Crown of Slaves (Book 1) - Sci-Fi Adventure Novel | Perfect for Space Opera & Political Intrigue Fans | Great for Book Clubs & Sci-Fi Reading Lists

The universe in which Crown of Slaves is set is as epic and complex as any ever created for fiction. So far more than a dozen novels and short stories have been wrung out of it with no sign of slowing down. Fans will certainly hope the franchise keeps going. The fact that the founding character Honor Harrington has only a cameo role in Chapter 40 should not stop any fan of the series from thoroughly enjoying this story.Almost all the characters are flat out fun and the immersion in both global and galactic politics really works to make the story interesting. The action centers mostly on two young women: Berry, the adopted daughter of a superspy and Ruth, a princess of the Kingdom of Manticore are sent on a quasi-diplomatic mission with Berry impersonating Ruth and vice versa under the supervision of Berry?s father. The place they are going to is a star system?s whose leader was assassinated and whose alliance with Manticore is shaky. Another superspy who works for Manticore?s enemy is there, along with an ambitious naval officer from the Solarian league. To add to the fun a cadre of terrorist religious fanatics have designs on the princess and there are ex-slaves that are active in revolt.In short, a lot is going on. Yet none of it is too hard to follow, particularly if you are up to date on the Honor Harrington series. The authors are clearly as much interested in pontificating on political philosophy as space-opera action, which puts this on quite a few levels above something like the Star Wars potboilers. They are clearly knowledgeable, which helps, but I can see why some readers find it ?talky.?For this reader a few problems did manifest. Much in the plot depends on the ability of the Berry character (aged only 17) being able to form deep bonds with other characters very quickly. This charm seems a little forced, and is used over and over again to form the basis of alliances that otherwise wouldn?t exist. Overall, the two girls are just too savvy ? at one point mixing it up in lethal action with space marines and at other times ?oh no my dad is going to kill me!? mode when they realize he will find out what they?ve been up to. Of course that?s fun too.All of it is fun. Go get it.