math and they are FED UP with the status quo.
Terran Federation Admiral Terrence Murphy (who married into the Five Hundred) is sent out to be the Governor of a Fringe world. He just has to keep his head down for his two-year term and then he can continue to rise in the ranks of the Five Hundred back home. Unfortunately for the Five Hundred, Terrence Murphy is a man of honor who actually intends to do his job.
So, now, in Book Two, Terrence is desperately trying to tell the Five Hundred that yes, the alien Rish ARE supplying both weapons & ships to the enemy (AND HE HAS PROOF if anyone would care to see the proof) and are likely the reason that the war has gone on so long. Instead, the Five Hundred promptly labeled Terrence as a traitor and a would-be warlord who has turned his back on the Five Hundred to set himself up as the new power in space.
Worse for Terrence Murphy, the Fringe worlds are spiraling out of control all right. And there is nothing he can do to stop them. He is the man trying to ride the tiger (as they say in India) and still trying to get out ahead of events (but not having much luck so far).
In Book Two, Terence's brother-in-law Admiral Rajenda Thakore is sent out with a fleet to bring Terrence back in chains for trial on Earth. Things do not go as Admiral Thakore expects. And therein lies the tale!
October 2, 2024
It’s been over three years since the last book, so I was hoping the authors would initially concentrate on the main character to help me get back into the main story. However it was at least sixty pages before we meet Terrence Murphy again, this was too long, especially as these pages were mainly filled with the author telling me over and over again that the Five Hundred are ‘BAD’, as if I hadn't noticed.
Overall it was a really good story, but with too many irritations, below are just a few examples.
The authors try to describe and explain everything, often in excruciating detail rather than keeping the story moving at a decent pace and allowing the reader to use their own intelligence to fill in some of the gaps.
There are too many characters to keep track of, the book must have hundreds of different named individuals.
There are pages and pages of Murphy pointlessly arguing with arrogant deluded idiots, its like talking to Trump supporters. Even worse it makes Murphy appear to be an idiot for not recognising these people are so far gone, logic and facts have no effect on them.
While reading the book there were times when I would have given four stars, but there were also several occasions when two stars would have been generous.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
Overall it was a really good story, but with too many irritations, below are just a few examples.
The authors try to describe and explain everything, often in excruciating detail rather than keeping the story moving at a decent pace and allowing the reader to use their own intelligence to fill in some of the gaps.
There are too many characters to keep track of, the book must have hundreds of different named individuals.
There are pages and pages of Murphy pointlessly arguing with arrogant deluded idiots, its like talking to Trump supporters. Even worse it makes Murphy appear to be an idiot for not recognising these people are so far gone, logic and facts have no effect on them.
While reading the book there were times when I would have given four stars, but there were also several occasions when two stars would have been generous.
If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
October 17, 2024
It's a standard David Weber book. Surprisingly moral fiber individual rises from the masses to lead people out of chains of new age capitalistic slavery, while doing that, the moral fiber individual also fights the neo-communists, which are not really bad people but their leaders sucks as much as the capitalistic leaders. Also, people who need saving are killed by evil people or by our savior, because you have to break some eggs to make an omelet, and his integrity is intact but his hand was forced. Add tot the mix some mid SciFi stuff and some fleet battle strategy, that any 2000 AI could manage and that's it. But, and this is important, there aren't so much monologues as in Weber previous books and their length is reduced.
Overall, a decent MilSci but the formula is the same as previous books, even if it's more palatable.
Overall, a decent MilSci but the formula is the same as previous books, even if it's more palatable.
October 31, 2024
The corrupt Federation and autocratic league have been fighting for sixty years. The fringe worlds have been paying the cost with lives and taxes. Terrence Murphy was set out to be Governor (paper) of New Dublin, but when the League attacked, he was supposed to abandon the system. Instead he destroyed the League ships and found their hidden ship making factory. Now the whole fringe is in rebellion and the Five hundred families consider him a Rebel (hard from Baen). Richard Fox and David Weber tell a fun tale by first having him face ships commanded by his Brother-in-law, and then a truly evil general determined to make an example of a Fringe world. Terrance only wants to bring peace between Earth and the Fringe, but things are only getting worse
September 2, 2024
Rebel by David Weber and Richard Fox is the second book in the"Ascent to Empire" series. This book takes place immediately after the events in "Governor". As in the first book, this one is action-packed and full of intrigue. It shows the evolution of Terrence Murphy from a man of honor who loves the Federation to the leader of a revolution against it when he truly learns how corrupt and evil it truly is. He will try his best to bring things to a peaceful solution but it is not to be. As Murphy says in the book, "If it is war they want, then it is war they will have, and they won't like the way it ends!" A great read as always from these two authors.
October 17, 2024
Rebel is the second book in this series, and it's a good one. If you read the first book, and want to know if this second one is worth reading, don't bother to ask, just go get it, of course it's worth it. Good story telling, good scifi (although some of the numbers are wrong, something that happened in the first book too), but overall, it's a really good story, and well deserving of a read. If you're a scifi fan, you won't be disappointed.
January 23, 2025
The story of the Roman empire in space, space, space, continues. More Fringe systems leave the Federation while it continues to ignore reality. Murphy, et al, continue to save the say. There should have been more coverage of what's happening in the League, as it's clear where the story is going. Also, so much more ground combat that it's not really space opera as the Honor series was, more pure military/political theater. Too much detail, but that's par for the course in this series, but at least they keeps the book to a reasonable length.
June 28, 2025
Bubbles my cat is a Rebel. Perhaps not as much as MC Terrence Murphy in David Weber/Richard Fox’s Sci-Fi Space Opera, Rebel.
She is unpredictable whereas Murphy definitely is fighting for the correct side.
While Admiral Murphy is trying to stop the 1% of the world from making everyone suffer Cat Bubbles just wants to squish around in the strawberry plants.
No plants were injured in this book post(stay outa those grapes Bub’s) Check out this fun Sci-Fi, Rebel, book 2 in the Ascent to Empire series.
She is unpredictable whereas Murphy definitely is fighting for the correct side.
While Admiral Murphy is trying to stop the 1% of the world from making everyone suffer Cat Bubbles just wants to squish around in the strawberry plants.
No plants were injured in this book post(stay outa those grapes Bub’s) Check out this fun Sci-Fi, Rebel, book 2 in the Ascent to Empire series.
September 3, 2024
The first book in this series opened up a fascinating space opera, and this book not only continues the divide but escalates the stakes. Absolutely riveting I could not stop reading, 6hrs in one go.
It's such a treat to have a solid tight narrative story from a book with David Webers name on the cover as until recently that had gotten to be a rarity. He's either back, or Richard Fox is doing a lot of heavy lifting, but this captures all of the joy of his earlier books.
It's such a treat to have a solid tight narrative story from a book with David Webers name on the cover as until recently that had gotten to be a rarity. He's either back, or Richard Fox is doing a lot of heavy lifting, but this captures all of the joy of his earlier books.
September 4, 2024
Good book
I Loved the David Weber Honor Harrington series, and this reads a LOT like those books. you can definitely see his handiwork here.
I think this is a great sequel, much as I expected. The sad part is now I have to wait for a sequel, even though I pretty much KNOW what's gonna happen
I just hope it's fun.
I Loved the David Weber Honor Harrington series, and this reads a LOT like those books. you can definitely see his handiwork here.
I think this is a great sequel, much as I expected. The sad part is now I have to wait for a sequel, even though I pretty much KNOW what's gonna happen
I just hope it's fun.
September 6, 2024
Excellent entertainment
Two authors combined their skills, resulting in a far future military/space opera novel reflecting a lot of what's happening around us today; rise of a political and economical aristocracy, media manipulation etc. Only, in this story there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Two authors combined their skills, resulting in a far future military/space opera novel reflecting a lot of what's happening around us today; rise of a political and economical aristocracy, media manipulation etc. Only, in this story there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 8, 2024
Outstanding
While I am sure many will find connections with current events, the politics reflect older stories of peeps and libprogs. That being said, it was a great book that continues a great series. I still think the naval side has more in common with the Empire of Man than the Empire of Murphy.
While I am sure many will find connections with current events, the politics reflect older stories of peeps and libprogs. That being said, it was a great book that continues a great series. I still think the naval side has more in common with the Empire of Man than the Empire of Murphy.
September 12, 2024
another great series
I personally like anything David Weber writes. Co-writer series I may or may not enjoy as much. I think this will be a good series but it is being presented at a snail’s pace. And I hate “to be continued” ending. I may not live long enough to read the ending of this series.
I personally like anything David Weber writes. Co-writer series I may or may not enjoy as much. I think this will be a good series but it is being presented at a snail’s pace. And I hate “to be continued” ending. I may not live long enough to read the ending of this series.
September 18, 2024
From Governor to Rebel
Terrence Murphy is a True Believer. He believes in honor, and equality. He is in a highly stratified society in the Federation. That makes things hard.
We get several good space battles, and the Five Hundred still don’t get the message.
There is a lot of story left. I can’t wait.
Terrence Murphy is a True Believer. He believes in honor, and equality. He is in a highly stratified society in the Federation. That makes things hard.
We get several good space battles, and the Five Hundred still don’t get the message.
There is a lot of story left. I can’t wait.
September 27, 2024
I would put this down as 4.5 stars as well, and for the same reason as book 1. There's just a couple of chapters that aren't the protagonist (or his family), or the antagonist, and those chapters just feel out of place and a drag. Without those extra chapters the novel would flow so much better. Those chapters kill the momentum.
October 7, 2024
Great! Great! Great!
I have always loved David Webers story. All the way back to the beginning. His characters are real in my mind's eye and his stories are full of life and death situations. All for doing the right thing. Even if it is the hardest thing to do. Please keep writing that way David
I'll be reading.
I have always loved David Webers story. All the way back to the beginning. His characters are real in my mind's eye and his stories are full of life and death situations. All for doing the right thing. Even if it is the hardest thing to do. Please keep writing that way David
I'll be reading.
September 17, 2024
Wow!
This book is just what I've come to expect from the Weber\Fox team. Great characters, a solid story line and plenty of vivid action. Unexpected plot twists are "par for the course" in their stories.
This book is just what I've come to expect from the Weber\Fox team. Great characters, a solid story line and plenty of vivid action. Unexpected plot twists are "par for the course" in their stories.
September 19, 2024
Up to D. Weber's usual standard
An excellent read. Character development is credible if a little obvious. Plot is fun which arithmetic astronomical detail enhances. Continuity from book 1 is solid
An excellent read. Character development is credible if a little obvious. Plot is fun which arithmetic astronomical detail enhances. Continuity from book 1 is solid
October 6, 2024
outstanding
This is the second book in a series that I could not put down.
David Weber has written a wonderful book with a great plot, believable characters and despicable bad guys. I cannot wait for the next book!
This is the second book in a series that I could not put down.
David Weber has written a wonderful book with a great plot, believable characters and despicable bad guys. I cannot wait for the next book!
November 3, 2024
The cat and mouse game is quite interesting but the book suffers from "middle book syndrome". We also see too little of the main character, in my opinion. State building and political intrigue also take a back seat to the admittedly very satisfying action.
April 13, 2025
Considering how prodigious Books 1 and 2 are, I hope Book 3 arrives sooner than expected. This is an exceptional story with the ability to captivate the reader, drawing them in completely to the point where they become deeply invested in every plot twist. I’m thoroughly impressed."
July 12, 2025
Hero blood.
War at Galactic scale is dizzying to say the least. Government based on lies is an example to heed from this story. We see so much of this in the real world of human nature, but it doesn't make it less sad. Rushing to the next part of the story.
War at Galactic scale is dizzying to say the least. Government based on lies is an example to heed from this story. We see so much of this in the real world of human nature, but it doesn't make it less sad. Rushing to the next part of the story.
August 10, 2025
An excellent second book
This was an excellent second book. The characters continued to grow as the overall plot progressed. The storyline is very well thought out and has a lot of substance.
This was an excellent second book. The characters continued to grow as the overall plot progressed. The storyline is very well thought out and has a lot of substance.
February 15, 2024
Wow, that was a roller-coaster, I enjoyed that very much
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