Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I’m no expert on David Weber stories. I’ve read only a couple. In fact, I was surprised the last ‘Honor’ novel was published five years ago. I guess time flies faster as we age. This, the 19th book in the series, especially for this author’s early following, might be showing signs of wear and tear for them, but, how does it read for new followers? Is it stand-alone, or must the other novels be read? Well, pull up a chair and let’s ponder those questions…. To set the stage, let me explain a bit. I’m old-school science-fiction. I love the adventure presented by science fiction, but crave action scenes only moderately. Think of me as a Star Trek addict, but not so much as a Star Wars Junkie. (Yes, I enjoy Star Wars stories, but not as much as younger folks). Thus, you’re apt to think the oft-referred to brilliance regarding action in Weber’s novels doesn’t wow me. Yet, to tell the truth, I do appreciate the action scenes. Vivid and just about ideal. Transitions, dialogue, world building? Yes, they’re nothing to shout about, but, honestly, they are better than some of the reviewers are talking about. At least, for me, they are more acceptable. POV: Third person. BLUSH FACTOR: Rough language and profanities might steer you away from this otherwise interesting tale. The f-word pops up here and there, so, if that annoys you, go looking for good reading elsewhere. As for me, it’s not a serious issue. ADVENTURE: Yeah, I guess. Insofar as science-fiction can. I’m greedy for seeing new places and have come to enjoy stories that put me in some far away world. The writing didn’t quench much of that desire, but, in other ways, I did get a sense of adventure. ACTION: The strongest point is action. THE WRITING: It’s okay, sometimes even excellent. The excerpt below will give a better view. Probably could be much improved if some of the information jammed into the story were conveyed through smoother dialogue. What I mean is, sometimes it tends to feel more like an ‘info-dump’ than creative writing. EDITING – Typos & Grammar: Much better than most indie-published novels. No worries here. SUITABLE AUDIENCE: Except for the profanities, this could be found an excellent fit. Then again, when I was wild, young and foolish, my friends and I talked what we imagined was the talk of adults. Not gentlemen, but adults, so, it is wrong to be too judgmental. Excerpt ‘…“It’s good to see him laughing again,” Emily Alexander-Harrington said quietly as her mother- and father-in-law headed towards the table. “Agreed,” Honor said, equally quietly. “And I think—” She paused for a moment, then shook her head. “You think what?” Emily pressed. “Oh, it was just a passing thought.” Honor shook her head again, her expression sobering. “We’re all having a few of those at the moment, I think.” “Yes, we are,” Emily agreed, but she gazed at Honor speculatively, and Honor made herself look back with tranquil eyes as she tasted the curiosity in Emily’s mind-glow. She also didn’t mention what had spawned that “passing thought.” “Tell me, have you given any more thought to a brother or sister for Katherine and Raoul?” she asked instead. “I have.” Emily nodded, although the question seemed to have sharpened the focus of that speculation Honor had tasted. “In fact, I have an appointment to discuss it with Dr. Illescue at Briarwood tomorrow afternoon, before I go back to White Haven.” “Oh, good!” Honor beamed at her, bending over her chair to envelop her in a gentle hug. “I’m thinking about doing the same thing. Maybe this time we can time it even closer!” “There’s only a month or so between the two we have, dear,” Emily pointed out drily. “What? You want to synchronize the deliveries to the same minute?” “Well, if neither one of us is going to be in a position to do it the old fashioned way, we might as well take advantage of the opportunities we do have. Besides—” she straightened with a devilish smile “—twins do run in Mom’s family, you know!” Emily laughed, and Honor’s smile turned more gentle. But then she straightened and looked at Hamish across Emily’s head. She swiveled her eyes to one side, to where Sandra Thurston, Emily’s nurse and constant companion, stood chatting with James MacGuiness while he kept an eagle eye on the evening’s festivities. Her gaze came back to Hamish, and he shrugged ever so slightly, letting an edge of worry show in his own blue eyes. Her mouth tightened as she put that together with the undertone she’d tasted in Emily’s mind-glow, but then she drew a deep breath. She wasn’t going to borrow any trouble, she told herself firmly. Not tonight. And not when all three of them had so much to be grateful for, including— “You’re right about how good it is to see Daddy laughing again,” she said, looking back down at Emily and squeezing her good hand gently, then looked at Captain Lessem. “I think it’s going to be good for him to get back to work, too.” “Well, I can tell you the entire staff’s Weber, David. Uncompromising Honor (Honor Harrington Book 19) (Kindle Locations 1686-1709). Baen Books. Kindle Edition. CRINGE FACTOR: Probably as do many reviewers, I read a wide variety so I can get some ideas for when I finally start authoring fiction. As an inspiring novelist, I want to post stuff, when I get the time to read it, that won’t make me cringe in knowing that other folks paid to read. Had I written “Uncompromising Honor’ and come back to read it after publishing, would I cringe or would I think, “Yeah, some rough spots, but this is okay.” For me, had I written this, I’d be fairly pleased with my work. BOTTOM LINE Four stars out of five. I am striving to produce reviews that help you find books that you want, or avoid books that you wish to avoid. With your help, my improvement will help you and me improve book reviews on Amazon. Together, you and I can build a great customer review process that helps everybody. Will you join me? It is people such as you who have helped me improve over the years. I'm still learning, and I have a great deal yet to learn. With your help, I'll improve every day. One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you. Thank you so much for indicating if this review helped you, or for your comment.