What do you think?
Rate this book
Orphan's Legacy #2
Undercurrents
Trade paperback original, and #2 in the science fiction adventure Orphan’s Legacy series, a saga of spy games and military action on an interplanetary scale. Ace intelligence operative Lt. Jazen Parker must take out a Nazi-like regime on a quarantined space habitat where he’s limited to a War War II technological level and his own smarts, grit and determination.
#2 in the hard-hitting military science fiction Orphan’s Legacy series. Ace intelligence operative Lt. Jazen Parker parachutes into Tressel, a planet which resembles Earth in its Paleozoic era, on a mission to bring down the local politicos. He quickly realizes he’s been handed a near-impossible task. Tressel is a politically-quarantined nightmare world with a culture confined to iron rivet technology and a ruling regime a bit to the right of Heinrich Himmler. Jazen’s inclined to abandon this particular hellhole to its ways--that is, until he uncovers a plot afoot that will throw a five hundred-planet alliance into the death-throes of anarchy.
So the local Nazis must go. Unfortunately, all Jazen’s got to work with is a handful of rust-bucket tanks, a retread rebellion, and two strong, beautiful women who love him, but think he’s tilting at windmills and is about to get himself killed. What they don’t know is, once committed, Jazen Parker is the best there is when it comes to getting the dirty job done on the ground. It’s the local bullies who are about to be taught a lesson in losing.
About Robert
“Buettner goes well beyond . . . military science fiction . . . he understands . . . living as a soldier — the boredom punctuated by terror, the constant anxiety and self-doubt, the random chaos that battle always is, and the emotional glue that holds together people who may have nothing in common except absolute responsibility for one another's lives.” —Joe Haldeman, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author
“[O]nce in a while . . . a contemporary author penetrates to the heart of Heinlein's vision . . . to replicate the master's effects. . . . [O]ne such book [is] Robert Buettner's Orphanage .” — The Washington Post
“Buettner shows the Heinlein touch.” — Denver Post
#2 in the hard-hitting military science fiction Orphan’s Legacy series. Ace intelligence operative Lt. Jazen Parker parachutes into Tressel, a planet which resembles Earth in its Paleozoic era, on a mission to bring down the local politicos. He quickly realizes he’s been handed a near-impossible task. Tressel is a politically-quarantined nightmare world with a culture confined to iron rivet technology and a ruling regime a bit to the right of Heinrich Himmler. Jazen’s inclined to abandon this particular hellhole to its ways--that is, until he uncovers a plot afoot that will throw a five hundred-planet alliance into the death-throes of anarchy.
So the local Nazis must go. Unfortunately, all Jazen’s got to work with is a handful of rust-bucket tanks, a retread rebellion, and two strong, beautiful women who love him, but think he’s tilting at windmills and is about to get himself killed. What they don’t know is, once committed, Jazen Parker is the best there is when it comes to getting the dirty job done on the ground. It’s the local bullies who are about to be taught a lesson in losing.
About Robert
“Buettner goes well beyond . . . military science fiction . . . he understands . . . living as a soldier — the boredom punctuated by terror, the constant anxiety and self-doubt, the random chaos that battle always is, and the emotional glue that holds together people who may have nothing in common except absolute responsibility for one another's lives.” —Joe Haldeman, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author
“[O]nce in a while . . . a contemporary author penetrates to the heart of Heinlein's vision . . . to replicate the master's effects. . . . [O]ne such book [is] Robert Buettner's Orphanage .” — The Washington Post
“Buettner shows the Heinlein touch.” — Denver Post
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Robert Buettner
35 books147 followersRobert Buettner’s best-selling debut novel, Orphanage, 2004 Quill Award nominee for Best SF/Fantasy/Horror novel, was called the Post-9/11 generation’s Starship Troopers and “one of the great works of modern military science fiction.” Orphanage has been adapted for film by Olatunde Osunsanmi (The Fourth Kind) for Davis Entertainment (Predator, I Robot, Eragon). Orphanage and other books in Robert’s Jason Wander series have been translated into Chinese, Czech, French, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. Robert was a 2005 Quill nominee for Best New Writer.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
In April, 2014 Baen Books released his eighth novel, Balance Point. A long-time Heinlein Society member, Robert wrote the Afterword for Baen’s recent re-issue of Heinlein’s Green Hills of Earth/Menace From Earth short story collection. His own first original short story, Sticks and Stones, appears in the 2012 anthology, Armored, edited by John Joseph Adams. Robert served as the author judge for the 2011 National Space Society Jim Baen Memorial short story writing contest.
Robert is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. As attorney of record in more than three thousand cases, he practiced in the U.S. federal courts, before courts and administrative tribunals in no fewer than thirteen states, and in five foreign countries. Six, if you count Louisiana.
He lives in Georgia with his family and more bicycles than a grownup needs.
Visit him on the web at www.RobertBuettner.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 12, 2011
Book 2 in the Orphan's Legacy series, UNDERCURRENTS opens two years after OVERKILL. A retired spy, Jazen Parker runs a bar. The Old Man more or less blackmails him back into the job he wants him on. An insertion team on the planet Tressel, sent in to find out about the unholy alliance between Tressel and Yaveda, has lost contact with them. Heading that two man team is Kit Born, Jazen's former partner and lover.
The mission goes bad right from the start. dropped from HALO, High Altitude, Low Orbit, his partner is killed, Jazen is almost killed, and half the equipment from the accompanying pod, including their own communications, is lost. The landing site is not n the ocean where their Iridian rebel contacts are to pick them up, but a swampy area miles inland whre Jazen is immediately attacked by a giant, clawed animal.
And then things really get bad.
A roller coaster novel of action as jazen tries to fulfill both his mission and the Old Man's, with absolutely no idea where to start, all the while pursued by a Yavet officer intent on killing him.
A fine series so far, it is preceded by the five volume Jason Wander series, The Orphan's Series, which I haven't read yet. It was easy to pick up what was going on though. I will have to get to those soon though.
The mission goes bad right from the start. dropped from HALO, High Altitude, Low Orbit, his partner is killed, Jazen is almost killed, and half the equipment from the accompanying pod, including their own communications, is lost. The landing site is not n the ocean where their Iridian rebel contacts are to pick them up, but a swampy area miles inland whre Jazen is immediately attacked by a giant, clawed animal.
And then things really get bad.
A roller coaster novel of action as jazen tries to fulfill both his mission and the Old Man's, with absolutely no idea where to start, all the while pursued by a Yavet officer intent on killing him.
A fine series so far, it is preceded by the five volume Jason Wander series, The Orphan's Series, which I haven't read yet. It was easy to pick up what was going on though. I will have to get to those soon though.
October 10, 2013
I did not like this book.
After having read the previous book (Overkill: N/A) and loved it, I had high hopes of more of the same. This book had nothing of the same.
This is not a military sci-fi. In fact, its barely even steam-punk (I'm coming to that). I was expecting a story set in the future with futuristic technology, because that's what I like about sci-fi. Instead, this book takes place on another planet where they haven't even invented electricity yet! What does that mean?! Apparently, the planet was populated some 600 years before, but for some reason they didn't bring along any technology. It seems they had to invent everything on their own. No cool weapons technology, no space flight, nothing thought provoking, only steam trains.
What's worse is that, apart from being a really boring story, there are so many far too obvious, improbable coincidences which rescue the hero from tough spots, that it's not fun reading it. It kills the credibility.
Robert Buettner has done much better in other books. Read them instead.
After having read the previous book (Overkill: N/A) and loved it, I had high hopes of more of the same. This book had nothing of the same.
This is not a military sci-fi. In fact, its barely even steam-punk (I'm coming to that). I was expecting a story set in the future with futuristic technology, because that's what I like about sci-fi. Instead, this book takes place on another planet where they haven't even invented electricity yet! What does that mean?! Apparently, the planet was populated some 600 years before, but for some reason they didn't bring along any technology. It seems they had to invent everything on their own. No cool weapons technology, no space flight, nothing thought provoking, only steam trains.
What's worse is that, apart from being a really boring story, there are so many far too obvious, improbable coincidences which rescue the hero from tough spots, that it's not fun reading it. It kills the credibility.
Robert Buettner has done much better in other books. Read them instead.
March 30, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book; I do not know if it was as good as the first book or the third book, but I still enjoyed reading it. It picks up about two years after the first book, and it is a bit slow in the beginning; actually, it is somewhat slow throughout the entire book. Fortunately, the chapters are short, so it does help move the book along. There still is 'plenty' of humor in the book, too, which also helps with the story and the pacing (for the most part). The character development was so-so; I thought he did a better job with the character development in the first book than in this one. I also missed the grezzen from the first novel; I found myself wishing he had been in this book, too. I think it would have helped, in some respects. Also, I thought some of the minor characters turned out to be better developed than the two primary characters from the first novel. He still has the dual-P.O.V.'s - the "first person" with Jazen and the third person in regards to everybody else in the novel.
The environment and ecosystem of this planet was not as 'exciting' as the first book, but it was still well-done, overall. It fit in with the flow of the story, to be honest, so it worked.
Overall, despite it feeling like it was 'slower' than the first book, it was still a fast read for me. I am glad I took the time to read it, and I will be starting the third book shortly, as enough time has passed that I vaguely remember the third book, but not enough to ruin it if I read it again 'so soon.' I would rank this book 3.1 - 3.3 stars, rounded down to a solid three stars.
The environment and ecosystem of this planet was not as 'exciting' as the first book, but it was still well-done, overall. It fit in with the flow of the story, to be honest, so it worked.
Overall, despite it feeling like it was 'slower' than the first book, it was still a fast read for me. I am glad I took the time to read it, and I will be starting the third book shortly, as enough time has passed that I vaguely remember the third book, but not enough to ruin it if I read it again 'so soon.' I would rank this book 3.1 - 3.3 stars, rounded down to a solid three stars.
May 13, 2023
While I thoroughly enjoyed "Overkill" which is the first of this series-- this one bordered on mediocrity-- sort of like eating unflavored yogurt.
It is cool Science Fiction/Futuristic espionage. There is are competing cultures. There is one really cool scene that sounded Scientifically absurd- but was thrilling enough to hold my attention. But all the things I loved about "overkill" are missing in this one.
We have some of the same characters and motives. Some of the same weapons (almost ad nauseum) and some decent enough action, along with a clever enough plot. However, where Overkill seemed well thought out and fully developed- Undercurrent seemed like a rush job... VERY short chapters-- a lot of switching back and forth between following the bad guys and following the hero-- in fact, so much that it is almost as if those short scenes were placed so the author would hit the correct word count necessary.
I'll be picking up the third in the trilogy, but after this middle volumn, I just don't have Great Expectations.
It is cool Science Fiction/Futuristic espionage. There is are competing cultures. There is one really cool scene that sounded Scientifically absurd- but was thrilling enough to hold my attention. But all the things I loved about "overkill" are missing in this one.
We have some of the same characters and motives. Some of the same weapons (almost ad nauseum) and some decent enough action, along with a clever enough plot. However, where Overkill seemed well thought out and fully developed- Undercurrent seemed like a rush job... VERY short chapters-- a lot of switching back and forth between following the bad guys and following the hero-- in fact, so much that it is almost as if those short scenes were placed so the author would hit the correct word count necessary.
I'll be picking up the third in the trilogy, but after this middle volumn, I just don't have Great Expectations.
January 25, 2023
I enjoyed the read. Kept me engaged and I plwed through in 2 days. Fun characters. But it may just be unclear to me because I didn't read the series but is the Dutchess his sister? That part was unclear. Loved the German mixed in on occasion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
Robert Buettner's UNDERCURRENTS is a fast-moving sci-fi spy (say that fast three times) adventure set in the way distant future.
Lt Jazen Parker is called back to his past life as a behind-the-lines operative for the Earth military. He is sent to a planet where technology is only slightly better than the 1920's on earth, in order to find his old partner slash love interest Colonel Kit Born. And it's a good thing for Colonel Born, because she has been captured by the ruling population on the planet and they have every intent of torturing her until she does.
Parker is inserted along with a new partner (Earth operatives always work in pairs) but the newbie gets killed on the way in, and Parker is badly injured on the landing. He soldiers on, makes some unlikely allies, meets a princess, and almost gets killed (seemingly on every third page). The story marches towards an exciting but unexpected climax.
Some of the chapters are maddeningly short (two paragraphs) but overall the story moves quickly, has plenty of action, and is fairly easy to follow. The style switches between third person and first person, which is confusing at first until you figure out the pattern. There's a bit of gore and profanity, but nothing more than PG-13, so don't worry if your teenager wants to read it.
Fans of Heinlein or Asimov may find this lacking or a bit shallow, but if you like military science fiction this won't be a waste of your time.
Lt Jazen Parker is called back to his past life as a behind-the-lines operative for the Earth military. He is sent to a planet where technology is only slightly better than the 1920's on earth, in order to find his old partner slash love interest Colonel Kit Born. And it's a good thing for Colonel Born, because she has been captured by the ruling population on the planet and they have every intent of torturing her until she does.
Parker is inserted along with a new partner (Earth operatives always work in pairs) but the newbie gets killed on the way in, and Parker is badly injured on the landing. He soldiers on, makes some unlikely allies, meets a princess, and almost gets killed (seemingly on every third page). The story marches towards an exciting but unexpected climax.
Some of the chapters are maddeningly short (two paragraphs) but overall the story moves quickly, has plenty of action, and is fairly easy to follow. The style switches between third person and first person, which is confusing at first until you figure out the pattern. There's a bit of gore and profanity, but nothing more than PG-13, so don't worry if your teenager wants to read it.
Fans of Heinlein or Asimov may find this lacking or a bit shallow, but if you like military science fiction this won't be a waste of your time.
May 28, 2014
This story continues the Orphan’s Legacy books, and is the second in the series. Buettner continues writing some great science fiction adventure. This story involves much more military style action versus the previous story.
There are many excellent action sequences, a lot of them being combat between various factions of people. In addition, there is an exhilarating space jump which makes the read worth it. At one point of the book, it hearkens back to Orphan’s Alliance, involving a group of people fighting for survival. Buettner is great in setting up great stories in the midst of excellent action, involving people you end up caring about.
For fans of the Grezzen, he is not in this story, but returns in the next book.
Overall, a very entertaining read. Lots of great action, and a good story.
There are many excellent action sequences, a lot of them being combat between various factions of people. In addition, there is an exhilarating space jump which makes the read worth it. At one point of the book, it hearkens back to Orphan’s Alliance, involving a group of people fighting for survival. Buettner is great in setting up great stories in the midst of excellent action, involving people you end up caring about.
For fans of the Grezzen, he is not in this story, but returns in the next book.
Overall, a very entertaining read. Lots of great action, and a good story.
August 11, 2011
i love this guys books! i swear every time i read another one i just remember how awesome he is! buettner truly captures the military science fiction genre by the balls and runs with it. he has created a wonderful world that is incredibly interesting to submerge yourself into as the story winds it way to a conclusion. then, at the end he reminds you that this book was only a battle in the war and that you get to come back and read the next one. i can't wait!
February 4, 2012
Better than the previous book in the series, this book expands greatly on the metaplot that Buettner seems to be writing towards - a conflict between two drastically different human societies, but also manages to make the immediate story interesting. The characters remain likable, fallible, human and the action keeps the pages turning.
September 9, 2014
Another solid outing for Jazen, one that takes us back to where his father fought many years ago.
This is good military space opera, solid characters with humour sprinkled around. I do enjoy reading Buettner, he has an ear for describing the soldier's life, and how hard it is to walk away from fallen comrades.
This is good military space opera, solid characters with humour sprinkled around. I do enjoy reading Buettner, he has an ear for describing the soldier's life, and how hard it is to walk away from fallen comrades.
July 12, 2011
One of my favorite authors hits it out of the park again.
July 10, 2012
Loved the book and finsihed it in record time. A nice bit of writing and thoproughly enjoyed.
August 1, 2013
Good milt. sci-fi; would have preferred if they'd stayed in the armor throughout.
March 6, 2014
Geopolitics, Cold War II, spies,and insurrection create a fast-paced story in the second installment of the Orphans Legacy.
August 5, 2016
Not bad. Decent story and characters.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews