On Basilisk Station (Honor Harrington, Book 1) – David Weber

Title: On Basilisk Station

Series: Honor Harrington, Book 1

Author: David Weber

Genre: Science Fiction

At first glance, there seems to be nothing extravagant or illustrious about this book. But if you assumed that, you would be horribly wrong. This is the initial book in a series which spans (at present) ten volumes. There is a reason so many people love these books, and this is the one which started it all.

This book, in my mind, is one in which Webber managed to perfectly balance the political intrigues of the Honorverse with the strategical excitement of the military engagements, as well as the development of who Honor Harrington is. In some of the later Harrington adventures, the story has a tendency to get bogged down in the political maneuvering of the different sides. But in Basilisk Station Webber perfectly balances the politicalintrigues with the action, using the lulls between action to create the conflict and tensions, all of which weave together masterfully to the climax.

I don’t want to set your expectations too high, but just be prepared for quite a ride. Webber draws you in and doesn’t let you go until the very end. And at that point, you don’t want it to end. And the best part is – it doesn’t!So do I recommend this book? Absolutely! This is a great introduction to Science Fiction for those who have never read any, and for those who are already into the genre, they
won’t be disappointed.

Worldview: Atheistic

Recommended Age: The language is mild, though the violence is decently descriptive; but I think it would be appropriate for middle school age and up

Links:
Author’s Website
Baen Books David Webber Page
Wikipedia page for On Basilisk Station
Honor Harrington’s Wikipedia page
Google Books page for Basilisk Station