Off Armageddon Reef

After an alien species wipes out humanity across the stars, a lone colony survives in secret on the distant ocean planet of Safehold. The colony's early leaders enforce a medieval technology level and establish a dogmatic church to prevent detection. Centuries later, an android awakened with the memories of a female starship officer assumes the identity of a male warrior named Merlin. Merlin works covertly to advance human innovation and free society from religious tyranny.

by David Weber

Tor Books · First published 2007 · 608 pages