Condition of War

by Elizabeth Bonesteel

Accused of destroying a Corps warship, the crew of the starship Galileo must prove sabotage—or face the wrath of what’s left of Central Gov.

When the Central Corps warship Capricorn—silent and unresponsive, light-years from her last reported position—threatens a civilian space station, the former Corps starship Galileo comes to the station’s aid. But Commander Elena Shaw’s attempt to disarm the warship culminates in its destruction, and despite evidence Capricorn was sabotaged, Central is happy to direct public ire at Galileo.

To vindicate their ship, the crew must reconstruct Capricorn’s final journey, seeking proof of what really destroyed her. But Elena finds an alarming pattern in the evidence they uncover. It seems Capricorn’s fate has roots not in sabotage, but in a weapon Central has been keeping secret—a weapon Elena has encountered before. A weapon whose origins may not be entirely human.

Turns out Galileo has a stowaway, hiding in plain sight. And that stowaway might link Elena to Capricorn’s destruction after all.

Genres: Science Fiction

442 pages, Paperback

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[WillowRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - full review to come later.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me start with the fact I received this book via a Goodreads Giveaway. Second Science Fiction isn't my chosen genre, although I have read some over the years. The brief synopsis made this sound like one I would enjoy. I like thrillers and war stories and this fit. I must say I had a bit of a hard time getting through the book in part because I had a hard time keeping the characters straight. I'm not sure why but often I had to stop and think back or even go back to the beginnning to make sure who was who. I think part of it was the manner they were referred to. Everyone has a first name, last name and sometimes a nickname. Usually the are referenced by one of those. If two are used its usually based on who is talking to or about them. It seemed there was no differentiation on when a first or last name was being used. I must say some of the terminology was lost on me and I'll just credit my lack of Sci-Fi reading as the reason. I did struggle a little with the bouncing around in time while in the wormhole but by the end of the book it all made sense. Each chapter was good on its own merit and the action was quick, moving and with a level of excitement. There was a bit of reference to stuff that happened in the past and it would seem that a return to the beginning of the story would help with the understanding. So there are several more books on my to be read list. It was a good read and I do recommend it.