Shadowed Glory

Morningstar #5

by Christopher G. Nuttall, Tan Ho Sin (Illustrator)

After a cataclysmic interstellar war that came very close to exterminating humanity, the Daybreak Republic has risen from the ashes and embarked upon a mission to unite hundreds of human colony worlds under its banner, in hopes of preventing a second and final conflict that will complete the destruction of the human race. But not everyone agrees that the empire’s ends justify the means.

Daybreak has always valued forthright manly behaviour, and prized the right to speak one’s mind, but this time Leo Morningstar may have gone too far. After he challenges government policy publically, in a manner that cannot be ignored, he is hastily reassigned to an experimental starship and sent back to the front lines, with orders to take the offensive against the rebel forces as quickly as possible. But with an unproven starship and superiors who don’t trust him, and a powerful rebel fleet bearing down on him, Leo is caught between two fires…

And this time, he may be burned.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2026

Reviews

[Robert N & Roberta J Abernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Space Fiction at its Best

Once again Nuttall has delivered a smashing space adventure, gnarly and engaging. This series is worth reading, if only for the political ramifications and nothing else. Qui Bono when an empire begins? And who sustains it as it expands? Are there any good guys? Were there any good guys when Caesar crossed the Rubicon? Questions that need debate, and fresh air. These books aren't just Western in space. Reason and find out.

[Jack Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMASHING Good Story-Timely as Well

Classic Nuttall yarn that is tightly crafted, true to the character, and drives the whole series forward. Not just a string of intense battles (yet those abound) but a wide scope of behaviors to contemplate.

Can't wait for the next installment!

[Alison Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous Storyline

Fabulous storyline. I think the introduction of the "enemy" characters was brilliant, as it provided an insight and understanding why they felt the need to rebel. My one dislike was the unnecessary use of bad language. Otherwise a highly recommended read.

[W H Nicholls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. Leo is given command of a revolutionary new ship only to have it taken away by an admiral who thinks he knows better, the new captain turns out to be a problem which |Leo has to overcome. I look forward to the next book

[Arnold Coley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one..

Mr. Nuttall seems incapable of writing a book I don't enjoy. If you enjoy lots of action, an INCREDIBLY lucky hero, space battles and just enjoy a fast paced book, this is a great one
Mr. Nuttalls books are not for everyone, but I do like them

[Greg Unertl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Buffalo is Excellent Again

Hard science fiction is one of my favorite genres and it is clear this author knows how to deliver excellence consistently He seems to know how to deliver clear, intelligent yarns that keep readers entertained!

[Peter Chivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

This fifth book in the series, maintains the standards set by the previous books. The politics are twisty, the action is fast and furious, and the characters are substantial and well drawn. I am looking forward for the next book in this series.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read action packed

Lots of action and Leo is Leo. Not to give anything away but for the first time his Johnson did not lead the way!

[Mr Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good read

While I would love another ark royal book! I very much enjoyed reading the latest instalment of the daybreak series. Keep them coming Chris.