Victory Conditions (#5)
For Ky, it’s not just about liberating the star systems subjugated by Turek and defending the rest of the galaxy’s freedom. There’s also a score to be settled and payback to be meted out for the obliteration of the Vatta Transport dynasty . . . and the slaughter of Ky’s family. But the enemy have their own escalation efforts under way–including the placement of covert agents among the allies with whom Ky and the surviving Vattas are collaborating in the war effort. And when a spy ring linked to a wealthy businessman is exposed, a cracked pirate code reveals a galaxywide conspiracy fueling the proliferation of Turek’s warship fleet.
Matching the invaders’ swelling firepower will mean marshaling an armada of battle-ready ships for Ky to lead into combat. But a violent skirmish leaves Ky reeling–and presumed dead by her enemies. Now, as Turek readies an all-out attack on the Nexus system–a key conquest that could seal the rest of the galaxy’s doom–Ky must rally to the challenge, draw upon every last reserve of her strategic skills, and reach deep if she is to tear from the ashes of tragedy her most decisive victory.
Reviews
“Rip-roaring action and intriguing science and tactics distinguish Nebula-winner Moon’s fifth and final Vatta’s War installment […] This epic volume is a fine and fitting conclusion to Moon’s grand space opera tour de force.”
“Moon handles everything from full-scale space battles to intimate social and political interactions with the skill of a master storyteller. Strong characterizations, subtle humor, and a feel for military SF make this dynastic space opera a strong addition for all sf collection.”Library Journal
“Fast-paced, intelligent, and witty. Action sf doesn’t get much better than this, and though this series is done, let us hope to see Kylara and Rafe again.”Booklist
“All the action we have come to expect from Moon […] the result is a very satisfactory conclusion to the series.”Analog
“Moon’s Vatta’s War series is solid proof that space opera is enjoying a healthy renaissance. And fans awaiting a satisfying climactic crescendo needn’t worry. The best space opera scibes provide adrenaline jolts through a combination of sharp action and characters who wade with both feet into the reader’s imagination. You can add Moon’s name to such seminal writers as C.J. Cherryh, Lois McMaster Bujold and David Weber.”Starlog
“Elizabeth Moon has progressed rapidly and steadily upward in my estimation. This series has been consistently good and doesn’t let up a bit.”Critical Mass
“Victory Conditions is a great end to a series that stands well besides both Bujold’s early Miles Vorkosigan novels and Heinlein’s Citizen of the Galaxy.”SFRevu
“This final volume crowns the [series] and offers a great view of the effort taken to reach these heights.”SFX
“[A] gripping military SF series.”Bookloons
“Moon has done a beautiful job […] The suspense never lets up. By the novel’s end there is a satisfactory setting of accounts with villains both petty and large. Moon’s gift of creating riveting personal clashes is undiminished. Every scene–everyone line of dialogue–crackles with tension. A master of miliary SF. Victory Conditions is a fine capper to a solid SF series–in other words, one that leaves the Vatta family in good order and readers looking forward to Moon’s next universe.”Sci Fi Weekly
“A smashing finish to an excellent series.”SF Site
Awards & Accolades
#19 New York Times Hardcover Bestseller List
#2 BookScan SF Bestseller List
#2 Locus Hardcover Bestseller List
#1 Locus Mass Market Bestseller List