Title: On Basilisk Station
Author: David Weber
First published April 1, 1992
458 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781416509370 (ISBN10: 1416509372)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
In The Lost Expedition: After being betrayed by her superior, Honor Harrington is left stranded in a remote and perilous planet. Her crew is disheartened and blames her for their predicament.
The indigenous population is under the influence of a dangerous drug that is making them lethal. The government is unsure of what to do with the planet, and the only thriving business is smuggling.
To make matters worse, an ambitious and hostile group from the Republic of Haven is threatening to take over the system. With only one outdated cruiser at her disposal, Honor must find a way to overcome impossible odds and save everyone on the planet.
But what her enemies do not realize is that they have unleashed a fierce warrior in her, and she will stop at nothing to protect her crew and the innocent people of the planet.
About the Author
David Mark Weber, an American author of science fiction and fantasy, was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1952. His stories often have military themes, particularly naval, and fall into the genre of military science fiction.
Weber has a tendency to cast female characters in traditionally male roles.
One of Weber’s most beloved characters is Honor Harrington, whose name pays homage to Horatio Hornblower and a fleet doctor in Patrick O’Brian’s novels. Harrington’s story is set in the “Honorverse,” which Weber has developed through 16 novels and six shared-universe anthologies, with additional works currently in production.
In 2008, Weber generously donated his archive to Northern Illinois University’s department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
Many of Weber’s books can be found online, either in their entirety through the Baen Free Library or as sample chapters, typically consisting of the first 25-33% of the work.
Editoral Review
On Basilisk Station: An Epic Science Fiction Classic
David Weber’s On Basilisk Station is an epic science fiction classic that has stayed relevant, inspiring readers across generations. Published on April 1, 1992, this is the first book in the Honorverse series, which has become a staple in the military science fiction genre.
Weber has continued writing in this series with 14 books so far, each one as compelling and thrilling as the first. Set in the twenty-fifth century, On Basilisk Station transports readers to a galactic empire, where Lieutenant Honor Harrington of the Royal Manticoran Navy, with her trusty treecat Nimitz by her side, is tasked with taking command of the HMS Fearless, a moderately powered warship.
She must lead her crew through the treacherous Basilisk system and engage in ship-to-ship combat against pirates, while piecing together a plot for revolution unfolding on the nearby planet. Weber’s writing style is both clear and compelling as he creates a believable future world.
The setting is detailed and intricate, with just enough description to build a solid foundation, leaving readers’ imaginations to do the rest. The plot flows smoothly, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged throughout.
One of the book’s strengths is the character development of Harrington, a brilliant and competent naval officer, who confronts not only pirates and revolutionaries but also sexism and elitism. Through her struggles, she becomes a relatable, strong-willed character with an unbreakable moral code.
The relationship between Honor and Nimitz is also a standout of the book. This highly intelligent treecat is the perfect sidekick for Harrington, adding both levity and intrigue to the story.
The themes of honor, duty, and loyalty are woven throughout the story in subtle and profound ways. The challenges faced by Harrington reflect the challenges faced by today’s marginalized communities, making it a universal and timeless story.
While On Basilisk Station is magnificent in its execution, it’s not without flaws. Some readers may find the technical details and naval tactics overwhelming at times.
Others may feel that certain plot points are resolved too quickly or conveniently. Overall, On Basilisk Station is an excellent military science fiction novel that rivals the classics of the genre.
Its strong characters, compelling plot, and detailed world-building make it a must-read for fans of space opera and military fiction. Readers who enjoy the works of Lois McMaster Bujold and Elizabeth Moon are sure to find this series just as gripping.
A score of 4.5 out of 5 is awarded to the book, based on the strengths and weaknesses discussed in the review. However, it’s important to note that the rating is not meant to be an oversimplification of the book’s complexity.
Instead, it is a reflection of the book’s merits and areas for improvement. Ultimately, readers who enjoy epic science fiction and want to be transported to a galaxy far, far away will find On Basilisk Station to be a satisfying and thought-provoking adventure.
