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Undying Mercenaries #22
Rebel World
When a towering alien monolith crashes onto James McGill’s family farm, it triggers events that could spark a galaxy-wide war. Things have gone bad among the colonies. Insurgents are building alien-hybrid armies and planet-killing weapons, threatening to upend the fragile balance of power in Province 921.
There’s not only trouble in the province—the Core Worlds are igniting as well. The Mogwa have asserted claims upon the Imperial Throne, causing their rivals to move against them. Earth’s Hegemony and the rebels are pulled into a conflict that could tear the galaxy apart.
Civil War looms, and McGill has only one chance to get ahead of it. Can he bluff, fight, and lie his way through a maze of shifting loyalties and dangerous enemies? Find out in REBEL WORLD, the latest entry in B. V. Larson’s USA Today bestselling Undying Mercenaries series—modern military sci-fi at its finest.
There’s not only trouble in the province—the Core Worlds are igniting as well. The Mogwa have asserted claims upon the Imperial Throne, causing their rivals to move against them. Earth’s Hegemony and the rebels are pulled into a conflict that could tear the galaxy apart.
Civil War looms, and McGill has only one chance to get ahead of it. Can he bluff, fight, and lie his way through a maze of shifting loyalties and dangerous enemies? Find out in REBEL WORLD, the latest entry in B. V. Larson’s USA Today bestselling Undying Mercenaries series—modern military sci-fi at its finest.
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Published March 25, 2025
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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 71 reviews
November 29, 2024
Disappointed
I've read all in this series and enjoyed them immensely, but this one read differently as if there was another author involved or the use of AI. The flow of the storyline just seemed off to me.
I've read all in this series and enjoyed them immensely, but this one read differently as if there was another author involved or the use of AI. The flow of the storyline just seemed off to me.
August 10, 2025
Who or what actually wrote this story?
I've read every book in this series and, generally, enjoyed them all. Every fan of science fiction knows there's a certain amount of the suspension of disbelief necessary to really enjoy the genre. I've been able to overlook plot holes, convenient tropes, and the gratuitous sexual escapades of James McGill without any issue. This story, though, had too many repetitions of the same comparisons (buildings made out of Legos, creases in a uniform so sharp you could cut yourself, etc.) and McGill suddenly noticing and commenting on every smudge, scratch, and scuff in his environment when he was completely oblivious to one of his family members being six months pregnant. At first, I thought this constant repetition of the same phrases and hyperfocus on his environment might be part of a plot twist. Was McGill stuck in a virtual reality simulation? Was he being gaslit as part of some interrogation or torture? In the end, the reader finds it's just lazy writing and not a plot device at all. These things may sound small, but they kept distracting me from following the story. Is Mr. Larson getting tired of the series? Is he lending his name to another author's work? Did he decide to let some AI engine write this book? In the end, it doesn't matter. This was definitely my least favorite of the series. If the next book follows this same trend, I won't be finishing it or reading any more of Mr. Larson's work. I doubt he'll lose any sleep over my decision and that's fine, but James McGill and his followers deserve better.
I've read every book in this series and, generally, enjoyed them all. Every fan of science fiction knows there's a certain amount of the suspension of disbelief necessary to really enjoy the genre. I've been able to overlook plot holes, convenient tropes, and the gratuitous sexual escapades of James McGill without any issue. This story, though, had too many repetitions of the same comparisons (buildings made out of Legos, creases in a uniform so sharp you could cut yourself, etc.) and McGill suddenly noticing and commenting on every smudge, scratch, and scuff in his environment when he was completely oblivious to one of his family members being six months pregnant. At first, I thought this constant repetition of the same phrases and hyperfocus on his environment might be part of a plot twist. Was McGill stuck in a virtual reality simulation? Was he being gaslit as part of some interrogation or torture? In the end, the reader finds it's just lazy writing and not a plot device at all. These things may sound small, but they kept distracting me from following the story. Is Mr. Larson getting tired of the series? Is he lending his name to another author's work? Did he decide to let some AI engine write this book? In the end, it doesn't matter. This was definitely my least favorite of the series. If the next book follows this same trend, I won't be finishing it or reading any more of Mr. Larson's work. I doubt he'll lose any sleep over my decision and that's fine, but James McGill and his followers deserve better.
December 8, 2024
Did chatgpt help?
Usually his books are humorous, but this one the humor seem over the top like the kind you get when you ask chatgpt to try to be funny. What gives?
Usually his books are humorous, but this one the humor seem over the top like the kind you get when you ask chatgpt to try to be funny. What gives?
December 3, 2024
Trying to think of another occasion where I found myself on book 22 of a series and still as gung-ho for the next one as I was for this one and the one before it. For all that I lovingly mock BV Larson as the greatest pulp hack of our modern age, who is the master of throwing works at the wall to see what sticks, he gets results.
Specifically he has hit upon a tremendously winning formula with this one: starfaring Romanesque legions with respawn go forth to do unto others, each book a complete military campaign on a new alien world. The chronicles of one James McGill, default deceitful good-ole-boy, interstellar ladies man and destroyer of worlds.
I found this series as book 3, Tech World, was releasing, and have been hooked since. Maybe with the latest developments, he’ll get his first promotion since book 7, something like 70 years previous to the current time mark.
I need more!
Specifically he has hit upon a tremendously winning formula with this one: starfaring Romanesque legions with respawn go forth to do unto others, each book a complete military campaign on a new alien world. The chronicles of one James McGill, default deceitful good-ole-boy, interstellar ladies man and destroyer of worlds.
I found this series as book 3, Tech World, was releasing, and have been hooked since. Maybe with the latest developments, he’ll get his first promotion since book 7, something like 70 years previous to the current time mark.
I need more!
June 1, 2025
These books are awful. They do not get better. The formula is well set in stone. I can not understand why I keep reading them. There is some quality of being able to unplug my brain and let the sameness distract me from some menial task I am performing. I do not recommend these books. They are beyond juvenile and incredibly dumb. None of these characters would survive five minutes in any other universe. That said I feel like trapped in this series and will probably read the next one. Don't do it. But if you do, you might end up here just like me. Complaining about every installment and still taking in the next.
December 7, 2024
It's long past time for this series to end
I know science fiction isn't known for its character development but this is worse than usual. The characters just do things because the plot needs them to. There's no consistency. This might not normally be a problem but when you write 22 books it becomes increasingly noticeable. These people have been in the military for OVER A CENTURY and yet nobody seems to have learned anything.
The chain of command is still rife with chaos, subordinates leaving the higher ups in the revival queue so they can be in command would seem to be a gigantic problem but has never been fixed. McGill is still ignoring his tapper and briefings no matter how many times it makes his life a lot more difficult. Somehow, neither the humans or aliens seem to think it's worth explaining to McGill what is expected of him before they drag him off completely unprepared for meetings and then are shocked when things don't go their way. A child would understand how stupid that is but a hundred years of living has done nothing for them. The Galactics have even less of an excuse. I get humans are "inferior" but come on. Any living thing can be dangerous and cause unexpected consequences, and intelligent beings a million times more so. But sure, shrug them off while they go around secretly developing a lethal Mogwa poison.
Every book seems to start off with someone coming to arrest him or take him to some meeting or trial. Then he gets on the carrier and there's the requisite training scenario, during which McGill somehow defies expectations and pisses off the brass. They're constantly suspecting him of treason despite his track record of pulling off impossible stunts that saves everyone.
Speaking of traitors, how he can justify letting Galina walk around risking all of humanity getting exterminated and betraying him repeatedly instead of perming her is beyond me. She's a dangerous psychopath, no reason to make sure she doesn't directly or indirectly kill Etta or the rest his family or anything.
It's just getting increasingly ridiculous and every book makes the series look a little more cartoonish. Larson is capable of more than this, but maybe he's already got his best ideas published. Red Company is terrible and I don't know about the Rift Warrior because I only made it halfway through the first one. The last really good book was Hell's Reach, his most sophisticated series. But co-authored, so who knows how much is his.
I really just want quality over quantity. I can't justify buying these anymore, I'll just wait for the series to end and finish it with a month of Kindle Unlimited.
I know science fiction isn't known for its character development but this is worse than usual. The characters just do things because the plot needs them to. There's no consistency. This might not normally be a problem but when you write 22 books it becomes increasingly noticeable. These people have been in the military for OVER A CENTURY and yet nobody seems to have learned anything.
The chain of command is still rife with chaos, subordinates leaving the higher ups in the revival queue so they can be in command would seem to be a gigantic problem but has never been fixed. McGill is still ignoring his tapper and briefings no matter how many times it makes his life a lot more difficult. Somehow, neither the humans or aliens seem to think it's worth explaining to McGill what is expected of him before they drag him off completely unprepared for meetings and then are shocked when things don't go their way. A child would understand how stupid that is but a hundred years of living has done nothing for them. The Galactics have even less of an excuse. I get humans are "inferior" but come on. Any living thing can be dangerous and cause unexpected consequences, and intelligent beings a million times more so. But sure, shrug them off while they go around secretly developing a lethal Mogwa poison.
Every book seems to start off with someone coming to arrest him or take him to some meeting or trial. Then he gets on the carrier and there's the requisite training scenario, during which McGill somehow defies expectations and pisses off the brass. They're constantly suspecting him of treason despite his track record of pulling off impossible stunts that saves everyone.
Speaking of traitors, how he can justify letting Galina walk around risking all of humanity getting exterminated and betraying him repeatedly instead of perming her is beyond me. She's a dangerous psychopath, no reason to make sure she doesn't directly or indirectly kill Etta or the rest his family or anything.
It's just getting increasingly ridiculous and every book makes the series look a little more cartoonish. Larson is capable of more than this, but maybe he's already got his best ideas published. Red Company is terrible and I don't know about the Rift Warrior because I only made it halfway through the first one. The last really good book was Hell's Reach, his most sophisticated series. But co-authored, so who knows how much is his.
I really just want quality over quantity. I can't justify buying these anymore, I'll just wait for the series to end and finish it with a month of Kindle Unlimited.
May 22, 2025
Shockingly poor attempt.
Is there anything good about this book? Well, the story arc is fine I guess. And some of the writing, especially the last few chapters, is up to standard. Hence it not getting just 1 star from me.
But the rest? What the hell. As others have stated, did Larson use AI? Did he appropriate a mediocre 12 year old’s fan fiction? Well, he did something.
You can sense it immediately in the first few pages. The characters are just all wrong. McGill constantly (and I mean constantly) cracks terrible jokes, the kind an AI writes when you prompt it for humour. Sateekas visits the McGill residence (like he would ever do that) and asks James to come with him. McGill prevaricates, time-wastes and outputs a long stream of bad wisecracks. But Sateekas and his Nairbs just keep begging him to come (really, as if they would put up with this). Galina shows up (without any clear motivation) and lacks all of her trademark authoritarianism or impatience, but rather just becomes a dull accessory to McGill’s mindless quips. It’s just embarrassing and stupid. There is no depth whatsoever. It’s just incredibly dumb. And it gets worse – repetitive/recycled phrases, pointless details, weak and lazy narration.
Eventually, parts of the book are reached where Larson seems to take back control of the writing and things improve (though not completely, suggesting he is editing rather than writing?)
I mean come on Larson, if you are tired of writing undying mercenaries to the point that you are willing to offload/generate it instead, then please, just wrap it up. We love these books, but we’d rather have a well written, quick and abrupt ending than this drivel. If you did use AI, I get that you perhaps got a kick and a giggle out of watching it bring your characters to life in unique and unexpected ways, but I can assure you your readers do not (we have you for that already).
I’m shocked so many reviewers are giving Rebel World 5 stars. How?? I worry that by doing so they are encouraging Larson to keep up this nonsense.
Let’s hope this is a one-off.
Is there anything good about this book? Well, the story arc is fine I guess. And some of the writing, especially the last few chapters, is up to standard. Hence it not getting just 1 star from me.
But the rest? What the hell. As others have stated, did Larson use AI? Did he appropriate a mediocre 12 year old’s fan fiction? Well, he did something.
You can sense it immediately in the first few pages. The characters are just all wrong. McGill constantly (and I mean constantly) cracks terrible jokes, the kind an AI writes when you prompt it for humour. Sateekas visits the McGill residence (like he would ever do that) and asks James to come with him. McGill prevaricates, time-wastes and outputs a long stream of bad wisecracks. But Sateekas and his Nairbs just keep begging him to come (really, as if they would put up with this). Galina shows up (without any clear motivation) and lacks all of her trademark authoritarianism or impatience, but rather just becomes a dull accessory to McGill’s mindless quips. It’s just embarrassing and stupid. There is no depth whatsoever. It’s just incredibly dumb. And it gets worse – repetitive/recycled phrases, pointless details, weak and lazy narration.
Eventually, parts of the book are reached where Larson seems to take back control of the writing and things improve (though not completely, suggesting he is editing rather than writing?)
I mean come on Larson, if you are tired of writing undying mercenaries to the point that you are willing to offload/generate it instead, then please, just wrap it up. We love these books, but we’d rather have a well written, quick and abrupt ending than this drivel. If you did use AI, I get that you perhaps got a kick and a giggle out of watching it bring your characters to life in unique and unexpected ways, but I can assure you your readers do not (we have you for that already).
I’m shocked so many reviewers are giving Rebel World 5 stars. How?? I worry that by doing so they are encouraging Larson to keep up this nonsense.
Let’s hope this is a one-off.
December 1, 2024
Constant use of "Retard".
I've enjoyed most of Larson's books over the years and it's unfortunate that he appears to keep doubling down on using this word more and more often. One would think such a prolific writer could be a little more creative with his word choice to not constantly include a slur.
I get it, it's his book, his choice. And it's my choice to stop reading any of his future works.
B.V., if you ever are curious why, please give this half as much of a read as I've given all your series over the years. Thank you.
https://www.specialolympics.org/stori...
I've enjoyed most of Larson's books over the years and it's unfortunate that he appears to keep doubling down on using this word more and more often. One would think such a prolific writer could be a little more creative with his word choice to not constantly include a slur.
I get it, it's his book, his choice. And it's my choice to stop reading any of his future works.
B.V., if you ever are curious why, please give this half as much of a read as I've given all your series over the years. Thank you.
https://www.specialolympics.org/stori...
January 11, 2025
This was a strange book. It started off strange but then kind of flipped back to what is normally contained in these books. Yeah, there’s lots of humor and it works. James McGill. Centurion of Legion Varus, is off-duty at home in his shack in Georgia. That is until he’s rudely awaken by something huge that dropped right in his backyard in the mud just like everything else! James wasn’t expecting anything and certainly not what appeared next.
After banging around on the monolith or obelisk, he still couldn’t make out what it was. Then the ground he was standing on started shaking until the entire farm seemed shake. Then the gravity cut loose with everything floating in the air except for the humans standing around the thing. Then out of nothing appeared a whole bunch of Nairbs! These are translucent green baby seal-looking creatures obviously not from Earth. What they were doing here was not something McGill wanted to think about. Seeing Nairbs anywhere usually meant trouble. Not knowing what else to do, McGill contacted Imperator Galina Turov and she immediately decided to come down to his farm so as to prevent McGill from starting an intergalactic incident.
When she got there she met Chief Inspector of Province 921 who told her that McGill was wanted to testify in a Galactic court hearing. Galina then asked McGill what had he done and of course he swore that he was innocent of all charges. That’s when none other than Grand Admiral Sateekas appeared, again out of seeming thin air. Come to find out, the huge monolith was an intergalactic transportation device and all of these beings had come to Earth to drag McGill back to the galactic court! As long as it didn’t involve anyone else in the Legion Varus, Galina agreed that McGill should go and testify. Of course, McGill had no idea about what he was to testify but he was certainly going to claim his innocence.
So, they all got transported/teleported to Aquarius-Prime, the home of the Nairbs. Nairbs were all like galactic lawyers or accountants. They meddled in everything and were strictly trying to apply galactic law to everything anyone did, especially humans. First order of business was to place Admiral Sateekas’ son on the Galactic Empire thrown. Having defeated the Mogwa of Segin with McGill’s help, the Mogwa’s civilization was now united and claimed equality to all the other galactic civilizations. The Nairb court ruled that the Mogwa were in fact a top Galactic Civilization. Then the question of Nero, Admiral Sateekas’ son becoming the Galactic Emperor was kind of temporarily shelved since there was someone else wanting that position. But the court moved on.
Then James was astonished to see Drusus and the Investigator show up for the next part of the hearing. It seems that Dust World and one other world now called Rebel World had applied for independence from Earth. This will open a whole can of worms for Earth since both Dust World and now Rebel World are colonies of Earth. They can’t allow this to happen or the other colonies might get the same idea. The Nairb court puts this request on hold until they can further examine the issue. That gives Earth the time to go to Rebel world and stop this rebellion before it gets started.
McGill gets teleported back to Earth where he is immediately summoned by the Consul of Earth Wurtenberger. He arrives at his office with Imperator Turov at his side just to make sure he shows up. There they discuss what happened at the court and what to do about it. Wurtenberger decides they need more intelligence on what was happening on Rebel world. So of course, he orders James McGill to go there and act as a spy! Now is when the normal part of the story starts. Of course the leaders of the Rebels happens to be women. James usually gets along very well with females, well, sometimes. He doesn’t really want to be spying on some of these people because he has ties with Dust World and can’t understand why they would want to rebel from Earth.
Now you’ll find out just how prepared Rebel World is to defend their independence. It’s going to be a war with James McGill right in the middle of everything. He won’t survive without dying multiple times, but that’s part of the job as they say. I found the book much more interesting towards then end than at the beginning. So if you can slog your way past the first half of the book, you’ll be right in the best part until the end.
I don’t know if they’ll be another book, but I suspect Mr. Larson will continue writing these stories as long as he comes up with new world for McGill to mess up!
After banging around on the monolith or obelisk, he still couldn’t make out what it was. Then the ground he was standing on started shaking until the entire farm seemed shake. Then the gravity cut loose with everything floating in the air except for the humans standing around the thing. Then out of nothing appeared a whole bunch of Nairbs! These are translucent green baby seal-looking creatures obviously not from Earth. What they were doing here was not something McGill wanted to think about. Seeing Nairbs anywhere usually meant trouble. Not knowing what else to do, McGill contacted Imperator Galina Turov and she immediately decided to come down to his farm so as to prevent McGill from starting an intergalactic incident.
When she got there she met Chief Inspector of Province 921 who told her that McGill was wanted to testify in a Galactic court hearing. Galina then asked McGill what had he done and of course he swore that he was innocent of all charges. That’s when none other than Grand Admiral Sateekas appeared, again out of seeming thin air. Come to find out, the huge monolith was an intergalactic transportation device and all of these beings had come to Earth to drag McGill back to the galactic court! As long as it didn’t involve anyone else in the Legion Varus, Galina agreed that McGill should go and testify. Of course, McGill had no idea about what he was to testify but he was certainly going to claim his innocence.
So, they all got transported/teleported to Aquarius-Prime, the home of the Nairbs. Nairbs were all like galactic lawyers or accountants. They meddled in everything and were strictly trying to apply galactic law to everything anyone did, especially humans. First order of business was to place Admiral Sateekas’ son on the Galactic Empire thrown. Having defeated the Mogwa of Segin with McGill’s help, the Mogwa’s civilization was now united and claimed equality to all the other galactic civilizations. The Nairb court ruled that the Mogwa were in fact a top Galactic Civilization. Then the question of Nero, Admiral Sateekas’ son becoming the Galactic Emperor was kind of temporarily shelved since there was someone else wanting that position. But the court moved on.
Then James was astonished to see Drusus and the Investigator show up for the next part of the hearing. It seems that Dust World and one other world now called Rebel World had applied for independence from Earth. This will open a whole can of worms for Earth since both Dust World and now Rebel World are colonies of Earth. They can’t allow this to happen or the other colonies might get the same idea. The Nairb court puts this request on hold until they can further examine the issue. That gives Earth the time to go to Rebel world and stop this rebellion before it gets started.
McGill gets teleported back to Earth where he is immediately summoned by the Consul of Earth Wurtenberger. He arrives at his office with Imperator Turov at his side just to make sure he shows up. There they discuss what happened at the court and what to do about it. Wurtenberger decides they need more intelligence on what was happening on Rebel world. So of course, he orders James McGill to go there and act as a spy! Now is when the normal part of the story starts. Of course the leaders of the Rebels happens to be women. James usually gets along very well with females, well, sometimes. He doesn’t really want to be spying on some of these people because he has ties with Dust World and can’t understand why they would want to rebel from Earth.
Now you’ll find out just how prepared Rebel World is to defend their independence. It’s going to be a war with James McGill right in the middle of everything. He won’t survive without dying multiple times, but that’s part of the job as they say. I found the book much more interesting towards then end than at the beginning. So if you can slog your way past the first half of the book, you’ll be right in the best part until the end.
I don’t know if they’ll be another book, but I suspect Mr. Larson will continue writing these stories as long as he comes up with new world for McGill to mess up!
November 29, 2024
Bravo McGill
In this episode, McGill is caught on the horns of a dilemma. He knows the Hegemony is evil, but the Dust World rebels are, to his mind, traitors. However, among that group are Boudicca, Drusus, the Inspector, and his daughter.
Further, she is an expecting his grandchild.
In this book we see two other themes. First, McGill was s always flippant but in this one more so. Second, he begins to notice flaws everywhere, exceptions to order. Smudges on polished surfaces, nicks in furniture, ketchup or dirt on uniforms. Small insects and little plants in cracks. He’s seeing that control is an illusion.
He has to thread a needle between his loyalty to earth and his feelings for his family. It’s not black and white and he has to be creative. For McGill it’s a day that ends in Y.
Along the way he is instrumental in an effort to put a Mogwa on the Galactic throne, through the agency of Grand Admiral Sateekas. It’s got everything. I think he bedded 5 women, and we can’t count his revivals.
Bravo.
In this episode, McGill is caught on the horns of a dilemma. He knows the Hegemony is evil, but the Dust World rebels are, to his mind, traitors. However, among that group are Boudicca, Drusus, the Inspector, and his daughter.
Further, she is an expecting his grandchild.
In this book we see two other themes. First, McGill was s always flippant but in this one more so. Second, he begins to notice flaws everywhere, exceptions to order. Smudges on polished surfaces, nicks in furniture, ketchup or dirt on uniforms. Small insects and little plants in cracks. He’s seeing that control is an illusion.
He has to thread a needle between his loyalty to earth and his feelings for his family. It’s not black and white and he has to be creative. For McGill it’s a day that ends in Y.
Along the way he is instrumental in an effort to put a Mogwa on the Galactic throne, through the agency of Grand Admiral Sateekas. It’s got everything. I think he bedded 5 women, and we can’t count his revivals.
Bravo.
March 16, 2025
I would have given it 4 stars but there were about 50 or so pages of unnecessary battle events that could have just been summarized. Also with Etta's mother in the battle group and having no idea her daughter was there on the same planet in the same local area was a complete mystery to me. James never disclosed that to her in the story
What I also find tiring is that James never seems to mature, what is he now over 100 years old or close to? with all his experiences he still seems to have no more inside to the human condition than he did at the start of the series? He still seems to be the same shallow man he was 10 books ago. If your going to write a series of books like this there has to be some character development at some point.
I don't listen to these books on audible anymore they are a waste of a good credit I have Amazon unlimited account and can read maybe 5 to 10 books per month for a lot less money
What I also find tiring is that James never seems to mature, what is he now over 100 years old or close to? with all his experiences he still seems to have no more inside to the human condition than he did at the start of the series? He still seems to be the same shallow man he was 10 books ago. If your going to write a series of books like this there has to be some character development at some point.
I don't listen to these books on audible anymore they are a waste of a good credit I have Amazon unlimited account and can read maybe 5 to 10 books per month for a lot less money
December 13, 2025
Rebel World continues B.V. Larson’s Undying Mercenaries series with the fast-paced action, sharp humor, and constant escalation that fans have come to expect. Book 22 builds naturally on the events of the previous installments, expanding the universe while keeping James McGill front and center as chaotic, stubborn, and endlessly entertaining. The stakes feel higher, the political maneuvering more complex, and the consequences more lasting, which gives the story a satisfying sense of momentum rather than feeling like filler. Larson balances large-scale military sci-fi action with character-driven moments and clever twists, making this installment both familiar and fresh. Overall, Rebel World is an enjoyable and engaging continuation of the series that reinforces why Undying Mercenaries remains such a fun and addictive read.
December 12, 2024
On par with rest of series.
Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for reviews on the TWENTY SECOND book of a series to decide if you’re gonna read it, then you’re dumber than a Splat thinking they will survive an exercise on the Green Deck.
Usual McGill shenanigans, only two, let’s call them observations instead of criticisms: after over a century of war and service, the “ dumb hick” routine is wearing a bit thin. I think Mr. Larson would be best served by maturing McGill a bit, not too much, but just a bit.
Secondly, all throughout the story there was a thread of mystery that I was hoping for a Sixth Sense twist; McGill was noticing so many random things, smudges, smears, threads etc. I thought it was going to end up into a big reveal.
Spoiler alert? It didn’t….
Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for reviews on the TWENTY SECOND book of a series to decide if you’re gonna read it, then you’re dumber than a Splat thinking they will survive an exercise on the Green Deck.
Usual McGill shenanigans, only two, let’s call them observations instead of criticisms: after over a century of war and service, the “ dumb hick” routine is wearing a bit thin. I think Mr. Larson would be best served by maturing McGill a bit, not too much, but just a bit.
Secondly, all throughout the story there was a thread of mystery that I was hoping for a Sixth Sense twist; McGill was noticing so many random things, smudges, smears, threads etc. I thought it was going to end up into a big reveal.
Spoiler alert? It didn’t….
March 3, 2025
One Star Review for the terrible first half.
I am nearly positive some text generation tools were used during the first half. I noticed many repetitions of the same sentence structure, probably from some large language model clumsily trying to duplicate human writing.
page 104
"I noticed a small scratch on one the panels, probably from some clumsy tech specialist moving equipment"
page 167
"I noticed a gouge in the polished floor tiles, probably from some poor alien bastards claw as they were dragged off to whatever passed for Mogwa justice"
page 172
"i noticed a crack in one of the ornate floor tiles, probably from some poor bastard's class as they were dragged off to whatever passed for Mogwa justice."
I am nearly positive some text generation tools were used during the first half. I noticed many repetitions of the same sentence structure, probably from some large language model clumsily trying to duplicate human writing.
page 104
"I noticed a small scratch on one the panels, probably from some clumsy tech specialist moving equipment"
page 167
"I noticed a gouge in the polished floor tiles, probably from some poor alien bastards claw as they were dragged off to whatever passed for Mogwa justice"
page 172
"i noticed a crack in one of the ornate floor tiles, probably from some poor bastard's class as they were dragged off to whatever passed for Mogwa justice."
July 20, 2025
4⭐ (Extremely Good)
What can I say? I really enjoy this series. This book was one of the better ones that I have read in the series. The two stand out parts in this series is when McGill and Satikas have a little heart to heart under the stars, and the ending. Which if you read the series, you know how these books normally end. This one did not end in its normal manner, and I was super pleased with the change. I read this one a little after it had been released so the next book is already out and I'm excited to get to it soon!
Special note on narration for audio. Mark Boyett is the freaking man. I just love listening to him narrate this series. It's masterful in my opinion and makes it hard to recommend this series outside of narration because he does such an amazing job.
What can I say? I really enjoy this series. This book was one of the better ones that I have read in the series. The two stand out parts in this series is when McGill and Satikas have a little heart to heart under the stars, and the ending. Which if you read the series, you know how these books normally end. This one did not end in its normal manner, and I was super pleased with the change. I read this one a little after it had been released so the next book is already out and I'm excited to get to it soon!
Special note on narration for audio. Mark Boyett is the freaking man. I just love listening to him narrate this series. It's masterful in my opinion and makes it hard to recommend this series outside of narration because he does such an amazing job.
December 1, 2024
Disappointing. I love the author and the saga. Although this book follows the saga, it does not seem to have been written by the same author. The main character does not behave as in previous books. Interactions with other characters are far more direct, has some kind of free pass everywhere, part of the plot does not integrate with the rest of the story, there is clearly an interested party that has been completely ignored, etc. This is a great saga. I hope next book gets back into what it used to be.
January 10, 2025
This series continues to be my favorite from Larson
I have become a real fan of Larson's Undying Mercinaries series. At the heart of it is the extremely strong characters- especially James McGill. The core of these books is also brilliant in the fact that these soldiers can die and yet live to fight another day. He has developed an especially creative and enjoyable world to read about. Keep them coming, Mr. Larson, I'm sure I would read another 22 - if you don't pull a "Carlos" move on us!
I have become a real fan of Larson's Undying Mercinaries series. At the heart of it is the extremely strong characters- especially James McGill. The core of these books is also brilliant in the fact that these soldiers can die and yet live to fight another day. He has developed an especially creative and enjoyable world to read about. Keep them coming, Mr. Larson, I'm sure I would read another 22 - if you don't pull a "Carlos" move on us!
November 30, 2024
Good read
McGill, is he an idiot, stupid, lucky, intelligent, politician, or a servant? We may never know! He gets pulled into galactic politics, can be truthful at times, and a battle hardened warrior, and an overly talented lier. You never know which side of him will show up at any given situation. It’s amazing Earth has been purged by the galactics from his antics! There’s still time!
McGill, is he an idiot, stupid, lucky, intelligent, politician, or a servant? We may never know! He gets pulled into galactic politics, can be truthful at times, and a battle hardened warrior, and an overly talented lier. You never know which side of him will show up at any given situation. It’s amazing Earth has been purged by the galactics from his antics! There’s still time!
December 3, 2024
interesting change of tone but as good change
About after he drank the wur wine for the first time, it was a pretty abrupt change. McGill became sassy. He started talking back and being noticed more and hanging back less. He showed off his intelligence and cunning more and offered advice and commentary without being prodded. This was a curious change of pace after 22 books, but also an interesting evolution. More self reflection, planning and interaction. I like the change!
About after he drank the wur wine for the first time, it was a pretty abrupt change. McGill became sassy. He started talking back and being noticed more and hanging back less. He showed off his intelligence and cunning more and offered advice and commentary without being prodded. This was a curious change of pace after 22 books, but also an interesting evolution. More self reflection, planning and interaction. I like the change!
December 3, 2024
I have read every book in this series and loved them. This one felt different, almost as if it was a pre release copy for edit?
Some jarring transitions between scenes and more than a few times where the characters actions made no sense.
And why the continued weird focus on James spotting all kind of intricate small details in things, and nothing came of it.
I’ll gladly read on in this series hoping this one was just an anomaly. If not, who knows.
Some jarring transitions between scenes and more than a few times where the characters actions made no sense.
And why the continued weird focus on James spotting all kind of intricate small details in things, and nothing came of it.
I’ll gladly read on in this series hoping this one was just an anomaly. If not, who knows.
February 3, 2025
I have long been a fan of the Undying Mercenary series, finding them to be entertaining and easy to read. This book was a disappointment for me and probably the end of the road for me and McGill. The plot felt tired and the repetitive use of descriptive phrases was annoying. How many times can someone "roll their eyes so hard they almost pop out of their head", or hear "suddenly a Hybrid appeared, easily twice the size of the others". After the third or fourth reference these epithets lose their meaning. I have enjoyed many of BV Larson's books, this just wasn't one of them (2.5 Stars).
March 25, 2025
This one barely made 3 stars. As noted in other review the first 20% of the book was terrible and I almost gave up on the series. It seemed like the author used AI to write it all and didn't edit it for content. Even then the major plot point of the book was repetitive and didn't develop much and there were repeated uses of the same idioms, catch phrases, and soliloquies. Really hoping Larson turns this around.
November 27, 2024
good read but lacking
Where to start: there isn’t a space battle so why the cover of space ships firing?
Lots of repetitive language.
How many times does the author need to say “the room lost ten degrees”?
Glad to see a beloved character get vindication. I wish McGill had a real agenda for once and removed some of his enemies or get himself promoted.
Where to start: there isn’t a space battle so why the cover of space ships firing?
Lots of repetitive language.
How many times does the author need to say “the room lost ten degrees”?
Glad to see a beloved character get vindication. I wish McGill had a real agenda for once and removed some of his enemies or get himself promoted.
December 1, 2024
I was worried ...
... there for a while. The first part of the book was not up to BVL' standards: the plot was utter nonsense, McGill's humour too much on the silly side etc.
But hot damn, the rest of the book more than made up for it.
Looking forward to see how in what direction this series will be going.
... there for a while. The first part of the book was not up to BVL' standards: the plot was utter nonsense, McGill's humour too much on the silly side etc.
But hot damn, the rest of the book more than made up for it.
Looking forward to see how in what direction this series will be going.
December 6, 2024
Just when you thought...well McGill!
Usually, a book series is stale at book 6, or if it's good, book 10. This is the 22nd good read for this series. BV has done a nice job with humorous (mis)adventures and a enough science to keep relevant. Keep it up and we might get to McGill finally getting to Gas World for all the hot air he spouts!
Usually, a book series is stale at book 6, or if it's good, book 10. This is the 22nd good read for this series. BV has done a nice job with humorous (mis)adventures and a enough science to keep relevant. Keep it up and we might get to McGill finally getting to Gas World for all the hot air he spouts!
December 21, 2024
I read these books really quickly, but enjoy them more than most bad Netflix shows and they last quite a bit longer. Makes for good escapism as a break from all the other stuff I read that’s significantly more processing power. I especially enjoyed this series when I suffered from a brain injury and couldn’t do much else. It actually became a challenging read during that point in my life.
January 18, 2025
Always a hoot
McGill and crew are always a hoot. Mocking human and alien frailties but returning always to ethical and moral values. A touch of Tarzan, a bundle of Hercules, he is a man’s man hilariously thumbing his nose at the idiots of the universe, while manipulating a sh*tstorm into a positive outcome.
Thanks, B.V.!
McGill and crew are always a hoot. Mocking human and alien frailties but returning always to ethical and moral values. A touch of Tarzan, a bundle of Hercules, he is a man’s man hilariously thumbing his nose at the idiots of the universe, while manipulating a sh*tstorm into a positive outcome.
Thanks, B.V.!
March 14, 2025
No Story On Legion Varus Could Be A ‘C-F.’
B.V. Larson is a gifted and funny author! You need both those qualities when writing about Legion Varus and the Centurion! If you toss in a bit of gross humor and a guy looking for sex nightly then you’re teady for Undying Mercenaries book #22, titled ‘Rebel World.’ This is a FUN read!
B.V. Larson is a gifted and funny author! You need both those qualities when writing about Legion Varus and the Centurion! If you toss in a bit of gross humor and a guy looking for sex nightly then you’re teady for Undying Mercenaries book #22, titled ‘Rebel World.’ This is a FUN read!
September 2, 2025
I really enjoyed the action and new species in this book
And it's not looking good but as usual McGill finds creative ways to see that of almost any situation. There are definitely ramifications for province 921 what the new exotic creatures and the new dynamic in this book are very interesting
And it's not looking good but as usual McGill finds creative ways to see that of almost any situation. There are definitely ramifications for province 921 what the new exotic creatures and the new dynamic in this book are very interesting
November 5, 2025
Previous books were good, but this one... feels like AI generated and proof read by a beginner... Soo many repetition and highlighting thins like dents and scratches, made me expect Raash to have something to do with them and expecting him to come around the next corner, but no...
Lazy comparisons and repeating idioms.
Lazy comparisons and repeating idioms.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews