The first 200 pages of 600 total were dreadful; literally 200 pages of pure info-dumping via conversations across desks and dinner tables. I very nearly threw the book away. The latter two thirds were much better and in line with Weber's usual quality. However that first third was inexcusable in my opinion. First time I've ever come down that heavily on a Weber book which I usualy enjoy throughout. Eric Flint is fantastic. You can tell his influence at work in the Torch series: romances seem like real human relationships with noncreepy emotions and actions. When you're introduced to a slew of new characters, it's because they are all integral to the plot, not because Weber couldn't find another way to convey what was going on over in THIS corner of the galaxy. And this wouldn't be the Honorverse without a section devoted to 'Missile Math with David Weber' but Flint seems to ensure that it remains constrained to one scene per book, in favor of a surfeit of jokes and plot lines in there just for the interest/amusement quotient. Specific favorites in this novel: meeting Beowulfers besides Allison Harrington, Berry's love of ice cream, the entirety of Jack McBryde's storyline, and every stray thought that goes through Brice Miller's head.
What do You think about Torch Of Freedom (2009)?
I just started it but every David Weber book makes me happy
—bell
