Stewart, Glynn. Admiral’s Oath. Dakotan Federation No. 1. Kindle Unlimited, 2022.
I picked up Admiral’s Oath even though I have not read any of the earlier books in Glynn Stewart’s Castle Federation series. That was a mistake because the Dakotan Federation series is set in the Castle Federation universe. I found it hard to follow its complex politics. Military science fiction usually has some clearly defined good guys and bad guys and an emphasis on action that keeps one turning pages. Admiral’s Oath, though, has flawed, nuanced characters on both sides and an emphasis on policy and strategy rather than the usual tactics and technology. In an interview, Stewart said he was concerned not to engage in cultural appropriation of indigenous peoples. That is a worthwhile concern, but with an admiral named Tecumseh battling an admiral named Walkingstick in an interstellar nation called the Dakotan Federation, Stewart is missing many world-building opportunities. The emphasis on policy makes the prose long-winded and repetitious. We are told again and again that the military should not replace the civilian government. Hooray, but snooze. 3.5 stars. ( )

This book is not for everyone. There was so much detail of how and why things worked, what they were made of and how they were put together that at times I couldn't remember what the story was about. James, Vice Admiral in disgrace, is sent to the outer worlds as punishment. Several years break out and the Commonwealth loses. The remaining worlds must find solutions of they want to remain free. Ambitious Admirals naming themselves warlords test the morals of all. ( )