Book Review: The Honor of the Queen by David Weber

The Honor of the Queen
Author: David Weber
Series: Honor Harrington (Book 2)
Publication: Baen (October 1, 2024)

Description: Book 2 in the internationally best-selling Honor Harrington science fiction series. First time in Trade Paperback!

It’s hard to give peace a chance when the other side regards conquest as the only option and a sneak attack as the best means to that end. That’s why the Kingdom of Manticore needs allies against the Republic of Haven—and the planet Grayson is strategically situated to make a very good ally indeed. But Her Majesty’s Foreign Office overlooked a “minor cultural difference” when they chose Honor Harrington to carry the flag: women on the planet of Grayson are without rank or rights and Honor’s mere presence is an intolerable affront to every male on the planet. At first Honor doesn’t take it personally; where she comes from gender discrimination is barely a historical memory, right up there in significance with fear of the left-handed. But in time such treatment becomes taxing, and she makes plans to withdraw, until Grayson’s fratricidal sister planet attacks without warning. Now, Honor must stay and prevail, not just for her honor, but for her sovereign’s—for the honor of the Queen.

My Thoughts: Honor Harrington is sent with her ship Fearless to support the diplomatic team working for an alliance with Grayson. Her mentor from the academy is the head of the mission. Grayson was founded by religious, anti-technology bigots. They received quite a surprise when they found that they needed technology to survive on the lovely planet they chose. The planet has more than its share of heavy metals that have polluted the land, air and water. 

However, the environment isn't the problem for Honor. The culture is male dominated. Wives are historically chattels. Women don't serve in the military and are under the dominion of their husbands or fathers. She and her female colleagues are treated with disdain. This really tries her patience and puts her nerves on edge.

Grayson is also under constant threat of attack by its neighbors from Masada who were exiled from Grayson centuries earlier because of their religious fanaticism. Masada wants Grayson back and the Apostates killed. To further that goal, they are taking secret help from Manticore's rival Haven. 

Unfortunately, the second in rank in the diplomatic mission is an idiot who believes that Grayson and Masada should just get over their little religious issue in order to take advantages of the benefits of trading with their nearest neighbor. This wouldn't be a problem with Honor's mentor in charge, but when he is killed along with Grayson's head of the Navy in an attack by Masada, Houseman takes charge of the mission.

Honor needs to do something to fulfill her oath to the Queen and honor her mentor's life, but the Grayson military isn't eager to take orders from a woman. She goes over the military's head right to the Protector and manages to save his and his family's lives when Masadan assassins attack them at dinner. Severely injured, Honor needs to fight to protect Grayson even though she is vastly overmatched by the Haven ships hidden among the Masadan. 

This was another engaging space opera filled with politics, battles, and excitement. 

I bought this one. In fact, I bought it at least three times since I have the paperback from before 2008, the Kindle copy, and the Audible copy. You can buy your copy here.