Callsign: Talon

Fueled By Fury #1

by Michael Anderle

A scrawny pilot vows to master the art of mech combat…

The Wolverines thought David Wayne was too scrawny to pilot a mech. They laughed in his face, telling him he needed more muscle and, hell, maybe a mustache to be worthy.

But they underestimated the furious spark of ambition that burned inside.

Driven by the sting of their ridicule, David teams up with his sarcastic AI, Tabitha, and a crew of overlooked society rejects, transforming scrap into a weapon that defies all expectations.

He’ll forge his own path by creating a mech unlike anything they've ever fast, deadly, and fueled by the pure, unadulterated fury of being told he couldn't.

Talon is a high-octane ride, where one pilot will obliterate the notion that you have to be a hulking brute to dominate in combat.

The bigger the mechs, the harder they will fall, and David is ready to make them all crash and burn or DIE TRYING.

Genres: Science Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2025

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent story. I typically like stories with mechs in them, and this one is no exception. It's not an exceptional story, but it's certainly interesting enough to keep the attention, and enough to make me interested enough to read the next one in the series. I'm kind of thinking the original scene with him getting turned down should have been played up a bit more, since it's kind of odd that something that took a couple seconds in the first chapter carried the entire story forward. There really should have been more flashbacks of him preparing, sharing his hopes with family and perhaps the scene that made his girlfriend break up with him. After that, have him being determined to succedd no matter what when he walked into the recruiting office, then having him be turned down would have made a much larger impact on the story, rather than just a single scene with a sergeant yelling at him to get out because he's too scrawny. But, that aside, the story was certainly worth reading, especially for those of us who really enjoy mech stories. Perhaps more hands on as he built the mech would have been good too, it's kind of hard to develop attachments to stuff that just happens you know. Plus, the girl that decided to help him, just pops up out of nowhere, then becomes entrenched in the story though not to the extent she probably should. There just wasn't enough interaction between the two to make me care about anybody but the main character. Plus, what in the world made the landlord suddenly begin caring. That was partly explained by the investment in the property, but seriously, that's hardly enough to pull in someone like him. I really think the character development in this one was pretty poor (in case you couldn't tell), but overall, the story can stand on it's own, and I do intend to read more in the series when they show up, but we really need some character development to make the rest of the characters more than cardboard cutouts.

[Shannon Risdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting start...

Not sure about this one. A lot of technical aspects included as well as personal discussions and experience from the MMC and his AI. Think that given the amount of action here there is a lot more to come of everything so this will be added to my watch list for future consideration. Have read others by MA where I've not been sure initially and they have blown me away as the adventures kick into high gear!!

[Paula Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed

This is one of Mike's books that I was actually a little disappointed with. I can't put my finger on why. Maybe it's because I was expecting something on par with some of Craig Martelle's or Jonathon Brazee's books. I'll keep reading the series though. Hopefully, I'll change my mind. Do better, Mike.

[Sharon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callsign: Talon was interesting for two distinct reasons, the first being that it reads like the 1960s style of science fiction, with the emphasis on science! Most science fiction of today seems more toward the science/fantasy end of the spectrum; so this was a refreshing read. The second reason I found it interesting, the fact that dialog was sparse in favor of the internal thoughts of the primary character. Talon is the alter-ego of Wayne the mechanical engineer of a battle-bot. And Talon is the epitome of geekdom, small but full of attitude and driven to create the ultimate machine. The requisite companions to aid him drift into his orbit and we're off. This is the first of a series, 4 so far, I believe. Give this one a try.

[Teresa Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pathetic much?

So the protagonist starts off by failing. Succeeds, but requires his ass wiped by an AI that he thinks is his girlfriend. Little detail and no character development. It's all about this kids low self-esteem and "mommy im such a failure". Freaking take the hair out of the man bun and grow a pair of balls. And get a real gf for cripes sake.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrappy David making a name amount the Goliaths

Rejected from his lifelong dream goahis detractors and himself with the aid of an AIl of service, MC decides to prove his worth to and a few supporters. Success is slow and dangerous, full of adventure and unknown challenges. Keeps you reading!

[Rita Whinfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This looks good

This is good. Love the idea. The downtrodden underdog fighting for a place, doing a job he was born to do. David is crushed when the recruitment Sergeant ridicules him and dismisses him. He vows to prove them wrong. And boy does he.

[IMHO · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[The Terrible Triplet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice start

Nice start to the series.

A we bit repetitive and to much smoke blown up the insecure pilots ego by the AI.

Has a lot of promise though.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good one!

A super brain in a matchstick body, dreams of becoming a mech warrior crushed so he builds his own and becomes a successful mercenary

[David Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Mech!

When the world is against you. There's little hope in sight. Who are you going to call. No one, do it your self. Intrepid inventor with the world. Great read fun!

[Craig Daniels · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing that it was a slow read. The storyline seemed to drag on. I was so looking forward to a much more action packed adventure.