Ever since I started reading the Honorverse novels, I had been feeling that there were stories that had to be told. There were many references to incidents in characters' backstories that weren't told in the novels.

I was particularly intrigued by Helen Ziwicki's past and the incident that happened in Old Chicago when she was a young teen. I finally found that story in this anthology. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint finally filled in the missing details about that adventure. I liked it very much and I especially liked seeing a very young and inexperienced Victor Cachat. This incident also begins Berry Zilwicki's story which is told in much more detail in other books.

This anthology also contains the story that begins Honor Harrington's military career when she goes on her snotty cruise to hunt pirates in Silesia. She encounters bad officers who are out to get her and excellent officers who set her feet on the correct path. The story was filled with adventure and excitement.

"Changer of Words" was told almost completely from the treecat's point of view and talks about their decision to let the two-legs know all about their abilities and potentials. I liked the references back to the story told in A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP.

The final story was my least favorite since it is set on Haven and has a lot to do with political maneuvering among the Peeps.

These stories were wonderful at filling in some background that I had been curious about. I don't think they would stand alone particularly well unless they worked as teasers to get readers into the whole Honor Harrington series. But this devoted fan loved knowing more about some beloved characters. ( )

This gets a three-star rating only because of the third story, which was head and shoulders above the other two. The first two were pretty meh; the third was engaging and introduced some wonderful characters. ( )

I picked up the book on the recommendation of friends who suggested I start the Honor Harrington series with "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington" by David Weber. In that novella, the reader meets Honor on her first starship tour. It certainly sets the pattern for the rest of her career.

If you are just starting the series, the other stories contain spoilers. "Changer of Worlds" by Weber takes place after Honor Among Enemies. "From the Highlands" by Eric Flint takes place after Ashes of Victory as does "Nightfall" by Weber.

I did enjoy the other three stories, especially "From the Highlands." That one had me reading hard to see what happened. I do want to follow up on that series. "Changer of Worlds" was interesting in that it developed an alien culture even further. I suspect I would have enjoyed "Nightfall" more had I been further along in the series.

I highly recommend this book. I would suggest for people new to the series that they read "Ms. Midshipwoman Harrington," put the book down, and go on to the novel On Basilisk Station. If you have already read the novels in the series, by all means, pick this book up and read it through. ( )

http://allbookedup-elena.blogspot.com/2010/05/changer-of-worlds-david-weber.html ( )

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