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Merkiaari Wars #5
Incursion
The war games are on, but the real battle has just begun…
The entire Alliance is ready for the war games. The spectacular show of innovation and strength may change the way war is waged, but on far-flung worlds, devastating incursions have already begun. The Merkiaari are back, but news can only travel as fast as a foldspace drone.
Captain Eric Penleigh of the 501st Infantry Regiment looks forward to an easy assignment. All he needs to do is evaluate the best cutting-edge tech the Alliance has to offer and make nice with new alien allies. But when preparation for the games turns into a deadly war, nobody will be ready for what comes next…
Incursion is the long-awaited fifth book in the Merkiaari Wars series. If you like breathtaking space battles and heart-pounding military sci-fi, then you’ll love Mark E. Cooper’s latest entry in the beloved space opera saga.
The entire Alliance is ready for the war games. The spectacular show of innovation and strength may change the way war is waged, but on far-flung worlds, devastating incursions have already begun. The Merkiaari are back, but news can only travel as fast as a foldspace drone.
Captain Eric Penleigh of the 501st Infantry Regiment looks forward to an easy assignment. All he needs to do is evaluate the best cutting-edge tech the Alliance has to offer and make nice with new alien allies. But when preparation for the games turns into a deadly war, nobody will be ready for what comes next…
Incursion is the long-awaited fifth book in the Merkiaari Wars series. If you like breathtaking space battles and heart-pounding military sci-fi, then you’ll love Mark E. Cooper’s latest entry in the beloved space opera saga.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2016
84 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Mark E. Cooper
26 books244 followersIncursion: Merkiaari Wars 5 is out now (11/11/2016) http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/incursion/
Mark E. Cooper lives alone in a small town in the south of England, where he writes most mornings and evenings. His background is in mechanical engineering where he spent over thirty years working for Ford. He loves reading about strong female characters and can often be found laughing to himself as he listens to a book on his iPod.
His hobbies include driving his cobra--a V12 monster he built with his best friend--reading fantasy and sci-fi, and maintaining his blog at http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/markcoo...
He is now the author of more than eight titles in the genres he loves to read.
Mark E. Cooper lives alone in a small town in the south of England, where he writes most mornings and evenings. His background is in mechanical engineering where he spent over thirty years working for Ford. He loves reading about strong female characters and can often be found laughing to himself as he listens to a book on his iPod.
His hobbies include driving his cobra--a V12 monster he built with his best friend--reading fantasy and sci-fi, and maintaining his blog at http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/markcoo...
He is now the author of more than eight titles in the genres he loves to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 1, 2017
It was just ehh. Sort of a prelude to a full book.
December 18, 2016
I liked the storyline, but there were a bit too many threads. This seems to be the current trend amongst authors - preparing for the next book(s). I don't think authors know how to end a book these days.
The editor seemed to fall asleep in the second half of the book. Quite a few errors, for instance, if you want to use the chemical formulae for oxygen and carbon dioxide, you use a subscript and not a superscript to signify the number of atoms. The superscript means something completely different.
The editor seemed to fall asleep in the second half of the book. Quite a few errors, for instance, if you want to use the chemical formulae for oxygen and carbon dioxide, you use a subscript and not a superscript to signify the number of atoms. The superscript means something completely different.
October 16, 2018
I’m kind of hoping this is the end: moved too far into fantasy for my taste.
August 11, 2017
The story unfolds.
Im enjoying the twists and turns. The characters ate coming along nicely. I do think tho that the
next few books will be enough for me.
Im enjoying the twists and turns. The characters ate coming along nicely. I do think tho that the
next few books will be enough for me.
March 22, 2017
I got through this book pretty quick. I didn't want to stop listening! I waited so long for this book. Hoping the next one comes soon! The story gets better with each book and the relationships between some of my favorite characters grow. This book has a bitter sweet end. Mikael Naramore does an excellent job with each and every character which is very difficult with so many in this book. Looking forward to the next book!
December 29, 2016
A good book but a build to the next one. Very much a wait for the next book.
February 28, 2017
NOOOOO I finished, man I am so into this series. Great story multiple viewpoints I love the Vipers. and the Shan. The writing grabs you and wont let go all I can say is more please.
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars
While the story was very entertaining, engaging and interesting this is the first book in the series I have listened to and I think the fact that I have not listened to the previous installments had an impact of my overall enjoyment of the story.
For the first half of the book the connection to the characters was not there for me. I felt like I was just dropped into the middle of the story. (Which I was at my request). Many times you can listen to a series and it doesn't matter if you have listened to the previous books. That is not the case here. I would definitely recommend listening to the series in order. By the end of the book I was ready to start the next in the series to find out what happens next. The teaser at the end pulls you right in.
The story starts out with at a fast pace then slows down and very slowly builds back up again. Along with action, suspense, intrigue, aliens, battles, friendship and loyalty this book focuses a lot on relationships, strategy, and what is happening behind the scenes in the worlds of the allies. The consequences and effects the war has the survivors, soldiers and allies as they fight the Merkiaari. The way it changes them and what they have to do to survive another day.
When the story was going over the happenings on the Shan home world their features, their actions, the mention of Pandora, the Harmonies and the mention of avatars I kept picturing the characters from the movie Avatar. I found the parts dealing with the Shan home world to be very slow moving and uninteresting.
Mark E. Cooper is a new author to me. His other series Rune Gate Cycle and Shifter Legacies look like they would be really interesting listens.
Mikael Naramore did a really good job with the narration. Nice voice. Easy to listen to for long periods of time. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Really good character voices. Even his female character voices are good. Great tone and inflection for the characters. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
While the story was very entertaining, engaging and interesting this is the first book in the series I have listened to and I think the fact that I have not listened to the previous installments had an impact of my overall enjoyment of the story.
For the first half of the book the connection to the characters was not there for me. I felt like I was just dropped into the middle of the story. (Which I was at my request). Many times you can listen to a series and it doesn't matter if you have listened to the previous books. That is not the case here. I would definitely recommend listening to the series in order. By the end of the book I was ready to start the next in the series to find out what happens next. The teaser at the end pulls you right in.
The story starts out with at a fast pace then slows down and very slowly builds back up again. Along with action, suspense, intrigue, aliens, battles, friendship and loyalty this book focuses a lot on relationships, strategy, and what is happening behind the scenes in the worlds of the allies. The consequences and effects the war has the survivors, soldiers and allies as they fight the Merkiaari. The way it changes them and what they have to do to survive another day.
When the story was going over the happenings on the Shan home world their features, their actions, the mention of Pandora, the Harmonies and the mention of avatars I kept picturing the characters from the movie Avatar. I found the parts dealing with the Shan home world to be very slow moving and uninteresting.
Mark E. Cooper is a new author to me. His other series Rune Gate Cycle and Shifter Legacies look like they would be really interesting listens.
Mikael Naramore did a really good job with the narration. Nice voice. Easy to listen to for long periods of time. Clearly spoken. Nice even pace. Really good character voices. Even his female character voices are good. Great tone and inflection for the characters. He was able to bring the characters and story to life. Very enjoyable.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
September 17, 2017
Bit of a difference of opinion for this one across the board but for me I think it was still a great book
See the reviews are complaining about the content, yes the book goes deeper into the politics and the emotional backgrounds and thoughts of the main characters as well as some new ones, however if you are going to create a worthwhile universe then you also have to have the background. The pace of the book is slower but I feel that it's more of a bridge between the start of a story and a move to a new chapter of the war. I enjoyed this level of detail and humanistion of the war amd what happens in the background after all it worked for the Honor Harrington universe and given time and hopefully lots more books then I feel that it's on the same road. Found the talents of Michael Naramore very appropriate to this type of book and shall also be looking at more of his work.
In summary some people may not find this as enjoyable especially if it's just the battles you like but I think most will definitely stick with the slower pace and enjoy it just as much.
See the reviews are complaining about the content, yes the book goes deeper into the politics and the emotional backgrounds and thoughts of the main characters as well as some new ones, however if you are going to create a worthwhile universe then you also have to have the background. The pace of the book is slower but I feel that it's more of a bridge between the start of a story and a move to a new chapter of the war. I enjoyed this level of detail and humanistion of the war amd what happens in the background after all it worked for the Honor Harrington universe and given time and hopefully lots more books then I feel that it's on the same road. Found the talents of Michael Naramore very appropriate to this type of book and shall also be looking at more of his work.
In summary some people may not find this as enjoyable especially if it's just the battles you like but I think most will definitely stick with the slower pace and enjoy it just as much.
June 26, 2017
The plot thickens with every book. New characterswere introduced and AI Sebastian plans to make merki home world to their version of Kushiel. Alliance is preparing for war and Valjoth's attack to the industrial world Pandora, which is featuring the war games is unexpected blow. Even the viper battalion who represents the 501st regiment in war games are not prepared for it. We have the chance to meet Zelda, celebrity,sensim movie star who was mentioned in previous books and it turned out that she took her character and make it herself and lives up to it. Not your typical movie star but a real heroin with great humor and leadership. One of the best book series i ever read. Impatiently waiting till next book is out.
July 30, 2019
Please sir, I want some more...
This is the 5th book and currently the last book in the series but it's obvious there's more coming, because cliffhangers... I hope the wait is short.
The alliance is in potentially big trouble. The Merkiaari are changing their fighting style because of their interactions with humans. They've learned and are now more dangerous than ever.
There are so many subplots woven through these books that I marvel at Mark Cooper's ability to get the story out to us, I really do hope he won't keep us in suspense for too much longer.
This is the 5th book and currently the last book in the series but it's obvious there's more coming, because cliffhangers... I hope the wait is short.
The alliance is in potentially big trouble. The Merkiaari are changing their fighting style because of their interactions with humans. They've learned and are now more dangerous than ever.
There are so many subplots woven through these books that I marvel at Mark Cooper's ability to get the story out to us, I really do hope he won't keep us in suspense for too much longer.
June 6, 2017
Best book of series?
This book clearly set the stage for more in this series. Incursion shows that the author is improving his writing skills with benefits to us the reader.
The right ratio of heroes to villains dying keeps you on edge during battles.
Losses do cause emotion in the reader and the horror of war is accurately depicted. No one comes away from this series thinking fighting is super cool. But yes the characters are super cool.
This book clearly set the stage for more in this series. Incursion shows that the author is improving his writing skills with benefits to us the reader.
The right ratio of heroes to villains dying keeps you on edge during battles.
Losses do cause emotion in the reader and the horror of war is accurately depicted. No one comes away from this series thinking fighting is super cool. But yes the characters are super cool.
March 5, 2024
Another good book in the series
The Merkiaari Wars series has a complex cast of characters-human as well as many other sentient non-humans. Great action and twisting plot. I give a definite recommendation!
The Merkiaari Wars series has a complex cast of characters-human as well as many other sentient non-humans. Great action and twisting plot. I give a definite recommendation!
January 16, 2017
Very good read
This series really appeals to me and can't wait for book six...
If you've read the series this far, don't stop now☺
This series really appeals to me and can't wait for book six...
If you've read the series this far, don't stop now☺
May 8, 2017
Ok
Not as good as the first four in front of this book but will serve as a bridge for the next three keep up the good work thanks
Not as good as the first four in front of this book but will serve as a bridge for the next three keep up the good work thanks
August 7, 2017
CLIFFHANGER
Don't start this book until book 6 is out. You won't want to stop. Amazing continuation of a fantastic story line.
Don't start this book until book 6 is out. You won't want to stop. Amazing continuation of a fantastic story line.
October 10, 2021
Merkiaari Wars
Outstanding series well written. The story line continued without leaving you wondering what happened to the other characters. Great Novel
Outstanding series well written. The story line continued without leaving you wondering what happened to the other characters. Great Novel
March 24, 2017
A continuation of the series, and still pretty good. I leaves us waiting for the next installment.
March 25, 2017
Slow paced, lots of cliff hangers. Felt like the prologue of a book.
March 22, 2017
Loved it, one of the strongest in the series. Eagerly awaiting the next. Just wanted to say chapter 24 was amazingly written. Still in awe about the ending, say it ain't so!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2017
Wow!
This series has been a really great read! Nonstop action and wonderful character development gets ahold of you and does not let up! Plus the 'trailer' at the end for book 6 now has me anxiously awaiting said book!
This series has been a really great read! Nonstop action and wonderful character development gets ahold of you and does not let up! Plus the 'trailer' at the end for book 6 now has me anxiously awaiting said book!
March 18, 2017
I found this book was a lot of trying to make sure that the series lasted a little bit longer.
March 8, 2017
This is a brilliant series, and this is an interesting addition. It is a bit slower than the other volumes, but this book is based around the characters, and giving us some detailed information about our main characters and the war.
As usual for one of the Merkiaari series, it is broken into several different sections. Without giving too much away, I want to briefly touch on what was in this book, and how it was a great read.
In part 4 the Merki had returned to the galaxy, attacking an unknown quadrant so they could strike and move on before reinforcements arrived. The first part of the book covers the story of this strike on the planet Farragut. We meet multiple new characters here, and Cooper takes us on the more gruesome side of some of the ground war. However, rather than engage with the actual fighting, we get to see the strategic side, as well as the aftermath, and it is fascinating to engage with these elements, the characters, and see the impact that fighting the Merki has on the general public and those behind the scenes. Cooper has done some detailed research to give a vivid, compelling and absorbing tale of the King of Farragut, his Royal Guard (seen through the eyes of a specific Guardsman Major Eleanor Hutton) and how they respond to a strike of this magnitude.
Continuing with the development of Characters, we get to engage with Sebastian and his new home on Snakeholme. This is a fascinating read, seeing how Cooper has imagined the AI and it's interaction with both Humans and the Vipers. As well as Sebastian, Cooper has also returned to Davey, the refugee boy who was taken by the Merkiaari as a slave/pet. Again, this is another interesting engagement in which we learn of what has happened to Davey, and about why Merkiaari take slaves on occasion.
Cooper looks at a multitude of psychology here, from the points of view of the AI Sebastian, to Davey, the Vipers, to those on Farragut, kind of comparing them, giving us an interesting opportunity to look at all the different aspects of a human psyche in a time of war.
We also continue with the Shan storyline, one of my more favourite in this series, following their endeavours in the Harmonies.
Another fun thing that finally happened (sorry, minor spoiler), was that we finally got to meet Zelda and her crew, which was like a female version of the Firefly Captain, only in ‘real life’ for this story, and they were really cool.
This continues to be an awesome series, with some exceptional Character writing. Although there was not as much fighting in this one as others (although there was some significant battles), this book sets the characters and the scene for the next book. Things are definitely leading to a point of no return given this storyline and this is a must read for any fan.
As usual for one of the Merkiaari series, it is broken into several different sections. Without giving too much away, I want to briefly touch on what was in this book, and how it was a great read.
In part 4 the Merki had returned to the galaxy, attacking an unknown quadrant so they could strike and move on before reinforcements arrived. The first part of the book covers the story of this strike on the planet Farragut. We meet multiple new characters here, and Cooper takes us on the more gruesome side of some of the ground war. However, rather than engage with the actual fighting, we get to see the strategic side, as well as the aftermath, and it is fascinating to engage with these elements, the characters, and see the impact that fighting the Merki has on the general public and those behind the scenes. Cooper has done some detailed research to give a vivid, compelling and absorbing tale of the King of Farragut, his Royal Guard (seen through the eyes of a specific Guardsman Major Eleanor Hutton) and how they respond to a strike of this magnitude.
Continuing with the development of Characters, we get to engage with Sebastian and his new home on Snakeholme. This is a fascinating read, seeing how Cooper has imagined the AI and it's interaction with both Humans and the Vipers. As well as Sebastian, Cooper has also returned to Davey, the refugee boy who was taken by the Merkiaari as a slave/pet. Again, this is another interesting engagement in which we learn of what has happened to Davey, and about why Merkiaari take slaves on occasion.
Cooper looks at a multitude of psychology here, from the points of view of the AI Sebastian, to Davey, the Vipers, to those on Farragut, kind of comparing them, giving us an interesting opportunity to look at all the different aspects of a human psyche in a time of war.
We also continue with the Shan storyline, one of my more favourite in this series, following their endeavours in the Harmonies.
Another fun thing that finally happened (sorry, minor spoiler), was that we finally got to meet Zelda and her crew, which was like a female version of the Firefly Captain, only in ‘real life’ for this story, and they were really cool.
This continues to be an awesome series, with some exceptional Character writing. Although there was not as much fighting in this one as others (although there was some significant battles), this book sets the characters and the scene for the next book. Things are definitely leading to a point of no return given this storyline and this is a must read for any fan.
December 1, 2016
Fans of Hamilton, Banks and other space opera will enjoy this series
I was thrilled to hear Mark E. Cooper was just about to release his latest Merkiaari Wars book. I'm big into space opera and this series is throughly enjoyable, the plot is fast paced and reminiscent of Peter F. Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga. There's a ton of action, fascinating alien species, a developing human race, all based in an interesting universe with real depth.
Incursion is the fifth book in the series and it's been three years since the previous book was launched so I'm sure fans are chomping at the bit for more Merki Wars.
My single biggest criticism of the book is that it felt a bit short. That said, Amazon says it's 428 pages so it could just be that I was so enthusiastic I raced through it, which is hardly a fair criticism. I'll be honest, I actually re-read the entire series 1-4 over the weekend before starting this, that's how much I enjoyed Cooper's creation. Apart from the length, there are a couple of minor plot niggles in this book where I wondered if the characters could have chosen differently and I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars on this review*.
All in all, it's great to see the Merki War series getting an update and I'm really looking forward to the next book, particularly after seeing a sneak peek at the end of this one.
If you're reading this review and have ready the previous books, what are you waiting for? Dive in!
If you're reading this book and considering giving the series a go, grab the free Kindle sample of Merkiaari Wars: Books 1-3 (Merkiaari Wars Collections) and see if it's your thing. Don't bother with the standalone book one as you'll probably want to continue straight into book two :)
* If anyone is wondering about my inconsistency on that, I gave it 5 stars on the Amazon version of this review, but on GoodReads, 5 stars has a slightly different meaning ("I really liked it" vs "It was amazing").
I was thrilled to hear Mark E. Cooper was just about to release his latest Merkiaari Wars book. I'm big into space opera and this series is throughly enjoyable, the plot is fast paced and reminiscent of Peter F. Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga. There's a ton of action, fascinating alien species, a developing human race, all based in an interesting universe with real depth.
Incursion is the fifth book in the series and it's been three years since the previous book was launched so I'm sure fans are chomping at the bit for more Merki Wars.
My single biggest criticism of the book is that it felt a bit short. That said, Amazon says it's 428 pages so it could just be that I was so enthusiastic I raced through it, which is hardly a fair criticism. I'll be honest, I actually re-read the entire series 1-4 over the weekend before starting this, that's how much I enjoyed Cooper's creation. Apart from the length, there are a couple of minor plot niggles in this book where I wondered if the characters could have chosen differently and I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars on this review*.
All in all, it's great to see the Merki War series getting an update and I'm really looking forward to the next book, particularly after seeing a sneak peek at the end of this one.
If you're reading this review and have ready the previous books, what are you waiting for? Dive in!
If you're reading this book and considering giving the series a go, grab the free Kindle sample of Merkiaari Wars: Books 1-3 (Merkiaari Wars Collections) and see if it's your thing. Don't bother with the standalone book one as you'll probably want to continue straight into book two :)
* If anyone is wondering about my inconsistency on that, I gave it 5 stars on the Amazon version of this review, but on GoodReads, 5 stars has a slightly different meaning ("I really liked it" vs "It was amazing").
December 1, 2016
As part of a series, you need to have read the previous books to really understand the conflicts presented within the book. I read books 1-3, but haven't read 4 yet. I was able to infer what happened in book 4 based upon references in this book. All that did was make me want to read book 4 so I understand 5 better.
As far as Incursion on its own, it is well written. I was pulled into the book almost from the first page. I couldn't stop reading until I finished. I found myself wishing I could talk to the characters to give them clues about what they missed. If things go as planned, humanity is doomed. How many of those characters that we have spent so many pages with will survive in book 6? My feelings and thoughts felt like they were in a pinball machine with how the story kept jumping from one location to another. I can't wait for book 6.
As far as Incursion on its own, it is well written. I was pulled into the book almost from the first page. I couldn't stop reading until I finished. I found myself wishing I could talk to the characters to give them clues about what they missed. If things go as planned, humanity is doomed. How many of those characters that we have spent so many pages with will survive in book 6? My feelings and thoughts felt like they were in a pinball machine with how the story kept jumping from one location to another. I can't wait for book 6.
July 6, 2022
sigh*
I love the Merki universe, i really do. Ive read the first books so mnay times.
Ive eagerly awaited this book and loved it.
But why the 3 stars?
Well unfortunately it feels like half a story, a filler book to set up the next book. Really bummed be as this seems to be a writing trend with writers at the moment. I really hope the wait isnt as long for the next book.
So is it a good read? YES.
Will it quench your thirst? Not really. But hey some merkiaari wars is better than no merkiaari wars.
edit. Ive changed it to 4 stars. I love the stories, just bummed it wasnt longer. Still highly recommend.
I love the Merki universe, i really do. Ive read the first books so mnay times.
Ive eagerly awaited this book and loved it.
But why the 3 stars?
Well unfortunately it feels like half a story, a filler book to set up the next book. Really bummed be as this seems to be a writing trend with writers at the moment. I really hope the wait isnt as long for the next book.
So is it a good read? YES.
Will it quench your thirst? Not really. But hey some merkiaari wars is better than no merkiaari wars.
edit. Ive changed it to 4 stars. I love the stories, just bummed it wasnt longer. Still highly recommend.
February 7, 2017
The story starts at a run with the promised incursion, but then slows to a long slow walk through the Shan home world. It then picks up speed again for the rest of the book., thankfully. From here, the story builds to a promising end, but falls a little short by not utilizing the skills and creativity of the viper soldiers. I believe they would've resorted to gorilla tactics and armed themselves. The preview of the next book on the audio should have been the end of this novel. So, I will name this book 'book 5a' and eagerly wait for the rest of the story.
You are the author of this review
You are the author of this review
June 9, 2014
oops I haven't read 5 as it's not out yet lol....
January 1, 2017
A good tale as ever from Mark. The only down side is that it's very hard to have to wait for the next book.
January 6, 2017
Finnally! Please hurry with book six
waiting for this was horrible but worth it. I hope the 6th comes sooner. I had to read the series again to be in the know on things.
waiting for this was horrible but worth it. I hope the 6th comes sooner. I had to read the series again to be in the know on things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews