S. M. Stirling

Leaning even more heavily into the high magic elements that have been gradually introduced into the series actually seems to be improving it at this point, rather than how I felt it detracted previously. I think in the previous book or two it was still straddling an uncomfortable place between fantasy and alternate history that just didn't read well, especially without possibly unreliable narrators to support the dichotomy. Really embracing the fantasy elements has helped take it out of that genre uncanny valley space into something a little more coherent. Still, I think as a whole it would have been more interesting as a strictly non-magical post-apocalyptic alternate history.
I'm not sure how intentional it is, given that Tolkien and his influence are part of the created world, but there is also what feels like an increasing amount Tolkien-esque 'walking' narrative. Extremely long descriptions of the natural environments the various characters are traveling through. While I don't object to that in theory, as much of the territory covered in 'High King' is a retread of territory traversed by the characters in previous books without significant change. The space might better have been used switching viewpoints back to events in the west coast more frequently and covering more of those. And while Stirling does a great job at describing mass pseudo-medieval combat, its also starting to feel like overtrod and repetitive territory at this point. There starts to be some payoffs to events in previous books, but maybe not enough given the length here.
In short, I think if you were a fan of the initial Change novels for their alternate history post-apocalypse, you'll find increasingly less to like here as it moves more into fantasy and Tolkien territory. If you're a fan of fantasy, this might really be where the series starts to get interesting for you, and thanks to an abundance of refreshers on previous settings and relationships, you probably won't be too lost jumping in at this point.
I have two or three books left in what I got from my aunt's basement, and I'm not liking it enough to actively purchase anything past that point, but still interested enough to polish off what I have.… (mer)

I really wasn't expecting much and that's what I got. A rehashed Star Trek from the point of view of someone below decks. Although the main character was okay to hang out with for a while, I didn't find either him or the world around him or the story being told compelling. It was one small thing after another with some sort of slow-burn mystery that kept putting me to sleep. I only made it to the middle of the book before I decided it was time to set it aside for something more entertaining. At least I still have James Doohan's signature in the front of the book (a chance find in a used book sale).… (mer)