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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Enjoyable space opera with interesting characters and setting. I look forward to reading the other entries in the series!
100% competence porn with a few genuinely moving moments.
I'm really sick of men thinking that a strong female character is pretty much a male stereotype with boobs. I don't even think most men act as woodenly as she does.
But, unlike some people, I did like the six legged psychic kitty.
But, unlike some people, I did like the six legged psychic kitty.
What a great book. The pace was perfect - I never felt like there was a dull chapter, which can sometimes be a problem in military science fiction. The science was interesting, and Weber's approach to space combat is great to read - it essentially involves force-fields which are created due to the nature of the interstellar drives each ship is equipped with. Honor is a great character, as well as the other characters who bring their own charm to each chapter. I'll definitely be reading more.
Loved this Sci Fi book. Fabulous story, fabulous characters. Just all around good time.
The only thing that bugged me was the few times that the main character basically put down her own looks. It just seemed incongruous with her character to even note her looks at all. Just seemed very out of character.
Look forward to the next one!
The only thing that bugged me was the few times that the main character basically put down her own looks. It just seemed incongruous with her character to even note her looks at all. Just seemed very out of character.
Look forward to the next one!
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Honor has definite Main Character energy (although it’s not up to full strength here since it’s only the first book) but it doesn’t feel tiresome because she’s fun to read. This book won’t make you think deeply about the human condition, but you also won’t be able to put it down and (if you’re like me) you might get a little misty once or twice.
There are some things, likethe massacre of the drugged-out Medusans , that definitely feel early 90s and not in a great way, but mostly it doesn’t detract from the rest of the book. (I do think it’s kind of funny that he introduces a whole-ass alien race in this book and then—apart from the treecats—we never hear about intelligent aliens again.)
There are some things, like
A solid female character in a universe of intense and complicated weaponry and politics. This stands apart in the sci-fi genre.
There's something beautiful about a Heinlein-esque sci-fi novel that's well-written and entertaining. This book reminded me a lot of Timothy Zahn as well, and it turns out he and David Weber collaborated on some of the series.
This book should be better known than it is. If you enjoy sci-fi, pick it up! I personally will be continuing the series.
This book should be better known than it is. If you enjoy sci-fi, pick it up! I personally will be continuing the series.
I read On Basilisk Station because a friend has been so enthusiastic about SciFi that it has really made me want to branch out of my typical Fantasy and read some SF. I have read some of David Weber's fantasy books before, and enjoyed them, and On Basilisk Station is free, so I decided to give it a whirl. In case you aren't privy to BAEN's policy, they have opted to make many titles from their catalog free to readers in order to promote interest in the line. I think this is an outstanding and effective policy. I recall gaining access to the New 52 Wonder Woman graphic novels through a library app and falling in love with the line. I have been a glad paying customer since that time, so the free sample worked out well for both parties in that case.
Concerning BAEN, I haven't bought any titles from them, but I appreciate the free titles they have released and anticipate reading others in the future.
As for On Basilisk Station specifically, I enjoyed it. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading about it on Goodreads, because I typically don't post about books I don't finish, and I don't usually finish books I don't like. Mercifully, that is a fairly rare occurrence. While I prefer the SF of Roger Zelazny, On Basilisk Station is worth the read. Nothing to write home about, but worth the read just the same. Honor Harrington is an empathetic protagonist, and she carries this one. Banished for doing the right thing, she has to navigate the backwards politics of the military and the government. Eventually her good works shine through and she gets her just rewards, but the journey to that point would make anyone else quit and just try to work the system.
One thing I really liked about this book was the author’s use of descriptions of what characters “sense” from others. Often one character will see something in someone’s eyes, or facial expression, or just a feeling they get that lurks below the surface of what’s being said. That actually made the descriptions stand out and it gave Basilisk a bit more feeling than I expected. I could look up an example and post it here, but I don’t have the book with me and I’m not feeling motivated to search it online. You’ll recognize it when you see it. Those descriptions are sprinkled throughout and I felt it was worth mentioning that I liked it. I may read another Harrington book in the future. 3 ½ stars.
Concerning BAEN, I haven't bought any titles from them, but I appreciate the free titles they have released and anticipate reading others in the future.
As for On Basilisk Station specifically, I enjoyed it. Otherwise you wouldn't be reading about it on Goodreads, because I typically don't post about books I don't finish, and I don't usually finish books I don't like. Mercifully, that is a fairly rare occurrence. While I prefer the SF of Roger Zelazny, On Basilisk Station is worth the read. Nothing to write home about, but worth the read just the same. Honor Harrington is an empathetic protagonist, and she carries this one. Banished for doing the right thing, she has to navigate the backwards politics of the military and the government. Eventually her good works shine through and she gets her just rewards, but the journey to that point would make anyone else quit and just try to work the system.
One thing I really liked about this book was the author’s use of descriptions of what characters “sense” from others. Often one character will see something in someone’s eyes, or facial expression, or just a feeling they get that lurks below the surface of what’s being said. That actually made the descriptions stand out and it gave Basilisk a bit more feeling than I expected. I could look up an example and post it here, but I don’t have the book with me and I’m not feeling motivated to search it online. You’ll recognize it when you see it. Those descriptions are sprinkled throughout and I felt it was worth mentioning that I liked it. I may read another Harrington book in the future. 3 ½ stars.
I stumbed upon this book as this series is much beloved in the Lois McMaster Bujold mailing list and I am so glad I followed fellow listees suggestion.
I really liked the very straightfoward way in which events are persented. The main character has to face quite unpleasant events, and these are not toned down, but rather presented matter of fact. And after all the book presents a conflict, and the author is not scared to go the full way ahead, pointing out both the satisfaction and glory felt when winning a battle, but he also makes sure to point out the disappointment, depression and at times death that result in losing battles as well.
Furthermore, the last part of the book is written cross cutting from two opposite points of view in a particularly effective way, so I would definitely recommend this book.
As a plus, there's a six legged cat named Nimitz ;o))))))
I really liked the very straightfoward way in which events are persented. The main character has to face quite unpleasant events, and these are not toned down, but rather presented matter of fact. And after all the book presents a conflict, and the author is not scared to go the full way ahead, pointing out both the satisfaction and glory felt when winning a battle, but he also makes sure to point out the disappointment, depression and at times death that result in losing battles as well.
Furthermore, the last part of the book is written cross cutting from two opposite points of view in a particularly effective way, so I would definitely recommend this book.
As a plus, there's a six legged cat named Nimitz ;o))))))