Mission of Honor brings us back to the main series/sequence, as we look at the twelfth novel in that line of the Honorverse story. The events in this ~600-page gem occur between late 1921 through the middle of 1922 PD. Having developed the breadth and depth of some significant events in the overall storyline, David moves away from the technique he’s used across several previous books to layer and unfold important - and different - perspectives of key events.
Events continue to spiral in a manner quickly approaching out of control and absolutely not to the benefit of the Star Empire of Manticore. The Solarian League has essentially declared war on Manticore through a direct attack on RMN assets. Then they spun the events to convince themselves that they were the victims rather than the perpetrators. Now they confront Admiral Henke’s fleet and demand Henke surrender herself into their custody.
However, all hope isn’t lost. Henke’s 10th Fleet soundly defeats the challenging Solarian force. Meanwhile Honor is on a diplomatic mission — a Mission of Honor — to establish terms of peace with Haven. During this series of diplomatic meetings, Operation Oyster Bay executes, with the attacker’s identity remaining unknown. The attack causes the near total loss of orbital industrial facilities in the Manticoran home system. As a result, debris falls onto the planets below causing extensive damage and loss of life.
Back on Haven, Honor is meeting directly with President Pritchart and key cabinet members. While talks begin in a cool but correct manner, Honor and Pritchart’s relationship warms and respect grows between them as time passes. Between the two of them, they put several new pieces of the puzzle together which builds Manticore and Haven’s understanding of the Mesan Alignment’s secretive actions and intentions. Unfortunately, diplomatic talks are suspended due to Oyster Bay and Honor is recalled to Manticore. Even so, the diplomatic negotiations aren’t over, as we see by the end of the book.
This entire novel was non-stop excitement!
We rated “Mission of Honor” with a 5, a 5 and another 5 (out of 5), for an overall rating of another perfect 5 from your hosts.
We always say it (because it’s true!) we truly appreciate the support of everyone who takes the time to wander through the Honorverse with us. Special thanks for those of you who like and/or comment on our posts, and even reach out and send us a note.
Next up: a surprise prize! While we told you in the episode we’re discussing the anthology In Fire Forged next, circumstances let us sit down once again with David Weber for a second interview. Get ready to learn a lot more about this amazing world we’re moving through, featuring quite a few questions provided by you, our friends and listeners taking this journey with us.
Don’t worry though, we’ll pick up and discuss the fifth anthology in the Worlds of Honor set entitled In Fire Forged after the interview. If you enjoyed Mission of Honor, catch your breath and get ready for a lot more action! As always, please grab your copy, invite a friend, and join us again next time!
You can find us, and all our episodes at http://honorverse.net, and email us at honorverse@tpenetwork.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Now, let’s be about it!
