Warship

A terrifying new enemy after centuries of peace and abundance is the setting for Warship, written by an author who looked at the immense expanse of space and asked: why fight? Typically the worldbuilding for a military sci-fi universe doesn't bother with such basic questions, but starting from the premise of near-infinite resources, readers are introduced to a natural, organically built society rich in politics and technological advancements that may arise in five-hundred years. What's truly impressive is this creative, deep worldbuilding comes through in small glimpses and brief interactions, because the plot of Warship is about a spaceship firing its guns in anger.

The overall story is lifted from similar novels in the Age of Sail category. There's an introductory shakedown cruise where you meet the Captain, his officers, and learn what you need to about the technological capabilities of the setting. There's the threats: career bureaucrats, political corruption and whispers of external dangers beyond the horizon. The Captain even embodies a certain archetype that is common in this genre - a skilled, well-meaning individual unlucky by birth and lacking political connections. This is not a groundbreaking novel.

Yet the execution is perfect. These tropes work, and they provide a variety of threats and thrills for readers as the author builds momentum towards some truly epic showdowns. Everyone wants to see the underdog win. After a technically competent but thoroughly mediocre set of introduction chapters, we launch right into the "terrifying new enemy" and I found myself unable to put the book down. Action, brilliance, heroism -- all the elements are here. The setting is excellently developed, the pacing is great, and the threats (foreign and domestic) are frightening, tense, and vile.

Recommended - it's not quite grimdark, but this is exactly the kind of self-serious novel I love.