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Undying Mercenaries #20
Crystal World
The Silicoids are a growing threat from beyond the frontier. Launching waves of crystalline drones, they ravage colonies all along the border of the Empire. Earth has been forced to ally with her enemies against this mysterious alien menace.
Scouts have located a forward base of the freakish creatures, who plot to annihilate all meat-based lifeforms. Earth assembles a joint task force with legions of Rigellian bears, Mogwa battlecruisers, and Saurian troops. Together, they strike as one against Crystal World.
After annoying every superior in his chain of command, James McGill is the first to be deployed on the unexplored planet. His to establish a beachhead on this strange, hostile ground. Surrounded and cut off, his troops fight to the bitter end against creatures made of earth, stone, and jewels.
Find out what happens next in CRYSTAL WORLD, the thrilling 20th book of the Undying Mercenaries series. With millions of copies sold, USA Today Bestselling author B. V. Larson is the king of modern military science fiction.
Scouts have located a forward base of the freakish creatures, who plot to annihilate all meat-based lifeforms. Earth assembles a joint task force with legions of Rigellian bears, Mogwa battlecruisers, and Saurian troops. Together, they strike as one against Crystal World.
After annoying every superior in his chain of command, James McGill is the first to be deployed on the unexplored planet. His to establish a beachhead on this strange, hostile ground. Surrounded and cut off, his troops fight to the bitter end against creatures made of earth, stone, and jewels.
Find out what happens next in CRYSTAL WORLD, the thrilling 20th book of the Undying Mercenaries series. With millions of copies sold, USA Today Bestselling author B. V. Larson is the king of modern military science fiction.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2023
332 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
B.V. Larson
134 books1,529 followersBrian Larson is an American science fiction and fantasy author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 28, 2023
I LOVE THESE BOOKS but after 20 books, over 100 years, there's absolutely 0 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. There's is no upward trajectory. If he was side character I wouldn't care... But
3.5 at best
3.5 at best
December 28, 2023
“Crystal World” is the 20th book in the Undying Mercenaries series, a military science fiction saga that follows the adventures of James McGill, a soldier who can be resurrected after death thanks to alien technology. In this installment, McGill and his comrades face a new threat: the Silicoids, a mysterious race of crystalline beings that seek to destroy all organic life.
The book is a fast-paced, action-packed, and humorous ride that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Larson's writing is engaging and witty, with plenty of twists and turns, and a dash of romance. The author does a great job of balancing the sci-fi elements with the human drama, exploring themes such as loyalty, friendship, courage, and survival.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, a veteran voice actor who has lent his talents to over 250 titles in various genres. Boyett's narration is superb, bringing the characters and the story to life with his expressive and versatile voice. He captures the tone and mood of each scene, whether it's tense, funny, or emotional. He also does a remarkable job of creating distinct and consistent voices for the different characters, especially the aliens, who have unique accents and mannerisms.
“Crystal World” is a thrilling and entertaining audiobook that will appeal to fans of military sci-fi, space opera, and adventure. It is a standalone story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the series, but it also offers some references and connections to the previous books for the loyal followers. If you are looking for a fun and exciting listen, Crystal World is the audiobook for you.
The book is a fast-paced, action-packed, and humorous ride that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Larson's writing is engaging and witty, with plenty of twists and turns, and a dash of romance. The author does a great job of balancing the sci-fi elements with the human drama, exploring themes such as loyalty, friendship, courage, and survival.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, a veteran voice actor who has lent his talents to over 250 titles in various genres. Boyett's narration is superb, bringing the characters and the story to life with his expressive and versatile voice. He captures the tone and mood of each scene, whether it's tense, funny, or emotional. He also does a remarkable job of creating distinct and consistent voices for the different characters, especially the aliens, who have unique accents and mannerisms.
“Crystal World” is a thrilling and entertaining audiobook that will appeal to fans of military sci-fi, space opera, and adventure. It is a standalone story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the series, but it also offers some references and connections to the previous books for the loyal followers. If you are looking for a fun and exciting listen, Crystal World is the audiobook for you.
February 5, 2024
This was a good one. Plenty of action, drama, family dynamics, and more. Honestly, I think this is the best book in the series in a while.
October 28, 2023
Larson’s most enjoyable writing yet
He has hit his stride with this series. It is the right combination of factos. First, a credible future, one on a track we could easily imagine—and hope—ourselves to be on. It has an enjoyable main character and a raft of supporting characters who reappear and play out credible and enjoyable side roles. It has humor, lots of it. He has a great command of the language with an often hilarious turn of phrase, at least every page or two.
I look forward to every appearance in this series: Earth, the Empire, and the Galaxy has plenty or room for more of James and his wonderfully hilarious and innovative machinations.
Thanks hugely, B.V.!
He has hit his stride with this series. It is the right combination of factos. First, a credible future, one on a track we could easily imagine—and hope—ourselves to be on. It has an enjoyable main character and a raft of supporting characters who reappear and play out credible and enjoyable side roles. It has humor, lots of it. He has a great command of the language with an often hilarious turn of phrase, at least every page or two.
I look forward to every appearance in this series: Earth, the Empire, and the Galaxy has plenty or room for more of James and his wonderfully hilarious and innovative machinations.
Thanks hugely, B.V.!
December 3, 2023
Just shy of the 60% mark is when Legion Varus is finally going to invade Crystal World. That’s chapter 31 of 50. Leading up to this is a whole new level of stupidity I didn’t think this series could reach, and a good chunk of the early chapters reads like it was AI generated. Like the opening chapter or two. Is any of this really believable or entertaining??
Crystal World meanders with no logic or reason or setup. About 30% takes place on Crystal World itself and just might be the most boring military action this series has provided. I can’t tell you how many times I rolled my eyes at the sheer stupidity this book induced for the sake of the plot device that is James McGill. Yet again there are no stakes, everyone is a bonafide idiot, McGill is a walking contradiction that justifies everything he does, and everyone is effectively so stupid beyond reason that McGill outsmarts them all, including Alexander Turov, probably the most no nonsense guy in the series.
Just end this series already. It used to be fun and entertaining, but I am finally accepting that it is a bloated parody of what it once was. And the flood of four and five star reviews for the last handful of books? They’re about as believable as a dumbfounded, slack jawed McGill. I thought I was finished after book 17 or 18. Now I’m really done. ✌️
Crystal World meanders with no logic or reason or setup. About 30% takes place on Crystal World itself and just might be the most boring military action this series has provided. I can’t tell you how many times I rolled my eyes at the sheer stupidity this book induced for the sake of the plot device that is James McGill. Yet again there are no stakes, everyone is a bonafide idiot, McGill is a walking contradiction that justifies everything he does, and everyone is effectively so stupid beyond reason that McGill outsmarts them all, including Alexander Turov, probably the most no nonsense guy in the series.
Just end this series already. It used to be fun and entertaining, but I am finally accepting that it is a bloated parody of what it once was. And the flood of four and five star reviews for the last handful of books? They’re about as believable as a dumbfounded, slack jawed McGill. I thought I was finished after book 17 or 18. Now I’m really done. ✌️
June 13, 2024
I have missed this series. If you’re new to the series, I recommend you start at book 1 and get caught up. The concepts in this book take some getting used to and even Centurion James McGill takes some getting used to. McGill is a mercenary for Legion Varus. You should know all about that by now since this is the 20th book in the series. He’s been a Centurion for a long time, but considering how long you can live in this future, he could be a Centurion for a long, long time. Right now, he’s between missions which means he’s on his own to do whatever he wants until recalled. He’s back in what he calls the swamp in Georgia where his parents also reside. Fortunately, McGill has a small shack in the back of the property where he does pretty much anything.
He’s woken up this one find morning to an insistent buzzing on his tapper. That’s like a computer built into his forearm. He continues to ignore it still trying to wake up. The call stops shortly, but then starts up again which is unusual. If it was important and from Legion HQ they would just bypass any security protocols and make him answer. Yet, when he looked to see who was calling he found out it was his on-again/off-again girlfriend Gina Turov who also happened to be his bosses boss since she was a Imperator in Legion Varus. Gina was famous for busting into McGills activities for sometime important stuff while other times just to see if she could catch him with another woman. Anyway, this wasn’t an official call but Turov wanted McGill to do a couple of things for her.
McGill didn’t mind doing things for Gina since she usually paid him back in some very pleasant ways. But this time he thought she might have gone off the deep end. Gina wanted McGill to kill her in a very public place so everyone could see that she was dead. She also wanted McGill to find Drusus, the former Consul of Earth. Apparently, when the need for a Consul of Earth had arisen, the Ruling Council of Public Servants appointed him to the position. Now that the position of Consul wasn’t necessarily needed, they removed him planning on choosing a more manageable new Consul. Since Alexander Turov, Gina’s father, was on of the senior Public Servants, he had his eye on appointing Gina as the new Consul.
The problem with this is that Gina had an inkling that old Drusus had not only been removed from his position, but he had been put into permanent storage. She believed his brain was now housed deep in the pits of Legion HQ where he would stay for all eternity. The Legion and the Council did this from time to time to those they thought could be a threat to themselves or those they wanted to keep for memories and experiences, but not to get in the way. Gina didn’t want this to happen to her, she liked being alive and keeping her youthful figure. So, she thought if McGill killed her off then they would elect a new Consul by the time she was revived. Again, remember that those killed in this future can be sent through an alien revival machine and brought back to life with a younger body if they wished. Or if they had fallen out of favor with their superiors, they could be give a permanent death and never come back.
Of course McGill didn’t relish the idea of him being seen killing a Imperator in front of a bunch of witnesses. That was kind of against Legion policy and could get him in very serious trouble. So he devised another way of killing off Gina without him getting the blame. He didn’t tell Gina of his plan because she probably wouldn’t have gone along with it, but she was going to be dead so what did it matter to her how she died!
Ok, so what does this have to do with Crystal World? Well, the book eventually gets to that part. It seems like these crystal entities have been attacking a lot of the Empire’s colonies and they have decided to step-in and stop this nonsense. They would have just sent Earth Legions, but they knew that that wasn’t going to be enough. So, they had put together a large Mogwa fleet led by Admiral Sateekas. This alien Admiral and McGill had had dealings previously and McGill seemed to be the only human that could get along with the old Admiral. Still, that didn’t prevent him from using McGill in this fight against the Crystal entities. So, will this new war be successful and how will McGill come out smelling like a rose as he always seems to do. And when, if ever will Imperator Gina Turov come back to life? Good questions all answered in the book.
This series is fun to read because it has a big splash of humor all over the place. McGill is one cool dude and gets away with murder and much more. I already know book 21, “Throne World”, is out and available on Amazon. It’s on my reading list already.
He’s woken up this one find morning to an insistent buzzing on his tapper. That’s like a computer built into his forearm. He continues to ignore it still trying to wake up. The call stops shortly, but then starts up again which is unusual. If it was important and from Legion HQ they would just bypass any security protocols and make him answer. Yet, when he looked to see who was calling he found out it was his on-again/off-again girlfriend Gina Turov who also happened to be his bosses boss since she was a Imperator in Legion Varus. Gina was famous for busting into McGills activities for sometime important stuff while other times just to see if she could catch him with another woman. Anyway, this wasn’t an official call but Turov wanted McGill to do a couple of things for her.
McGill didn’t mind doing things for Gina since she usually paid him back in some very pleasant ways. But this time he thought she might have gone off the deep end. Gina wanted McGill to kill her in a very public place so everyone could see that she was dead. She also wanted McGill to find Drusus, the former Consul of Earth. Apparently, when the need for a Consul of Earth had arisen, the Ruling Council of Public Servants appointed him to the position. Now that the position of Consul wasn’t necessarily needed, they removed him planning on choosing a more manageable new Consul. Since Alexander Turov, Gina’s father, was on of the senior Public Servants, he had his eye on appointing Gina as the new Consul.
The problem with this is that Gina had an inkling that old Drusus had not only been removed from his position, but he had been put into permanent storage. She believed his brain was now housed deep in the pits of Legion HQ where he would stay for all eternity. The Legion and the Council did this from time to time to those they thought could be a threat to themselves or those they wanted to keep for memories and experiences, but not to get in the way. Gina didn’t want this to happen to her, she liked being alive and keeping her youthful figure. So, she thought if McGill killed her off then they would elect a new Consul by the time she was revived. Again, remember that those killed in this future can be sent through an alien revival machine and brought back to life with a younger body if they wished. Or if they had fallen out of favor with their superiors, they could be give a permanent death and never come back.
Of course McGill didn’t relish the idea of him being seen killing a Imperator in front of a bunch of witnesses. That was kind of against Legion policy and could get him in very serious trouble. So he devised another way of killing off Gina without him getting the blame. He didn’t tell Gina of his plan because she probably wouldn’t have gone along with it, but she was going to be dead so what did it matter to her how she died!
Ok, so what does this have to do with Crystal World? Well, the book eventually gets to that part. It seems like these crystal entities have been attacking a lot of the Empire’s colonies and they have decided to step-in and stop this nonsense. They would have just sent Earth Legions, but they knew that that wasn’t going to be enough. So, they had put together a large Mogwa fleet led by Admiral Sateekas. This alien Admiral and McGill had had dealings previously and McGill seemed to be the only human that could get along with the old Admiral. Still, that didn’t prevent him from using McGill in this fight against the Crystal entities. So, will this new war be successful and how will McGill come out smelling like a rose as he always seems to do. And when, if ever will Imperator Gina Turov come back to life? Good questions all answered in the book.
This series is fun to read because it has a big splash of humor all over the place. McGill is one cool dude and gets away with murder and much more. I already know book 21, “Throne World”, is out and available on Amazon. It’s on my reading list already.
December 1, 2023
I suppose I am wondering how soon the author plans to finish this series. So much of the same with no conclusion in sight. Not sure exactly how long other authors have continued such popular series. McGill has gotta be a centenarian by now. Or you would figure so. The math says so even if in round about ways. It's all good stuff. It's just becoming the same stuff. I just hate when a series fails due to prolongment of whatever level. It kinda ruins a potential overall vibe. Even the Undying should at some point fade away for fresh blood. Don't let the blood run rancid. And thrill us with the ultimate bloody conclusion. Even if it takes a few final campaigns to reach. Let us glimmer closure ahead. Make us excited to see you pull it off. Heck! The author could expand the Undying franchise while exploring perhaps in side ?trilogies? about characters we'd like the POV of. New MC's. Unexpected persons with a story to tell beyond what Legion Varus engaged in in these 20 primary campaigns.
November 24, 2023
The Stage is Set
If you’ve gotten this far in the series, you are more than obviously hooked to the fade of these characters.
I appreciate the author, having told this particular excerpt from this space saga as being a evolution in the storyline much more than any of the others. This book is definitely setting the stage for what is to come. Thank you Mr. Larson for obviously creating this pivotable book in the series.
Still disconcerted that McGill is still only a Centurion, but whatever in a universe where nobody ever dies moving up in rank is somehow always a very slow process
If you’ve gotten this far in the series, you are more than obviously hooked to the fade of these characters.
I appreciate the author, having told this particular excerpt from this space saga as being a evolution in the storyline much more than any of the others. This book is definitely setting the stage for what is to come. Thank you Mr. Larson for obviously creating this pivotable book in the series.
Still disconcerted that McGill is still only a Centurion, but whatever in a universe where nobody ever dies moving up in rank is somehow always a very slow process
December 24, 2024
More ridiculous than ever
It's getting to the point, where McGill is just making one choice after another and it all works out, no matter what the rest of the universe wants
After 20 books you would think the storyline had
some direction to it, yet each one seems to just one more story based around the same characters. If this keeps up we could get to book 50 with still no end in sight
It's still interesting to see what adventures McGill gets up to, and the usual supporting cast are there to help/hinder him along the way, I just wish there was some underlying purpose to it all
It's getting to the point, where McGill is just making one choice after another and it all works out, no matter what the rest of the universe wants
After 20 books you would think the storyline had
some direction to it, yet each one seems to just one more story based around the same characters. If this keeps up we could get to book 50 with still no end in sight
It's still interesting to see what adventures McGill gets up to, and the usual supporting cast are there to help/hinder him along the way, I just wish there was some underlying purpose to it all
January 9, 2024
An excellent entry in the UDM series!
BVL has delivered another epic Undying Mercenaries Book. Number 20 to be exact. There is plenty of violence, lots of deception extraordinary acts of bravery and loads of Mature 14 sexual induindo to satisfy any lingering doubt that SCI-FI doesn't have significant emotional content. Let's hope that BOOK Number 21 is in the works by BVL!!!
BVL has delivered another epic Undying Mercenaries Book. Number 20 to be exact. There is plenty of violence, lots of deception extraordinary acts of bravery and loads of Mature 14 sexual induindo to satisfy any lingering doubt that SCI-FI doesn't have significant emotional content. Let's hope that BOOK Number 21 is in the works by BVL!!!
February 24, 2024
I think I'm pretty much just along for the ride at this point. I know the characters so well and enjoy most of them. So much so that this book has multiple parts of the story that didn't really need to be in the book, buuuut, I'm not gonna lie, they were some really fun and awesome scenes. It's really hard to not like this series. It's just good popcorn fun. I look forward to the next one as always!
October 20, 2023
Good Read
Yup! McGill is once again coaxed into questionable directives or plans that you know are going to go sideways. Add McGill’s less than optimal mental capacity, excessive drinking, and screwing up plans on the fly and you got yourself another McGill adventure! How does he do it?!!
Yup! McGill is once again coaxed into questionable directives or plans that you know are going to go sideways. Add McGill’s less than optimal mental capacity, excessive drinking, and screwing up plans on the fly and you got yourself another McGill adventure! How does he do it?!!
November 7, 2023
A clever cocktail of galactic intrigue and sitcom with unforgettable characters
My friends and I only mention that the "new McGill" is coming out and we immediately acquire the next book in this sci-fi romp. Big kudos to the author for the creativity that keeps us reading late into the night again and again!
My friends and I only mention that the "new McGill" is coming out and we immediately acquire the next book in this sci-fi romp. Big kudos to the author for the creativity that keeps us reading late into the night again and again!
March 17, 2024
solid sequel!
The author continues this awesome series with another imaginative world, where our favorite character, James McGill, saves the day! Each of the related characters continue their development, leaving the reader wanting more! I look forward to the next in the series, and many more! Thank you!
The author continues this awesome series with another imaginative world, where our favorite character, James McGill, saves the day! Each of the related characters continue their development, leaving the reader wanting more! I look forward to the next in the series, and many more! Thank you!
October 8, 2023
Great
I have really enjoyed this whole series so far and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. How about Ash World for one of the next books? Some apocalyptic hellscape and ancient ruins for old McGill to roam through?
I have really enjoyed this whole series so far and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. How about Ash World for one of the next books? Some apocalyptic hellscape and ancient ruins for old McGill to roam through?
October 8, 2023
McGill at his best
Another worthy addition to the undying Mercenary series. For action and laughs all of the - now 20 - books are hard to beat. Looking forwards to reading more of how McGill kicks the spikes out of Citizen Turov's wheel.in the future.
Another worthy addition to the undying Mercenary series. For action and laughs all of the - now 20 - books are hard to beat. Looking forwards to reading more of how McGill kicks the spikes out of Citizen Turov's wheel.in the future.
October 11, 2023
…
This is one of my favorite series. I’ve enjoyed all twenty. The McGill is one of my favorite characters, I feel like his thinking process is hilarious, and it is enjoyable to read about his misadventures
This is one of my favorite series. I’ve enjoyed all twenty. The McGill is one of my favorite characters, I feel like his thinking process is hilarious, and it is enjoyable to read about his misadventures
October 24, 2023
Did not disappoint
For some reason, this series never gets old. I hope bv Larson still has enough steam to keep it going. McGill is the alter ego of every 5-9 bookworm who spent his life in a classroom rather than learning killing skills of the military.
For some reason, this series never gets old. I hope bv Larson still has enough steam to keep it going. McGill is the alter ego of every 5-9 bookworm who spent his life in a classroom rather than learning killing skills of the military.
October 30, 2023
A wonderful series
Wonderful series, filled with action adventure. The main character is very well written, and is a serious progresses. You get to know his family and his friends much more. This is a page Turner filled with excitement adventure. A real winner.
Wonderful series, filled with action adventure. The main character is very well written, and is a serious progresses. You get to know his family and his friends much more. This is a page Turner filled with excitement adventure. A real winner.
November 1, 2023
Thanks again
Your books get better with each edition. The stories have more depth and you continue character development. They are interesting reading and very entertaining. Thank you.
Your books get better with each edition. The stories have more depth and you continue character development. They are interesting reading and very entertaining. Thank you.
November 1, 2023
I'd like to be the McGill.
I have enjoyed reading this series and always await the next McGill is one of mt favorite
characters I love to read about, I'm reminded of myself. Can't wait for the next one.
I have enjoyed reading this series and always await the next McGill is one of mt favorite
characters I love to read about, I'm reminded of myself. Can't wait for the next one.
November 6, 2023
Another excellent adventure with James McGill.
James is constantly getting into trouble with his superiors, girlfriends and frenemies. It is funny and ingenious how he solves problems that are part of his everyday life.
James is constantly getting into trouble with his superiors, girlfriends and frenemies. It is funny and ingenious how he solves problems that are part of his everyday life.
November 12, 2023
Very compelling series
The series continues with McGill up to his own antics as high ranking people with their personal agendas continue to use him to get things done, just not how they exactly envisioned. Action, comedy, and further immersion into this universe await.
The series continues with McGill up to his own antics as high ranking people with their personal agendas continue to use him to get things done, just not how they exactly envisioned. Action, comedy, and further immersion into this universe await.
November 17, 2023
This series keeps getting better
The story is interesting but it is the subtle clues of background to earth ruling class. The action is good but to be honest I can't wait for the next book. I wonder what happens to Graves, Drusis and Blush a.
The story is interesting but it is the subtle clues of background to earth ruling class. The action is good but to be honest I can't wait for the next book. I wonder what happens to Graves, Drusis and Blush a.
November 29, 2023
Another Solid Entry
This entry is not as action-packed as other books in the series. However, it does lay the groundwork for some intrigue, and more importantly, many more reads to come. I can't wait for #21.
This entry is not as action-packed as other books in the series. However, it does lay the groundwork for some intrigue, and more importantly, many more reads to come. I can't wait for #21.
December 20, 2023
Who would have thought I'd be into this series 20 books...Crazy as that sounds they are pure entertainment.
I love that I already know all the characters and that it allows for quick access to the story line.
I love that I already know all the characters and that it allows for quick access to the story line.
January 26, 2024
Another great installment in this series
Larson has created such a compelling and
interesting cast of characters, especially James McGill. This new book didn't disappoint, another great story that keeps me wanting more. Great job Mr. Larson, can't wait for the next one!
Larson has created such a compelling and
interesting cast of characters, especially James McGill. This new book didn't disappoint, another great story that keeps me wanting more. Great job Mr. Larson, can't wait for the next one!
April 16, 2024
It’s McGill!!
With the premise of being ‘undying’, for this sci-fi series, the protagonist, ol’ McGill is the perfect character to connect all of the episodes together. Who wouldn’t want a new liver every now and then. Looking forward to Book 21
With the premise of being ‘undying’, for this sci-fi series, the protagonist, ol’ McGill is the perfect character to connect all of the episodes together. Who wouldn’t want a new liver every now and then. Looking forward to Book 21
October 8, 2023
always a fun read
I love the series and am always in anticipation of the next book
It’s a good light hearted series with a great storyline
I love the series and am always in anticipation of the next book
It’s a good light hearted series with a great storyline
October 14, 2023
good stuff
Always like this series and the characters. Great story telling. Impatient for the next book even though this book just came out
Always like this series and the characters. Great story telling. Impatient for the next book even though this book just came out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews