The Honorverse, named for the leading character (Honor Harrington), is set in a future where humans have created several star nations across the galaxy, with varied societal norms, forms of government, and trans-star-national factions. Most books, and most series of books, focus on the Manticore star nation’s Navy, and their battles with neighboring powers. Particularly, the main series follows a young office as she assumes her first ship command, and is thrust into the opening salvos of a log awaited conflict. Through the series she is tested, promoted, and returned to the fight time and time again. Honor lives up to her name, and is genuinely a literary character worth more popularity.
Oh, and there are sentient, six legged, 40lbs cats.
Before the initial series was concluded several spin-off series were created. One series explores the early settlement of the Manticore system and the “discovery” of the tree cats. While another series chronicles the liberation of genetically engineered slaves, and the founding of their own star-nation. There is also a series that retells the story of Honor Harrington’s service, but from the perspective of her crew. Finally, there are other collections of stories from various authors set in the same universe (think of the Star Wars: Expanded Universe of the 1990s).
Throughout the books portray naval combat, military discipline and honor, politics, and personal growth. Put simply, as a navy veteran myself, they showcase a lot of the same priorities, struggles, and mentalities I would like to think I have for myself. A devotion to duty, family, nation, and your crew/team. Standing firm against opposition, regardless of the political costs. But also ingenuity, critical thinking, and compassion.
These are stories where the lines are hardly ever blurred, and good triumphs over evil. Though characters have flaws and evolve over time, and victory is never without cost.
Recommendation
I feel this is one of the best science fiction series out there right now. The writing is good, the naval combat and political intrigue is compelling, and the stories are easy to follow without becoming shallow. With the several series already available, and more being written all the time, there is plenty of content to keep readers coming back for more.