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Tall Boys #1
Boots Down
One mechanized combat rig falls. Others respond.
When a platoon of tall boys learns their sergeant’s brother is MIA, they go into a city wracked with centuries of war to find him.
By the end of the fight, they will learn of a massive government coverup by the highest officers in the expeditionary fleet, an alien invasion, new portal technology, and an AI uprising that may or may not be benevolent.
All they must do to put things right is save humanity.
When a platoon of tall boys learns their sergeant’s brother is MIA, they go into a city wracked with centuries of war to find him.
By the end of the fight, they will learn of a massive government coverup by the highest officers in the expeditionary fleet, an alien invasion, new portal technology, and an AI uprising that may or may not be benevolent.
All they must do to put things right is save humanity.
- GenresScience Fiction
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2024
429 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Scott Moon
152 books215 followersScott Moon loves audio books, especially the works of George R.R. Martin, Patrick O'Brian, and Michael Connelly. He has been writing fantasy, science fiction, and urban fantasy thrillers most of his life and aims to read or listen to 100 books a year. Currently, he is a commissioned police officer serving in a street level counter drug and gang unit. Some of his most rewarding and heartbreaking work was as a detective in the Exploited Missing Child Unit. His favorite assignment is SWAT, primarily for the eighty pounds of tactical gear he gets to wear in the blazing summer heat. In 2005, he helped arrest a serial killer who had been at large for over thirty years.
Follow Scott Moon on Twitter @Scottmoonwriter or visit www.scottmoonwriter.com to view his author page.
Follow Scott Moon on Twitter @Scottmoonwriter or visit www.scottmoonwriter.com to view his author page.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 5, 2025
Summary:
The Sarge's brother is missing. The team of bad-ass mechs are going off the books to find him. Lots of action, big bangs and some gruesome injuries. It's not just a fetch quest, it's an epic journey
Pros:
The action is well written. I could taste the dust and grit, the anxiety, the desperation and general bad-assery. If you like big mechs, AI and scifi-ery this scratches the itch. The world building is fun and really got my imagination going. The protagonist is hard as nails but shows some vulnerability as well.
Cons:
Some parts feel a bit predictable. There's a lull about a third into the book. Get over it and two twists will get you going again. I had to re-read some parts I didnt quite get, but that could be because I'm not a native speaker.
My 10 cents:
I liked it. I lost about two hours of sleep finishing it. I recommend the Scavenger by the same author. That made me read this. Preferred Scavenger, but this was good too. I know more about the factions and world now. Might dip into the series again later in the year.
Thanks Scott Moon. Really cool, I had fun.
The Sarge's brother is missing. The team of bad-ass mechs are going off the books to find him. Lots of action, big bangs and some gruesome injuries. It's not just a fetch quest, it's an epic journey
Pros:
The action is well written. I could taste the dust and grit, the anxiety, the desperation and general bad-assery. If you like big mechs, AI and scifi-ery this scratches the itch. The world building is fun and really got my imagination going. The protagonist is hard as nails but shows some vulnerability as well.
Cons:
Some parts feel a bit predictable. There's a lull about a third into the book. Get over it and two twists will get you going again. I had to re-read some parts I didnt quite get, but that could be because I'm not a native speaker.
My 10 cents:
I liked it. I lost about two hours of sleep finishing it. I recommend the Scavenger by the same author. That made me read this. Preferred Scavenger, but this was good too. I know more about the factions and world now. Might dip into the series again later in the year.
Thanks Scott Moon. Really cool, I had fun.
November 6, 2024
Difficult to read
I only made it 33% through the book. The writing was really hard to follow and I had to reread sections several times. The book is written in 1st person narration. It's in the perspective of Jam. It's his thoughts about what is going on. The narrative makes a lot of absolute statements about what he thinks happened. It's stated it a way that makes me think it's a fact. But shortly after these "facts" are stated the reverse ends up happening. Maybe he's being sarcastic a lot and I just can't seem to catch it. Also the dialogue between the characters is very realistic with a lot of inside jokes or phrases that aren't always explained. Lastly the story pace is very quick with time jumps in the middle of a page. This would be fine if everything else wasn't already hard to follow. I do really like the characters and the world I just find this book hard to read and relax while I'm reading
I only made it 33% through the book. The writing was really hard to follow and I had to reread sections several times. The book is written in 1st person narration. It's in the perspective of Jam. It's his thoughts about what is going on. The narrative makes a lot of absolute statements about what he thinks happened. It's stated it a way that makes me think it's a fact. But shortly after these "facts" are stated the reverse ends up happening. Maybe he's being sarcastic a lot and I just can't seem to catch it. Also the dialogue between the characters is very realistic with a lot of inside jokes or phrases that aren't always explained. Lastly the story pace is very quick with time jumps in the middle of a page. This would be fine if everything else wasn't already hard to follow. I do really like the characters and the world I just find this book hard to read and relax while I'm reading
March 2, 2025
A Gripping Start to an Unforgettable Journey
The first installment of the Tall Boys Trilogy is an absolute triumph, pulling you into a world that’s as thrilling as it is richly crafted. The plot hums with energy, weaving twists and turns that keep you hooked without ever feeling contrived. The characters leap off the page, each one distinct and brimming with personality—none more so than Jam, whose razor-sharp attitude injects every scene with a mix of grit, humor, and heart. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain; it lingers, leaving you eager to dive into the next chapter of this epic saga. A must-read for anyone craving a story that’s bold, smart, and utterly addictive!
The first installment of the Tall Boys Trilogy is an absolute triumph, pulling you into a world that’s as thrilling as it is richly crafted. The plot hums with energy, weaving twists and turns that keep you hooked without ever feeling contrived. The characters leap off the page, each one distinct and brimming with personality—none more so than Jam, whose razor-sharp attitude injects every scene with a mix of grit, humor, and heart. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain; it lingers, leaving you eager to dive into the next chapter of this epic saga. A must-read for anyone craving a story that’s bold, smart, and utterly addictive!
November 29, 2025
Picked this up from a Facebook ad and 100% don't regret it. Solid military action throughout, with likeable and interesting characters (humans and AI alike).
I'm sure it was advertised to me because I'm a Battletech fan, and if you also are, I think t think this will work well for you (similarly if you're a fan of Titanfall, or Heavy Gear, or the original Starship Troopers novel.)
I'm sure it was advertised to me because I'm a Battletech fan, and if you also are, I think t think this will work well for you (similarly if you're a fan of Titanfall, or Heavy Gear, or the original Starship Troopers novel.)
January 11, 2025
Lots of enjoyable twists and turns!
Lots of clever banter and good opposing character development. Scott Moon is way smarter than me, and I wonder if I really get all the twists in the story. It's like being led through a maze, but a maze that you can't stop in because the next corner is so alluring. It was an entertaining read, especially if you like companion exoskeleton war machines with Artificial intelligence like I do.
Good job!
Lots of clever banter and good opposing character development. Scott Moon is way smarter than me, and I wonder if I really get all the twists in the story. It's like being led through a maze, but a maze that you can't stop in because the next corner is so alluring. It was an entertaining read, especially if you like companion exoskeleton war machines with Artificial intelligence like I do.
Good job!
July 18, 2025
only got about 10-15% in before I had enough of the writing. moon wrote something to the extent of "she was 30, unlike the rest of us" but then did not mention everyone else's age. they see enemies straight ahead but the enemies don't notice 7 ton mechs stomping around. they let themselves get encircled by the bad guys that didn't know they were there... wtf?
I might have eventually liked this, but I wasn't drawn in fast enough
I might have eventually liked this, but I wasn't drawn in fast enough
February 5, 2025
Couldn't put it down. Epic.
I first got a taste of this universe and characters with the short Salvager novela, which was more or less a prequel. The world building, storyline, and characters are top-notch. This was a fresh take on the Military Sci Fi mech warrior genre. This was a real page turner. I can't wait for the next one
I first got a taste of this universe and characters with the short Salvager novela, which was more or less a prequel. The world building, storyline, and characters are top-notch. This was a fresh take on the Military Sci Fi mech warrior genre. This was a real page turner. I can't wait for the next one
January 10, 2026
Enjoyable, but stilted and needs polishing
First off, I’m interested in reading more of this series and it’s engaging. But typos/errors, choppy prose, and stilted dialog makes this a bit of a chore to read. Hopefully the later books improve (and I’m willing to give them a shot) but there are parts here that feel more like an outline rather than a finished product.
First off, I’m interested in reading more of this series and it’s engaging. But typos/errors, choppy prose, and stilted dialog makes this a bit of a chore to read. Hopefully the later books improve (and I’m willing to give them a shot) but there are parts here that feel more like an outline rather than a finished product.
January 17, 2026
It's an interesting story, it scratches that sci-fi itch, and isn't too full of itself. The belief one need provide it isn't a stretch, seems like a plausible future, the aliens feel a bit monodirectional; however, it seems we tend to write about races as unified, or aligned, where the human condition is anything but that.
November 4, 2024
Brace yourself for some serious action in a big tin can!
This book moves fast. Action, mischief, trouble, and adventure at every step. Written and spoken like someone who has been there. I look forward to the next book.
This book moves fast. Action, mischief, trouble, and adventure at every step. Written and spoken like someone who has been there. I look forward to the next book.
November 5, 2024
Another home run for Scott Moon
Gripping and well paced. The characters are well thought and fleshed out. I finished reading far past my bedtime, I was not willing to put this book down.
Gripping and well paced. The characters are well thought and fleshed out. I finished reading far past my bedtime, I was not willing to put this book down.
November 24, 2024
Good read.
This book was a good read . I thought there would be more fighting in it but instead they made a new ally and found out about a bigger war going on headed there way with bigger machines and a lot bigger people instead of just the three wars going on on this planet.
This book was a good read . I thought there would be more fighting in it but instead they made a new ally and found out about a bigger war going on headed there way with bigger machines and a lot bigger people instead of just the three wars going on on this planet.
December 7, 2024
Best mech Book I've read in a while
Clean, well-written, good storytelling. Artificial intelligence, mechs, aliens, teamwork, and humor. Thanks for the good read! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Clean, well-written, good storytelling. Artificial intelligence, mechs, aliens, teamwork, and humor. Thanks for the good read! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
February 21, 2025
Very good reading, and different too!
Great science fiction, great action, and different than most books of the genre, I really recommend this one to all fans of military science fiction with a twist. Oh, and lots of humor too.
Great science fiction, great action, and different than most books of the genre, I really recommend this one to all fans of military science fiction with a twist. Oh, and lots of humor too.
June 7, 2025
Great Start! Already bought the next 2 in series
Great character development, troop attitudes and interactions ring true. Mission goals fluid, lots going on, new friends(?) bring news of greater enemy. The stage is set, Tall Boys will be ready.
Great character development, troop attitudes and interactions ring true. Mission goals fluid, lots going on, new friends(?) bring news of greater enemy. The stage is set, Tall Boys will be ready.
July 16, 2025
Lots of things to complain about. Written in the first person (choppy, blunt prose), and what it lacks in context and descriptions it tries to make up for with nonstop action. More than a few grammatical errors. And an end that reveals it’s just a setup for the rest of the series.
August 14, 2025
Great!
This is a fun read! It's what I've come to expect from Scott Moon. It's got great characters without too much world and character building. As a fan of Moon, Chaney, and McGinnis, I would definitely recommend it
This is a fun read! It's what I've come to expect from Scott Moon. It's got great characters without too much world and character building. As a fan of Moon, Chaney, and McGinnis, I would definitely recommend it
November 2, 2024
Good and Very Good
The first part of the story was good but the ending was very good. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The first part of the story was good but the ending was very good. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 27, 2024
Oh my!
This never slowed down nor got stale. It likely has been many decades since I read as good a SF book
This never slowed down nor got stale. It likely has been many decades since I read as good a SF book
November 28, 2024
Very Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book. Articulate description of futuristic combat rigs, interesting enemy characters, very fun read! Looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. Articulate description of futuristic combat rigs, interesting enemy characters, very fun read! Looking forward to the next book.
November 30, 2024
Great combat story
Lots of action, world building without chapters of exposition, and characters who react from their own motives and even grow a little in the process.
Lots of action, world building without chapters of exposition, and characters who react from their own motives and even grow a little in the process.
December 25, 2024
Action heros
Fast paced and very sci-fi. Enjoyable room with integral meanings beyond each and every protagonists ' sight line for the book.
Fast paced and very sci-fi. Enjoyable room with integral meanings beyond each and every protagonists ' sight line for the book.
January 18, 2025
What a great read!
This book turned into an all night read. Good plot, great writing and plenty of action and surprises. Looking forward to the next book.
This book turned into an all night read. Good plot, great writing and plenty of action and surprises. Looking forward to the next book.
February 9, 2025
Good read. Want more.
Good read. Good comradery. Action could be more, some things took too long. Good main character, funny, brave. Try it yourself.
Good read. Good comradery. Action could be more, some things took too long. Good main character, funny, brave. Try it yourself.
February 25, 2025
action non stop
What a way to be a ground pounder then exposed to AI & alien support
Read it all in a day
What a way to be a ground pounder then exposed to AI & alien support
Read it all in a day
May 22, 2025
Hang on, this book is quite a ride!
Interesting characters plus lots of action and more than a couple of surprises as well. Can’t wait to start the next one.
Interesting characters plus lots of action and more than a couple of surprises as well. Can’t wait to start the next one.
May 26, 2025
Awesome
Keeps momentum the whole way. Good descriptions without getting too descriptive. Nice balance between harder science and sci fi. Would recommend
Keeps momentum the whole way. Good descriptions without getting too descriptive. Nice balance between harder science and sci fi. Would recommend
December 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, interesting conflict and characters make it fun and entertaining. Definitely recommend
October 25, 2025
Love the premise and plot is nice to follow. Combat scenes are a bit messy, some being hard to follow and some non-sensical as the way they are described would be impossible based on what was going on. One enemy group got deleted after one of their attacks, as in, they were just gone, with no explanation. Overall not bad, just a few things that made this less enjoyable than others.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews