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Title: Over written, a reader's slog.
Review: I have read every one of Weber's books too include, sadly, this one. He has always had a tendency to bog down in the backstory and character development, but this time he has surpassed himself for sheer over-writing. The book is over 800 pages in length, and the first sign of real naval action comes after page 700. In fact, the entire thrust of Harrington as a naval action officer, comes as an afterthought. Frankly, if I wanted heavy reading with Byzantine politics and plot lines, I would have purchased a book on the history of the Holy Roman Empire. If Mr. Weber's editor and publisher pushed for this type of work, Mr Weber should take them on a trip to the woodshed. If not, then he needs to do something to alliviate the tiresome boredom of the first 700 pages in any future efforts.
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