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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Eighth in the Safehold military science fiction series and devolving around a religious war between a corrupt Church and the decent people the Church claims are heretics.
My Take
It starts off with Aivah's story about Saint Kohdy and the secretive order that has kept his grave and journal safe. Boy, talk about a horror. The cover-up on this, while well done, is disgusting. Rewriting their holy book to cover up their sins. Adding new books to reflect the changes later generations of vicars and priests want. Huh, I wonder who this reminds me of…
Saint Kohdy's story is a great opportunity for Weber to fill in more of the back story on what happened in the original war between the scientists, the "archangels".
It's similar to Like a Mighty Army, 7, in that there are lots of battles with victories and defeats on both sides. Fortunately, there was really only one incident that made me cry. Khapahr's decision still makes me want to weep. I don't know how he could have been so clumsy at the last minute like that. It doesn't make sense for his character.
Mother Church is catching up weapons-wise with Charis, which is a scary proposition. But no scarier than getting the dummy generals weeded out and the Church finding more competent ones. Fortunately, that jerk Clyntahn is still insisting on calling the shots based on his emotions.
It also helps that the Charisian policy of dealing with the inquisitors has them quaking in their boots — every time an Army of God unit is captured or about to be captured, the inquisitors all commit suicide. Yep, couldn't happen to a "nicer" bunch of fellas. Interesting as well that some of the Church military men are thinking that Charisian policy has its bonus points.
You may be wondering why I'm giving this a "4". Well, as annoying as I found this latest installment with all the battles and the story not getting much further forward than where we were in Midst Toil and Tribulation, 6, it's those cameos. Portraying regular soldiers of both sides as individuals performing their tasks, learning their fears, and getting a sense of how different levels of people view what's happening in their world is a brilliant way to pull the reader in, to make this behemoth of a book more intimate.
I do NOT love the weird spellings Weber has been using from the start. With such a huge cast of characters, these odd spellings makes it impossible to keep track of who belongs where. Your best bet is to skim the names and remember: Church bad, Charisians and their allies good.
I do have to wonder why Seijin Merlin couldn't have blown up that last capture and kept it out of Dohlaran hands. It's not like the previous Charisian arguments about making Mother Church sit up and take notice.
I love the argument that rages about the gold Charis has found. Clyntahn insists it indicates how desperate Shan-wei is to succeed while others point out that if God were truly on their side, he would have prevented the demon from finding the gold.
The really excellent bit of the entire story is Thirsk, and even that is just a taste of what may be possible. It was most unfair of Weber to end it right there! Now I have to wait a year to find out what Merlin says to him and how Thirsk responds!
The Story
With Merlin on their side, with his access to all the technology of the Terran Federation, Charis has stepped out beyond the careful technological restraint placed on their planet that is enforced by the Church of God Awaiting. An institution, a powerhouse, that has become corrupted beyond belief and that the tiny kingdom — now an imperial empire — has taken on and is beating.
Mother Church claims that Charis and its allies are pawns of the demon Shan-wei, but many — from its allies, its faithful, and even within its own ranks — are beginning to question who the demon truly is.
The Characters
Goodreads only allows so many words in a review and the cast of characters got truncated. I pared out even more characters
— I only included major characters important to Hell's Foundations Quiver or those I thought might be important later on — so if you want the full list of what I wrote up, check out my website for that review anytime after November 4, 2015.
Merlin Athrawes is an avatar, a PICA along with Nimue Chwaeriau. Both began "life" with Nimue Alban's memories imprinted into them. Merlin became aware some seven years ago with the goal of returning the original mission parameters to Safehold. Nimue was brought to "life" a short time ago. Both have all the knowledge of the now-vanished, highly technical Earth. They can alter their physical appearance at will, can't be killed, have tremendous strength, and are incredibly skilled in combat.
Nimue's Cave is…
…the hiding place where the original scientists who settled Safehold hid their high tech computers and equipment. Owl is a computer program with which Merlin, Nimue, and those in the inner circle can interface. The SNARCs are small spy devices scattered throughout Safehold. Nahrmahn Baytz was a prince who died (How Firm a Foundation, 5) but they managed to upload his memories and personality to the computers and now he interacts as a hologram with our side.
Seijin Kohdy is one of those folkloric tales but against the usual type, more of a conjurer or vagabond of fun. Turns out he wasn't all that fictional. Cody Cortazar was an Adam in the Zion Enclave (he had been a sergeant major in the Terran Federation Marine Corps); his wife, Sandra, was killed three years after being awakened. Kynyth Tompsyn had been his closest mortal companion.
The Imperial Kingdom of Charis and Its Allies
The Imperial Kingdom of Charis is…
…the good guy who has been spearheading the war effort, a war which began as a defensive measure. Tellesburg is its capital city. Cayleb and Sharleyan Ahrmakh are the emperor and empress. They have a daughter, Alahnah. Sergeant Edwyrd Seahamper is still alive and now Alahnah's personal armsman. Archbishop Maikel Staynair is the head of the Charisian Church. Father Paityr Wylsyn, the Intendant in Charis, is still in charge of granting patents. Ehdwyrd Howsmyn has been building or inventing almost everything the empire needs through the Delthak Works, which employs well over 100,000 men. Zhain is his wife and the daughter of the Earl of Sharpfield. Brahd Stylmyn is re-inventing the railroad. Master Taigys Mahldyn is in charge of rifles. Earl Pine Hollow is first councilor.
The Imperial Charisian Navy (ICN)
Sir Domynyk Staynair is High Admiral Rock Point and Maikel Staynair's brother. Payter Shain is sent to wipe out Desnarian privateers. Admiral Sir Dunkyn Yairley, Baron Sarmouth, commands HMS Destiny and gets brought into the inner circle; Hektor is his flag lieutenant. Sylvyst Raigly is Sarmouth's longtime steward and valet. Captain Rhobair Lathy is his flag captain.
Sir Lewk Cohlmyn, Earl Sharpfield, is in command of the naval contingent sent to Claw Island in the Gulf of Dohlar (I think Talisman Island is the same thing or nearby). Sir Mahrak Tymplytyn is his flag lieutenant. Commander Symyn Makgrygair will command the base facilities on Rahzhyr Bay; Major Qwentyn Ohmahly will command the Marine garrison. Sir Bruhstair Ahbaht commands the ironclad HMS Thunderer, sister ship to the Dreadnought. Lieutenant Daivyn Kylmahn is its first lieutenant, and Ahlber Zhaksyn is its second lieutenant. Captain Raimahnd Tohbyais of the Sickle deliberately turned back to give the rest a chance. Captain Kahrltyn Haigy commands HMS Dreadnought.
The Imperial Charisian Army
Sir Hauwerd Breygart, the Earl of Hanth, commands the Army of Thesmar; Mairah is his wife. Rushyl Thairis, the Duke of Eastshare (a Chisholmian, he's now the first high general), routed the Army of Shiloh under Duke Harless' command. General Ahlyn Symkyn commands the Army of the Daivyn. Earl High Mount commands the Army of Cliff Peak. The Army of the Branaths. Sir Kynt Clareyk, the Baron of Green Valley, commands the Army of Midhold. General Trumyn Stohnar fought hard at the Sylmahn Gap last spring.
The Republic of Siddarmark
Aivah Pahrsahn (she has an eidetic memory) has her own various identities, including Ahnzhelyk Phonda as her most public one as a madame for a brothel catering to the fathers in Zion; Frahncyn Tahlbaht; Mother Superior of the Abbey of St. Kohdy; Nynian Rychtair was her original name; and, Arbalest is her Helm Cleaver code name. Sister Klairah of the Convent of Saint Ahnzhelyk recruited this bastard daughter of a vicar. Sister Klairah was actually part of the Saint Kohdy order, a secret underground group who held a truth about the archangels. Sandaria Ghatfryd had been Aivah's personal maid for twenty years and her second-in-command of the Sisters of Saint Kohdy. I think Helm Cleaver is Aivah's spy organization. Daryus Parkair is the Republic's chancellor of the exchequer and seneschal. Lord Protector Greyghor is its ruler. Archbishop Klairmant Gairlyng is the head of the Siddarmark branch. Archbishop Cahnyr Zhasyn raised the Glacierhearters in Midst Toil and Tribulation, 6; Fraidmyn Tohmys has been his valet for years.
Corisande is…
…a Charisian ally with Manchyr as its capital. Princess Irys is Daivyn's sister and regent, and she's married to Hektor Alply-Ahrmahk, the Duke of Darcos.
Chisholm is…
…Sharleyan's original kingdom with Cherayth as its capital.
The Church of God Awaiting is…
…referred to as Mother Church, and they're the enemy with their headquarters in Zion, the Temple Lands. More specifically, the enemy is Vicar Zhaspahr Clyntahn, the leader of the Inquisition and one of the Gang of Four. He's a pathological pig with great powers and an overwhelming need to gather up power. He's willing to lie, cheat, steal, or murder to get his way with his Jihad. Wyllym Rayno, Archbishop of Chiang-wu, is his spymaster.
Vicar Rhobair Duchairn is the treasurer. Vicar Allayn Maigwair is the Captain General of the Church's military. Vicar Zahmsyn Trynair is the Church's chancellor, a powerhouse at the start, he's firmly under Clyntahn's heel today. Dynnys Zhwaigair and Brother Lynkyn Fultyn are inventing new weapons to try and catch up with the Charisians. Archbishop Militant Gustyv Walkyr is Vicar Allayn's chief assistant.
The Army of God (AOG) enemy commanders include…
…General Sir Fahstyr Rychtyr commands the Army of Seridahn. Sir Rainos Ahlverez, a cousin of the deceased Sir Faidal Ahlverez, Duke of Malikai (who died in Off Armageddon Reef, 1), who was himself a cousin by marriage to the Duke of Thorast, manages to salvage a very small part of the Dohlaran Army of Shiloh, which was routed by Eastshare. Bishop Militant Bahrnabai Wyrshym, who commands the Army of the Sylmahn and Auxiliary Bishop Ernyst Abernethy are wondering about Clyntahn. Bishop Militant Cahnyr Kaitswyrth commands the Army of Glacierheart; Father Sedryk Zavyr is his intendant. Sir Clairync Dynvyrs, Baron Wheatfields is with the Army of Glacierheart, and must send his friend, Sir Daivyn Wynstyn, the Baron of Tryfield, to his death to buy that army a chance.
Taychau Daiyang, the Earl of Rainbow Waters, is the commander (and lord of horse) of the Imperial Harchongese Mighty Host of God and the Archangels. His nephew, Medyng Hwojahn, the Baron of Wind Song, is captain of horse and Rainbow Waters' senior aide and adjutant. Lord of Horse Zhowku Seidyng, the Earl of Silken Hills, will command the Southern Mighty Host of God and the Archangels. Captain of Horse Kaishu Hywanlohng is a reliable soldier and chief of staff to Silken Hills. Baron Falling Rock commands another part.
Mother Church's concentration camps are…
…holding possible heretics. Inquisitor General Wylbyr is in charge of those camps. In Camp Dynnys, the vicious Father Zheryld Cumyngs is trying to burn all evidence of his corruption. The commanding officer at Dynnys, Colonel Ahgustahn Tymahk, says no to Bishop Maikel Zhynkyns. Camp Chihiro surrendered happily. Camp St. Tailahr outside Lake City was particularly brutal. Archbishop Arthyn Zagyrsk intervened and insisted they be adequately fed and given minimal medical care.
Helm Cleaver in Zion
Alahnah Bahrns and Zhorzhet Styvynsyn work in Mistress Marzho's Fine Milliners in the City of Zion. Marzho Alysyn is actually Sister Marzho of the Sisters of Saint Kohdy. Ahrloh Mahkbyth, a.k.a., Barcor, is an ex-Temple Guardsman who opened Mahkbyth's Fine Spirits and Wines. Zhak Myllyr is his senior employee and a Church spy. Father Byrtrym Zhansyn, a.k.a., Banister, is a Schuelerite and a spy for Helm Cleaver.
Kingdom of Dohlar is…
…an ally of the Church. Rahnyld is its ineffective king and his son, Rahnyld, isn't old enough to take over. Archbishop Ahbsahlahn Kharmych is the Kingdom's intendant. The Royal Council includes Baron of Yellowstone, who is the foreign secretary; the Duke of Thorast hates Thirsk and, fortunately, no longer has day-to-day oversight of the navy; the Duke of Fern is King Rahnyld's first councilor; and, the Duke of Salthar is the commander of the Royal Dohlaran Army. Father Chermyn Suzhymahga, the senior agent inquisitor, beards Thirsk in his cabin.
The disillusioned Lewys Gardynyr, the Earl of Thirsk, is the kingdom's senior fleet commander. Gorath Bay is where Thirsk is based. His flag ship is the Chihiro. Bishop Staiphan Maik is on Thirsk's side. Commander Ahlvyn Khapahr is Thirsk's chief of staff and intensely loyal to him. Stywyrt Baiket is Chihiro's CO and Thirsk's flag captain; Sir Ahbail Bahrdailahn is his flag lieutenant. Mhartyn Rahlstyn is first lieutenant. Mahrtyn Vahnwyk is Thirsk's personal secretary.
Sir Dahrand Rohsail commands the Royal Dohlaran Navy's Western Squadron from his flag ship, the Defiant, and is very competent. Markys Hamptyn is his flag captain. Admiral Caitahno Raisahndo is Rohsail's second-in-command and aboard his own flag ship, Demonslayer.
Sir Gwylym Manthyr and his men surrendered honorably to Thirsk in How Firm a Foundation, 5. Now their murders are a rallying cry for the Charisians. The Writ is the Safeholdian holy bible that has been rewritten time and time again, beginning with "Archangel" Langhorne. The Book of Schueler and the Book of Chihiro were later additions. Saint Evyrahard. Pei Shan Wei and the Fallen were actually the scientists who disagreed with Langhorne, Bedard, Chihiro, Schueler, and the others over how to implement their mission. Kau-yung did kill Langhorne and others. Aliens, the Gbaba, destroyed Earth which is why the small colony of earthlings were sent out into space.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a really deep green metallic background with the author's name (at top) and the title (at bottom) in an embossed silver. The middle third is a graphic band of the rescue at sea and Merlin's skimmer blowing up the Saint Frydhelm. The image has a narrow band of copper at top and bottom with promotional information.
When Hell's Foundations Quiver, Clyntahn is beginning to realize that he might not be on the winning side.
My Take
It starts off with Aivah's story about Saint Kohdy and the secretive order that has kept his grave and journal safe. Boy, talk about a horror. The cover-up on this, while well done, is disgusting. Rewriting their holy book to cover up their sins. Adding new books to reflect the changes later generations of vicars and priests want. Huh, I wonder who this reminds me of…
Saint Kohdy's story is a great opportunity for Weber to fill in more of the back story on what happened in the original war between the scientists, the "archangels".
It's similar to Like a Mighty Army, 7, in that there are lots of battles with victories and defeats on both sides. Fortunately, there was really only one incident that made me cry. Khapahr's decision still makes me want to weep. I don't know how he could have been so clumsy at the last minute like that. It doesn't make sense for his character.
Mother Church is catching up weapons-wise with Charis, which is a scary proposition. But no scarier than getting the dummy generals weeded out and the Church finding more competent ones. Fortunately, that jerk Clyntahn is still insisting on calling the shots based on his emotions.
It also helps that the Charisian policy of dealing with the inquisitors has them quaking in their boots — every time an Army of God unit is captured or about to be captured, the inquisitors all commit suicide. Yep, couldn't happen to a "nicer" bunch of fellas. Interesting as well that some of the Church military men are thinking that Charisian policy has its bonus points.
You may be wondering why I'm giving this a "4". Well, as annoying as I found this latest installment with all the battles and the story not getting much further forward than where we were in Midst Toil and Tribulation, 6, it's those cameos. Portraying regular soldiers of both sides as individuals performing their tasks, learning their fears, and getting a sense of how different levels of people view what's happening in their world is a brilliant way to pull the reader in, to make this behemoth of a book more intimate.
I do NOT love the weird spellings Weber has been using from the start. With such a huge cast of characters, these odd spellings makes it impossible to keep track of who belongs where. Your best bet is to skim the names and remember: Church bad, Charisians and their allies good.
I do have to wonder why Seijin Merlin couldn't have blown up that last capture and kept it out of Dohlaran hands. It's not like the previous Charisian arguments about making Mother Church sit up and take notice.
I love the argument that rages about the gold Charis has found. Clyntahn insists it indicates how desperate Shan-wei is to succeed while others point out that if God were truly on their side, he would have prevented the demon from finding the gold.
The really excellent bit of the entire story is Thirsk, and even that is just a taste of what may be possible. It was most unfair of Weber to end it right there! Now I have to wait a year to find out what Merlin says to him and how Thirsk responds!
The Story
With Merlin on their side, with his access to all the technology of the Terran Federation, Charis has stepped out beyond the careful technological restraint placed on their planet that is enforced by the Church of God Awaiting. An institution, a powerhouse, that has become corrupted beyond belief and that the tiny kingdom — now an imperial empire — has taken on and is beating.
Mother Church claims that Charis and its allies are pawns of the demon Shan-wei, but many — from its allies, its faithful, and even within its own ranks — are beginning to question who the demon truly is.
The Characters
Goodreads only allows so many words in a review and the cast of characters got truncated. I pared out even more characters
— I only included major characters important to Hell's Foundations Quiver or those I thought might be important later on — so if you want the full list of what I wrote up, check out my website for that review anytime after November 4, 2015.
Merlin Athrawes is an avatar, a PICA along with Nimue Chwaeriau. Both began "life" with Nimue Alban's memories imprinted into them. Merlin became aware some seven years ago with the goal of returning the original mission parameters to Safehold. Nimue was brought to "life" a short time ago. Both have all the knowledge of the now-vanished, highly technical Earth. They can alter their physical appearance at will, can't be killed, have tremendous strength, and are incredibly skilled in combat.
Nimue's Cave is…
…the hiding place where the original scientists who settled Safehold hid their high tech computers and equipment. Owl is a computer program with which Merlin, Nimue, and those in the inner circle can interface. The SNARCs are small spy devices scattered throughout Safehold. Nahrmahn Baytz was a prince who died (How Firm a Foundation, 5) but they managed to upload his memories and personality to the computers and now he interacts as a hologram with our side.
Seijin Kohdy is one of those folkloric tales but against the usual type, more of a conjurer or vagabond of fun. Turns out he wasn't all that fictional. Cody Cortazar was an Adam in the Zion Enclave (he had been a sergeant major in the Terran Federation Marine Corps); his wife, Sandra, was killed three years after being awakened. Kynyth Tompsyn had been his closest mortal companion.
The Imperial Kingdom of Charis and Its Allies
The Imperial Kingdom of Charis is…
…the good guy who has been spearheading the war effort, a war which began as a defensive measure. Tellesburg is its capital city. Cayleb and Sharleyan Ahrmakh are the emperor and empress. They have a daughter, Alahnah. Sergeant Edwyrd Seahamper is still alive and now Alahnah's personal armsman. Archbishop Maikel Staynair is the head of the Charisian Church. Father Paityr Wylsyn, the Intendant in Charis, is still in charge of granting patents. Ehdwyrd Howsmyn has been building or inventing almost everything the empire needs through the Delthak Works, which employs well over 100,000 men. Zhain is his wife and the daughter of the Earl of Sharpfield. Brahd Stylmyn is re-inventing the railroad. Master Taigys Mahldyn is in charge of rifles. Earl Pine Hollow is first councilor.
The Imperial Charisian Navy (ICN)
Sir Domynyk Staynair is High Admiral Rock Point and Maikel Staynair's brother. Payter Shain is sent to wipe out Desnarian privateers. Admiral Sir Dunkyn Yairley, Baron Sarmouth, commands HMS Destiny and gets brought into the inner circle; Hektor is his flag lieutenant. Sylvyst Raigly is Sarmouth's longtime steward and valet. Captain Rhobair Lathy is his flag captain.
Sir Lewk Cohlmyn, Earl Sharpfield, is in command of the naval contingent sent to Claw Island in the Gulf of Dohlar (I think Talisman Island is the same thing or nearby). Sir Mahrak Tymplytyn is his flag lieutenant. Commander Symyn Makgrygair will command the base facilities on Rahzhyr Bay; Major Qwentyn Ohmahly will command the Marine garrison. Sir Bruhstair Ahbaht commands the ironclad HMS Thunderer, sister ship to the Dreadnought. Lieutenant Daivyn Kylmahn is its first lieutenant, and Ahlber Zhaksyn is its second lieutenant. Captain Raimahnd Tohbyais of the Sickle deliberately turned back to give the rest a chance. Captain Kahrltyn Haigy commands HMS Dreadnought.
The Imperial Charisian Army
Sir Hauwerd Breygart, the Earl of Hanth, commands the Army of Thesmar; Mairah is his wife. Rushyl Thairis, the Duke of Eastshare (a Chisholmian, he's now the first high general), routed the Army of Shiloh under Duke Harless' command. General Ahlyn Symkyn commands the Army of the Daivyn. Earl High Mount commands the Army of Cliff Peak. The Army of the Branaths. Sir Kynt Clareyk, the Baron of Green Valley, commands the Army of Midhold. General Trumyn Stohnar fought hard at the Sylmahn Gap last spring.
The Republic of Siddarmark
Aivah Pahrsahn (she has an eidetic memory) has her own various identities, including Ahnzhelyk Phonda as her most public one as a madame for a brothel catering to the fathers in Zion; Frahncyn Tahlbaht; Mother Superior of the Abbey of St. Kohdy; Nynian Rychtair was her original name; and, Arbalest is her Helm Cleaver code name. Sister Klairah of the Convent of Saint Ahnzhelyk recruited this bastard daughter of a vicar. Sister Klairah was actually part of the Saint Kohdy order, a secret underground group who held a truth about the archangels. Sandaria Ghatfryd had been Aivah's personal maid for twenty years and her second-in-command of the Sisters of Saint Kohdy. I think Helm Cleaver is Aivah's spy organization. Daryus Parkair is the Republic's chancellor of the exchequer and seneschal. Lord Protector Greyghor is its ruler. Archbishop Klairmant Gairlyng is the head of the Siddarmark branch. Archbishop Cahnyr Zhasyn raised the Glacierhearters in Midst Toil and Tribulation, 6; Fraidmyn Tohmys has been his valet for years.
Corisande is…
…a Charisian ally with Manchyr as its capital. Princess Irys is Daivyn's sister and regent, and she's married to Hektor Alply-Ahrmahk, the Duke of Darcos.
Chisholm is…
…Sharleyan's original kingdom with Cherayth as its capital.
The Church of God Awaiting is…
…referred to as Mother Church, and they're the enemy with their headquarters in Zion, the Temple Lands. More specifically, the enemy is Vicar Zhaspahr Clyntahn, the leader of the Inquisition and one of the Gang of Four. He's a pathological pig with great powers and an overwhelming need to gather up power. He's willing to lie, cheat, steal, or murder to get his way with his Jihad. Wyllym Rayno, Archbishop of Chiang-wu, is his spymaster.
Vicar Rhobair Duchairn is the treasurer. Vicar Allayn Maigwair is the Captain General of the Church's military. Vicar Zahmsyn Trynair is the Church's chancellor, a powerhouse at the start, he's firmly under Clyntahn's heel today. Dynnys Zhwaigair and Brother Lynkyn Fultyn are inventing new weapons to try and catch up with the Charisians. Archbishop Militant Gustyv Walkyr is Vicar Allayn's chief assistant.
The Army of God (AOG) enemy commanders include…
…General Sir Fahstyr Rychtyr commands the Army of Seridahn. Sir Rainos Ahlverez, a cousin of the deceased Sir Faidal Ahlverez, Duke of Malikai (who died in Off Armageddon Reef, 1), who was himself a cousin by marriage to the Duke of Thorast, manages to salvage a very small part of the Dohlaran Army of Shiloh, which was routed by Eastshare. Bishop Militant Bahrnabai Wyrshym, who commands the Army of the Sylmahn and Auxiliary Bishop Ernyst Abernethy are wondering about Clyntahn. Bishop Militant Cahnyr Kaitswyrth commands the Army of Glacierheart; Father Sedryk Zavyr is his intendant. Sir Clairync Dynvyrs, Baron Wheatfields is with the Army of Glacierheart, and must send his friend, Sir Daivyn Wynstyn, the Baron of Tryfield, to his death to buy that army a chance.
Taychau Daiyang, the Earl of Rainbow Waters, is the commander (and lord of horse) of the Imperial Harchongese Mighty Host of God and the Archangels. His nephew, Medyng Hwojahn, the Baron of Wind Song, is captain of horse and Rainbow Waters' senior aide and adjutant. Lord of Horse Zhowku Seidyng, the Earl of Silken Hills, will command the Southern Mighty Host of God and the Archangels. Captain of Horse Kaishu Hywanlohng is a reliable soldier and chief of staff to Silken Hills. Baron Falling Rock commands another part.
Mother Church's concentration camps are…
…holding possible heretics. Inquisitor General Wylbyr is in charge of those camps. In Camp Dynnys, the vicious Father Zheryld Cumyngs is trying to burn all evidence of his corruption. The commanding officer at Dynnys, Colonel Ahgustahn Tymahk, says no to Bishop Maikel Zhynkyns. Camp Chihiro surrendered happily. Camp St. Tailahr outside Lake City was particularly brutal. Archbishop Arthyn Zagyrsk intervened and insisted they be adequately fed and given minimal medical care.
Helm Cleaver in Zion
Alahnah Bahrns and Zhorzhet Styvynsyn work in Mistress Marzho's Fine Milliners in the City of Zion. Marzho Alysyn is actually Sister Marzho of the Sisters of Saint Kohdy. Ahrloh Mahkbyth, a.k.a., Barcor, is an ex-Temple Guardsman who opened Mahkbyth's Fine Spirits and Wines. Zhak Myllyr is his senior employee and a Church spy. Father Byrtrym Zhansyn, a.k.a., Banister, is a Schuelerite and a spy for Helm Cleaver.
Kingdom of Dohlar is…
…an ally of the Church. Rahnyld is its ineffective king and his son, Rahnyld, isn't old enough to take over. Archbishop Ahbsahlahn Kharmych is the Kingdom's intendant. The Royal Council includes Baron of Yellowstone, who is the foreign secretary; the Duke of Thorast hates Thirsk and, fortunately, no longer has day-to-day oversight of the navy; the Duke of Fern is King Rahnyld's first councilor; and, the Duke of Salthar is the commander of the Royal Dohlaran Army. Father Chermyn Suzhymahga, the senior agent inquisitor, beards Thirsk in his cabin.
The disillusioned Lewys Gardynyr, the Earl of Thirsk, is the kingdom's senior fleet commander. Gorath Bay is where Thirsk is based. His flag ship is the Chihiro. Bishop Staiphan Maik is on Thirsk's side. Commander Ahlvyn Khapahr is Thirsk's chief of staff and intensely loyal to him. Stywyrt Baiket is Chihiro's CO and Thirsk's flag captain; Sir Ahbail Bahrdailahn is his flag lieutenant. Mhartyn Rahlstyn is first lieutenant. Mahrtyn Vahnwyk is Thirsk's personal secretary.
Sir Dahrand Rohsail commands the Royal Dohlaran Navy's Western Squadron from his flag ship, the Defiant, and is very competent. Markys Hamptyn is his flag captain. Admiral Caitahno Raisahndo is Rohsail's second-in-command and aboard his own flag ship, Demonslayer.
Sir Gwylym Manthyr and his men surrendered honorably to Thirsk in How Firm a Foundation, 5. Now their murders are a rallying cry for the Charisians. The Writ is the Safeholdian holy bible that has been rewritten time and time again, beginning with "Archangel" Langhorne. The Book of Schueler and the Book of Chihiro were later additions. Saint Evyrahard. Pei Shan Wei and the Fallen were actually the scientists who disagreed with Langhorne, Bedard, Chihiro, Schueler, and the others over how to implement their mission. Kau-yung did kill Langhorne and others. Aliens, the Gbaba, destroyed Earth which is why the small colony of earthlings were sent out into space.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a really deep green metallic background with the author's name (at top) and the title (at bottom) in an embossed silver. The middle third is a graphic band of the rescue at sea and Merlin's skimmer blowing up the Saint Frydhelm. The image has a narrow band of copper at top and bottom with promotional information.
When Hell's Foundations Quiver, Clyntahn is beginning to realize that he might not be on the winning side.
bigtlb's review against another edition
3.0
OK, We are on book 8. Finish the series already.
If David Weber took out all of the endlessly descriptive artillery porn, this series would be 3 books long.
If David Weber took out all of the endlessly descriptive artillery porn, this series would be 3 books long.
wetdryvac's review against another edition
5.0
Really bloody well done. Pages of characters and a glossary: Always useful in a Weber series, and present. Can't remember how many books this most recent one's into the set, but the whole read's been a blast, and this one *seriously* begins to turn the screws.
jercox's review against another edition
2.0
I have gotten seriously tired of how many words are used to advance the storyline so little. We've seen people introduced to the inner circle a few times. It's risky and hard for them, we get it, move on. It's a big world, with people on both sides and lots of emotions. Pick a few important ones, and move the story along. Both the events of the story and the character dialog has gotten very predictable; if you read the first seven, you could probably write the dialog and be correct about every major event before it happens.
I liked the world, it had great potential for story telling. But this story has gotten so bogged down that I skimmed large sections, and eventually looked up a plot summary online rather than finish. And yes, I correctly guessed at the entire end state of the book before reading past the 40% mark.
If you love the series for all of the character dialogue and detailed exploration of weapons development in an early industrial era, have a go at this one. For the rest - quit now if you haven't already. The issues with this one were there in the last several books, but have just gotten worse.
I liked the world, it had great potential for story telling. But this story has gotten so bogged down that I skimmed large sections, and eventually looked up a plot summary online rather than finish. And yes, I correctly guessed at the entire end state of the book before reading past the 40% mark.
If you love the series for all of the character dialogue and detailed exploration of weapons development in an early industrial era, have a go at this one. For the rest - quit now if you haven't already. The issues with this one were there in the last several books, but have just gotten worse.
travelgirlut's review against another edition
3.0
Almost there! Only one more book to go. I was glad to get back to some sea battles in this one. The land war was getting tedious. I'm definitely intrigued as to how this is going to wrap up in one book. We'll see!
alex_ellermann's review against another edition
2.0
I’m eight books into this ten book Safehold series, and I’ve kind of had enough.
The premise is still great: you can’t go wrong with The Protestant Reformation, in Space. However, I don’t think author David Weber needs ten books to tell this story.
In this volume, Weber spends a great deal of time away from his cast of central characters, choosing instead to delve into the details of the land and sea military campaigns set up by his previous novels. It’s as if he were playing a war game and giving us its narrative, as opposed to using the narrative to explore the growth and relationships of his cast.
Further, eight long volumes has given me time to become very familiar with the quirks of both author and narrator. Characters seem always to be flaring their nostrils or suppressing grins, and every section of every chapter seems to end with something along the lines of, “And what a nasty surprise it would be.” The narrator is very fond of the pregnant pause.
All in all, I found this book tiresome. I loved the first few volumes of this series, but I think Weber has worn out his welcome. I’ll probably read the last two entries, but my hopes are not high.
The premise is still great: you can’t go wrong with The Protestant Reformation, in Space. However, I don’t think author David Weber needs ten books to tell this story.
In this volume, Weber spends a great deal of time away from his cast of central characters, choosing instead to delve into the details of the land and sea military campaigns set up by his previous novels. It’s as if he were playing a war game and giving us its narrative, as opposed to using the narrative to explore the growth and relationships of his cast.
Further, eight long volumes has given me time to become very familiar with the quirks of both author and narrator. Characters seem always to be flaring their nostrils or suppressing grins, and every section of every chapter seems to end with something along the lines of, “And what a nasty surprise it would be.” The narrator is very fond of the pregnant pause.
All in all, I found this book tiresome. I loved the first few volumes of this series, but I think Weber has worn out his welcome. I’ll probably read the last two entries, but my hopes are not high.
chutten's review against another edition
3.0
Much better. Aside from some slow pontificating in the middle, and some scenes that served only to identify the specific order of battle (does it matter whether it was the 7th or 8th that took that hill?) without character, plot, or intrigue... much better. The best opening for the past few books, and a decent closer.
Here's hoping the trajectory continues and #9 is better still. (When it comes off hold at the library)
Here's hoping the trajectory continues and #9 is better still. (When it comes off hold at the library)
jtone's review
3.0
I enjoyed the story but it felt like a couple of threads were started and then abandoned.
nakedsteve's review
4.0
Eight books into the series and I'm still reading it. I must actually like it. But it's really hard to say exactly why.
This addition to the series seems like more of the same. Difficult names, a "cast of characters" section that's about 80 pages long, struggling at the start of every chapter trying to figure out which nation-state the POV character is representing.
And yet.... and yet... I continue to stay intrigued.
4 of 5 stars.
This addition to the series seems like more of the same. Difficult names, a "cast of characters" section that's about 80 pages long, struggling at the start of every chapter trying to figure out which nation-state the POV character is representing.
And yet.... and yet... I continue to stay intrigued.
4 of 5 stars.