Hell's Foundations Quiver

August 17, 2015
Weber’s strong eighth Safehold military SF novel (after Like a Mighty Army) is certainly not a suitable entry point into the series, but confirmed fans will appreciate the battlefield action and political maneuvering that fill these pages. On a distant planet, humans built a religion around antitechnology beliefs to protect themselves from discovery by more advanced aliens. Centuries later, Merlin Athrawes and Nimue Chwaeriau, two copies of a long-dormant android, continue the push to revive high technology, providing leadership to those in the Empire of Charis who are fighting against the repressive Mother Church. The Imperial Charisian Army is triumphing over the Army of God on all fronts, though the naval battles are not so one-sided. These setbacks begin to disrupt the unity of the church-ruling Group of Four. The battles and intrigue keep things moving, but Weber does slow the pace considerably every time he inserts lengthy passages on military engineering.

September 15, 2015

In Weber's eighth series entry (after Like a Mighty Army) about a world torn between rebels advocating a return to industrial civilization and the rulers who defend the strict mores of the Middle Ages, there is a great deal of advancement in plot and character development. Even as the Empire's forces advance steadily across Siddarmark, it's clear the Mighty Host of God Army isn't yet done. With an increasing number of allies joining cybernetic avatar Merlyn's inner circle, and thus linked with instantaneous communication, the series is moving quickly back to its sf origins. Technical detail and historical weapon development will thrill military history buffs, but fortunately, the larger plot doesn't get dragged down in the facts. VERDICT Series fans will find this rewarding reading a reminder that Weber's series continues to be lively. Newcomers should start with the first volume, Safehold; the time it takes to read this 8,000-page (so far) epic is completely worth it.--JM

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