Path of Glory

BattleTech Universe #54

by Randall N. Bills

NEW ALLIES. OLDER ENEMIES. For MechWarrior Zane, allegiance to the Nova Cat Clan comes above all else. So when he sees his clan disgraced, cast out, and suddenly allied with the hated Inner Sphere, Zane's only desire is to see the Nova Cats returned to their former greatness. For Palmer Yoshio, the Draconis Combine is the only honorable thing in a chaotic galaxy. But when he is forced to train alongside the outcast Nova Cats, he finds that his own notion of honor is a far cry from his leader's. Now, for Zane and Yoshio, the line between friend and foe will be drawn in the blood of their fallen comrades -- and neither warrior will be able to look at their universe in the same way again....

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Ebooks

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rocky Sunico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clan-centric books are a little tricky, since it often feels like you're being ask to root for the "bad guys" in terms of the larger Clan vs Inner Sphere concept. But they're also a great opportunity for showing the other side and giving a better perspective of what drives these genetically enhanced warriors in their martial ways.

This book doesn't make it easier to appreciate our POV protagonist of sorts since we are focused on a Nova Cat Mechwarrior who has rejected the decision of his clan to ally with the Inner Sphere. This makes him a rather prickly individual who is prone to challenge upon challenge in a Circle of Equals as he tries to work through his issues. However, it was a very clever idea to situate this character as a Nova Cat as it lets us get a glimpse into the more mystical nature of this clan versus the vast majority of books that have focused on the likes of Clan Wolf or Jade Falcon. How our protagonist eventually resolves his inner dilemma with the direction of his clan versus the vision he receives mid-way through the book is quite the character arc and was resolved pretty well.

However a lot of the book does feel a little fluffy as we tiptoe around the greater plans of the Black Dragon society without a full appreciation for what they are actually doing. The occasional interludes that reveal some of their meetings and planning sessions of a sort have little substance and in the end don't feel all that essential or even fulfilling as part of this story.

Mech combat was also a little harder to appreciate in this book as combat was mostly limited to training exercises and to be biased, it's hard to root for a guy piloting a Jenner. But things sort of made sense in the end, even if the big confrontation wasn't all that eloquently described/depicted.

[Enrique · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a fan of BattleTech and am in the process of reading as many of the published books as possible. This story attempted to be character driven, but fell short with a Zane as the main character. He is an unlikeable character and the Nova Cat mystic visions strikes a contrived tone in a science fiction universe saturated with high tech. This is a forgettable book. I added a second star for the fighting scenes near the end of the book.

[w nathaniel ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Good book I enjoyed it. My first battletech book. Loved the characters.I enjoy bills writing style I will read more of his books

[Kavinay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Is Zane quite possibly the most pathetic protagonist in all of Battletech?

[AudreySpo]

This is a fantastic adventure story, beginning with a discussion of the protagonist and his bravery as a child. His undying love--as demonstrated through his daily letters to his wife – –for his wife is both a great source of information for the Author, as well as a great source of inspiration for the reader, it reminds us that every kind of relationship is tested, but that it is sincere dedication to a relationship that keeps it intact.

For people who love this book I would recommend starry nights the story of Robert Louis Stevenson and his beloved wife and their journeys all around the world has he fought a lifelong battle with respiratory illness.

[Brian Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Nova Cats clan sided with the Inner Sphere, they find themselves outcast and given a place in the Combine.
The story follows one particular warrior coming to grips with what he sees as his clans betrayal of their beliefs.
Also, there are factions within the Combine who feel allowing the clans into their space goes against what they see as their right.

It's very much a character driven story, although it does have good battle scenes as well.