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Atlas #1
ATLAS
This is a new release of a previously published edition.
Rade Galaal enrolls in the hardest military training known to man to become a member of the MOTHs, the most elite spec-ops unit in the galaxy. MOTHs are tacticians, corpsmen, snipers, astronauts and commandos rolled into one. They also happen to pilot the atomic-powered ATLAS mechs, specialized military hardware that brings new meaning to the phrase "one-man-army."
When Special Warfare Command orders MOTH Team Seven on a covert operation beyond the furthest reaches of explored space, Rade realizes he's signed up for more than he bargained for...
ATLAS is a 120,000 word military science-fiction novel.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2013
289 people are currently reading
1637 people want to read
About the author
Isaac Hooke
102 books508 followersIsaac Hooke is the best-selling author of the Ethan Galaal series of thriller novels, as well as the SF-themed ATLAS trilogy. When Isaac isn't writing, publishing, and blogging, he's busy cycling and taking pictures in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has a degree in Engineering Physics.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
You can follow Isaac on Twitter @IsaacHooke and his website http://IsaacHooke.com.
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May 26, 2023DNF at 67%.
Every once in a while, I pick up a military scifi book, because the description or the cover spoke to me. Also, just to see if I might like it. With rare exceptions, like the Old Man's War by John Scalzi, those books are a disappointment. Unfortunately, this one will fall into that disappointment category as well.
What I want in the books I read is good characters that are interesting to follow (even if not necessarily likeable), and a good story that doesn't have too many glaring plot holes. A modicum of internal logic with the worldbuilding is also highly appreciated. As you can imagine, military scifi is a genre that is very light on all of those attributes.
This story is typical military scifi fare - light on worldbuilding and substance, but hey, we have cool giant robot suites for our protagonist to pilot. The protagonist is also a typical representative of the genre - a wisecracking smartass that is cooler and better at everything than anyone else in the book, despite his humble beginnings. He seriously can do no wrong.
The supporting cast is just as uninspiring. The men are either the protagonist's allies and then they are okay guys, or they are his enemies/competitor, in which case they are usually horrible human beings. The female characters are even worse off. They are defined solely by how attractive our protagonist finds them. Other than that, they have no function or personality on their own. But hey, we have cool combat robots!
Once again, I proved to myself that no, I still don't like military scifi.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every once in a while, I pick up a military scifi book, because the description or the cover spoke to me. Also, just to see if I might like it. With rare exceptions, like the Old Man's War by John Scalzi, those books are a disappointment. Unfortunately, this one will fall into that disappointment category as well.
What I want in the books I read is good characters that are interesting to follow (even if not necessarily likeable), and a good story that doesn't have too many glaring plot holes. A modicum of internal logic with the worldbuilding is also highly appreciated. As you can imagine, military scifi is a genre that is very light on all of those attributes.
This story is typical military scifi fare - light on worldbuilding and substance, but hey, we have cool giant robot suites for our protagonist to pilot. The protagonist is also a typical representative of the genre - a wisecracking smartass that is cooler and better at everything than anyone else in the book, despite his humble beginnings. He seriously can do no wrong.
The supporting cast is just as uninspiring. The men are either the protagonist's allies and then they are okay guys, or they are his enemies/competitor, in which case they are usually horrible human beings. The female characters are even worse off. They are defined solely by how attractive our protagonist finds them. Other than that, they have no function or personality on their own. But hey, we have cool combat robots!
Once again, I proved to myself that no, I still don't like military scifi.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
*NOTE: This is my husband, Seth's, review as he is helping me with my giant review tbr*
4.5 Stars.
Hello again one and all. I have once again read a book for my lovely wife, and as such I am happy to give a review for said book. The one in question for today is a series rather than a single book. It is the Atlas series by Isaac Hooke. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this series. I’m pretty sure it was the reason I didn’t sleep for several days in a row. The story starts out small, following Rade, a Dissuader who finds himself quickly down on his luck. Having had enough of his poor lifestyle, he decides to make a go for a new life in America. So, this story seems typical enough right? Small town dude from a south of the border city decides to move to America for a better life right? Well, it’s not as simple as that. America has pretty much turned into a wet dream thought up by Donald Trump. Any non-native born people seeking citizenship have to serve time in the military to gain citizenship, and even then they get treated like crap by most people outside of the military.
Oh, I should probably mention right about now that this series is set in the future. I can’t recall if an exact date is given or not, but humanity has advanced enough that we as a whole have become space faring. We can also use gates, a la Cowboy Bebop, to travel vast distances. So, the human race has spread to the stars. What does this have to do with Rade? Well, he gets to choose which branch he would like to serve. He just so happens to pick the hardest branch available. The Moths.
What are the Moths? Imagine Navy Seals, but Navy Seals that have been concentrated to the levels of badassdom that would happen if Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee were able to have children, and then those children were strapped into giant mechanical suits of armor. That, in short is what a Moth is.
I could go on and on about the story and all that, but you probably want to know: is it worth the read? The simple answer to this question is yes. The long answer is composed of several questions. Do you like action? Do you like sci-fi? Do you like space operas? Do you like reading stories about how underdogs struggle and eventually redeem themselves in the eyes of themselves? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you will enjoy reading this series.
4.5 Stars.
Hello again one and all. I have once again read a book for my lovely wife, and as such I am happy to give a review for said book. The one in question for today is a series rather than a single book. It is the Atlas series by Isaac Hooke. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this series. I’m pretty sure it was the reason I didn’t sleep for several days in a row. The story starts out small, following Rade, a Dissuader who finds himself quickly down on his luck. Having had enough of his poor lifestyle, he decides to make a go for a new life in America. So, this story seems typical enough right? Small town dude from a south of the border city decides to move to America for a better life right? Well, it’s not as simple as that. America has pretty much turned into a wet dream thought up by Donald Trump. Any non-native born people seeking citizenship have to serve time in the military to gain citizenship, and even then they get treated like crap by most people outside of the military.
Oh, I should probably mention right about now that this series is set in the future. I can’t recall if an exact date is given or not, but humanity has advanced enough that we as a whole have become space faring. We can also use gates, a la Cowboy Bebop, to travel vast distances. So, the human race has spread to the stars. What does this have to do with Rade? Well, he gets to choose which branch he would like to serve. He just so happens to pick the hardest branch available. The Moths.
What are the Moths? Imagine Navy Seals, but Navy Seals that have been concentrated to the levels of badassdom that would happen if Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee were able to have children, and then those children were strapped into giant mechanical suits of armor. That, in short is what a Moth is.
I could go on and on about the story and all that, but you probably want to know: is it worth the read? The simple answer to this question is yes. The long answer is composed of several questions. Do you like action? Do you like sci-fi? Do you like space operas? Do you like reading stories about how underdogs struggle and eventually redeem themselves in the eyes of themselves? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you will enjoy reading this series.
January 2, 2014
TL;DR:
In a nutshell it's a modern version of Starship Troopers minus the political commentary and plus a healthy dose of military camaraderie. It doesn't break any particularly new ground in the genre, the writing is a bit rough in places, and there are a number of inconsistencies and holes throughout the plot, but it's overall an enjoyable read with comfortable characters and a consistently engaging story.
Full Review:
I picked up ATLAS this morning and finished it in a single sitting. The first half of the novel introduces the main characters, bound together by luck and fate, who eventually sign up for the military and make their way to special forces training. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to depicting this training and it felt like a written version of a Discovery Channel series on SEALS training I once watched - simultaneously interesting and painful to see what these men are put through. In hindsight, I wish this section had been shorter to make more room for the actual action of the story to take place, but it solidly establishes the main characters and their motivations. There is definitely a heaping does of military worship here, though, so be warned if you like more nuance in your subplots.
I won't give away too much, but the second half of the novel is a whirlwind of action that reminded me a great deal of Starship Troopers mixed with modern additions like AR and bitcoin. It's a combination of underwhelming Earth-based battling, space travel, and a somewhat forced love story culminating in a sci-fi horror finale on a distant planet complete with WTF's and hero-saves-the-day antics. The ending leaves open the possibility of sequels, but I can't say I'm overly interested. Pick this one up if you've got a hankering for some easy-read military SF featuring mechs (although briefly), but steer clear if you want more space opera or introspective fiction.
In a nutshell it's a modern version of Starship Troopers minus the political commentary and plus a healthy dose of military camaraderie. It doesn't break any particularly new ground in the genre, the writing is a bit rough in places, and there are a number of inconsistencies and holes throughout the plot, but it's overall an enjoyable read with comfortable characters and a consistently engaging story.
Full Review:
I picked up ATLAS this morning and finished it in a single sitting. The first half of the novel introduces the main characters, bound together by luck and fate, who eventually sign up for the military and make their way to special forces training. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to depicting this training and it felt like a written version of a Discovery Channel series on SEALS training I once watched - simultaneously interesting and painful to see what these men are put through. In hindsight, I wish this section had been shorter to make more room for the actual action of the story to take place, but it solidly establishes the main characters and their motivations. There is definitely a heaping does of military worship here, though, so be warned if you like more nuance in your subplots.
I won't give away too much, but the second half of the novel is a whirlwind of action that reminded me a great deal of Starship Troopers mixed with modern additions like AR and bitcoin. It's a combination of underwhelming Earth-based battling, space travel, and a somewhat forced love story culminating in a sci-fi horror finale on a distant planet complete with WTF's and hero-saves-the-day antics. The ending leaves open the possibility of sequels, but I can't say I'm overly interested. Pick this one up if you've got a hankering for some easy-read military SF featuring mechs (although briefly), but steer clear if you want more space opera or introspective fiction.
July 2, 2015
So, military SF. It's kind of like a cheeseburger. And when I say cheeseburger, you pretty much know what I'm talking about, yes? There is a patty of beef, a bun, some lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, a sauce, and of course cheese. With me so far?
Military SF is a cheeseburger. Sometimes it is a good cheeseburger, and sometimes it's the kind of cheeseburger you'll get at a greasy spoon on your way from one place to another.
My point is that military SF is what it is. Sometimes it is delicious and surprises you with the quality. But sometimes it just is a crappy cheeseburger, but when there is dried egg stuck between the forks on the tables, you probably know that the food won't be top shelf. And if you know this before you order, you get what you get and can't spend much time bemoaning what the cheeseburger isn't.
I know I know. This is a book review, not a dialogue on food and greasy spoon cheeseburgers.
So, let us talk about ATLAS.
It is set in the future, there are mechanical power suits used by the military, there is space travel through a kind of wormhole, aliens, and we get the usual military SF lineage. We get a brief pre-enlistment phase wherein we see the overall shit-state of the world. Then we get training, in this book we get a whole lot of training. After training we get deployment. And Bob's your uncle... military SF.
I'm disappointed in this book. It is set in the far future and yet there is an abundance of military homophobic stereotyping. Apparently humanity can cross great space distances but when it comes to gay people, they are ridiculed and mocked and used as flat dialogue banter in the pathetic attempt to make "men" feel like "men." Women are sex objects and only exist in this book to be fucked or to be a nonexistent love interest for a stale cardboard protagonist. What really burns me about this book is how it is aimed at a younger audience. The gender typing is simply frightening.
This book reads like someone spent a great deal of time researching Navy SEALS, then applied the gleaned information to a military SF environment. If you were to track down a documentary produced by the Discovery channel on Navy SEAL class 234, you'll see direct quotes pulled and used in this book from that Discovery program. I'm disappointed with the lack of originality.
The writing is tedious. The dialogue is stiff and is only there to advance the transparent plot of a dull story wherein the Special Forces hero is tough and overcomes all. It's just a bad book, a very bad book.
But..... if you don't care, and are jonesing for some military SF, this might do you in a pinch. It's like that cheeseburger, it may not be the best, but if you swallow it and try not to taste it, it'll keep you going... until your heart explodes from all the grease. Or in this case, from the pure unending stream of patriarchal bullshit.
Audiobook:
Peter Berkrot does a nice job reading this book. At times his delivery is a tad too dramatic, but I think it's a good audiobook production.
Military SF is a cheeseburger. Sometimes it is a good cheeseburger, and sometimes it's the kind of cheeseburger you'll get at a greasy spoon on your way from one place to another.
My point is that military SF is what it is. Sometimes it is delicious and surprises you with the quality. But sometimes it just is a crappy cheeseburger, but when there is dried egg stuck between the forks on the tables, you probably know that the food won't be top shelf. And if you know this before you order, you get what you get and can't spend much time bemoaning what the cheeseburger isn't.
I know I know. This is a book review, not a dialogue on food and greasy spoon cheeseburgers.
So, let us talk about ATLAS.
It is set in the future, there are mechanical power suits used by the military, there is space travel through a kind of wormhole, aliens, and we get the usual military SF lineage. We get a brief pre-enlistment phase wherein we see the overall shit-state of the world. Then we get training, in this book we get a whole lot of training. After training we get deployment. And Bob's your uncle... military SF.
I'm disappointed in this book. It is set in the far future and yet there is an abundance of military homophobic stereotyping. Apparently humanity can cross great space distances but when it comes to gay people, they are ridiculed and mocked and used as flat dialogue banter in the pathetic attempt to make "men" feel like "men." Women are sex objects and only exist in this book to be fucked or to be a nonexistent love interest for a stale cardboard protagonist. What really burns me about this book is how it is aimed at a younger audience. The gender typing is simply frightening.
This book reads like someone spent a great deal of time researching Navy SEALS, then applied the gleaned information to a military SF environment. If you were to track down a documentary produced by the Discovery channel on Navy SEAL class 234, you'll see direct quotes pulled and used in this book from that Discovery program. I'm disappointed with the lack of originality.
The writing is tedious. The dialogue is stiff and is only there to advance the transparent plot of a dull story wherein the Special Forces hero is tough and overcomes all. It's just a bad book, a very bad book.
But..... if you don't care, and are jonesing for some military SF, this might do you in a pinch. It's like that cheeseburger, it may not be the best, but if you swallow it and try not to taste it, it'll keep you going... until your heart explodes from all the grease. Or in this case, from the pure unending stream of patriarchal bullshit.
Audiobook:
Peter Berkrot does a nice job reading this book. At times his delivery is a tad too dramatic, but I think it's a good audiobook production.
March 29, 2014
At first, the author spent too much time in the "now" discussing the characters progress in BUDs. However, once he joined the team and went on missions, the booked picked up pretty quickly and finally felt more like a good military sci fi book. The author is no Scalzi or Scott Card, but he tells a good story.
September 16, 2016
Isaac Hooke is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I’ve already read and reviewed three of his “A Captain’s Crucible Series” and now I’m heading towards reading everyone of this “Atlas Series”. This one is kind of an introduction to the main character, Rade Galaal, and his journey to become a MOTH. You would be familiar with that term if you had read the “A Captain’s Crucible Series”, since Rade shows up in it and does his usual thing. But, the short answer to, “What is a MOTH?”, is just think SEAL Team member! Yes, we’re going into training to become a SEAL or in this case a MOTH.
From reading the authors bio, it doesn’t appear that he’s actually been through any kind of SEAL training, so he must have done a ton of research on the subject. He makes it seem so very, very real. Rade Galaal is from somewhere south of the US and Canada or what is now called the United Countries. His life is anything but charming. He’s poor and has been poor all his life. His best friend, Alejandro, has raised him, taught him how to live on the street and to survive. Yet, things are getting tougher and Rade decides it’s time to leave. HIs best option is to try and illegally get into the UC. He knows that if he’s caught, it’s a 10 year sentence into the UC military. Yeah, go figure that out. It’s kind of a nice setup in that illegal immigrants are forced into military service to defend the country they wanted to live in. Too me, that’s justice. The term of service is kind of long, but that’s what it is in this book.
So, Rade gets caught and decides he wants to join the Navy. He actually has a choice between the military services and it was only between the Navy and Marines so he chose the Navy because he wanted to become a MOTH. This sounds oh so similar to the road I took into my military service. I had always planned to be a Marine until the Navy Recruiter showed me and three of my buddies a film about SEAL Teams. We signed up immediately. I later found out that you didn’t get into SEAL training wearing glasses! Boy! Am I ever thankful! I wouldn’t have made it, I just know me. Yet, Rade is determined to do whatever it takes to become a MOTH. And he drags Alejandro along with him. It’s brutal training, but it keeps you riveted to the book. I couldn’t put it down and had many long nights (well, only two) of reading until 2 am.
You do get to go beyond just the training portion. On to some very, very dangerous missions. I don’t know how these guys survive. Well, they do have some pretty fancy robotic assistants; almost sentient AIs that can act almost like humans doing scout work and other military duties. They also have Weavers which are highly evolved medical robots. They can repair just about any part of the body using replacement 3D printed parts. Yeah, the author introduces some pretty advanced concepts into the story. It would be great if such things were to exist, but they don’t today and probably won’t in my lifetime. Too bad!
I’m already into the second book, “Atlas 2”, and I have seen that the third book, “Atlas 3” is also out. Those titles really don’t tell much about the books, so I hope it is a continuing story about Rade and his buddies or team. This is excellent military science fiction, really, really good stuff.
From reading the authors bio, it doesn’t appear that he’s actually been through any kind of SEAL training, so he must have done a ton of research on the subject. He makes it seem so very, very real. Rade Galaal is from somewhere south of the US and Canada or what is now called the United Countries. His life is anything but charming. He’s poor and has been poor all his life. His best friend, Alejandro, has raised him, taught him how to live on the street and to survive. Yet, things are getting tougher and Rade decides it’s time to leave. HIs best option is to try and illegally get into the UC. He knows that if he’s caught, it’s a 10 year sentence into the UC military. Yeah, go figure that out. It’s kind of a nice setup in that illegal immigrants are forced into military service to defend the country they wanted to live in. Too me, that’s justice. The term of service is kind of long, but that’s what it is in this book.
So, Rade gets caught and decides he wants to join the Navy. He actually has a choice between the military services and it was only between the Navy and Marines so he chose the Navy because he wanted to become a MOTH. This sounds oh so similar to the road I took into my military service. I had always planned to be a Marine until the Navy Recruiter showed me and three of my buddies a film about SEAL Teams. We signed up immediately. I later found out that you didn’t get into SEAL training wearing glasses! Boy! Am I ever thankful! I wouldn’t have made it, I just know me. Yet, Rade is determined to do whatever it takes to become a MOTH. And he drags Alejandro along with him. It’s brutal training, but it keeps you riveted to the book. I couldn’t put it down and had many long nights (well, only two) of reading until 2 am.
You do get to go beyond just the training portion. On to some very, very dangerous missions. I don’t know how these guys survive. Well, they do have some pretty fancy robotic assistants; almost sentient AIs that can act almost like humans doing scout work and other military duties. They also have Weavers which are highly evolved medical robots. They can repair just about any part of the body using replacement 3D printed parts. Yeah, the author introduces some pretty advanced concepts into the story. It would be great if such things were to exist, but they don’t today and probably won’t in my lifetime. Too bad!
I’m already into the second book, “Atlas 2”, and I have seen that the third book, “Atlas 3” is also out. Those titles really don’t tell much about the books, so I hope it is a continuing story about Rade and his buddies or team. This is excellent military science fiction, really, really good stuff.
December 28, 2014
“ATLAS” was published in 2014 and was written by Isaac Hooke (http://isaachooke.com). Mr. Hooke has published 7 novels, this is the first of his “ATLAS” series.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there is Mature Language and Violence. The novel is written in the first person from the view point of Rade Galaal. The story is set in a future where Earth has mastered space travel through out the galaxy.
Galaal makes a feeble attempt, along with his long time friend Alejandro, to sneak into the United Countries. They are caught and given the opportunity to sign up for the UC military instead of being deported. They choose to sign up (which was Rade’s goal all along), and opt for the toughest branch of the military, the MOTHS.
The MOTHS are much like contemporary SEALS, but also deal with missions in space and often use ATLAS battle suits. These are really more like large robots that are guided by a human riding inside.
At the new recruit processing center Rade meets Tahoe Eaglehide and Shaw Chopra. Tahoe joins Rade and Alejandro in signing up for the MOTHS. Shaw opts for space flight school. The story follows Rade and his friends through training. Rade develops a romantic interest in Chopra, but they are not given much chance to pursue it. After training Rade, Alejandro and Tahoe are sent to the MOTHS Teams and then into combat on Earth. His unit is then sent on a secret mission to deep space where they are confronted not only with foes from Earth, but also a species from outside our galaxy.
This is a Military Science Fiction Thriller, with a touch of Romance, which reminds me a lot of Heinlein’s Starship Troopers. I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘R’ as there is Mature Language and Violence. The novel is written in the first person from the view point of Rade Galaal. The story is set in a future where Earth has mastered space travel through out the galaxy.
Galaal makes a feeble attempt, along with his long time friend Alejandro, to sneak into the United Countries. They are caught and given the opportunity to sign up for the UC military instead of being deported. They choose to sign up (which was Rade’s goal all along), and opt for the toughest branch of the military, the MOTHS.
The MOTHS are much like contemporary SEALS, but also deal with missions in space and often use ATLAS battle suits. These are really more like large robots that are guided by a human riding inside.
At the new recruit processing center Rade meets Tahoe Eaglehide and Shaw Chopra. Tahoe joins Rade and Alejandro in signing up for the MOTHS. Shaw opts for space flight school. The story follows Rade and his friends through training. Rade develops a romantic interest in Chopra, but they are not given much chance to pursue it. After training Rade, Alejandro and Tahoe are sent to the MOTHS Teams and then into combat on Earth. His unit is then sent on a secret mission to deep space where they are confronted not only with foes from Earth, but also a species from outside our galaxy.
This is a Military Science Fiction Thriller, with a touch of Romance, which reminds me a lot of Heinlein’s Starship Troopers. I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I give this novel a 5 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
November 2, 2014
Enjoying this book so far. I like military based books read authors who have been in the S.A.S the likes of Andy McNab, Chris Ryan and Bear Grylls.
Basically I get the thrill of all the training and action from the safety of my couch.
I do see similarities between Starship Troopers and this book. All books contain similarities. I loved the film in fact it was my first date with my now husband 17 years ago. My choice of film.
I am finding the book entertaining the writing style is good, however I don't like the love interest -Shaw. His two best pals I like. 65%through.
Update
Well Shaw redeemed herself.
Unfortunately is inevitable during intense armed conflict. I loved the training in the first half of the book and the conflict in the second half.
Reading book 2 next.
Basically I get the thrill of all the training and action from the safety of my couch.
I do see similarities between Starship Troopers and this book. All books contain similarities. I loved the film in fact it was my first date with my now husband 17 years ago. My choice of film.
I am finding the book entertaining the writing style is good, however I don't like the love interest -Shaw. His two best pals I like. 65%through.
Update
Well Shaw redeemed herself.
Unfortunately is inevitable during intense armed conflict. I loved the training in the first half of the book and the conflict in the second half.
Reading book 2 next.
March 2, 2015
I listened to the audio version of this book.
The premise of the book is nothing new in the sci-fi genre, solder enhanced fights on other planets.
The story has a decent pace, plot keeps you interested, slow moving love interested intertwined to keep it grounded and not full blown military fiction.
Its part of a series, so there is ongoing character development.
For the audio book, the narrator, oh what a pain, really goes into too much into it, found by the second book, I was ready to delete the audiobook, listened to both with in two weeks of each other. If there is a 3rd book, I will be reading in paperbound, my sanity couldn't take any more depressive characterisation.
The premise of the book is nothing new in the sci-fi genre, solder enhanced fights on other planets.
The story has a decent pace, plot keeps you interested, slow moving love interested intertwined to keep it grounded and not full blown military fiction.
Its part of a series, so there is ongoing character development.
For the audio book, the narrator, oh what a pain, really goes into too much into it, found by the second book, I was ready to delete the audiobook, listened to both with in two weeks of each other. If there is a 3rd book, I will be reading in paperbound, my sanity couldn't take any more depressive characterisation.
February 13, 2014
Atlas
Atlas
Excellent sci-fi written in a style reminiscent of Heinlein or Asimov. The story moves in the fast pace of today's action movies so you find yourself hating to put it down and get some work done. I plan to get more of Hooke's work to see if the pleasure remains.
Atlas
Excellent sci-fi written in a style reminiscent of Heinlein or Asimov. The story moves in the fast pace of today's action movies so you find yourself hating to put it down and get some work done. I plan to get more of Hooke's work to see if the pleasure remains.
April 12, 2015
Reads more like a YA story...just too much corn and cheese. Spot on descriptions of bootcamp and special warfare training. Unnecessary and mushy love tryst. Very interesting and scary aliens. Engrossing action sequences. The main character is a little too Gary Stu. A fairly fun read but I will not be picking up part 2.
June 23, 2016
A fun military sci-fi story that I enjoyed quite a bit. The author does not really cover any specific new ground in this story but he does keep you entertained with lots of action throughout the whole story. This will definitely be a series that I keep on reading.
4 stars for a fun read. Recommended for fans of military sci-fi with lots of action.
4 stars for a fun read. Recommended for fans of military sci-fi with lots of action.
December 29, 2019
Atlas is the first book in the Atlas series. This is part of a trilogy. You could read it as a standalone book but the story doesn't end here. There is a lot of violence. This is a somewhat political book as well as being hard SciFi. I found it worth reading and plan on reading the rest of the series.
January 14, 2020
Very Good Book!
This book was a pleasure to read. It was well edited, I didn't find misspelled or misused words which is a real let down when I am reading. These always distract me and usually ruins the whole book for me.
This was extremely well written. It is the first in a series and the author took you on a wild ride getting the main character, Rade, and his best friend into the country and into the future Navy. He goes through basic, spec-op training and graduation becoming a MOTH. All the friends he meets in basic that go through MOTH training with him becoming brothers. The heartbreak when someone rings out and the joy and pride as each phase is passed until they finally graduate. They are abruptly called back from their first real mission to be sent off into space on a secret mission. This mission tests all of the team to their extreme limits and gives Rade flash backs of his time in training. The whole team suffers as some members are lost, Rade most of all. Just when you think you've pretty much figured out how it's going to end the author gives you one heck of a surprise ending.
I will definitely read the rest of the series and urge anyone that likes good military science fiction to read it also.
This book was a pleasure to read. It was well edited, I didn't find misspelled or misused words which is a real let down when I am reading. These always distract me and usually ruins the whole book for me.
This was extremely well written. It is the first in a series and the author took you on a wild ride getting the main character, Rade, and his best friend into the country and into the future Navy. He goes through basic, spec-op training and graduation becoming a MOTH. All the friends he meets in basic that go through MOTH training with him becoming brothers. The heartbreak when someone rings out and the joy and pride as each phase is passed until they finally graduate. They are abruptly called back from their first real mission to be sent off into space on a secret mission. This mission tests all of the team to their extreme limits and gives Rade flash backs of his time in training. The whole team suffers as some members are lost, Rade most of all. Just when you think you've pretty much figured out how it's going to end the author gives you one heck of a surprise ending.
I will definitely read the rest of the series and urge anyone that likes good military science fiction to read it also.
May 20, 2019
I suppose I'm late in picking up this great book by Isaac Hooke. As a military scifi nut , this book popped up from time to time but I never got around to reading it. This book is actually quite slow, for the first 50-60%, with the story dealing with Rade's growth as a character and a man during that time. It's written in a first-person view and I usually don't like it, however, Mr Hooke really wrote it well. You don't really get annoyed with Rade's narration of the events. It nicely captures his beginnings, through his self-doubt, self-loathing, determination and how he pushes through each of these situations. Navigating a hard life, to finding solice and a semblance if happiness and normality with love, companionship and comrades, then to losing it - well, you feel for the guy . You admire his will and the indomitable human spirit to overcome. The story sets up the second instalment, it's a book with well written characters that make you like them. I've not given it 5 stars due to, for me, the romance taking too much of the story and Rade's focus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2020
Couldn't make it 3 pages. I can only assume the 1st person narrative was from a 13-year-old, as that what it felt like I was reading the writing of. Short sentences that you could remove two-thirds of and still get the point.
Regardless, I couldn't bring myself to read any more, the style is just not for me.
If you think this is high quality writing, and the plot sounds good, maybe give it a try:
"There were a few clothes sellers, and the clothing looked relatively decent, I had to admit. For knockoffs."
"I realized that my trademark Dissuader hat was missing, and in a moment of disorientation I thought it had been stolen as well. But then I remembered I hadn’t brought the thing. Never wore it on “off” days.
Good. Those hats were hard to find.
No point staying here."
Yes, the full paragraph is "Good. Those hats were hard to find".
Regardless, I couldn't bring myself to read any more, the style is just not for me.
If you think this is high quality writing, and the plot sounds good, maybe give it a try:
"There were a few clothes sellers, and the clothing looked relatively decent, I had to admit. For knockoffs."
"I realized that my trademark Dissuader hat was missing, and in a moment of disorientation I thought it had been stolen as well. But then I remembered I hadn’t brought the thing. Never wore it on “off” days.
Good. Those hats were hard to find.
No point staying here."
Yes, the full paragraph is "Good. Those hats were hard to find".
July 5, 2020
Rade Galaal enrolls in the hardest military training known to man to become a member of the MOTHs, the most elite fighting unit in the galaxy. MOTHs are tacticians, corpsmen, snipers, astronauts and commandos rolled into one. They also happen to pilot the atomic-powered ATLAS mechs, specialized military hardware that brings new meaning to the phrase "one-man-army." When Special Warfare Command orders MOTH Team Seven on a covert operation beyond the furthest reaches of explored space, Rade realizes he's signed up for more than he bargained for... BONUS: This special-edition hardcover includes two short-stories set in the ATLAS universe: "Just Another Day" and "Caterpillar Without A Callsign."
June 29, 2023
5% of the book is how Rade ends up enlisting. 40% of this book is the old "damn, boot camp is brutal" stuff. I highly suggest skipping ahead from when the train arrives at the training center to the middle of the book.
After that, things pick up a bit. Sadly, Rade treats the 1 notable female character in the entire story poorly, yet she is the greatest woman he's ever met (oh wait there was a nice lady in the Barrio).
I wasn't too impressed with the climactic combat. There's just so long you can write how close the enemy is getting, and Hooke tries to maintain that for way too long. The combat may have been action-packed, but it dragged.
In all, the mysteries presented at the end pique my interest for another book, but the protagonist and pacing do not.
After that, things pick up a bit. Sadly, Rade treats the 1 notable female character in the entire story poorly, yet she is the greatest woman he's ever met (oh wait there was a nice lady in the Barrio).
I wasn't too impressed with the climactic combat. There's just so long you can write how close the enemy is getting, and Hooke tries to maintain that for way too long. The combat may have been action-packed, but it dragged.
In all, the mysteries presented at the end pique my interest for another book, but the protagonist and pacing do not.
February 16, 2019
Storyline not bad grasp of physics horrible
Author writes as if these fleets are tooling around in lake Michigan. No idea of how big space is and how it would affect the ships and characters. In one scene the enemy ships are "barely in sensor range" and the main character sneaks in in a spacesuit at Mach 8 Pleassse either the sensors are really bad or it would take months to get there. At least try to make it believable
Author writes as if these fleets are tooling around in lake Michigan. No idea of how big space is and how it would affect the ships and characters. In one scene the enemy ships are "barely in sensor range" and the main character sneaks in in a spacesuit at Mach 8 Pleassse either the sensors are really bad or it would take months to get there. At least try to make it believable
February 24, 2020
No one does mech warfare like Isaac Hawke.
Atlas is the first book in the life and adventures of Race Galaal. We learn why he joined the Navy and became a MOTH. We are introduced to the Atlas Mech he runs and his team members. The story is so filled with details you would swear that it is a real veteran speaking. I have read other books in this series out of order but I am glad I finally read this one to full in the missing pieces.
Atlas is the first book in the life and adventures of Race Galaal. We learn why he joined the Navy and became a MOTH. We are introduced to the Atlas Mech he runs and his team members. The story is so filled with details you would swear that it is a real veteran speaking. I have read other books in this series out of order but I am glad I finally read this one to full in the missing pieces.
January 20, 2017
An excellent 1st book in the trilogy. Good background story, love interest, action and adventure, all wrapped up a man seeking to change his life, and finding out he's more than he ever thought he could become. A great sci-fi read. Don't forget to continue the series!
January 6, 2018
Great start to the series
Found Isaacs writing from his most recent book this is my second and I enjoy his writing style and intend to read all his books kindle unlimited is really filled with slot of gems!
Found Isaacs writing from his most recent book this is my second and I enjoy his writing style and intend to read all his books kindle unlimited is really filled with slot of gems!
January 19, 2018
Excellent Read.
The characters seemed alive for me. The pace of the story worked for me. I found myself rooting for everyone to make it into the Moths. The ending was .... you will just have to read it for yourselves.
The characters seemed alive for me. The pace of the story worked for me. I found myself rooting for everyone to make it into the Moths. The ending was .... you will just have to read it for yourselves.
August 3, 2018
Titanfall
As a fan of Titanfall, I am so happy that this guy writes about what a Titanfall pilot would probably experience in his life. OH, AND YEAH MY FAVORITE MECH IS THE ATLAS! :)
As a fan of Titanfall, I am so happy that this guy writes about what a Titanfall pilot would probably experience in his life. OH, AND YEAH MY FAVORITE MECH IS THE ATLAS! :)
September 6, 2019
Read now
Read now it's a cracker. I read about Rade and his crew from other books and learned to love the characters and finally found the beginning of Rades adventures and enjoyed. So read and go on a trip of discovery you will enjoy.
Read now it's a cracker. I read about Rade and his crew from other books and learned to love the characters and finally found the beginning of Rades adventures and enjoyed. So read and go on a trip of discovery you will enjoy.
November 8, 2019
New concept
I am still thinking about what I have just finished,and I think it's a good start for a series. It gives you just enough to get interested and enough to want to read more.
I am still thinking about what I have just finished,and I think it's a good start for a series. It gives you just enough to get interested and enough to want to read more.
November 29, 2019
Having read the other books first this was great backstory
I am not sure of the recommended reading order but having read the other series 1st, this was a great background series. Even reading it in the other order will be fine. Good series.
I am not sure of the recommended reading order but having read the other series 1st, this was a great background series. Even reading it in the other order will be fine. Good series.
May 8, 2021
If you need a great sci-fi book to read, this is the one. I’m speechless, the ending gave me goosebumps and the epilogue gave me hope. I’m ready for Atlas 2!
P.S. I kept thinking about Asimov’s works when reading this book.
P.S. I kept thinking about Asimov’s works when reading this book.
May 16, 2017
This book was not for me. The romance was unrealistic. The storyline could not hold my interest. Certainly a well edited book nevertheless.
September 20, 2017
good book. lots of action
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