If I were General Lance Reynolds, I'd quit
I've been enjoying these books less and less as the series continues. At this point, the Empress is the worst character in the book. She is a whining, petulant, immature, entitled and spoiled rotten brat. And everyone around her not only lets her get away with it, but also apologizes for not being able to keep up with her as she wantonly disregards military strategy, chain of command, operational security and communications. She callously endangers all of her best resources and apparently believes that swearing, stomping, threatening and shouting are the epitome of leadership. If I were the head of her military, after failing miserably at leading this battle due to having no idea what was going on, I'd quit due to my inability to contribute. and ask for my memory to be wiped so I wouldn't have to see what a horror my child has turned out to be. I'm no longer certain what the purpose of these books is supposed to be. Also, I find myself progressively less able to relate to the main characters, all of whom seem to be violent, sadistic assholes. I've been pushing through the last 6-7 books, hoping to see some character archs, or different plot lines. Unfortunately, this book put me over the edge. I enjoyed it while it lasted.