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Rebel Moon
2069: After decades of futility, the United Nations has finally done what it was designed to established peace on Planet Earth. At long last the centuries-old dream of a new world order is within reach... But fifty thousand lunar colonists aren't buying into the plan, and they need volunteers. Soldiers, warriors, brave and true. Too bad Dalton Starkiller is what they've got. A techno-geek who joined the Lunar Defense Forces in a moment of patriotic weakness, Starkiller's a hacker, not a hero; a gamer, not a guerilla. Does Starkiller have what it takes to be a twenty-first-century soldier? Can he inspire his fellow rebels in their hopeless revolt against Mother Earth? And will he be able to guide his comrades through the moon's labyrinthine battlegrounds to victory without getting lost?
282 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1996
8 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Vox Day
66 books450 followers Theodore Beale does much of his writing under the pseudonym Vox Day. Three-time Hugo Award nominee Vox Day writes epic fantasy as well as non-fiction about religion, philosophy, and economics. His literary focus is military realism, historical verisimilitude, and plausible characters who represent the full spectrum of human behavior. He is a professional game designer who speaks four languages and a three-time Billboard top 40 recording artist.
He maintains a pair of popular blogs, Vox Popoli and Alpha Game, which between them average over 20 million annual pageviews. He is a Native American and his books have been translated into ten languages.
He is the Lead Editor of Castalia House, and is also, with Tom Kratman, the co-creator of the military science fiction anthology series, RIDING THE RED HORSE.
He maintains a pair of popular blogs, Vox Popoli and Alpha Game, which between them average over 20 million annual pageviews. He is a Native American and his books have been translated into ten languages.
He is the Lead Editor of Castalia House, and is also, with Tom Kratman, the co-creator of the military science fiction anthology series, RIDING THE RED HORSE.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 13, 2023
Too bad they don't have 0 stars, Waste of time, waste of trees. Horrible is the only word to describe this book.
January 15, 2024
A quick read with several plot twists throughout. An unexpected ending.
November 17, 2017
Pretty decent read. Good storyline. =)
July 18, 2023
I read this based on a friend’s recommendation as his favorite book. That friend is definitely not much of a reader. I will not be taking book recommendations from that particular friend again. I should have taken the hint when I paid $0.03 for it at a used book store.
August 16, 2021
It’s no wonder Netflix picked up Rebel Moon for a development deal. The topic of rebellion against governmental authority is very much in the news. Admittedly, today’s news is more to be discovered in court trials for the 1/6 insurrectionists and the Department of Homeland Security’s warnings of an uptick in domestic terrorism threats (particularly right-wing white supremacist and militia groups) than it is with a colony on the moon rebelling against the United Nations arm controlling lunar exploration and development. Yet, when the leader of the colonists is named von Hayek and Austrian economist Friedrich Hayek is often the first economist’s name spoken when Libertarians praise the “free market,” one can readily see the roots of rebellion as aligned with either Libertarian or, believe it or not, classical liberal (not to be confused with the modern sense of “liberal” as “progressive”). Another prominent “rebel” is the governor’s assistant named Patrick [Henry?] Adams [John or Samuel?].
The novel also offers up some names that are simply cute. The protagonist is named Dalton Starkiller as opposed to “Starwalker” [with Dalton being a reference to the infamous Dalton Gang of 19th century Kansas?] and as a hacker, he uses a tiny device called a “norton,” riffing off the most popular anti-Virus software at the time of the book’s publication. But perhaps, the most significant name-dropping in the book occurs when two leaders of the United Nations are discussing a controversial and, for many, catastrophic course of action. One leader protests that he is enforcing legal tenets in a perfectly legal way. The other states: “Even Adolf Hitler started out with legalities.” To which the antagonist protests: “Adolf Hitler was a monster.” (p. 89( Unfortunately, the antagonist becomes an authoritarian monster himself (also somewhat topical in the light of actions by major politicians in 2020-2021, particularly the right-wing authoritarians).
Through Rebel Moon constantly blurs the lines between what one would assume is terrorism and what another would assume to be a defiant act of freedom, it is clear where the sympathies of the authors lie [even though, I had an advantage in knowing one personally and reading the work of the other previously (Bethke’s Headcrash, cyberpunk with a humorous edge)]. Those sympathies are clearly with the rebels, if not with the aliens encountered at one point in the story.
Rebel Moon also illustrates the tricky nature of military secrets and “need to know,” at times, putting characters one has grown to care about at risk because their superiors deigned not to draw them into the loop. Several times in the book and many, many more times in real-life, those disasters to which the military long-ago gave the acronym “S.N.A.F.U.” could have been avoided or, at least, mitigated. But, let’s face it, the purpose of Rebel Moon is to illustrate the kind of tactical battles that might be fought in such a futuristic war and, frankly, to excite the readers about the possibilities of scenarios (and a campaign) to appear in the Rebel Moon computer game developed by Fenris Wolf, Vox Day’s computer game development operation. As such, it would definitely have succeeded if more people had read the book. I wish I had read the book sooner, but I’ll have to admit that the gray cover with the astronaut’s footprint simply gave the wrong vibe to me.
Even after the Netflix option, I was expecting more action than thought-provoking ideas. To be sure, the action is there and very satisfying in the way weapons, strategies, and tactics leapfrog each other, but the reason I rate this book higher than average is that it questions the intentions of politicians on both sides and illustrates how conflicts entrap the innocent, the patriotic, and well-meaning in an intricate web of political convenience. In 2021, my sympathies are definitely not in line with Bethke’s and “Day’s” but I like the level of complexity with which they layered this fictional conflict and I even like the way the conflict was resolved. As my old boss, Jon Lane, used to say, “Think of a starship, you always, at least, take a hit to your shields whenever you engage in combat. So, be sure that hit is worth it.” I like the fact that there are costs for both sides, regardless of the “victor.” In fact, that may be worth reading the book and watching the eventual television production just to be reminded of that.
The novel also offers up some names that are simply cute. The protagonist is named Dalton Starkiller as opposed to “Starwalker” [with Dalton being a reference to the infamous Dalton Gang of 19th century Kansas?] and as a hacker, he uses a tiny device called a “norton,” riffing off the most popular anti-Virus software at the time of the book’s publication. But perhaps, the most significant name-dropping in the book occurs when two leaders of the United Nations are discussing a controversial and, for many, catastrophic course of action. One leader protests that he is enforcing legal tenets in a perfectly legal way. The other states: “Even Adolf Hitler started out with legalities.” To which the antagonist protests: “Adolf Hitler was a monster.” (p. 89( Unfortunately, the antagonist becomes an authoritarian monster himself (also somewhat topical in the light of actions by major politicians in 2020-2021, particularly the right-wing authoritarians).
Through Rebel Moon constantly blurs the lines between what one would assume is terrorism and what another would assume to be a defiant act of freedom, it is clear where the sympathies of the authors lie [even though, I had an advantage in knowing one personally and reading the work of the other previously (Bethke’s Headcrash, cyberpunk with a humorous edge)]. Those sympathies are clearly with the rebels, if not with the aliens encountered at one point in the story.
Rebel Moon also illustrates the tricky nature of military secrets and “need to know,” at times, putting characters one has grown to care about at risk because their superiors deigned not to draw them into the loop. Several times in the book and many, many more times in real-life, those disasters to which the military long-ago gave the acronym “S.N.A.F.U.” could have been avoided or, at least, mitigated. But, let’s face it, the purpose of Rebel Moon is to illustrate the kind of tactical battles that might be fought in such a futuristic war and, frankly, to excite the readers about the possibilities of scenarios (and a campaign) to appear in the Rebel Moon computer game developed by Fenris Wolf, Vox Day’s computer game development operation. As such, it would definitely have succeeded if more people had read the book. I wish I had read the book sooner, but I’ll have to admit that the gray cover with the astronaut’s footprint simply gave the wrong vibe to me.
Even after the Netflix option, I was expecting more action than thought-provoking ideas. To be sure, the action is there and very satisfying in the way weapons, strategies, and tactics leapfrog each other, but the reason I rate this book higher than average is that it questions the intentions of politicians on both sides and illustrates how conflicts entrap the innocent, the patriotic, and well-meaning in an intricate web of political convenience. In 2021, my sympathies are definitely not in line with Bethke’s and “Day’s” but I like the level of complexity with which they layered this fictional conflict and I even like the way the conflict was resolved. As my old boss, Jon Lane, used to say, “Think of a starship, you always, at least, take a hit to your shields whenever you engage in combat. So, be sure that hit is worth it.” I like the fact that there are costs for both sides, regardless of the “victor.” In fact, that may be worth reading the book and watching the eventual television production just to be reminded of that.
January 20, 2018
The people living on the moon get tired of all of the rules and regulations that are put on them by the world government back on Earth. When they decide to declare themselves a free planet, U.N. forces are snet to bring them back under control.
First off, this book is based on a computer game from the mid-90's. Truthfully, I had never heard of the game (Rebel Moon Rising) so I did a little checking. The game was said to be fairly good but wasn't quite cutting edge graphics so didn't sell that well. I always approach game based books with a bit of caution because they tend to written quickly to cash in on the popularity of the game.
From the back of the book, the description made the story sound like it follows one main character in what could be a humorous story of a rebellion on the moon. This is a pretty bad description. The book is definitely an ensemble piece and almost no humor to it.
From reading other reviews, some people complained about the science not being that accurate. This is true but let's face it, most science fiction isn't hard science anymore. So we will just call this a space opera and be done with that point.
Taking these previous points in mind, this was a solid story of war between worlds. The book does not feel like it is just a story that is adapted from a computer game. The characters were believable and the changing point of view between them helps to give the bigger picture of the full story. That is until about the last 20 or 30 pages of the book. The introduction of aliens and abrupt cliffhanger ending pretty much destroys the work the author did on the other 95% of the book. I am sure the aliens play a vital role to the game but do nothing for the book. Unfortunately just like the planned sequel to the computer game, the sequel to this story was never put out either. The author also seemed to disagree with the ending because the writing becomes noticeably sloppier at the book's end.
Since the book ends with a cliffhanger because of an element being thrown into it at the very end (and clashing with the rest of the story), I can not recommend this book despite most of it being a decent read. Until the aliens I would have given this book either 3 0r 4 stars, but the ending drags it down to 1.5 or 2 stars.
First off, this book is based on a computer game from the mid-90's. Truthfully, I had never heard of the game (Rebel Moon Rising) so I did a little checking. The game was said to be fairly good but wasn't quite cutting edge graphics so didn't sell that well. I always approach game based books with a bit of caution because they tend to written quickly to cash in on the popularity of the game.
From the back of the book, the description made the story sound like it follows one main character in what could be a humorous story of a rebellion on the moon. This is a pretty bad description. The book is definitely an ensemble piece and almost no humor to it.
From reading other reviews, some people complained about the science not being that accurate. This is true but let's face it, most science fiction isn't hard science anymore. So we will just call this a space opera and be done with that point.
Taking these previous points in mind, this was a solid story of war between worlds. The book does not feel like it is just a story that is adapted from a computer game. The characters were believable and the changing point of view between them helps to give the bigger picture of the full story. That is until about the last 20 or 30 pages of the book. The introduction of aliens and abrupt cliffhanger ending pretty much destroys the work the author did on the other 95% of the book. I am sure the aliens play a vital role to the game but do nothing for the book. Unfortunately just like the planned sequel to the computer game, the sequel to this story was never put out either. The author also seemed to disagree with the ending because the writing becomes noticeably sloppier at the book's end.
Since the book ends with a cliffhanger because of an element being thrown into it at the very end (and clashing with the rest of the story), I can not recommend this book despite most of it being a decent read. Until the aliens I would have given this book either 3 0r 4 stars, but the ending drags it down to 1.5 or 2 stars.
December 29, 2020
I read this book a while back. I thought the story was well written and held me till the end. I think my only issue is how it left me with a cliff hanger right at the end. I recommend this book for people that are fans of sci-fi.
Even though I was not a fan of the cliff hanger I think it allows for fan involvement. I also think it inspired people to write what they wanted out of the story. I will continue to recommend this book.
Even though I was not a fan of the cliff hanger I think it allows for fan involvement. I also think it inspired people to write what they wanted out of the story. I will continue to recommend this book.
November 5, 2017
Decent sorry but jumps a lot, and while I like literary surprises the way it introduced aliens at the very end last a lot to be desired
November 12, 2017
Good action and plot development (for the most part) with some interesting characters. I suspect that the final twist had more to do with the video game ties than any conviction of the authors.
September 5, 2018
co-authored by vox day, can't recommend.
September 12, 2019
It's far from a great book, but for $1 from the dollar store I definitely feel I got my money's worth when I read it some years ago. The story is passable and entertaining enough for an afternoon read.
August 1, 2020
Mildly entertaining
July 9, 2024
Just some good, dumb fun. Nothing much deeper or more noteworthy than that. You get what you sign up for with this book.
Read
July 27, 2024Threw away after about 10 pages.
August 31, 2013
What is the price for peace on Earth?
In Rebel Moon, by authors Bruce Bethke and Vox Day, the cost is a lunar rebellion. Based on a video game by Fenris Wolf, this surprisingly enjoyable Sci-Fi novel charts the course of an independence movement by lunar colonists in the year 2069.
The story focuses on the exploits of Dalton Starkiller, a moon resident and expert tech guy who finds himself defending his adopted world from military action by United Nations soldiers. Workers on the moon provide the majority of food and other necessities for Earth dwellers, but they get very little for themselves. The workforce consists of misfits, criminals and military castoffs, hardly the making of a cohesive army. But much like the rebels who fought for America’s independence from England in the Eighteenth Century, these oddballs make for a determined and formidable fighting force.
The novel also tells the stories of others involved in the conflict, both on the moon and on Earth. This leads to the major problem with the book. There are jarring changes in POV and the number of characters who appear can cause some confusion to the reader. The ending is also a bit rushed and it seems to be setting up a sequel. However, these factors did not keep me from enjoying the book. There are many terrific action scenes that keep the story moving, and there are thought-provoking developments that prove to be the strength of the novel. Sci-Fi fans of all levels will enjoy this fun ride.
In Rebel Moon, by authors Bruce Bethke and Vox Day, the cost is a lunar rebellion. Based on a video game by Fenris Wolf, this surprisingly enjoyable Sci-Fi novel charts the course of an independence movement by lunar colonists in the year 2069.
The story focuses on the exploits of Dalton Starkiller, a moon resident and expert tech guy who finds himself defending his adopted world from military action by United Nations soldiers. Workers on the moon provide the majority of food and other necessities for Earth dwellers, but they get very little for themselves. The workforce consists of misfits, criminals and military castoffs, hardly the making of a cohesive army. But much like the rebels who fought for America’s independence from England in the Eighteenth Century, these oddballs make for a determined and formidable fighting force.
The novel also tells the stories of others involved in the conflict, both on the moon and on Earth. This leads to the major problem with the book. There are jarring changes in POV and the number of characters who appear can cause some confusion to the reader. The ending is also a bit rushed and it seems to be setting up a sequel. However, these factors did not keep me from enjoying the book. There are many terrific action scenes that keep the story moving, and there are thought-provoking developments that prove to be the strength of the novel. Sci-Fi fans of all levels will enjoy this fun ride.
January 6, 2014
I was real happy until I got to the end -or maybe it wasn't?
Rebel Moon is a fastpaced, fun sci-fi book. Set in 2069, the various colonies of the moon have revolted against the United Nations and declared their independence. The UN is not happy and responds by sending in peacekeepers to pacify things. A small, professional armed force augmented by volunteer militia fend off the UN and German forces (the world may be dominated by the UN but some individual countries still pursue their own agendas).
This is a non-techno space romp. There's enough science to please most sci-fi fans but it as kept simple as we are introduced to the fighting styles of the future through the eyes of a computer geek militia member. The politics of the day are murky enough to seem plausible.
I would have easily have rated this book a '4 stars' or, perhaps, even a '5 stars' if the ending had not been so terribly abrupt. Will there be a sequel? Did he just run out of time or space? Who knows, but it left a curious taste in my mouth.
Read all of my reviews at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
Rebel Moon is a fastpaced, fun sci-fi book. Set in 2069, the various colonies of the moon have revolted against the United Nations and declared their independence. The UN is not happy and responds by sending in peacekeepers to pacify things. A small, professional armed force augmented by volunteer militia fend off the UN and German forces (the world may be dominated by the UN but some individual countries still pursue their own agendas).
This is a non-techno space romp. There's enough science to please most sci-fi fans but it as kept simple as we are introduced to the fighting styles of the future through the eyes of a computer geek militia member. The politics of the day are murky enough to seem plausible.
I would have easily have rated this book a '4 stars' or, perhaps, even a '5 stars' if the ending had not been so terribly abrupt. Will there be a sequel? Did he just run out of time or space? Who knows, but it left a curious taste in my mouth.
Read all of my reviews at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/
August 24, 2012
Engaging story... Which unfortunately is left open ended.
Better than the "official" description makes it seem, Rebel Moon is actually about space colonies attempting to gain independence from the United Nations. It has more politics involved than the "One-government Earth" description lists, but the major flaw of the book is the lack of a sequel.
This book is very open ended with plot threads hanging at the end. The last chapter introduces a major twist starting a new arc... And the story ends. For a similar feel, try cutting out the last 3 chapters of another book and then calling it "finished".
It is a good book, but unfortunately a sequel seems highly unlikely at this point.
Better than the "official" description makes it seem, Rebel Moon is actually about space colonies attempting to gain independence from the United Nations. It has more politics involved than the "One-government Earth" description lists, but the major flaw of the book is the lack of a sequel.
This book is very open ended with plot threads hanging at the end. The last chapter introduces a major twist starting a new arc... And the story ends. For a similar feel, try cutting out the last 3 chapters of another book and then calling it "finished".
It is a good book, but unfortunately a sequel seems highly unlikely at this point.
September 1, 2013
I was all set to give it like 4 stars then I got to the incredibly stupid ending. Truthfully, the book started a little weak (at least the writing did) but quickly got good. The story moved well, I liked some of the characters. There seemed to be a couple call outs to Heinlein's 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress' (calling the state Selena/Adam Selene, General Consensus' true nature). I was enjoying, wondering how they'd pull off a successful rebellion, and then... the ending killed it. I turned the page, and ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME! No real resolution and all of a suddeen aliens. Sorry couldn't buy it. A 4 1/2 star nearly instantly went to a 2 1/2 star. Major let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2021
Rebel Moon has the rather typical and boring plot of many science-fiction military novels: rebellion, space, and advance technologies that don't exist outside the pages of fiction, oh and of course, (Spoilers) there are aliens. The rather predictable and drab plot is only offset by the realistic characters found within the story ranging from inspirational rebel leaders, corrupt Earth leaders, and soldiers on both sides. The book sadly fails in several ways to flesh out the story of the aliens; who they are, where they came from, and how contact was made with them. All and all, a disappointing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2012
I have read some bad reviews of this book but I really liked it. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending seemed a little rushed but all in all it was a very good read about a very possible near future. If you like Military Science Fiction or Space Opera you will like this book.
April 4, 2013
Not proud to admit I bought this... Even paying a dollar for it. With characters named "Dalton Starkiller", "General T.J. 'Ripper' Jackson" and "Captain Eileen 'Devil Bunny' Mahoney", it reads exactly like you would expect a book based on a video game from the early 90's would read.
April 23, 2018
This was an ok book, but is, as someone else said, incomplete; I would really like to read the next two books if they have been published.
June 27, 2011
Unfortunately, 15 years later the trilogy is still not complete.
If it were finished it might have real potential but in it's unfinished state it is a waste of paper.
If it were finished it might have real potential but in it's unfinished state it is a waste of paper.
July 29, 2012
A really good story with a very surprising ending.
September 11, 2013
I don't like how it ended. Otherwise it was good.
February 3, 2014
This book is awful. I made it to chapter four and quit reading because I couldn't keep up with the characters.
August 14, 2014
I thought this book was okay.It was worth the 65cents I paid for it.It took me longer to read then I thought it should have.
Read
January 5, 2016Not a bad book at all. I read this book a long time ago but recall being quite satisfied with this book. The one star reviewers seem a bit deranged as it is obvious they have not read this book.
June 16, 2016
Good book... great plot, good pace... but that ending... like a sequel was planned... I just can't seem to find one.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews