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Worlds of Honor #3
Changer of Worlds
WELCOME AGAIN TO THE MANY WORLDS OF HONOR
Lady Dame Honor Harrington—starship captain, admiral, Steadholder, and Duchess—has spent decades defending the Star Kingdom of Manticore against all comers. Along the way, she has become the legend known as "the Salamander" from her habit of always being where the fire is hottest . . . and also a national bestseller (Ashes of Victory: #7, The Wall Street Journal).
But it's a big universe, and Honor's actions affect a lot of lives, not all of them human. And their actions affect her—a lesson "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" learns years before rising to command rank when a desperate battle against "pirates" who aren't quite what they seem begins her brilliant career.
Closer to home, in "Changer of Worlds," a secret that the alien treecats have kept from their human friends for hundreds of years is about to come out . . . and completely change the relationship between the two species forever.
Meanwhile, Eric Flint weighs in with "From the Highlands." Honor can't be everywhere, so when the People's Republic of Haven tries to stage a political assassination on Earth, Anton Zilwicki—husband of one of the Star Kingdom's most revered military martyrs, and father of a young woman who is clearly a chip off the old block—steps into the breach . . . and takes the opportunity to settle some old scores along the way.
And finally, Esther McQueen and Oscar Saint-Just square off for their final confrontation in Noveau Paris in "Nightfall."
Lady Dame Honor Harrington—starship captain, admiral, Steadholder, and Duchess—has spent decades defending the Star Kingdom of Manticore against all comers. Along the way, she has become the legend known as "the Salamander" from her habit of always being where the fire is hottest . . . and also a national bestseller (Ashes of Victory: #7, The Wall Street Journal).
But it's a big universe, and Honor's actions affect a lot of lives, not all of them human. And their actions affect her—a lesson "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" learns years before rising to command rank when a desperate battle against "pirates" who aren't quite what they seem begins her brilliant career.
Closer to home, in "Changer of Worlds," a secret that the alien treecats have kept from their human friends for hundreds of years is about to come out . . . and completely change the relationship between the two species forever.
Meanwhile, Eric Flint weighs in with "From the Highlands." Honor can't be everywhere, so when the People's Republic of Haven tries to stage a political assassination on Earth, Anton Zilwicki—husband of one of the Star Kingdom's most revered military martyrs, and father of a young woman who is clearly a chip off the old block—steps into the breach . . . and takes the opportunity to settle some old scores along the way.
And finally, Esther McQueen and Oscar Saint-Just square off for their final confrontation in Noveau Paris in "Nightfall."
469 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
135 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
David Weber
328 books4,553 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 85 reviews
January 28, 2015
These short stories are better than the mainstream books. Worth reading first if you like short stories!
March 18, 2015
This book has 3 stories by David Weber and 1 by Eric Flint. The 1st story is "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" by David Weber. This story is about Honor Harrington's "Snotty Cruise". Her ship is assigned to fight space pirates in a remote region of space. The 2nd story is"Changer of Worlds" by David Weber. It is a very short story about the Treecats and a decision they have to make that will affect their entire race. The 3rd story is "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint. This story provides the background on young Helen Zilwicki's kidnapping in Chicago, the adoption of Berry and Lars, and Anton Zilwicki's taking up with Cathy, the Countess of Tor, and the Anti-Slavery League after providing both Cathy and Jeremy X with proof of Manticoran involvement in Manpower. It also tells about how Victor Cachat hooks up with Kevin and Ginny Usher. The 4th story is "Nightfall" by David Weber. This story gives more detail to the attempted coup in Haven led by Admiral McQueen mentioned in Ashes of Victory. I recommend this book to all David Weber fans.
March 30, 2017
Four short stories in the Honorverse military science fiction series.
Series
Worlds of Honor, 3 (Anthology)
Chronological Placement within the Honorverse
"Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" (Honor Harrington, 0.5)
"Changer of Worlds" (Honor Harrington, 6.5)
"From the Highlands" (Honor Harrington, 9.5)
"Nightfall" (Honor Harrington, 8.5??)
The Stories
"Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" (also in Worlds of Weber ) is Honor's snotty cruise on board War Maiden with Captain Bachfiisch where she first encounters Elvis Santino.
"Changer of Worlds" provides background on Nimitz and Samantha's visit to his Bright Water clan on Sphinx which sets in motion the emigration of the treecats. The action occurs after the kits are born and before they all head back to Grayson.
"From the Highlands" provides the background on young Helen Zilwicki's kidnapping in Chicago, the adoption of Berry and Lars, and Anton Zilwicki's taking up with Cathy, the Countess of Tor, and the Anti-Slavery League after providing both Cathy and Jeremy X with proof of Manticoran involvement in Manpower.
Victor Cachat hooks up with Kevin and Ginny Usher. And Admiral Parnell, late of the prison break engineered by Honor, is arriving in Sol to testify against the Peeps.
"Nightfall" is a non-essential story that summarizes what has been written elsewhere in which Esther McQueen attempts her coup, gets Rob Pierre killed, and the Octagon blown up with Saint-Just left in charge.
Series
Worlds of Honor, 3 (Anthology)
Chronological Placement within the Honorverse
"Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" (Honor Harrington, 0.5)
"Changer of Worlds" (Honor Harrington, 6.5)
"From the Highlands" (Honor Harrington, 9.5)
"Nightfall" (Honor Harrington, 8.5??)
The Stories
"Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" (also in Worlds of Weber ) is Honor's snotty cruise on board War Maiden with Captain Bachfiisch where she first encounters Elvis Santino.
"Changer of Worlds" provides background on Nimitz and Samantha's visit to his Bright Water clan on Sphinx which sets in motion the emigration of the treecats. The action occurs after the kits are born and before they all head back to Grayson.
"From the Highlands" provides the background on young Helen Zilwicki's kidnapping in Chicago, the adoption of Berry and Lars, and Anton Zilwicki's taking up with Cathy, the Countess of Tor, and the Anti-Slavery League after providing both Cathy and Jeremy X with proof of Manticoran involvement in Manpower.
Victor Cachat hooks up with Kevin and Ginny Usher. And Admiral Parnell, late of the prison break engineered by Honor, is arriving in Sol to testify against the Peeps.
"Nightfall" is a non-essential story that summarizes what has been written elsewhere in which Esther McQueen attempts her coup, gets Rob Pierre killed, and the Octagon blown up with Saint-Just left in charge.
August 6, 2023
Four novellas, all disjointed in time, and leaving me to place them, but I still can't fault that. They were all interesting, and all kept my interest, but most didn't keep me guessing, based on other work I've read by this author. I certainly do look forward to reading more, though.
May 2, 2014
The best of the short stories book from Honorverse. It has all the positives of David Weber without the negative info dump.
1.Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington by David Weber
The first naval action of Honour and she is marvelous. Like the way the Story is paced and how David Weber creates perfect opportunity for Honour to show her talent. The military tactics/strategy as always seems detailed and interesting. Typical Honour Harrington Story – beating the odds which are so much fun to read. (4/5)
2.Changer of Worlds by David Weber
Really enjoyed it and loving what can happen to Honorverse with what’s being hinted in the story. The tree cats have been one of the best and least utilized part of the Harrington novels. Great Plot and Storytelling but one will only understand the significance if they have read the trilogy on the Tree Cats(The Star Kingdom books). (4/5)
3.From the Highlands by Eric Flint
Good plot and story writing. Eric Flint is one of the best writer in this genre. The pacing was superb the only part which felt out of place for me was the romance. The whole Kidnapping, Spy and Rescue thriller mixed with political intrigue came out beautifully. (4/5)
4.Nightfall by David Weber
It is the missing chapter form “Ashes of Victory”. Tells us of the MaQueen failed coup attempt. Well written account of Oscar Saint Just rise to Chairman of the Peeps. By itself the story is incomplete but if one read’s it during or after Ashes of Victory, they will get the picture. (4/5)
1.Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington by David Weber
The first naval action of Honour and she is marvelous. Like the way the Story is paced and how David Weber creates perfect opportunity for Honour to show her talent. The military tactics/strategy as always seems detailed and interesting. Typical Honour Harrington Story – beating the odds which are so much fun to read. (4/5)
2.Changer of Worlds by David Weber
Really enjoyed it and loving what can happen to Honorverse with what’s being hinted in the story. The tree cats have been one of the best and least utilized part of the Harrington novels. Great Plot and Storytelling but one will only understand the significance if they have read the trilogy on the Tree Cats(The Star Kingdom books). (4/5)
3.From the Highlands by Eric Flint
Good plot and story writing. Eric Flint is one of the best writer in this genre. The pacing was superb the only part which felt out of place for me was the romance. The whole Kidnapping, Spy and Rescue thriller mixed with political intrigue came out beautifully. (4/5)
4.Nightfall by David Weber
It is the missing chapter form “Ashes of Victory”. Tells us of the MaQueen failed coup attempt. Well written account of Oscar Saint Just rise to Chairman of the Peeps. By itself the story is incomplete but if one read’s it during or after Ashes of Victory, they will get the picture. (4/5)
December 3, 2015
"Changer of Worlds" is a series of short stories filling out the storyline in the Honor Harrington series. Generally speaking, I don't like these sort of anthologies, but I make an exception for David Weber. He does a good job bringing this together along with other authors. I'm glad to be introduced to other authors this way.
There was mention in the book Crown of Slaves of Berry Zilwiki's life before her adoption. A rather long short story in this anthology, "From the Highlands," explains how she met Helen Zilwiki and her father, the spy-master.
The story "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," explains how Honor Harrington knew Captain Bachfisch of Pirate's Bane who took such a critical role in the book War of Honor.
Yes. The F-word is used. It is in context but there it is.
I've read this book before and I will probably do so again.
There was mention in the book Crown of Slaves of Berry Zilwiki's life before her adoption. A rather long short story in this anthology, "From the Highlands," explains how she met Helen Zilwiki and her father, the spy-master.
The story "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," explains how Honor Harrington knew Captain Bachfisch of Pirate's Bane who took such a critical role in the book War of Honor.
Yes. The F-word is used. It is in context but there it is.
I've read this book before and I will probably do so again.
January 25, 2018
2018 re-read.
October 31, 2020
Ever since I started reading the Honorverse novels, I had been feeling that there were stories that had to be told. There were many references to incidents in characters' backstories that weren't told in the novels.
I was particularly intrigued by Helen Ziwicki's past and the incident that happened in Old Chicago when she was a young teen. I finally found that story in this anthology. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint finally filled in the missing details about that adventure. I liked it very much and I especially liked seeing a very young and inexperienced Victor Cachat. This incident also begins Berry Zilwicki's story which is told in much more detail in other books.
This anthology also contains the story that begins Honor Harrington's military career when she goes on her snotty cruise to hunt pirates in Silesia. She encounters bad officers who are out to get her and excellent officers who set her feet on the correct path. The story was filled with adventure and excitement.
"Changer of Words" was told almost completely from the treecat's point of view and talks about their decision to let the two-legs know all about their abilities and potentials. I liked the references back to the story told in A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP.
The final story was my least favorite since it is set on Haven and has a lot to do with political maneuvering among the Peeps.
These stories were wonderful at filling in some background that I had been curious about. I don't think they would stand alone particularly well unless they worked as teasers to get readers into the whole Honor Harrington series. But this devoted fan loved knowing more about some beloved characters.
I was particularly intrigued by Helen Ziwicki's past and the incident that happened in Old Chicago when she was a young teen. I finally found that story in this anthology. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint finally filled in the missing details about that adventure. I liked it very much and I especially liked seeing a very young and inexperienced Victor Cachat. This incident also begins Berry Zilwicki's story which is told in much more detail in other books.
This anthology also contains the story that begins Honor Harrington's military career when she goes on her snotty cruise to hunt pirates in Silesia. She encounters bad officers who are out to get her and excellent officers who set her feet on the correct path. The story was filled with adventure and excitement.
"Changer of Words" was told almost completely from the treecat's point of view and talks about their decision to let the two-legs know all about their abilities and potentials. I liked the references back to the story told in A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP.
The final story was my least favorite since it is set on Haven and has a lot to do with political maneuvering among the Peeps.
These stories were wonderful at filling in some background that I had been curious about. I don't think they would stand alone particularly well unless they worked as teasers to get readers into the whole Honor Harrington series. But this devoted fan loved knowing more about some beloved characters.
December 12, 2018
I picked up the book on the recommendation of friends who suggested I start the Honor Harrington series with "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" by David Weber. In that novella, the reader meets Honor on her first starship tour. It certainly sets the pattern for the rest of her career.
If you are just starting the series, the other stories contain spoilers. "Changer of Worlds" by Weber takes place after Honor Among Enemies. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint takes place after Ashes of Victory as does "Nightfall" by Weber.
I did enjoy the other three stories, especially "From the Highlands." That one had me reading hard to see what happened. I do want to follow up on that series. "Changer of Worlds" was interesting in that it developed an alien culture even further. I suspect I would have enjoyed "Nightfall" more had I been further along in the series.
I highly recommend this book. I would suggest for people new to the series that they read "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," put the book down, and go on to the novel On Basilisk Station. If you have already read the novels in the series, by all means, pick this book up and read it through.
If you are just starting the series, the other stories contain spoilers. "Changer of Worlds" by Weber takes place after Honor Among Enemies. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint takes place after Ashes of Victory as does "Nightfall" by Weber.
I did enjoy the other three stories, especially "From the Highlands." That one had me reading hard to see what happened. I do want to follow up on that series. "Changer of Worlds" was interesting in that it developed an alien culture even further. I suspect I would have enjoyed "Nightfall" more had I been further along in the series.
I highly recommend this book. I would suggest for people new to the series that they read "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," put the book down, and go on to the novel On Basilisk Station. If you have already read the novels in the series, by all means, pick this book up and read it through.
May 8, 2024
Two novellas, one novelette and one short story in this anthology. As usual with anthologies, the quality varies.
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington - David Weber: A step back in time to the beginning of Honor Harrington's military career. Weber does his usual excellent job with characters and a tense plot. Since this is a prequel, elements of the end-state are predetermined, but that's not especially obtrusive this time. 5 stars
Changer of Worlds - David Weber: A short story starring treecats, which is useful to the overall continuity, but not especially emotionally involving. 3 stars
From the Highlands - Eric Flint: A novella covering the beginning of the Audobon Ballroom story line. Anton and Helen Zilwicki and Victor Cachat star in this adventure. Some of the action seems a bit rushed and not especially believable, but the character development is good. 4 stars
Nightfall - David Weber: Novelette: This novelette overs a coup attempt in the PRH. Excellent action in a critical point in the main storyline. Some nice character vignettes. 4 stars.
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington - David Weber: A step back in time to the beginning of Honor Harrington's military career. Weber does his usual excellent job with characters and a tense plot. Since this is a prequel, elements of the end-state are predetermined, but that's not especially obtrusive this time. 5 stars
Changer of Worlds - David Weber: A short story starring treecats, which is useful to the overall continuity, but not especially emotionally involving. 3 stars
From the Highlands - Eric Flint: A novella covering the beginning of the Audobon Ballroom story line. Anton and Helen Zilwicki and Victor Cachat star in this adventure. Some of the action seems a bit rushed and not especially believable, but the character development is good. 4 stars
Nightfall - David Weber: Novelette: This novelette overs a coup attempt in the PRH. Excellent action in a critical point in the main storyline. Some nice character vignettes. 4 stars.
July 25, 2020
A collection of four short stories - well, two very short and two not-all-that-short stories - filling in some of the blanks. I enjoyed the Eric Flint one most, as it takes some characters and creates a bit of a new angle on the world, though this has subsequently been rolled back into Weber's control under the main/spin-off sequence.
Two things annoyed me a bit - the last story, about McQueen's rebellion and Saint-Just's take-down, adds a lot of (unnecessary) detail around that incident, but was clearly simply cut from the main novel in one of the editor's last attempts to curtail the length of the main novels of the series. The other is that Weber clearly expects everyone to have read these collections when published, alongside the main series of the novels, which detracts from the latter as there's characters and situations crucial to understanding who everyone is and what's been happening which simply aren't in the main series.
Two things annoyed me a bit - the last story, about McQueen's rebellion and Saint-Just's take-down, adds a lot of (unnecessary) detail around that incident, but was clearly simply cut from the main novel in one of the editor's last attempts to curtail the length of the main novels of the series. The other is that Weber clearly expects everyone to have read these collections when published, alongside the main series of the novels, which detracts from the latter as there's characters and situations crucial to understanding who everyone is and what's been happening which simply aren't in the main series.
March 31, 2024
Excellent
"Changer of Worlds" contains four stories covering various aspects of life in the Honor Universe. The first one, "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" is about Honor Harrington's snotty cruise with three other midshipmen/life's. It's has all the excitement that are the cornerstone of all the Honor Harrington stores.
The second story is about a tree at and his mate returning from his human with a world changing realization that will change all their lifes.
The third story is about spy work on Earth involving the Manicorian and the Peeps.
The last story is about a rebellion by the Peep military. All stories are not only entertaining but are relevant to that universe and fits smoothly into the timeline.
"Changer of Worlds" contains four stories covering various aspects of life in the Honor Universe. The first one, "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" is about Honor Harrington's snotty cruise with three other midshipmen/life's. It's has all the excitement that are the cornerstone of all the Honor Harrington stores.
The second story is about a tree at and his mate returning from his human with a world changing realization that will change all their lifes.
The third story is about spy work on Earth involving the Manicorian and the Peeps.
The last story is about a rebellion by the Peep military. All stories are not only entertaining but are relevant to that universe and fits smoothly into the timeline.
Read
July 29, 2022Nightfall changed how I view McQueen for being maybe average at best, to a smart woman, who could plan a coup, and
Would she have thrown Beatrice earlier, before the RMN
From the Highlands might take another reread to become memorable, though it has Victor and Anton in it (I really like the other Victor story, though).
Would she have thrown Beatrice earlier, before the RMN
From the Highlands might take another reread to become memorable, though it has Victor and Anton in it (I really like the other Victor story, though).
December 6, 2022
Re-read
I like rereading old favorites. And I can say that my two favorite stories in this collection have been two of my absolute favorite stories in the Honorverse. Ms. Midshipwoman Honor (David Weber) was my introduction to Honor Harrington and will forever be one of my favorite stories about her. She's awesome. And From the Highlands (Eric Flint), featuring one Anton Zilwicki and Victor Cachet... Will always be one of my absolute favorite stories. Those two encapsulate my love of this universe and are excellent storytelling. Loved being able to reread them.
I like rereading old favorites. And I can say that my two favorite stories in this collection have been two of my absolute favorite stories in the Honorverse. Ms. Midshipwoman Honor (David Weber) was my introduction to Honor Harrington and will forever be one of my favorite stories about her. She's awesome. And From the Highlands (Eric Flint), featuring one Anton Zilwicki and Victor Cachet... Will always be one of my absolute favorite stories. Those two encapsulate my love of this universe and are excellent storytelling. Loved being able to reread them.
March 15, 2025
Novellas:
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington
Excellent if a little predictable - 5stars
Changer of Worlds
Didn't really work for me, just a bit wrong - 2 stars
From the Highlands
Not a bad story, fits in well with the honor world - 4 stars
Nightfall.
Interesting peeps side story - 3 stars
Overall well worth the read, particularly the first one.
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington
Excellent if a little predictable - 5stars
Changer of Worlds
Didn't really work for me, just a bit wrong - 2 stars
From the Highlands
Not a bad story, fits in well with the honor world - 4 stars
Nightfall.
Interesting peeps side story - 3 stars
Overall well worth the read, particularly the first one.
September 1, 2024
So much background!
Getting more of the back stories and learning about the people who were peripheral in the main books was amazing. The writers of these novelettes are so talented. It was a great read.
Getting more of the back stories and learning about the people who were peripheral in the main books was amazing. The writers of these novelettes are so talented. It was a great read.
September 4, 2017
Nice stories about some interesting aspects of Honorverce.
November 16, 2017
A pretty decent collection of novellas, though the Weber penned ones were better than that of the guest writer.
September 5, 2018
Great set of back stories for the world of Honor Harrington.
February 1, 2019
A mixed bag (as most such collections are) with two very strong entries (Ms Midshipwoman Harrington, From the Highlands) and two so-so entries (Changer of Worlds, Nightfall).
August 18, 2020
Very good book, lots of political wrangling and firefights and fascinating people. There are four stories, not all by David Weber, but all set in the Honorverse, and all very well written.
December 31, 2020
These short stories have all the excitement of a Honor novel but they are very light on his more lengthy technical/science explanations.
July 22, 2021
Great stories from the Honorverse, my fave was "From The Highlands".
December 29, 2022
Griping!
Love the important side storylines. Rushing to the next book for more excitement. The Weber crafted universe is always easy to completely Earl yourself into.
Love the important side storylines. Rushing to the next book for more excitement. The Weber crafted universe is always easy to completely Earl yourself into.
April 27, 2025
These anthologies are a mixed bag... generally 1-2 stories I love, and 1-2 that are OK to Meh...
January 9, 2026
Anthology for one of my all-time favourite series. Space opera on a grand scale. And unlike most books of this genre, the science and politics are sensible and realistic.
July 29, 2022
All four novellas are excellent and fill in a lot of backstory for the main Honor Harrington (and Wages of Sin) Series. I recommend strongly reading all the Honorverse in chronologically published.
December 27, 2023
From the Highlands 4 stars
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington 4 stars
Nightfall 3 stars
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington 4 stars
Nightfall 3 stars
February 6, 2016
Okay, to be fair I started this book a fair bit of time ago, read about two and a half of the four novellas in it, and then my partner decided to read it and hid it on me. I found it again a month ago or so but wanted to finish reading the book I was on before I went back to this one.
These are some very well-written stories, and because they lack the usual Weber info-dumps, they're among the best written Honor Harrington stories I have yet to read. And I have to warn you, unlike many short stories that center around an ongoing novel series, you kind of have to read these or some things will make no sense to you in the later books.
Fortunately this will almost universally be a pleasure. The first story, "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," is a direct homage to "Mr. Midshipman Hornblower," which is wonderful since the Horatio Hornblower books are part of what inspired Weber to write this series in the first place, and why it's such wonderful space opera. Here we get to see Honor Harrington, great captain and admiral, as a mere midshipwoman on her "snotty" cruise. Lots of action, typical Navy politics . . . wonderful stuff for any Honor Harrington fan.
The second story, "Changer of Worlds," provides some wonderful insight into the ways of the other major intelligent species of the Honorverse; the treecats, who are not just cute telepathic kitties. No indeed.
The third story, "From the Highlands," introduces us to some other major characters in the Honorverse and what they're up to; including Victor Cachat, Peep intelligence agent, Anton Zilwicki, the world's most unlikely Manticoran Navy intelligence officer; Cathy Montaigne, renegade Liberal eventually to be a force to be reckoned with in Manticoran politics; and the Ballroom, a secret terrorist organization of escaped slaves dedicated to wiping out slavery by whatever means necessary. Oh yes, and Zilwicki's daughter Helen, a force to be reckoned with on her own. This story, written by Eric Flint, is full of his subtle humour, sharp wit, and clever plot and counterplot elements. It reads just like a spy thriller with some comedy thrown in. Great stuff!
The only story I thought we could have done without was the last one, "Nightfall." This was basically what happened when Secretary of War McQueen took on the Secretary of State Saint-Just just before the end of "Ashes of Victory." I suspect it was originally included but Weber's editor, in a rare act of prudence, cut it and told him it wasn't necessary. I agree; it wasn't necessary. Since we already read how it started, and we already knew how it ended, and it was just a lot of pain and bloodshed in between, and we didn't learn anything about any of the characters or the events, I don't see the point of it.
So; three out of four great stories ain't bad. Well worth reading, anyway.
These are some very well-written stories, and because they lack the usual Weber info-dumps, they're among the best written Honor Harrington stories I have yet to read. And I have to warn you, unlike many short stories that center around an ongoing novel series, you kind of have to read these or some things will make no sense to you in the later books.
Fortunately this will almost universally be a pleasure. The first story, "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," is a direct homage to "Mr. Midshipman Hornblower," which is wonderful since the Horatio Hornblower books are part of what inspired Weber to write this series in the first place, and why it's such wonderful space opera. Here we get to see Honor Harrington, great captain and admiral, as a mere midshipwoman on her "snotty" cruise. Lots of action, typical Navy politics . . . wonderful stuff for any Honor Harrington fan.
The second story, "Changer of Worlds," provides some wonderful insight into the ways of the other major intelligent species of the Honorverse; the treecats, who are not just cute telepathic kitties. No indeed.
The third story, "From the Highlands," introduces us to some other major characters in the Honorverse and what they're up to; including Victor Cachat, Peep intelligence agent, Anton Zilwicki, the world's most unlikely Manticoran Navy intelligence officer; Cathy Montaigne, renegade Liberal eventually to be a force to be reckoned with in Manticoran politics; and the Ballroom, a secret terrorist organization of escaped slaves dedicated to wiping out slavery by whatever means necessary. Oh yes, and Zilwicki's daughter Helen, a force to be reckoned with on her own. This story, written by Eric Flint, is full of his subtle humour, sharp wit, and clever plot and counterplot elements. It reads just like a spy thriller with some comedy thrown in. Great stuff!
The only story I thought we could have done without was the last one, "Nightfall." This was basically what happened when Secretary of War McQueen took on the Secretary of State Saint-Just just before the end of "Ashes of Victory." I suspect it was originally included but Weber's editor, in a rare act of prudence, cut it and told him it wasn't necessary. I agree; it wasn't necessary. Since we already read how it started, and we already knew how it ended, and it was just a lot of pain and bloodshed in between, and we didn't learn anything about any of the characters or the events, I don't see the point of it.
So; three out of four great stories ain't bad. Well worth reading, anyway.
February 18, 2025
This collection in general is one of my favorites--I enjoy all of the stories, though the last is my least favorite. Each of them also has a direct connection to the books, no random sandbox expansion.
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington is a ton of fun. You can see Honor's formative years--and where she picked up several of the habits she has as a captain. Pitting her against Lt. Santino as a Middie provides for a lot of very satisfying grr and comeuppance moments. Oh, and this is the very same Santino whose stupidity costs thousands of lives in Echoes of Honor--this history between them is hinted at in Ashes of Victory.
Changer of Worlds--shows the decision that leads to Nimitz & Samantha bringing their family and treecat friends to live on Grayson in In Enemy Hands. I love getting treecat POVs and seeing the way they interpret the world. This entry especially ties in several of the previous treecat stories--from "The Stray" to "What Price Dreams?" and the Stephanie Harrington books.
From the Highlands!--introducing some of the most fun characters in the 'verse: Anton Zilwicki (and his family) and Victor Cachat. The stakes are high, the POVs are compelling, and there's even a hint of romance. This is also the first story that really introduces some Peep POVs that are worth rooting for: Cachat and Usher, as well as diving in to the Audubon Ballroom, and a hint of a greater enemy in Mesa/Manpower United.
Nightfall--fills in the gaps, giving us the story of Esther McQueen's failed attempted coup. It's essentially a deleted scene from Ashes of Victory--by the time I read it here, I didn't really want to relive it. I didn't want to be reminded that St. Just won and yet another halfway decent Havenite was dead. But once I was inside the story, it's hard to look away.
Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington is a ton of fun. You can see Honor's formative years--and where she picked up several of the habits she has as a captain. Pitting her against Lt. Santino as a Middie provides for a lot of very satisfying grr and comeuppance moments. Oh, and this is the very same Santino whose stupidity costs thousands of lives in Echoes of Honor--this history between them is hinted at in Ashes of Victory.
Changer of Worlds--shows the decision that leads to Nimitz & Samantha bringing their family and treecat friends to live on Grayson in In Enemy Hands. I love getting treecat POVs and seeing the way they interpret the world. This entry especially ties in several of the previous treecat stories--from "The Stray" to "What Price Dreams?" and the Stephanie Harrington books.
From the Highlands!--introducing some of the most fun characters in the 'verse: Anton Zilwicki (and his family) and Victor Cachat. The stakes are high, the POVs are compelling, and there's even a hint of romance. This is also the first story that really introduces some Peep POVs that are worth rooting for: Cachat and Usher, as well as diving in to the Audubon Ballroom, and a hint of a greater enemy in Mesa/Manpower United.
Nightfall--fills in the gaps, giving us the story of Esther McQueen's failed attempted coup. It's essentially a deleted scene from Ashes of Victory--by the time I read it here, I didn't really want to relive it. I didn't want to be reminded that St. Just won and yet another halfway decent Havenite was dead. But once I was inside the story, it's hard to look away.
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