Fleet Elements

Fleet Elements is another good read in WJW's excellent Dread Empire's Fall series. This one is marketed as #5, but there are also two novellas that take place between books 3 and 4. You don't have to read the earlier books first – WJW gives enough background – but it is probably better to do so. (And anyway, they are damned good reads!)The previous book in the series ([b:The Accidental War 37486195 The Accidental War (Dread Empire's Fall #4) Walter Jon Williams https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523738506l/37486195.SY75.jpg 56993451]) was long on political machinations, intrigue, economic shenanigans, and treachery – all leading to inter-species war. This book, however, is almost all military action. The humans are fighting for their very existence with Gareth Martinez and Caroline Sula leading the battle fleets against long odds. The romantic tension between Gareth and Caroline also heats up as they are thrown together by the necessities of battle preparation.The pace is fast and the ending is quite good with a nice little twist (though of course it does not resolve the overall storyline).Good book. 4+ stars.