Star Lord

BattleTech Universe #28

by Donald G. Phillips

An ancient evil has slumbered for centuries, passing from generation to generation, until one day a man discovers the truth of his genetic heritage - and proclaims himself Star Lord of the Inner Sphere. Disguising his army of renegade mercenaries as Knights of the Inner Sphere, the self-appointed Star Lord launches a series of raids that threaten and terrorize the universe! But Thomas Marik, leader of the Free Worlds League, cannot afford to have his Knights tarnished - and two can play the game of impersonation. With the help of a trusted advisor, Thomas comes up with a plan to infiltrate the evil Star Lord's backwater legions.

Enter Duncan's Demons, a company of MechWarriors so improbable only desperation could have dreamed them up. Two soldiers seeking justice, a dishonored Clanswoman, a ne'er-do-well gambler and a real Knight of the Inner Sphere are entrusted with saving the Free Worlds League. But first they must learn how to get along...

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

Reviews

[Philip A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often hear BattleTech fans malign this book as one of the worst BattleTech novels ever written, so I was leery of ever reading it, but I'm glad that I finally did. I don't understand the hate leveled toward this book. The combat scenes in it—and there's a good many of them—are smartly written and compelling, and we get to see several different factions represented, in addition to a main antagonist who, although not a deeply developed character, is at least an interesting concept rooted in BattleTech history.

If I had to find any faults in this book, it would be that (1) the main antagonist was a little one-note, and (2) the final two big battles ended up being summarized rather than playing out "on camera," but given the strength of the combat scenes elsewhere in the book, this is only a personal gripe.

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this book.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent story. Story seems a bit contrived at times and convenience too seemingly impossible to occur but it does all the same. If you look past this it is still a decent story of misfits getting their revenge on some insane madman and his ill-conceived plans.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

BattleTech Book #28. Not my favorite, a descendant of Stefan Aramis arises, can various unaffiliated heroes bring him and his army down?

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure the author was really in touch with the other storylines of this series, so this book felt disjointed from the main themes. As a stand alone story, it isn’t terrible.

[Adam Annaratone · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Some action at the end suffers from being passed over quickly. That said Dawn of the Steel Vipers is an awesome character and deserves a book of her own.

[Brian Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set after the events in "Ideal War", the newly formed Knights of the Inner Sphere face a threat from an impostor using mechs with the same insignia launching raids on different planets.

The real Knights and a few others from units affected by the fighting join forces to track down the perpetrators, bringing to light a secret from the earliest days of the Star League.

A well paced novel, lots of good battle scenes and an interesting group of characters having to learn to work together.

[John Somers · Rating 2 out of 5]

6/20.