Honor Among Enemies

Packing enough punch to blast a starship to smithereens, the first hardcover in Weber's Honor Harrington series (Field of Dishonor, etc.) includes such an abundance of tactical and political maneuvering that only fierce fans of military SF are likely to remain enthralled. Honor, the finest and most daring admiral in the Royal Manticoran Navy, had been forcibly retired for political reasons. Now, though, with space pirates dogging and destroying merchant freighters, the Navy calls her back into action. Along with her telepathic tree-cat, Nimitz, Honor boards the Wayfarer, a starship crammed with weapons, young, untried officers and a most motley crew. Honor must not only battle pirates but also keep the bullies on the crew from gnawing away at the morale, and the lives, of her newbie officers. The technical detail and lengthy battle scenes may try some readers' patience. Still, Weber peoples his ships with fine, brave youngsters, adding depth to what is otherwise a high-gloss space opera. (June)