This one was something of a close call on the rating. On the one hand, it was better done than it's immediate predecessor in series; i wasn't seeing the sort of plot goofs that predecessor showed, and I liked some of the changes in focus and style. On the other hand, it was a bit difficult in that it felt too repetitive. Yes, he states in the forenote that some things are covered again from the perspectives of different characters, but several times I felt that this were dragging in excessive detail, since I already knew the framework.
I may also be having a bit of difficulty now with the series itself, because having read numerous books in the series, I'm seeing certain plot element overused, and that is how so many characters go into long dialogues (internal & external) to justify or explain either themselves or some actions or events, and it is just SOO obviously just self-delusion. Those sort of situations happen, but it seems to me that it's getting used too often.
Overall a better than average read, but not quite up to what I'd rate as excellent. ( )

This episode has a lot of overlap with AT ALL COSTS. It reprises the battle that has Michelle Henke captured. It expands on her conversation with President Pritchart that leads to a proposed peace conference. It also talks about the various assassinations that derail that conference.

This episode provides the viewpoint of the Mesan Alliance - a secret organization with galactic ambitions. Manpower, Inc., Manticore's long-time enemy, is just one branch of the Mesan Alliance.

Most of the action takes place in the Talbot Quadrant where Henke has been sent in command of a military force to help protect the Quadrant. The Mesan Alliance is continuing to foment situations which will lead to Manticore fighting a war on two fronts - against Haven and against the Solarian League. The Solarian League is immense and they can't believe that any neobarb could pose any threat to it. Unfortunately, they are quite mistaken. Their supposed superiority has led them to skimp on both renovation and refit and the research to keep improving their military hardware that Manticore and Haven had to so since they have been at war for a number of years.

When the Sollies sent a particularly arrogant admiral in the person of Admiral Bing to the quadrant, an incident that would likely lead to war is almost inevitable. And Manpower's agents are right there stoking the fires.

This was another entertaining and exciting episode in this space opera. ( )

This episode has a lot of overlap with AT ALL COSTS. It reprises the battle that has Michelle Henke captured. It expands on her conversation with President Pritchart that leads to a proposed peace conference. It also talks about the various assassinations that derail that conference.

This episode provides the viewpoint of the Mesan Alliance - a secret organization with galactic ambitions. Manpower, Inc., Manticore's long-time enemy, is just one branch of the Mesan Alliance.

Most of the action takes place in the Talbot Quadrant where Henke has been sent in command of a military force to help protect the Quadrant. The Mesan Alliance is continuing to foment situations which will lead to Manticore fighting a war on two fronts - against Haven and against the Solarian League. The Solarian League is immense and they can't believe that any neobarb could pose any threat to it. Unfortunately, they are quite mistaken. Their supposed superiority has led them to skimp on both renovation and refit and the research to keep improving their military hardware that Manticore and Haven had to so since they have been at war for a number of years.

When the Sollies sent a particularly arrogant admiral in the person of Admiral Bing to the quadrant, an incident that would likely lead to war is almost inevitable. And Manpower's agents are right there stoking the fires.

This was another entertaining and exciting episode in this space opera. ( )

This was another excellent book. There isn't as much in the way of military science fiction, but there is a good amount of political intrigue. I particularly enjoyed Mike Henke's role in this book and hope to see more of it.

I strongly suggest that At All Costs be read prior to this book. There is a huge amount of overlap in the books. Some may see that as a problem, but I enjoyed the different viewpoints.

Recommended for people who have read the other Honor Harrington books and still enjoy the books later in the series. ( )

This is an excellent story based upon the events in other books within the Honorverse. In particular the book Shadow of Saganami. Mike Henke’s role is expanded while the events in the Talbott Cluster. Watching the changes taking place within the Cluster was really interesting. Well worth reading. I'm looking forward to reading the next stories from that region. ( )