Armamix

This isn't really science fiction, as the sf elements have little bearing on the story. Sure there are rocketships and aliens and all that, but it is mostly scenery for Heinlein to ponder politics and personality types (again).

To be honest I was a little bit surprised at how progressive he was (for the times) at this point in his career.

Straight up space opera, with a good plot and decent enough characters and a (Peter F. Hamilton-esque) touch of light horror. Not too dissimilar to Adrian Tchaikovskys Final Architect series, well worth it for anyone enjoying that. Heading straight into the next in the series now.

Can't remember last time I gave a book five full stars. I want to deduct a little for the americentrism, but. just can't.

Really disappointed, as I liked Vagabonds and Folding Beijing a lot. This felt preachy and slow. Too much exposition and way way too detailed explaining of characters feelings. Dialogues feel artificial too.

Also, is this supposed to be the late 21st century? And we are still at the 2020 level of debate on the use of block chains and machine learning?

This book needs more attention. Probably the best alternate history I've read in decades.