Background
Published in 2011, “How Firm a Foundation,” by David Weber, is the fifth book in his Safehold series. It continues the saga of the Charisian Empire as it battles the forces of the Church of God Awaiting. More technological developments within the empire sway the outlook of the war and Empress Sharleyen plays a key role, overseeing trials in Zebediah and Corisande. Grand Inquisitor Zhaspyr Clyntahn incites violence against Charisian expatriates in Siddarmark and orchestrates further brutal crackdowns on all perceived heretics. As tensions rise, Charis faces internal sabotage and external threats, leading to significant casualties and strategic maneuvers​.
My Thoughts
This installment of the series has been a bit more fun. Technology has started to include steam power and iron hulls, which effectively compressed decades of historic innovation into mere months. Although, not much has changed with the format of the story, there seems to be more realism in how people are reacting to the current events. The characters have seemed much more human. This book didn’t deal quite so close with Merlin and spent more time filling in the reader of the group of 4 and the other side. It was a good change.
Recommendation
Much more enjoyable than the last.