Beyond Reality discussion

I see that we have a mixed set of opinions about our first book. I've seen some criticism or disappointment in the character development and in lengthy techno descriptions.

But I'm curious to see who might be intrigued enough to continue. Now that the basic techno information and universe building has been set down, can we hope for more story? Perhaps a chance to really delve into some characters, Honor in particular?

That's my hope. I actually like Honor already, but wouldn't mind seeing more development. I enjoyed how she eventually grew to trust her crew members and bring out the best in them during a critical situation. I'd like to see more of that, as well as development of them as individuals.

So, what else are you hoping for in the next book? Are you stopping now, continuing for now, or are you already hooked?

I am re-reading or mostly re- reading and will continue as time permits. I expect to be able to as I have decided to not read the fantasy selections except in special cases.

I'll continue - I have already read book 2 :)
I'd like some levity and humor but I'm not sure I'll get it. One need a sergeant Julian (Prince Roger series)in this lot a competent and serious people.
Honor is a bit self conscious, she doesn't feel a real person somehow. She's "captain of the royal navy" incarnate but I do hope she'll gain some real flesh in future books.

I have read or skimmed most of the books in this series ... I enjoyed the appearance of some people who I know will be important later. I look forward to seeing the changing relationships of the characters over time. So, I'll continue until I start to get irritated by the ... things that have irritated me in the past about Weber's writing in this series.

I'm going to continue to read the series. I can skim the parts I don't like, and there are many parts of these books I enjoy a lot.

I haven't started re-reading yet, but likely will soon for about 8 of them. I enjoy these books. They're quick & fun.

I'm waiting for Field of DIshonor which is next in line for me—if I can find it in my mountain range of TBRs...

I've never read any of these books (other than the first one now), nor any other books by Weber.

I'll be continuing this series. I want to see a bit more humanity or imperfection in Honor. Other than her occasional doubts, she seems, as I said earlier, too good to be true.

Although not a pet lover myself, I'm curious what the story is with the treecats and specifically Honor's 'cat. What role does the animal play in her life?

I also hope for more development of secondary characters. I liked the peeks we got into the politics of both the Kingdom of Manticore and Haven and look forward to more of that.

Since this is a space naval series, I expect more about hardware and tactics. It's not my strong suit, either in terms of interest or comprehension, but since those topics are central to the story, I'll pay attention as best I can.

I'll be continuing. Since I'm re-reading, I'm hoping to see more connections between the books (main and spin-off) that I missed the first couple times through. I've already found a few, both in characters and (especially) in little details that aren't fully explained/revealed for several more books. Hindsight is 20/20, so it's easier now to see what I originally overlooked but will be important in future installments.

Like several people mentioned, I'm also hoping to find a few more flaws in Honor's character. Although a staple of space opera is often the larger-than-life hero(ine), my re-reads of the next couple of books are revealing a few negative facets of her character that I missed earlier. I'm also looking for more detail in the secondary characters, since many of them reoccur.

I'm only going to listen to the second book because I already have it. I hope to see more complex character development, more realistic dialogue, and a lot less techno-babble.

I'm definitely continuing (and plan to read the entire series. My problem will be not reading ahead. I finished Basilisk this morning, and I'm chomping at the bit to read the next one immediately.

I'm hoping to see less perfection in Honor, more about tree cats and more 'normal' relationships (not sure if this is possible in such a military setting). My concern with Honor's character development and growth centers on her near flawless start. Where can she go from here?

Jon wrote: "I'm definitely continuing (and plan to read the entire series. My problem will be not reading ahead. I finished Basilisk this morning, and I'm chomping at the bit to read the next one immediately..."

I agree. I did the same thing with the Emprire trilogy - started late the first month & then read them all, one after another. I might be able to hold off a little on this series, but it will be tough.

Jim wrote: "I might be able to hold off a little on this series, but it will be tough."

My plan is to have lots of other things to read in-between. I usually have trouble keeping up, though, because of other commitments. Maybe this time I'll stay with the group. It's too hard for me to keep straight what happened in which book if I read ahead of the group.

I'd like to find out more about Nimitz and the relationship between cats and their people. Likewise, I'd like Honor and the crew to flesh out a little. Less techno-babble or are we still refering to it as info-dumps, would be lovely!

More Nimitz and a better job of working the technical explanations into the story itself.

Should be starting book 2 soon, like Kathy this is my first foray into the Honorverse and Weber.

I'm looking for twisty plot lines and clever solutions with some innovative tech thrown in, but I don't need the engineering specs for the tech, just enough for me to think 'yeah that might work' and then get on with the story.

It would be nice if the characters got a bit more rounded, with motivations subtleties and flaws, but this is first and foremost military space opera. Lets keep the pace up and enjoy the ride.

I gave up on this series earlier due to most of the complaints already voiced. I plan to give it a second shot this time.

How many did you read, Sandra?

Three.

okay, slightly off thread... But are you able to add the book again as 'currently reading' and keep the original in 'read'? I'm on a re-read and it won't let me duplicate it.

Helen wrote: "okay, slightly off thread... But are you able to add the book again as 'currently reading' and keep the original in 'read'? I'm on a re-read and it won't let me duplicate it."

Try adding another edition.

I've done it, every time I went to other editions it asked me to sign in (again) and then zoomed me to the homepage. Going back solved that.

I've done it with print and then audio editions. I also created a shelf rereading. It's not "official" but keeps things in order. LOL

I'd like to see a little less tech detail and halts in the plot to give background on political intrigue. I learn more about such things through character interaction and dialog. I want more about each character. And lastly but important, I want more about the "alien" culture and people.

You get more tech detail not less, and sssooo much back ground as the series goes on.

Here's an interesting link, http://www.davidweber.net/posts/379-m...
It looks as if the series will be made into movies.

Interesting ... Weber predicts about 5 years to make the movie. It will be interesting to see if we get a movie, or movies, or if the whole project ends up in development hell.

5!? That seems excessive.