Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Baen (1993), Paperback, 416 pages
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction. HTML: INTRODUCING HONOR HARRINGTON Having made him look a fool, she's been exiled to Basilisk Station in disgrace and set up for ruin by a superior who hates her. Her demoralized crew blames her for their ship's humiliating posting to an out-of-the-way picket station. The aborigines of the system's only habitable planet are smoking homicide-inducing hallucinogens. Parliament isn't sure it wants to keep the place; the major local industry is smuggling; the merchant cartels want her head; the star-conquering, so-called "Republic" of Haven is Up To Something; and Honor Harrington has a single, over-age light cruiser with an armament that doesn't work to police the entire star system. But the people out to get her have made one mistake. They've made her mad. At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management)..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Queensowntalia
The first two thirds of this book involve a great deal of info dumping and political staging, two things which simply don't interest me at all, but the last third is high-octane military action and absolutely riveting. I am not one in general for hard military sci-fi, for which this clearly
Which is not to say the rest of the book is sans merit. It's enjoyable for the character development and interactions between the crews. Weber does flesh out his characters well. Unfortunately, he also has the tendency to go off on multi-page schpeels about technical things or political history. While some might consider this necessary to make the story more complete, as it were, that sort of thing bores me, and I found myself skimming multiple pages.
I am also wary of the Perfect Commander trap I see developing. As of yet, Honor Harrington has yet to display any particular flaws, and I'm always suspicious of people who seem "too good to be true." They are just hard to buy. Even so, in general she's likeable, and I am open to reading more of these books - the action definitely delivered.
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qualifies, but space battles? YES PLEASE! 'On Basilisk Station' delivers beautifully. Various 'Star Wars' themes were running through my head all the way through the last portion of the book. :)Which is not to say the rest of the book is sans merit. It's enjoyable for the character development and interactions between the crews. Weber does flesh out his characters well. Unfortunately, he also has the tendency to go off on multi-page schpeels about technical things or political history. While some might consider this necessary to make the story more complete, as it were, that sort of thing bores me, and I found myself skimming multiple pages.
I am also wary of the Perfect Commander trap I see developing. As of yet, Honor Harrington has yet to display any particular flaws, and I'm always suspicious of people who seem "too good to be true." They are just hard to buy. Even so, in general she's likeable, and I am open to reading more of these books - the action definitely delivered.
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LibraryThing member SheilaDeeth
“Commander Honor Harrington has enemies and she’s about to make more of them!” That’s what it says on the cover of this very traditional looking science fiction paperback. The slightly stern face of a young, female, naval captain stares out, dressed in smart uniform, obviously in charge,
Well, given that this is science fiction, it’s probably not a cat. Which explains the teeth. And the eyes…
This is really my husband’s sort of book. Naval battles in space. Formations, rules, regulations. Science, mathematics, space. Yes, definitely my husband’s sort of book, except that the hero’s a heroine.
To be fair, I read all my husband’s favorite books long ago and loved them. The only trouble with good old-fashioned science fiction was that the heroes were nearly always male. The same goes for good old-fashioned historical warfare books. Captain Sharpe. Midshipman Hornblower… Even in Star Wars it was the guys that got to do all the good stuff.
So here’s Honor Harrington in an imaginary world of the future, a solidly scientific world, a rigorously military world, and a man’s world still, but one in which she excels. Wise decisions, clever intuition, assiduous willingness to trust in friends and turn enemies into allies…
Okay, the politics got a bit much in places. Why make the enemies “evil” socialists instead of just failed ones? But even so, I was hooked by the story; a cleverly designed plot, intelligently designed science, cool spaceships and fascinating situations. I’ll hope to read more, but On Basilisk Station is certainly a fun introduction to an exciting new character and series.
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with fierce-looking cat on her arm.Well, given that this is science fiction, it’s probably not a cat. Which explains the teeth. And the eyes…
This is really my husband’s sort of book. Naval battles in space. Formations, rules, regulations. Science, mathematics, space. Yes, definitely my husband’s sort of book, except that the hero’s a heroine.
To be fair, I read all my husband’s favorite books long ago and loved them. The only trouble with good old-fashioned science fiction was that the heroes were nearly always male. The same goes for good old-fashioned historical warfare books. Captain Sharpe. Midshipman Hornblower… Even in Star Wars it was the guys that got to do all the good stuff.
So here’s Honor Harrington in an imaginary world of the future, a solidly scientific world, a rigorously military world, and a man’s world still, but one in which she excels. Wise decisions, clever intuition, assiduous willingness to trust in friends and turn enemies into allies…
Okay, the politics got a bit much in places. Why make the enemies “evil” socialists instead of just failed ones? But even so, I was hooked by the story; a cleverly designed plot, intelligently designed science, cool spaceships and fascinating situations. I’ll hope to read more, but On Basilisk Station is certainly a fun introduction to an exciting new character and series.
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LibraryThing member 4fish
This book is a little slow to start. There's not a lot of action until about halfway through the book, but after that it's a roller-coaster ride to the end. Lots of fun to read.
LibraryThing member Archren
I now know that I’m not going to be a military SF fan. This book dragged for me, and I found it difficult to finish. There was a lot of info-dumping, even more awkward when it was embedded in dialog. A lot of the political and scientific background of the story seemed to have been crafted to
In a way, things seemed a bit too pat. Even I saw the big ending surprise coming a mile away. No matter how bad things get for the captain, no matter how completely impossibly the odds are stacked against her, she will prevail, no matter how unlikely. No matter how often the author had the opponent say “It’s impossible that she’s still going!” there she was, still going. It got a bit predictable, I’m afraid. The basic plot is: brilliant young captain gets sent to the boonies due to personal whims of higher-ups. Personally starts to put right everything that was wrong about the boonies, which was extremely messed-up due to stupid liberal politicians back home. Uncovers enemy plot and deals with it. The fact that one knows that this is merely the first book in Weber’s Honor Harrington series really sort of spoils any possibility of suspense for the young captain’s fate.
So, if you enjoy war gaming and seeing detailed battle plans in your mind and reading pages of tactical briefings; and really appreciate reading about the horrors of war but seeing the good guys prevail, this is a well written book with some half-decent characters. If not, then this won’t be your cup of tea.
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create an interesting tactical space for the antagonists to operate in, not because it necessarily made sense or was natural. Once the climactic battle started, the violence and repercussions were very graphically described: good for military accuracy, but not something I’m a big fan of.In a way, things seemed a bit too pat. Even I saw the big ending surprise coming a mile away. No matter how bad things get for the captain, no matter how completely impossibly the odds are stacked against her, she will prevail, no matter how unlikely. No matter how often the author had the opponent say “It’s impossible that she’s still going!” there she was, still going. It got a bit predictable, I’m afraid. The basic plot is: brilliant young captain gets sent to the boonies due to personal whims of higher-ups. Personally starts to put right everything that was wrong about the boonies, which was extremely messed-up due to stupid liberal politicians back home. Uncovers enemy plot and deals with it. The fact that one knows that this is merely the first book in Weber’s Honor Harrington series really sort of spoils any possibility of suspense for the young captain’s fate.
So, if you enjoy war gaming and seeing detailed battle plans in your mind and reading pages of tactical briefings; and really appreciate reading about the horrors of war but seeing the good guys prevail, this is a well written book with some half-decent characters. If not, then this won’t be your cup of tea.
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LibraryThing member NancyChase
A Fantastic Military Sci-Fi story!
From the beginning the plot and the pace of "On Basilisk Station" was set and the story picks up and never stopped holding my interest. Honor Harrington is assigned to a large space command. Basilisk Station is the end of the line in the Navy - only those that
From the beginning the plot and the pace of "On Basilisk Station" was set and the story picks up and never stopped holding my interest. Honor Harrington is assigned to a large space command. Basilisk Station is the end of the line in the Navy - only those that
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have brought discredit to the Navy are sent there. But in Harrington's mind, all she believes is that she is being punished for doing her best in a very difficult situation. I was expecting a so-so read, not a great book, but was I pleasantly surprised, for this novel was fabulous - I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy military Sci-Fi I would recommend this book. So Long. Show Less
LibraryThing member wfpb
Fun adventure sci-fi with a heroine who won't give up. I love her commitment to do what's right even when everyone says it's impossible.
sexual content: Attempted rape successfully avoided by fighting back.
Very tastefully dealt with.
Inspiring.
sexual content: Attempted rape successfully avoided by fighting back.
Very tastefully dealt with.
Inspiring.
LibraryThing member teampoush
This novel introduces us to Honor Harrington, an officer in the Royal Manticoran Navy. One of the many fun things in this book is that the author applies traditional naval terms and traditions to a starship navy. Honor is an ambitious, humble, dutiful, and very capable naval officer. Through her
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adventures in this book, we get the pleasure of seeing her apply leadership principles and use plain hard work and good character to overcome problems. Some of the plot and dialogue is a little cliche, but once you get started it is hard to put it down. It is just an all-around good tale, and it is a joy to get to know Honor better. Show Less
LibraryThing member pwaites
On Basilisk Station is a space opera type story about Honor Harrington, a military officer who’s given command of a star ship – the Fearless. Unfortunately, she’s then sent to Basilisk Station, the politically controversial spot in the back of nowhere. To quote from the back blurb:
“Her
The best thing about On Basilisk Station? Honor Harrington. She’s an admirable protagonist – smart, competent, and brave. However, the book she’s in isn’t nearly so good.
Besides Harrington, none of the characters were very developed. The vast majority lacked personalities or any sort of personal drive. There were also way too many of them, and I had trouble figuring out who everyone was. When characters started dying, I didn’t care because I barely knew who they were.
The book also jumped around too much and would have benefited from a tighter focus. We got the viewpoint of way too many characters, most of them indistinguishable.
The pacing was uneven. It picked up at the beginning and somewhere near the end, but slowed to a wrenching halt during the middle section. In part, this was due to the large number of infodumps and science fiction techno babble. It even interrupted the middle of the climax with an infodump on the mechanics of space travel, which was largely unnecessary.
As a result, On Basilisk Station was rather dull. I won’t be reading the sequel, and I would not recommend it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
“Her
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demoralized crew blames her for their ship’s humiliating posting to an out-of-the-way picket station. The aborigines of the system’s only habitable planet are smoking homicide-inducing hallucinogens. Parliament isn’t sure it wants to keep the place; the major local industry is smuggling, the merchant cartels want her head; the star-conquering, so-called “Republic” of Haven is Up to Something; and Honor Harrington has a single, over-age light cruiser with an armament that doesn’t work to police the entire star system.”The best thing about On Basilisk Station? Honor Harrington. She’s an admirable protagonist – smart, competent, and brave. However, the book she’s in isn’t nearly so good.
Besides Harrington, none of the characters were very developed. The vast majority lacked personalities or any sort of personal drive. There were also way too many of them, and I had trouble figuring out who everyone was. When characters started dying, I didn’t care because I barely knew who they were.
The book also jumped around too much and would have benefited from a tighter focus. We got the viewpoint of way too many characters, most of them indistinguishable.
The pacing was uneven. It picked up at the beginning and somewhere near the end, but slowed to a wrenching halt during the middle section. In part, this was due to the large number of infodumps and science fiction techno babble. It even interrupted the middle of the climax with an infodump on the mechanics of space travel, which was largely unnecessary.
As a result, On Basilisk Station was rather dull. I won’t be reading the sequel, and I would not recommend it.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
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LibraryThing member Jean_Sexton
I read this when it first came out, but that was years ago. It was time to tackle the entire series and hope that my memories of it were accurate -- that it was great science fiction with a competent heroine. My memories were indeed accurate as I raced through the book.
I've learned more about the
Obviously, as Honor is the main character, Weber takes the time to make us understand her. However, he also makes us care about many of the minor characters, too. They weren't cardboard characters who moved around at the whim of the author. They had motivation and real personality. I think that made the main battle even more hard to read because I cared if the characters lived or died. That is the mark of an excellent writer.
This boo is cracking good science fiction, so folks who like science fiction would enjoy it. If you like military science fiction, this needs to be on your "must read" list. It has my highest recommendation.
I've learned more about the
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military over the years and this book rang true. Honor is the appropriate age to be a commander and she's developed her skills in leadership. I enjoyed seeing how she brought the crew together into a cohesive whole.Obviously, as Honor is the main character, Weber takes the time to make us understand her. However, he also makes us care about many of the minor characters, too. They weren't cardboard characters who moved around at the whim of the author. They had motivation and real personality. I think that made the main battle even more hard to read because I cared if the characters lived or died. That is the mark of an excellent writer.
This boo is cracking good science fiction, so folks who like science fiction would enjoy it. If you like military science fiction, this needs to be on your "must read" list. It has my highest recommendation.
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LibraryThing member sanguinity
Hornblower...! In...! SPAAAAACE...!
Except, not really. In that she's too pretty, too perfect, too given to eye-twinkling. Not to mention that she's got the equivalent of one of McCaffrey's Special Psychic Dragons That Chose MEEEEE riding around on her shoulder.
And the world-building is crap, too.
And the biological world building? The primitive planet, with primitive sentients, and primitive flora (nothing more modern than moss!), and primtive wildlife (nothing more modern than insects!)... Don't get me started.
The story moves well enough, I suppose, in an indifferent space-opera-y sort of way. But mostly it just made me want to go read Hornblower -- even schmaltzy, early Hornblower -- and get a fix of the real stuff.
Except, not really. In that she's too pretty, too perfect, too given to eye-twinkling. Not to mention that she's got the equivalent of one of McCaffrey's Special Psychic Dragons That Chose MEEEEE riding around on her shoulder.
And the world-building is crap, too.
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There's a detailed exposition of why Manticore is an aristocracy, but no explanation whatsoever of why the government EXACTLY parallels the British, nor why the navy EXACTLY parallels the British, nor why the navy slang EXACTLY parallels the British... Even though it's umpteen-odd centuries from now.And the biological world building? The primitive planet, with primitive sentients, and primitive flora (nothing more modern than moss!), and primtive wildlife (nothing more modern than insects!)... Don't get me started.
The story moves well enough, I suppose, in an indifferent space-opera-y sort of way. But mostly it just made me want to go read Hornblower -- even schmaltzy, early Hornblower -- and get a fix of the real stuff.
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LibraryThing member Katyas
Book Info: Genre: Sci-Fi/Military Sci Fi/Space Opera
Reading Level: Adult
Diversity: multicultural, women as leaders
Tense, Person, POV: Past tense, third person, POV varies
Recommended for: fans of sci-fi, military or space opera
Trigger Warnings: violence, attempted and actual murder, historical
Offensive Wording: offensive wording used to label the Medusans; on character calls another “faggot” as an insult
My Thoughts: This is my 3rd time reading this excellent book; I've just never reviewed it before. It is the first book in the Honor Harrington series, of which I believe there are now 14 books, plus several books in spin-off series and anthologies. Needless to say I won't be listing the series information on these reviews, as it would just take up too much time.
Meet Honor Harrington. Her catchphrase is “Let's be about it, people.” She has a wonderful way of inspiring people to follow her example and give their fullest efforts. We meet a lot of great people in this book, people who we will see again, people we will grow to care for... people who David Weber might kill. Be prepared for a body count, this is as much military sci-fi as it is space opera. I found it bittersweet. There is a good bit of humor, however, such as:
McKeon says: “You know Hauptman is going to deny they had anything to do with it [smuggling].”
“Forty-three million in illegal peltries? Of course they will, just as Mondragon's captain insists the space fairies must have brought them,” Honor said ironically.
Or this:
“WAGs... That's a technical term we engineers use. It means 'Wild-Assed Guess'.”
If you enjoy sci-fi, whether it be military or space opera, definitely check this out. Also, those who (like me) love the idea of sentient cats (the treecats) will really enjoy meeting Nimitz! I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
Disclosure: This book was owned by my husband before we met. I've also acquired an e-book version. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Having made Sonja Hemphill look a fool, she's been exiled to Basilisk Station in disgrace and set up for ruin by a superior who hates her.
Her demoralized crew blames her for their ship's humiliating posting to an out-of-the-way picket station.
The aborigines of the system's only habitable planet are smoking homicide-inducing hallucinogens.
Parliament isn't sure it wants to keep the place; the major local industry is smuggling; the merchant cartels want her head; the star-conquering, so-called "Republic" of Haven is Up To Something; and Honor Harrington has a single, over-age light cruiser with an armament that doesn't work to police the entire star system.
But the people out to get her have made one mistake. They've made her mad.
Reading Level: Adult
Diversity: multicultural, women as leaders
Tense, Person, POV: Past tense, third person, POV varies
Recommended for: fans of sci-fi, military or space opera
Trigger Warnings: violence, attempted and actual murder, historical
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mention of rape attempt, drug pushing, duelingOffensive Wording: offensive wording used to label the Medusans; on character calls another “faggot” as an insult
My Thoughts: This is my 3rd time reading this excellent book; I've just never reviewed it before. It is the first book in the Honor Harrington series, of which I believe there are now 14 books, plus several books in spin-off series and anthologies. Needless to say I won't be listing the series information on these reviews, as it would just take up too much time.
Meet Honor Harrington. Her catchphrase is “Let's be about it, people.” She has a wonderful way of inspiring people to follow her example and give their fullest efforts. We meet a lot of great people in this book, people who we will see again, people we will grow to care for... people who David Weber might kill. Be prepared for a body count, this is as much military sci-fi as it is space opera. I found it bittersweet. There is a good bit of humor, however, such as:
McKeon says: “You know Hauptman is going to deny they had anything to do with it [smuggling].”
“Forty-three million in illegal peltries? Of course they will, just as Mondragon's captain insists the space fairies must have brought them,” Honor said ironically.
Or this:
“WAGs... That's a technical term we engineers use. It means 'Wild-Assed Guess'.”
If you enjoy sci-fi, whether it be military or space opera, definitely check this out. Also, those who (like me) love the idea of sentient cats (the treecats) will really enjoy meeting Nimitz! I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
Disclosure: This book was owned by my husband before we met. I've also acquired an e-book version. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Having made Sonja Hemphill look a fool, she's been exiled to Basilisk Station in disgrace and set up for ruin by a superior who hates her.
Her demoralized crew blames her for their ship's humiliating posting to an out-of-the-way picket station.
The aborigines of the system's only habitable planet are smoking homicide-inducing hallucinogens.
Parliament isn't sure it wants to keep the place; the major local industry is smuggling; the merchant cartels want her head; the star-conquering, so-called "Republic" of Haven is Up To Something; and Honor Harrington has a single, over-age light cruiser with an armament that doesn't work to police the entire star system.
But the people out to get her have made one mistake. They've made her mad.
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LibraryThing member lquilter
Finally read the first Honor Harrington by David Weber, On Basilisk Station. I don't get what everyone loves about this series. It was pure Mary Sue in a military SF context.
Although many people have suggested (for the feminist SF website) David Weber as an example of a man writing strong female
Other aspects of the novel also were not impressive.
The politics were incredibly simplistic. Politics and politicians in general are scorned; the military is valorized with the "code of honor" type stuff. Hierarchy and authoritarianism is esteemed; democracy mistrusted. The "people's republic of haven" is the principal enemy of a "kingdom" that is best when it is actually run by Her Majesty, and worst when its parliament (and its politics) gets in the way. "Liberals" and "progressives" who have a concern for native life that gets in the way of efficient and sensible running of things are seen as impractical at best, dangerously foolhardy at worst (see S.M. Stirling for more in this vein). Such characters are portrayed as ripe for abuse by unscrupulous villains.
The natives in this planet were not even worth a single character--instead they were deluded bronze age dopes and stooges, fed dope by the non-occupying empire that evilly wanted to take them over, until they were tricked into revolting against their current occupying empire that has their best interests at heart.
Characterization was shallow. Everybody ultimately comes to love and respect Honor Harrington, or fear her if they are bad. She is the epitome of the perfect leader and apparently never makes any mistakes. Gagh.
Ick. With worldbuilding this poor, and characterization totally shallow, I can't recommend.
-- 2007 June 26
Although many people have suggested (for the feminist SF website) David Weber as an example of a man writing strong female
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characters, the gender transposition of the author/protagonist is not really significant and doesn't do much for the work. Other aspects of the novel also were not impressive.
The politics were incredibly simplistic. Politics and politicians in general are scorned; the military is valorized with the "code of honor" type stuff. Hierarchy and authoritarianism is esteemed; democracy mistrusted. The "people's republic of haven" is the principal enemy of a "kingdom" that is best when it is actually run by Her Majesty, and worst when its parliament (and its politics) gets in the way. "Liberals" and "progressives" who have a concern for native life that gets in the way of efficient and sensible running of things are seen as impractical at best, dangerously foolhardy at worst (see S.M. Stirling for more in this vein). Such characters are portrayed as ripe for abuse by unscrupulous villains.
The natives in this planet were not even worth a single character--instead they were deluded bronze age dopes and stooges, fed dope by the non-occupying empire that evilly wanted to take them over, until they were tricked into revolting against their current occupying empire that has their best interests at heart.
Characterization was shallow. Everybody ultimately comes to love and respect Honor Harrington, or fear her if they are bad. She is the epitome of the perfect leader and apparently never makes any mistakes. Gagh.
Ick. With worldbuilding this poor, and characterization totally shallow, I can't recommend.
-- 2007 June 26
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LibraryThing member voodoochilli
I wanted to like this book, and it did start well. However, I soon became flooded with military and naval references that were lost on me. I would recommend this book for someone who likes hard military fiction, with a sci-fi slant. This book is less accessible than say Ender's Game or Old Man's
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war and does focus more on the micromanagement of naval and space warfare. Not really my cup of tea and I stopped reading about a 150 pages in. Show Less
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Old favorite. It's hard to see her as she is - forget what she will be - especially right after reading a late one. I keep expecting comments on her arm and face. She hasn't changed a lot, either - well, she has matured, but her style of command hasn't changed much. That's why it's hard to keep the
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timeline straight. Show Less
LibraryThing member usnmm2
On Basilisk Station by David Weber
Honor Harrington has been billed as
the female Hornblower in space. And the story does have that feel to it.
Commander Harrrington has made her superiors look foolish so her ship and her are sent to Basilisk Station. A back water (space) asignment for the Royal Space
When she gets there she is abandoned by her senior officer and left on her own. At which point she starts doing the job that the Navy is supposed to do. Of coarse this does not sit well with some very high ranking people. THis is where the fun starts.
I found the book a pleasent read. My one complaint (and it's a small one) would be it's a little long. It could have been shaved by about a 1/4, and still been a good story. I would recommend this book to any who like the military sci fi sub genre, or those who like a story with lots of twists and turns.
Honor Harrington has been billed as
the female Hornblower in space. And the story does have that feel to it.
Commander Harrrington has made her superiors look foolish so her ship and her are sent to Basilisk Station. A back water (space) asignment for the Royal Space
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Navys Worst Officers.When she gets there she is abandoned by her senior officer and left on her own. At which point she starts doing the job that the Navy is supposed to do. Of coarse this does not sit well with some very high ranking people. THis is where the fun starts.
I found the book a pleasent read. My one complaint (and it's a small one) would be it's a little long. It could have been shaved by about a 1/4, and still been a good story. I would recommend this book to any who like the military sci fi sub genre, or those who like a story with lots of twists and turns.
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LibraryThing member morriss003
If you are looking for a strong but feminine heroine, you will find her in Honor Harrington. Weber's characters are complex individuals, even the bad guys. He has created what may be the best universe since the Master, RAH. His explanations of the weaponry is thorough (too thorough in his later
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Harrington books), his descriptions of the battles that are fought are completely believable and almost unbearably tense. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kade
Honor Harrington is an interesting, three-dimensional character in some ways, and a cardboard cutout Mary Sue in others. That's perhaps what's so infurating about The Harrington series. Depending upon the book, Honor Harrington is either a compelling protagonist or a complete Mary Sue, easily
However On Basilisk Station is NOT one of those books, save for a few irritating details. Honor Harrington starts out very excited at her new command, then moves to being frustrated at how it has been retrofitted with terrible weaponry, to proud at doing her duty, and crushed again as her weaponry turns out to be a one trick pony and she's given the worst assignment in the fleet.
What's interesting in On Basilisk Station is how David Weber turns monotony into an interesting, well-written situation. Honor's solution to how to handle the monumental task ahead of her is creative but not Trek technobabble, and her crew have their own issues to struggle over. Captain Harrington's main trait is discipline and a determination to see her duty done. This is admirable, and it's astounding how many reviewers discount this as something that's easy to write into a novel. It isn't, and what saves Harrington from Mary Suedom is mainly this trait. She does not solve problems easily where others have trouble, but she does get the job done. On Basilisk Station's "situation" is one of the best setups in the series so far, and I was turning page after page to see how the crew handled things as bland and usually uninteresting as customs inspections! It's a sign of good writing to be able to pull that off, which is what makes On Basilisk Station so good.
However, Captain Harrington does have an empathic cat dangling from her shoulder, one that she has received special dispensation from the Queen herself to carry as an exception to the Navy's no pets policy. She has been sexually assaulted at the Academy, though she beat off her attacker easily. She is beautiful, but thinks she's ugly. She is remarkably tall for a woman, and strong as well. These traits tend to put her dangerously towards Mary Sue territory. She also becomes a millionaire by the end of the book for the prize capture of a single smugging vessel. David Weber has a tendency to "Wrap up" his books at the end with very "Happily Ever After" endings, with the exception of Field of Dishonor and unfortunately On Basilisk Station succumbs to this. Otherwise it is a very good read, and a very good start to the series.
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arriving at victory which is never in doubt. However On Basilisk Station is NOT one of those books, save for a few irritating details. Honor Harrington starts out very excited at her new command, then moves to being frustrated at how it has been retrofitted with terrible weaponry, to proud at doing her duty, and crushed again as her weaponry turns out to be a one trick pony and she's given the worst assignment in the fleet.
What's interesting in On Basilisk Station is how David Weber turns monotony into an interesting, well-written situation. Honor's solution to how to handle the monumental task ahead of her is creative but not Trek technobabble, and her crew have their own issues to struggle over. Captain Harrington's main trait is discipline and a determination to see her duty done. This is admirable, and it's astounding how many reviewers discount this as something that's easy to write into a novel. It isn't, and what saves Harrington from Mary Suedom is mainly this trait. She does not solve problems easily where others have trouble, but she does get the job done. On Basilisk Station's "situation" is one of the best setups in the series so far, and I was turning page after page to see how the crew handled things as bland and usually uninteresting as customs inspections! It's a sign of good writing to be able to pull that off, which is what makes On Basilisk Station so good.
However, Captain Harrington does have an empathic cat dangling from her shoulder, one that she has received special dispensation from the Queen herself to carry as an exception to the Navy's no pets policy. She has been sexually assaulted at the Academy, though she beat off her attacker easily. She is beautiful, but thinks she's ugly. She is remarkably tall for a woman, and strong as well. These traits tend to put her dangerously towards Mary Sue territory. She also becomes a millionaire by the end of the book for the prize capture of a single smugging vessel. David Weber has a tendency to "Wrap up" his books at the end with very "Happily Ever After" endings, with the exception of Field of Dishonor and unfortunately On Basilisk Station succumbs to this. Otherwise it is a very good read, and a very good start to the series.
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LibraryThing member misericordia
Honor Harrington, fresh young space captian, get a dog of a ship and a exile assignment at Basilisk Station! Honor turn this all to her advantage and cuts her enemies to atom with a gravity lance!
LibraryThing member irunsjh
this was a pretty good book. I found that it had a few sections where it dragged out a little much. I understand that it is important to understand how the ships work, and the idea of space travel, but to have it explained in the middle of the action I was distracting. I think this is a good start
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to a series, and look forward to reading more books in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member lpg3d
This is the introduction to the Honor Harrington series. I got it as a free ebook from Baen and had to go out and purchase more books from the series. I guess their giving away the first book worked.
LibraryThing member tinLizzy
Am not usually one for space operas, and I tend to find female protagonists done up by male writers less than convincing. But fie on all that - I'm in love with Honor Harrington as a protagonist and David Weber as an author. Hurray for a new series to munch through!
LibraryThing member alwright1
Honor Harrington is a ship commander who is regularly put to impossible tasks and rises to face them.
I liked Honor and most of her officers, but the pointed political grumbling about liberals, long strategy and tactics discussions, and descriptions of battle weren't really up my alley. Those who
I liked Honor and most of her officers, but the pointed political grumbling about liberals, long strategy and tactics discussions, and descriptions of battle weren't really up my alley. Those who
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like military triumphs will enjoy this, and I'm not sorry I read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member texascheeseman
On Basilisk Station
By David Weber
Publisher: Baen Books
Published In: New York City, NY, USA
Date: 1999
Pgs: 432
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Making a superior look like a fool is a sure way to not climb the promotion ladder. Honor Harrington and her ship have been assigned to an out of the way
Introducing Honor Harrington in her first appearance.
Genre:
science fiction, militaria, space, warporn, space operal
Why this book:
I’ve been circling this series for years. I read all of Weber’s Starfire books and loved them. The Honor Harrington series seemed daunting. But here I am, love Weber’s work...and away we go.
This Story is About:
courage, working hard, doing the right thing, greed, friends, jealousy, love, caring, happiness, sadness, family
Favorite Character:
Honor Harrington is a strong naval officer and a wonderful strong female character making her way on her own name and by her own skill.
Tremaine and Venizelos and Cardones all young and new to the Navy. And in for a grow up fast period as Fearless goes to war.
Least Favorite Character:
Captain Lord Pavel Young is a douche, womanizer, scumbag, aristocratic snot...of course I hated him.
Character I Most Identified With:
I didn’t really see a character that I identified with. I didn't’ see myself reflected here. That’s not a problem, but I usually can find a character who I live vicariously through. Although, I’d like to say that it was Fearless herself. The ship was a tough old bird who fought the good fight.
The Feel:
What feeling predominates as you read the story?
Favorite Scene:
I loved when Hauptmann tries to browbeat the command team of Fearless in a “come to Jesus” meeting about their customs inspections damaging his company’s reputation and bottom line.
And the elevator ride after that meeting. Great stuff.
The battle between Fearless and Sirius.
Pacing:
Weber spends a lot of time in the early portions of the story describing the shields. I get why he’s doing it, to illustrate the effectiveness of the new weapon on Honor’s ship, Fearless, but it drags on the pacing of the story through this section.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
That’s good stuff.
Author Assessment:
I love Weber’s work.
Editorial Assessment:
Wish the editor would have noticed the over explanation of the shields in the early parts of the book.
Did the Book Cover Reflect the Story:
Honor Harrington with her treecat on her shoulder and the station in the background.
Hmm Moments:
The battle between Fearless and Sirius.
The invitation from the Commodore for Honor to come tell the weapons design committee exactly what she thought of the weapons complement that the refitted Fearless was sent out to space with.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic, real classic, real genre classic, really good book, glad I read it, it’s alright, meh!, why did I read this, not as good as I was lead to believe
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
The Honor Harrington books could make an excellent movie trilogy or series of standalones.
Casting call:
It’s hard to read this and not picture Angelina Jolie as Honor Harrington. Bet Ellen Page could do the part justice. Tilda Swinton could be delicious in the role as well.
Richard Dreyfus or James Spader as the Haven representative Big Bad in a rewritten script to focus the action down.
We’d need an aging pretty boy to play spoiled brat Captain Lord Young.
Would recommend to:
colleagues, genre fans
By David Weber
Publisher: Baen Books
Published In: New York City, NY, USA
Date: 1999
Pgs: 432
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
Making a superior look like a fool is a sure way to not climb the promotion ladder. Honor Harrington and her ship have been assigned to an out of the way
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station in an out of the way system full of smugglers and hallucinogen addicted aborigines. The politics of Parliament, merchant cartels, smugglers, the Republic of Haven vs. Honor Harrington and an overage light cruiser that isn’t heavily armed enough to police the star system. The people out to get Honor have made a horrible mistake. They’ve pissed her off.Introducing Honor Harrington in her first appearance.
Genre:
science fiction, militaria, space, warporn, space operal
Why this book:
I’ve been circling this series for years. I read all of Weber’s Starfire books and loved them. The Honor Harrington series seemed daunting. But here I am, love Weber’s work...and away we go.
This Story is About:
courage, working hard, doing the right thing, greed, friends, jealousy, love, caring, happiness, sadness, family
Favorite Character:
Honor Harrington is a strong naval officer and a wonderful strong female character making her way on her own name and by her own skill.
Tremaine and Venizelos and Cardones all young and new to the Navy. And in for a grow up fast period as Fearless goes to war.
Least Favorite Character:
Captain Lord Pavel Young is a douche, womanizer, scumbag, aristocratic snot...of course I hated him.
Character I Most Identified With:
I didn’t really see a character that I identified with. I didn't’ see myself reflected here. That’s not a problem, but I usually can find a character who I live vicariously through. Although, I’d like to say that it was Fearless herself. The ship was a tough old bird who fought the good fight.
The Feel:
What feeling predominates as you read the story?
Favorite Scene:
I loved when Hauptmann tries to browbeat the command team of Fearless in a “come to Jesus” meeting about their customs inspections damaging his company’s reputation and bottom line.
And the elevator ride after that meeting. Great stuff.
The battle between Fearless and Sirius.
Pacing:
Weber spends a lot of time in the early portions of the story describing the shields. I get why he’s doing it, to illustrate the effectiveness of the new weapon on Honor’s ship, Fearless, but it drags on the pacing of the story through this section.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
That’s good stuff.
Author Assessment:
I love Weber’s work.
Editorial Assessment:
Wish the editor would have noticed the over explanation of the shields in the early parts of the book.
Did the Book Cover Reflect the Story:
Honor Harrington with her treecat on her shoulder and the station in the background.
Hmm Moments:
The battle between Fearless and Sirius.
The invitation from the Commodore for Honor to come tell the weapons design committee exactly what she thought of the weapons complement that the refitted Fearless was sent out to space with.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic, real classic, real genre classic, really good book, glad I read it, it’s alright, meh!, why did I read this, not as good as I was lead to believe
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
The Honor Harrington books could make an excellent movie trilogy or series of standalones.
Casting call:
It’s hard to read this and not picture Angelina Jolie as Honor Harrington. Bet Ellen Page could do the part justice. Tilda Swinton could be delicious in the role as well.
Richard Dreyfus or James Spader as the Haven representative Big Bad in a rewritten script to focus the action down.
We’d need an aging pretty boy to play spoiled brat Captain Lord Young.
Would recommend to:
colleagues, genre fans
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LibraryThing member melsewee
I am rereading this series between new reads because I love Honor and the world David Weber created. You fall in as much in love with the supporting characters as Honor, like Nimitz Honor's treecat. I highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a great military space story. The military
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aspect only enhances the "human" storyline. If you haven't given it a try, jump in with both feet and enjoy the ride. Show Less
LibraryThing member TimCTaylor
If you liked Star Trek NG, you’ll like this
I found the book got better as I went along, and by the end I was glad I'd read it.
Overall, I've got mixed feelings. There was a lot of exposition towards the beginning and some felt contrived. On the other hand, a fair chunk of the exposition was about
Except for the few bad apples, who are the exceptions to prove the rule, naval officers and crew in the Royal Manticore Navy are all shining examples of decency and honour. There's never any question about who the good guys are and who needs to be shot. Hopefully that gets muddied in later books as I would find that would grate after a while, but I was happy enough to go along with that for this book.
For me, the section that swung it for me to give a good rather than middling review was the ship chase and battle at the end. Tense and felt realistic.
In conclusion, this book does what it intends to very well.
I found the book got better as I went along, and by the end I was glad I'd read it.
Overall, I've got mixed feelings. There was a lot of exposition towards the beginning and some felt contrived. On the other hand, a fair chunk of the exposition was about
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military ship technology and tactics, and I have to say this was well thought out -- far better than the average Star Trek clone. And there was a lot less contrived dialogue than most SF TV shows.Except for the few bad apples, who are the exceptions to prove the rule, naval officers and crew in the Royal Manticore Navy are all shining examples of decency and honour. There's never any question about who the good guys are and who needs to be shot. Hopefully that gets muddied in later books as I would find that would grate after a while, but I was happy enough to go along with that for this book.
For me, the section that swung it for me to give a good rather than middling review was the ship chase and battle at the end. Tense and felt realistic.
In conclusion, this book does what it intends to very well.
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Language
Original publication date
1993
Physical description
432 p.; 6.7 inches
ISBN
0671721631 / 9780671721633
Local notes
Honor Harrington, 01
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Weber |