Fourth book in The Lost Stars--a side-series to Campbell's long-running Lost Fleet series--focusing on the planet Midway, which has broken away from the faltering, repressive Syndicate Worlds. President Iceni and General Drakon, former Syndicate CEO's, are learning how to build a functional government based on trust instead of fear. They are making progress, but although the long war with the Alliance has ended, peace--an almost forgotten concept--is still far away. The Syndicate Worlds want their rebellious colonies back, the alien enigmas want all humans destroyed, and the neighboring pirate queen has a bitter grudge against Iceni. And there are multiple assassins threatening the leaders of Midway. All of this means political plotting, military maneuvering, and multiple space battles.
Campbell writes good, non-jingoistic military SF. This side series is worth reading. But this book is a bit flatter than the first three. And it is very definitely not the place to start the series.