This is a good read with good character development and a well-written storyline. The series is based on humans being the universe's toughest warriors, which I hope isn't true. Anyway, the series is really good and is strong all the way through. It does need to be read in order since much of the character development is with the aliens. I highly recommend it.
It's always wonderful to find a new author you really like. This book could be just another first contact book, but it manages to break the mold. For once, mankind is not shown as some kind of weak race, easily overcome by aliens. Instead, we are portrayed as actually stronger in many ways (not all of them positive) than our newfound allies and enemies. The main character is likeable, if almost a parody of pacifism. My favorite character is Caldaq, the Massood with a conscience, who is torn between the need for any alliance that might help defeat the Amplitur and his fears that the violence of mankind might tear the Weave apart.
