David

I really, really wanted to like this book, as I have been enjoying the series so far, and I like David Weber's work.

This book felt cobbled together from bursts of writing to an outline. Very repetitive descriptions, multiple times, of events from previous books (a simple prologue would be cleaner). A tiresome amount of weepy sentimentality over casualties in the warfare segment. Way too many characters with dialogue for exposition rather than action. When the action finally, finally happens... in the last 30 minutes... it is sketched over hastily with the emphasis on how tragic it all is.

Also, irritating amounts of errors in the sea battles where the Charisian ships are referred to as Doloran.

Really, it felt like the editors were in Tahiti on this one. A third of a book stretched out to 3 books length.

Terrifically real characters

Robinson Crusoe, because it is about one resourceful individual surviving alone

His characterization of Mark Watney was terrific- capturing the sense of humor, focus, and purposeful action of the stranded engineer/astronaut. He was also great with the engineer characters back at JPL. His tone and rhythm ring true to the engineers I work with.

Laugh! And I couldnt stop listening. One of the best audio books I have heard in a long time.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery and imaginative recreation of ancient Britain in the early days of Roman occupation. Humorous and colorful.