By Schism Rent Asunder (Safehold Series #2)

Engrossing Historical Fantasy

This novel is engrossing and quickly paced, but it's no longer science fiction. There's hardly any futuristic concepts other than the cyborg Merlin and his gadgets. The plot unfolds around a circa 16th. c. struggle to overthrow the prevailing geo-religious/political power on Safehold. At this rate space battles against the genocidal Gbaba are centuries away. That's somewhat frustrating given the futuristic premise of "Off Armageddon Reef." Nonetheless, I recommend this book to any fan of historical fantasy. It's an extraordinary story of religious/political rebellion as revealed through the efforts/struggles/battles of certain key characters.

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Lovin this series pt deux

scifi meets fantasy meeting age of sail meeting with the 30 years war. freaking awesome.

An excellent extension of the Safehold Series

This book shows the great talent of a great writer who can put himself into the world of which he writes...bringing to life in my mind the people of Safehold and the lives they lead. I really loved the read and, although I have already read #3, will read it again now just to tie it in as it was meant to be!!!

Slow moving, but good.

I like this series in spite of my complaining about it. I find myself frustrated by the slow pace of the series. Some whole books roll by with very little progress on the major plot lines, however, I keep going back for more so it must be doing something right! I like Weber's style and few people do naval combat or political machinations as well as he does.

Second in a great series

This book picks up where the previous left off. New plot twists are introduced, and long hidden secrets are revealed. What is fascinating about this book is the very real way in which Weber deals with the ethical/theological/philosophical questions that arise. What is more impressive is that he does this while maintaining a good sense of pacing and intermixing a lot of action into the story. Again, this is well worth your time to read.

Excellent reading

The pace of this book is excellent, it rises up and and down enough to keep you reading.

A Wonderful 2nd in Series

Weber did a great job here. I really love his writing for the evocative battles, yet this book didn't have many --- what it did have was characters making important, honorable (and hard!) decisions, and making some stirring speeches.

This is the second novel in Weber's "Safehold" series; don't read this one without reading the first, and don't expect all the loose ends to be tied up neatly by the end of the book.

5 stars out of 5.

safehold

This is the second bood in this series and is well written, entertaining, and I have a hard time waiting for the next book.

By Schism Rent Asunder by David Weber

The second in the series, stays true to the writing style and methodical plot progression of the first in the series. You'll never see a certain twist in the plot coming, it still has me thinking about it at odd moments. It's a great read, and my personal library would be lacking without including it.

Fantastic ride

How does Weber manage to construct so many completely different universes in his novels? All of them astonishingly detailed, particularly with regard to the technology systems and their specific roles in tactics. Here the comparison of his novels to the Horatio Hornblower series becomes even more apt, as his population is limited to centuries old technologies. Yet, he never allows these details to overwhelm his characters, who are as full-bodied and inspiring as Hornblower himself. His plots are always a thrilling ride and I can't wait for the next installment in this series.

Safehold Sequel - Hi-Tech Edge Is Lost But Inspired Historical Fantasy Remains

This fast-moving and entertaining sequel features political intrigue/tactics, engrossing scientific genesis/advancement and boisterous action sequences. Nonetheless, it lacks the imaginative futuristic elements and pervasive swashbuckling which complimented "Off Armageddon Reef." The plot is composed of simultaneous occurring or alternating story lines. That complexity slightly diminishes the primacy of the saga's central protagonists Caleb and Merlin. Although they remain important and sympathetic, the increase in active players reduces intimacy and emotional investment. Plus, Caleb's and Merlin's characterizations are a bit more broadly drawn. In particular, Merlin looses entertaining, quirky personality traits. I recommend this book to readers of historical fantasy; but warn potential sci-fi readers that there are no futuristic concepts/themes other than cybernetic Merlin and his limited technology.

Is the Best Yet to Come?

Ok, this second segment was not as action packed as the first but it certainly had many intriguing subplots that were exploited. This series has eons to go and at the current pace I might not be alive to see it's conclusion. The human race may just outlast the Gbaba. So far, so good for a semi-medievil story...I would like to see Merlin whip up some magic high tech stuff to solve some of these crisis.

Another winner!

Best of the first two books in the series. First book laid out the premise and major characters, while this one delves more into the world politics. Yes, there are the obligatory battles, but they actually fit into the story instead of in some of Weber's books where battle follows battle until any but the most narrowly focused reader gets a little tired. The Safehold series, if it holds to the quality of the first two books, could go on a LONG time. This is a book I will re-read, probably more than once to get all the nuances and characters clear.

Weber does it again

Since picking up Weber 2 years ago and devouring everything there was to read I was anxiously awaiting the 2nd part of this series. I finished this one in just under 2 nights reading. It is a page turner and you really don't want to stop once you begin. Cayleb and Merlin weave their diplomacy, war and intrigue while trying their best to not let Merlin's true identity and status be let known other than to those they trust. This book flows so well that you will get to the end and wish it weren't. I highly recommend it!

will be considered one of the best science fiction thrillers of the year

The military technology advances provided by android with a human brain Merlin Athrawes to King Cayleb II of Charis led to their naval slaughter of the forces of their neighbors sanctioned by the Church of God Awaiting at Darcos Sound and Armageddon Reef. Merlin hopes further victories against the corrupt beleaguered Church will ultimately allow mankind to soar off Safehold into space currently banned by church doctrine as interfering with God¿s way.------------- The nations who allied with the Church fear retaliation and know there is little they can do to prevent this since their fleets were destroyed. At the same time a stunned Church of God Awaiting considers declaring Charis as a heretic nation and demanding a holy war to be fought on land as the sea belongs to the renegade kingdom. Meanwhile Cayleb and his Archbishop consider making the religious schism official.--------------- This great sequel (see OFF ARMAGEDDON REEF) has much less action than its exhilarating predecessor, but will be considered one of the best science fiction thrillers of the year. The key cast members seem fully developed, but what makes this superb thriller worth reading is how deep yet subtly the story line provides the audience with insight into how much the Renaissance changed the world.------------ Harriet Klausner

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