Debt of Honor by Christopher G. NuttallMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Christopher Nuttall is back with another MilSF oriented epic series. In this case, the Empire has barely survived an assault by a theocracy. The Empire's commitment to various alliances struck during the conflict are waning as aristocracy wants to get off of a war footing, lower taxes, and generally get back to making money.
A remnant of the theocracy finds a mysterious backer and their surviving fleet conducts hit-and-run actions in an attempt to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Who is their backer? What are their motives?
We also meet the admiral in charge of the Empire's fleet in the affected area of space. She adroitly deploys her resources to counter the insurgency.
The aristocracy plans on deposing the Emperor via impeachment and begins investigating for reasons to charge the Emperor. This sets up a crisis in government. Who will win the coming battle?
As always, Christopher nails all of the military aspects of the story. The interchange between Imperial forces and their allies is realistic. There is also a sub-plot involving Imperial citizenship and its importance to success within the Empire. Some characters that lack such citizenship opt to pursue success among the allies rather than to end up with middling careers that are surpassed by people that have citizenship but no other real qualifications for leadership within the Imperial navy.
The only criticism I have is that the entire political system seems unwieldy and unlikely. But otherwise, this is a nice start to what one hopes is a satisfying series.
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