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Matador #3
The Machiavelli Interface
The Matadors versus Marcus Jefferson Wall, the personification of evil ...
A Matador Novel.
A Matador Novel.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1986
34 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Steve Perry
313 books361 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Steven Carl Perry has written over fifty novels and numerous short stories, which have appeared in various magazines and anthologies. Perry is perhaps best known for the Matador series. He has written books in the Star Wars, Alien and Conan universes. He was a collaborator on all of the Tom Clancy's Net Force series, seven of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Two of his novelizations, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Men in Black have also been bestsellers. Other writing credits include articles, reviews, and essays, animated teleplays, and some unproduced movie scripts. One of his scripts for Batman: The Animated Series was an Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing.
Perry is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, The Animation Guild, and the Writers Guild of America, West
Steven Carl Perry has written over fifty novels and numerous short stories, which have appeared in various magazines and anthologies. Perry is perhaps best known for the Matador series. He has written books in the Star Wars, Alien and Conan universes. He was a collaborator on all of the Tom Clancy's Net Force series, seven of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. Two of his novelizations, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Men in Black have also been bestsellers. Other writing credits include articles, reviews, and essays, animated teleplays, and some unproduced movie scripts. One of his scripts for Batman: The Animated Series was an Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Writing.
Perry is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, The Animation Guild, and the Writers Guild of America, West
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 21, 2010
4.5 stars. Very satisfying ending to an excellent, and under-rated, science fiction trilogy. All three of the Matador books making up this trilogy (The Man Who Never Missed, Matadora and this book) are well written, fast paced books that are seem to pack a lot of story into their 200 pages.
In this finale of the first trilogy, the war against the corrupt Confederation that has been brewing for the first two novels finally begins and the action never stops. Highly recommended for fans of action-packed science fiction.
In this finale of the first trilogy, the war against the corrupt Confederation that has been brewing for the first two novels finally begins and the action never stops. Highly recommended for fans of action-packed science fiction.
April 26, 2017
A good closing for an enjoyable trilogy of pulp sci fi. There were several places, especially in this final book, where I had to turn off my critical side to be able to fully enjoy it: most of these times were attached to Wall or Massey, who I thought had potential to be much more intelligently written characters but who I don't think Perry gave enough attention to. All in all, Perry sticks to his strengths and writes an entertaining, fast paced story who's themes, if not depth and complexity, inspire thoughtfulness. I think stories like this can often outgrow their authors, but Perry does a good job of staying focused on his task and not being spread out and diluted by the breadth of possibilities.
If you want to see an unimaginably big and corrupt government fall to the perspicacity of a few who have had enough and want to see it change, without getting bogged down in the details; if you like action and intrigue; if you like quick reads that have a laser focus; you might like The Matador.
If you want to see an unimaginably big and corrupt government fall to the perspicacity of a few who have had enough and want to see it change, without getting bogged down in the details; if you like action and intrigue; if you like quick reads that have a laser focus; you might like The Matador.
November 1, 2011
The Machiavelli Interface is a satisfying, 4 star conclusion to the Matador Trilogy. Perry writes a sparse novel but he covers all the bases. For the first time in the series, the Confederation, in the person of Marcus Wall, becomes a sinister, evil presence. Mostly though, it is oppressive as a bureaucracy. (Surprisingly the Confed Empire capital city is Canberra, Australia. Always knew we should watch those Aussies closely!) The Matadors are charged to take down the Confed. You have the ‘80’s SciFi version of the A-team, led by the always sexy and tough Dirisha and they engage in some interesting and exciting missions. Plenty of fast-paced battles and attractive characters make this a quick, fun read.
October 18, 2019
This is the third book in the Matador series by Steve Perry. In this one Emile Khadaji, the Man Who Never Missed, has returned. His school, the Matador Villa, has been attacked and closed by Marcus Wall, the corrupt leader of the Confederation. The Matadors are all wanted and on the run. Khadaji sends word to them that it time to act! The Matadors come out of hiding and along with Khadji set in motion actions that will bring forth the end of the tyrannical Confederation. They will do what ever it takes to make Khadji's dream of a free galaxy a reality! Another great read in this series.
September 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion to the Matador trilogy. While I understand that the series has now been extended to nine books, the first three definitely can stand on their own as a separate work and this novel was a satisfying conclusion to the events set in motion in the two earlier books. Like the earlier novels, The Machiavelli Interface features compelling characters, plot, and action set in a well-realized science fiction universe ruled by the overbearing Galactic Confederation. Once again, this was a fun, compelling, quick read. I will likely take a break, but look forward to seeing where Perry decided to take the series from here.
March 24, 2023
Last of the Matador trilogy, but not the best. First half has no action; it is like a character study of the villain, Wall, who has a penchant for pre-teen girls - very creepy. Subplot has Khadaji escaping from prison, and his disciple, Dirisha, planning on rescuing him. Once the action starts in the second half it is enjoyable and reminiscent of the previous books, but although the Confed has been defeated and leaders killed, the Matadors are in a shambles and Khadaji returns to being a bartender. There is a joke at the end, but I just did not get it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2018
This was a very fun, light read. I got the book in a bag of used books for a dollar from the Brookline MA Booksmith store. I certainly feel like I've gotten much more than my dollar's worth.
Maybe it was because I just jumped into the third book of the trilogy, but I was slow getting into the future evolved language. But, it didn't really take too long to catch on. The author gave enough context clues if you were looking for them.
Maybe it was because I just jumped into the third book of the trilogy, but I was slow getting into the future evolved language. But, it didn't really take too long to catch on. The author gave enough context clues if you were looking for them.
January 17, 2023
Wonderful continuation to the series, more is explained about the survival of our Heroe, finally the old 'Dinosaur' is put to rest. The best part about the book is 'The villain' or antagonist in this case, his major relevance is to serve as an example of whats wrong with the Confed, and why it should be put down once and for all.
November 21, 2022
The conclusion of the trilogy where, after many years of planning, the Confederation finally topples. I am still amazed and in awe of all the technology but the story could have used some more pace.
January 1, 2013
I had high expectations for this book. I wasn't disappointed, much.
Not to say that a little disappointment isn't good for a book. Getting everything that you expect makes for a dull read. The Matador series has been anything but dull. Fact is it made several odd choice early in volume one that have defined these books as rare examples of throwing out the mold and making your own cast.
The Man Who Never Missed was about Khadaji's epiphany and the changes that brought about in him. Matadora was about Dirisha's apathy and the changes Khadaji brought about in her. The Machiavelli Interface is about the matadors and the change they brought to the galaxy. It's interesting too that for the first time a significant portion of the narrative was dedicated to the arch nemesis of the matadors, Marcus Wall the Kingmaker.
I really would have read this cover to cover if it hadn't been for the time I had wasted reading another novel that was dreadful. By the time I picked up TMI it was late and I knew, if I didn't tear myself away I could easily loose 3-4 hours of sleep. It was a hard decision.
Things have gone sideways for the matadors since Matadora and the galaxy is not a safe place for Khadaji(in prison, is to be executed). Dirisha, now defacto leader of the matadors now leads them on a mission to rescue their mentor and friend. All is not as it seems though. Khadaji is a man of many schemes and the long game has been almost two decades in motion. His endgame is sublime and worthy of a man who never misses. As Venture says to Khadaji, "Christus! What did we do to deserve you?"
Not to say that a little disappointment isn't good for a book. Getting everything that you expect makes for a dull read. The Matador series has been anything but dull. Fact is it made several odd choice early in volume one that have defined these books as rare examples of throwing out the mold and making your own cast.
The Man Who Never Missed was about Khadaji's epiphany and the changes that brought about in him. Matadora was about Dirisha's apathy and the changes Khadaji brought about in her. The Machiavelli Interface is about the matadors and the change they brought to the galaxy. It's interesting too that for the first time a significant portion of the narrative was dedicated to the arch nemesis of the matadors, Marcus Wall the Kingmaker.
I really would have read this cover to cover if it hadn't been for the time I had wasted reading another novel that was dreadful. By the time I picked up TMI it was late and I knew, if I didn't tear myself away I could easily loose 3-4 hours of sleep. It was a hard decision.
Things have gone sideways for the matadors since Matadora and the galaxy is not a safe place for Khadaji(in prison, is to be executed). Dirisha, now defacto leader of the matadors now leads them on a mission to rescue their mentor and friend. All is not as it seems though. Khadaji is a man of many schemes and the long game has been almost two decades in motion. His endgame is sublime and worthy of a man who never misses. As Venture says to Khadaji, "Christus! What did we do to deserve you?"
July 3, 2025
This action-packed sci-fi novel? Definitely worth the read. I said what I said.
The fight scenes are sharp. The pacing never drags & the narration flows like a perfectly choreographed battle. Every punch, every move, every moment—it leaves no crumbs. Steve Perry knows exactly how to paint action with words. Reading this felt like watching a high-budget action movie unfold right in front of me. I didn’t just read the scenes—I saw them. I heard them. It was that vivid.
What I love most is how effortless it was to dive into the story. No confusion, no slow buildup. I was hooked from page one. The characters are effective and memorable, especially the way Perry blends tactical smarts with emotional stakes.
If you're into fast-paced, cinematic sci-fi with a side of philosophical undertone (ya, there’s a bit of that too), then The Machiavelli Interface delivers you a good meal. So far, so good and honestly, I’m excited to explore more from The Matador series.
The fight scenes are sharp. The pacing never drags & the narration flows like a perfectly choreographed battle. Every punch, every move, every moment—it leaves no crumbs. Steve Perry knows exactly how to paint action with words. Reading this felt like watching a high-budget action movie unfold right in front of me. I didn’t just read the scenes—I saw them. I heard them. It was that vivid.
What I love most is how effortless it was to dive into the story. No confusion, no slow buildup. I was hooked from page one. The characters are effective and memorable, especially the way Perry blends tactical smarts with emotional stakes.
If you're into fast-paced, cinematic sci-fi with a side of philosophical undertone (ya, there’s a bit of that too), then The Machiavelli Interface delivers you a good meal. So far, so good and honestly, I’m excited to explore more from The Matador series.
June 25, 2016
Sheesh, re-reading this series is addicting - like eating potato chips, you can't just stop at one. Book 3 of the Matadors series gets us into the rebellion ball that Emile Khadaji started rolling back in book 1, and was continued by Dirisha Zuri in book 2. The action may be a bit quicker than is plausible, but the author obviously wanted to cram the fall of the Confederacy in one book, which is fine by me as I don't like when writers stretch out a story unnecessarily.
June 1, 2007
The Matador Series is one of my favorite sci-fi series. Very action oriented, but also with very good character development and a well thought out plot.
The concept of "one man can make a difference" and "when you know who you are, you know what to do" really struck a chord with me when I read this series in college.
Good series.
The concept of "one man can make a difference" and "when you know who you are, you know what to do" really struck a chord with me when I read this series in college.
Good series.
June 8, 2010
The final showdown between the Matadors and the corrupt and devious politician at the heart of the confederacy's rot.
A great finale to the trilogy.
I give it an XXX rating for graphic violence and some sex and sexual abuse of children.
A great finale to the trilogy.
I give it an XXX rating for graphic violence and some sex and sexual abuse of children.
September 29, 2010
Pretty decent ending to this trilogy. I felt satisfied in the way things worked out, although I would have liked to see the matadors with more of a role than they really had. Also I was a bit bummed by who fell. Still, I plan to read more of his books shortly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2011
Book three was decent, but not really as satisfying as the first and second were. The ultimate goal is acheived (the book cover says this is the conclusion of a trilogy) but as a reader you are left with a sense of incompleteness - seems as though most everyone is changed but Khadajii himself.
January 16, 2014
fab.....
September 27, 2020
Re-read September 2020
October 6, 2015
Not quite done
The first trilogy is complete. But the story continues. Still a good read years after the first time. If you liked "The Man Who Never Missed" get the rest.
The first trilogy is complete. But the story continues. Still a good read years after the first time. If you liked "The Man Who Never Missed" get the rest.
February 6, 2016
A wonderful end to a great trilogy! I love Marcus Wall as a great villain and a perfect foil to our heroes' plans.
June 5, 2016
A fun book but killing off favored characters at the end of the book just to show that "all things have a price" was disappointing....
June 18, 2016
It just did not seem right. Maybe because I did not read parts one and two? Maybe because it seemed to go too fast: good exciting fast at some points, but just too fast, and choppy at others.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews