Probably more in the 3.5-3.75 range.
I was worried in the first 10-15 pages, it was feeling a little clunky, but after that it moved along at a pretty fast clip.
A don't want to call this entry in H. Beam Piper's Federation timeline a standard 60s space opera, though I did think that's what I was in store for. As we follow the main character Trask from an initial revenge tail into a more 'rebuilding of civilization' yarn we also get into a lot of politics. While not as intricate, if for no other reason than being much more brief, than Herbert's Dune in universe political discourse I think fans of the latter will find something to enjoy here. Otherwise, just enjoy the good old fashioned space combat or world building stuff if those are your bag.
I know there's a lot of criticism of Piper and his views on libertarianism, democracy, feudalism, and authoritarianism. Besides taking that sort of thing with a grain of sale when reading stories from this era, it is explicitly mentioned in the end of the book that perhaps all currently known forms of government are doomed to failure until we're able to come up with something radically different. Until then, keep refining and hope they last a little longer and work a little better each time. I feel that's perhaps more demonstrative of the overall point, rather than a false dichotomy between pre-existing systems.
Random side note, there is a *very* similar ship name here to what is used in The Expanse. Curious if anyone else noticed or knows if this was an inspiration? ( )

This was 2nd book by H.Beam Piper, and probably my last.

I enjoyed the space combat in this book. Every time the term "Space Viking" was used it just sounded stupid. Piper's politics are on display most of the time. He was a very unhappy man who ended up killing himself. I'll just say I found this book moderately enjoyable but I don't have any desire to revisit Piper's universe at all. ( )

Political intrigue, sexism, and war. Pretty much the opposite of what I like. And even if I did like that stuff, this just wasn't well-written. ( )

This was a great Sci-Fi book. I know this is a classic but I had never read it. I'm glad I finally did. Even though is was written over 50 years ago it didn't feel dated. If you haven't read this book yet and you are a Sci-Fi fan you should read it. ( )

Very interesting story of space adventurer who, forced by events, becomes a Space Viking, a raider of worlds, in order to lure his enemy out.[return][return]Although book is based around this conflict and main characters work on bringing the world of Tanith from the barbarism to civilization it compares many forms of human society - from the very rural cultures of Tanith (medieval level society), 20th century democratic-states-organized world of Amaterasu to more advanced civilization on Beowulf (very similar to Amaterasu, democratic society but with planet level government) and Marduk (planetary level constitutional monarchy)(btw all places in question are planets where action takes place).[return][return]Very interesting views on what is ideal of society and what really means to be civilized.[return][return]Good book, slightly archaic language may repel some readers but my advice is to read on - you'll enjoy it. ( )