Fiction

At the Sign of Triumph

Background

Published in 2016, “At the Sign of Triumph” is the ninth book in David Weber’s Safehold series. This volume brings the long-running conflict between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting to a climactic conclusion. The Church, despite its overwhelming resources and global influence, finds itself on the verge of defeat after eight years of war. Charis, though vastly outnumbered, has technological advantages, a strong leadership in Emperor Cayleb, and the crucial guidance of Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with ancient knowledge.

At the Sign of Triumph
At the Sign of Triumph

My Thoughts

We made it! This book takes the reader through the end of the “Church of God Awaiting!” Yet there is more. I have another book on hold that was written three years after this Safehold book was written. (3 years is an eternity to David Weber, a writing machine.) I’m excited to see what he wanted to tack on as the story was left wide open. I am very happy to make it to the first ending of the series.

Recommendation

This series was a lot as these are not small books! Still, there is plenty of plot and characters and very interesting ideas, particularly if you are interested in the evolution of military technology.

The Hunt for Red October

Background

Published in 1984, “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy, is a Cold War-era novel that follows the pursuit of a Soviet submarine captain, Marko Ramius, who seeks to defect to the United States with the USSR’s newest ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. As the Soviets launch a massive search to stop Ramius, American intelligence officer Jack Ryan is the first to discover Ramius’s intent and finds himself in the thick of the fray to secure the ship and prevent a potential nuclear disaster.

The Hunt for Red October
The Hunt for Red October

My Thoughts

It was a great book and a great movie. Of course the book doesn’t match the movie, but it is close enough to enjoy without too many issues. Clancy has a highly readable style to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. However, it does jump around quite a bit particularly during the action scenes. Regardless, it was fun to see what the original words were that inspired the movie. It was also fun to hear the commentary about personal computers from 1984.

Recommendation

It was worth the time. If you have interest, you would like it.

Hell’s Foundations Quiver

Background

Published in 2015, “Hell’s Foundations Quiver” is the eighth book of David Weber’s Safehold series. The conflict between the Charisian Empire and the Church of God Awaiting continues to escalate. Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan continue their struggle to liberate Safehold from the Church’s technological and ideological stranglehold. As new alliances are forged, the Empire advances in its technological innovations with Merlin Athrawes’ guidance, bringing the conflict to a critical turning point. Amidst political and military upheaval, Weber deepens the themes of faith, rebellion, and the cost of progress.

Hell's Foundations Quiver
Hell’s Foundations Quiver

My Thoughts

This one wasn’t quite as much of a push as the last Safehold book. Technology has progressed past ironclads and now has WWI style swivel mount guns. Shotguns are introduced, along with lighters, and prop propelled ships.

There is some interesting interplay with personality between Merlin and Namoo. The book explores how people can change given their differing circumstances. It’s a interesting take on the nature and nurture dichotomy.

Recommendation

In for a penny, in for a pound… I’m going to finish it, but you certainly don’t have to.

The Well of Ascension

Background

Published in 2007, “The Well of Ascension” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Following the death of the Lord Ruler, Vin and her crew face the challenge of holding together the city of Luthadel as various factions vie for control. With Elend Venture now king, political intrigue grows as enemies close in from all sides. Meanwhile, Vin begins to sense an ominous force rising and is drawn toward the legendary Well of Ascension, a mystical location that may hold the key to saving—or destroying—the world. As Vin grapples with her identity and the responsibilities of power, she must also confront darker truths about the nature of Allomancy and her own destiny.

The Well of Ascension
The Well of Ascension

My Thoughts

Not a bad sequel to the first of the mistborn series. Sanderson did a good job on building on the first novel and expanding it into a bigger more complex world. This book touches on political revolution and some of the “no win” issues in war while still keeping the story going. It also sets up for the next book nicely.

Recommendation

The first book could have stood on it’s own. However, this one follows it nicely. I’d recommend it if you have the time.

Like a Mighty Army

Background

Published in 2014, “Like a Mighty Army” is the seventh book in David Weber’s Safehold series. The story continues the on going saga of the Empire of Charis as it battles the oppressive Church of God Awaiting on the planet Safehold. As Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan strive to unify the world and advance their society, they are aided by Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with the memories of a long-dead woman. The novel explores the escalating conflict as both sides adopt new technologies and strategies, leading to pivotal battles that will shape the future of humanity. Themes of faith, freedom, and innovation are woven throughout, highlighting the struggle against tyranny and the quest for enlightenment.

Like a Mighty Army
Like a Mighty Army

My Thoughts

I can’t really put my finger on why, but I’m burning out on the series. I had to push a few times to continue the story. There were plenty of good narratives, side stories, drama and so on that I would expect to keep my attention. However, this one was a hard push.

Recommendation

It is still a good story. However, it is book seven so read the preceding books or you will find yourself very lost.

The Walking Drum

Background

Published in 1984, “The Walking Drum” by Louis L’Amour is a historical adventure novel set in the 12th century, following the journey of Kerbouchard, a young man of Breton heritage, as he embarks on a quest to find his father. The story takes him across Europe and into the Middle East, where he encounters scholars, warriors, and lovers in a world full of danger and intrigue. As Kerbouchard navigates this tumultuous landscape, he evolves from a vengeful youth into a seasoned traveler and scholar, mastering various cultures and fighting skills. L’Amour’s richly detailed narrative weaves history with fiction, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the medieval world and a protagonist whose thirst for knowledge and adventure drives the story forward.

The Walking Drum
The Walking Drum

My Thoughts

I was hoping for a bit more than what it was. In many ways, it reads like a tall tale as Kerbouchard is a mix of Robin Hood, He-Man, and Einstein. (The Mary Sue of men…) It would be a fun story, but it felt like it just kept going. Perhaps my attention span just isn’t what it could be, but I was thankful when I was finally at the end.

Regardless, I felt it was true to the time and place. L’Amour is famous for doing his homework and this was no exception.

Recommendation

This wasn’t terrible, but don’t think I will be reading it again.

Midst Toil and Tribulation

Background

Published in 2012, “Midst Toil and Tribulation,” the sixth book in David Weber’s Safehold series, continues the struggle between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting. Following the civil war in the Republic of Siddarmark, Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan of Charis attempt to prepare to assist Siddarmark against the Church’s invasion. More technologies emerge including steam-power, ironclads, agricultural equipment, and more weaponry that continue to give Charis the edge.

Midst Toil and Tribulation
Midst Toil and Tribulation

My Thoughts

This book was focused more on the longer term impacts of developing technology and adapting to change. Such as the move from columned musket men to strategic rifle fire. Consistent with this series, has been the fun of seeing how the author blends together decades of technological advancement in less than a year and watching the characters deal with that disruption. That was more evident in this installment than the others.

Recommendation

I’m excited to see what comes next.

How Firm a Foundation

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​.

How Firm a Foundation
How Firm a Foundation

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.

The Sunlit Man

Background

Published in March of 2024, “The Sunlit Man” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the expansive Cosmere universe, focusing on a character known as Nomad. The story follows Nomad as he flees from the relentless Night Brigade, skipping from one planet to another to evade capture. He finds himself trapped on Canticle, a harsh planet where the sun’s intense heat can incinerate anyone caught in its rays. The planet’s inhabitants must constantly move to survive, creating a unique and dangerous environment.

Nomad is drawn into a conflict between a tyrant known as the Cinder King and a group of rebels fighting for freedom. As he struggles with the burden of his past and his dwindling powers, Nomad faces a perilous choice: escape the planet or stand and fight. The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the moral complexities of power​.

The Sunlit Man
The Sunlit Man

My Thoughts

Another very interesting world and societal concept and an old friend from Roshar. (I have to admit, I was a little giddy when he ended the spear kata with “Bridge Four!”)

This was a fun book of nonstop action and ultimately the redemption of the hero. This was a great book that was relatively quick, but I don’t know that I would have liked it as much if I hadn’t read the Stormlight Archives.

Recommendation

A good read, particularly if you’ve read Sanderson’s other books.

A Mighty Fortress

Background

Published in 2009, “A Mighty Fortress,” is the fourth book of the Safehold series by David Weber, the kingdom of Charis continues its battle against the oppressive Church of God Awaiting. As the war intensifies, Emperor Cayleb Ahrmahk and Empress Sharleyan face internal and external threats, striving to unite their people and advance their technological capabilities. Merlin Athrawes, the cybernetic avatar with ancient knowledge, plays a crucial role in guiding their efforts. Amidst political intrigue, epic battles, and personal sacrifices, the fate of Safehold hinges on their resilience and determination to forge a new path for humanity.

A Mighty Fortress
A Mighty Fortress

My Thoughts

Still more characters and plots are added to the mix. The group of four continue to go down the wrong road, but one of them shows some promise. The heir is born and the Empire continues to kick everyone’s rear with all of their technological advances.

I found myself getting bored of the story during this book. Naval battle has never interested me that much and it is less so in such a one sided fight. There were some good things that happened, but I found myself getting irritated with some of the characters. For example, the relationship of Cayleb and Sharleyan is too easy. It’s just a little too smooth and picturesque. Particularly, for people who are use to getting their way all the time. Still, I will continue to read the series.

Recommendation

A bit slow and long. However, it is the next link in the series.