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Undying Mercenaries #3
Tech World
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder. In the third book in the series, James McGill is deployed on another alien world. His third interstellar tour is different in every way. Rather than meeting up with a primitive society, this time he’s headed to an advanced world. Tau Ceti, better known as Tech World, is the central trading capital of Frontier 921. McGill figures he’s lucked out. The assignment looks dull but luxurious. Tau Ceti boasts a planet-wide city with a trillion inhabitants, all of whom are only interested in making a few credits. But all is not well on Tech World. The Empire is crumbling, an invasion is coming, and McGill’s easy ride through life and death has come to an end. Tech World is a military science fiction novel by bestselling author B. V. Larson.
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First published August 1, 2014
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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 166 reviews
November 17, 2015
I'm going 5 stars on this. Frankly I've been in a sort of Funk lately...A reading slump. Nothing really drew me in. I just couldn't get involved in a novel. I read some non-fiction, but nothing fiction appealed.
So I went back to the old standby military science fiction. This is the third in a series that I've found interesting and fast moving. The idea behind the series is that once we (humans) finally met extraterrestrial intelligent life form we were pretty much the natives in mud huts by comparison. As a matter of fact we got a join or die invite...and we had to come up with a product we could sell to/trade with other planets.
The only thing we poor "recessive" humans had to trade was our tendency to be a bit violent.
Thus the series title "Undying Mercenaries". See one thing we did buy from an alien race were replicators that can "reconstitute" troops who have been...well killed. Get blown up, a new body of "you" gets "reborn". head blown off, burned up...spaced? The same.
So the story continues here with the troops dealing with conspiracy, double dealing, combat...and possibly the entire earth being sentenced to death by Galactic Bureaucrats.
Yeah, recommended.
So I went back to the old standby military science fiction. This is the third in a series that I've found interesting and fast moving. The idea behind the series is that once we (humans) finally met extraterrestrial intelligent life form we were pretty much the natives in mud huts by comparison. As a matter of fact we got a join or die invite...and we had to come up with a product we could sell to/trade with other planets.
The only thing we poor "recessive" humans had to trade was our tendency to be a bit violent.
Thus the series title "Undying Mercenaries". See one thing we did buy from an alien race were replicators that can "reconstitute" troops who have been...well killed. Get blown up, a new body of "you" gets "reborn". head blown off, burned up...spaced? The same.
So the story continues here with the troops dealing with conspiracy, double dealing, combat...and possibly the entire earth being sentenced to death by Galactic Bureaucrats.
Yeah, recommended.
March 10, 2017
I have enjoyed the Undying Mercenaries series and rated the first 2 books with 4 stars.
However, there were way too many wacky plot turns in this one that made no sense whatsoever.
For example
Still, and entertaining book and I'll finish the series assuming they don't go too far off track.
However, there were way too many wacky plot turns in this one that made no sense whatsoever.
For example
Still, and entertaining book and I'll finish the series assuming they don't go too far off track.
November 19, 2014
I think I protested a little before about what a slut the main character is. But Larson totally has the other characters call him out on it. And you know what? That is all I needed. Not that I needed him to be slut shamed for doing what he wants to, but it's nice to have a male called out for it instead of just females. And, more importantly (since I didn't require the slut shaming) there are consequences for him hooking up with so many women who are so close to his central life. James Bond sleeps with women and they are gone the next movie. This guy sleeps with women and they get pissed off at him, cock block him with other women, and try to kill him books later. This whole people can revive thing puts a nice spin on things and Larson takes good advantage of that fact.
October 23, 2014
BV Larson writes fast paced entertaining stuff. Not a bad book to read quickly on a lazy Saturday, when you're not in the mood to think much.
Unfortunately the so called hero keeps talking and saying he's some sort of rebel, then he's about as prude as 90 year old nun.
*Spoiler*
He kills polite officers that come to arrest him, yet won't take a large tip/bribe for doing basically nothing, while his whole platoon is taking it! Where's the consistency in that behaviour?! How can we believe a character such as this?
Unfortunately the so called hero keeps talking and saying he's some sort of rebel, then he's about as prude as 90 year old nun.
*Spoiler*
He kills polite officers that come to arrest him, yet won't take a large tip/bribe for doing basically nothing, while his whole platoon is taking it! Where's the consistency in that behaviour?! How can we believe a character such as this?
November 4, 2015
To summarize: An interesting (if predictable) plot set in a moderately unique world/galaxy, which keeps you turning pages. Unfortunately, the story is bogged down by grade-school "romance" plots and very poor character development. Also cookie-cutter plot from the last two books, but I think that was expected.
The plot is interesting enough that you want to keep reading. Not high-literature by any means, but fun, fast action which makes for light reading. Where the first and second book delivered the fun action, this book became increasingly waterlogged with hamfisted attempts at "romance". Or just downright sketchiness.
Basically, at least half the novel is dedicated the sexual exploits of the main character. Predictably, these are not well written, realistic or drive meaningful character development. This is sadly true for many novels (especially in scifi and fantasy), and to be fair, writing real romantic relations can be very challenging even for accomplished authors. This aspect of the human condition is very difficult to capture. In most novels though, these little romantic romps are usually side-plots and not very important; usually you can just ignore them.
Alas, for Tech World, these are significant plot points and relatively important to the main storyline. Which means we are subjugated to endless descriptions of McGill ogling women, thinking about them in his head, bantering with his friend, etc. It follows the exact same pattern, repeated at least four times in this book alone:
1. McGill chooses a woman to ogle -- may be an old fling or new victim
2. McGill ogles, at length
3a. Woman deflects for a few chapters
3b. Other women become mad at McGill for taking interest in someone else
4. Original woman ends up sleeping with McGill
5. Woman inevitably gets mad at McGill for
6. Cycle repeats
I understand that situations like this can and do happen in the real world. The difference is that A) every woman is enamored with the main character and B) these are all presented as strong, independent woman. They may put up with McGill's s*** once, but should not really be coming back for seconds after he continues to sleep around. It is just entirely unrealistic.
To be entirely fair, *none* of the characters are particularly deep. But the women stand out as being especially bad. The women are written as characters without an ounce of self-respect, and keep flinging themselves at the main character. As well as sniping at each other for taking "their man".
I'll try out the next book, but I fear it will be another 300 pages of the author living vicariously through his main character's sexual gratification.
The plot is interesting enough that you want to keep reading. Not high-literature by any means, but fun, fast action which makes for light reading. Where the first and second book delivered the fun action, this book became increasingly waterlogged with hamfisted attempts at "romance". Or just downright sketchiness.
Basically, at least half the novel is dedicated the sexual exploits of the main character. Predictably, these are not well written, realistic or drive meaningful character development. This is sadly true for many novels (especially in scifi and fantasy), and to be fair, writing real romantic relations can be very challenging even for accomplished authors. This aspect of the human condition is very difficult to capture. In most novels though, these little romantic romps are usually side-plots and not very important; usually you can just ignore them.
Alas, for Tech World, these are significant plot points and relatively important to the main storyline. Which means we are subjugated to endless descriptions of McGill ogling women, thinking about them in his head, bantering with his friend, etc. It follows the exact same pattern, repeated at least four times in this book alone:
1. McGill chooses a woman to ogle -- may be an old fling or new victim
2. McGill ogles, at length
3a. Woman deflects for a few chapters
3b. Other women become mad at McGill for taking interest in someone else
4. Original woman ends up sleeping with McGill
5. Woman inevitably gets mad at McGill for
6. Cycle repeats
I understand that situations like this can and do happen in the real world. The difference is that A) every woman is enamored with the main character and B) these are all presented as strong, independent woman. They may put up with McGill's s*** once, but should not really be coming back for seconds after he continues to sleep around. It is just entirely unrealistic.
To be entirely fair, *none* of the characters are particularly deep. But the women stand out as being especially bad. The women are written as characters without an ounce of self-respect, and keep flinging themselves at the main character. As well as sniping at each other for taking "their man".
I'll try out the next book, but I fear it will be another 300 pages of the author living vicariously through his main character's sexual gratification.
March 21, 2017
This series just gets better and better. Somehow, the main character continues to screw up so bad the he can't help but be promoted in rank and influence to cover it up. He invariably gets involved in the most convoluted schemes. Whether it's his big mouth, his lack of caution, his inability to control his libido, or just his innate sense of right and wrong, he always manages to find the worst possible circumstances to be in. But, with that same set of... skills?... he always manages to get out of them too.
In this installment, Legion Varus is sent off to play guard duty on a space station orbiting a world full of greedy Tau just to get them out of the way while all the other Legions are folded into the Earth Hegemony. Unfortunately, an even more greedy Legion Germanica officer causes a full scale revolt to break out, with James Magill and Varus caught right in the middle. And to top it all off, a very powerful ship shows up as a looming threat on the edges of the Tau system.
This book was a definite page-turner for me. It was one of those I didn't want to put down, and cost me a few hours of sleep because of that. It's action packed, intrigue filled, and downright facepalm funny in places. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Undying Mercenaries. I give this one 4 stars and call it an Awesome Read.
In this installment, Legion Varus is sent off to play guard duty on a space station orbiting a world full of greedy Tau just to get them out of the way while all the other Legions are folded into the Earth Hegemony. Unfortunately, an even more greedy Legion Germanica officer causes a full scale revolt to break out, with James Magill and Varus caught right in the middle. And to top it all off, a very powerful ship shows up as a looming threat on the edges of the Tau system.
This book was a definite page-turner for me. It was one of those I didn't want to put down, and cost me a few hours of sleep because of that. It's action packed, intrigue filled, and downright facepalm funny in places. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Undying Mercenaries. I give this one 4 stars and call it an Awesome Read.
November 13, 2014
There is a HUGE plot hole near the end of this book.
Other than that I enjoyed it 4/5 Stars.
Other than that I enjoyed it 4/5 Stars.
August 1, 2021
Tak samo dobra część jak poprzednie, humorem przypominająca serię SybirPunk.
Teraz będę mieć mały zastój z tą serią, bo na Audiotece brak kolejnych części.
Teraz będę mieć mały zastój z tą serią, bo na Audiotece brak kolejnych części.
October 4, 2014
From My Newsletter Number 81:
This review is on Tech World by B.V. Larson. This is the third book in The Undying Mercenaries Series I have read by this writer.
James McGill’s adventures continue in this story. James is back home in between missions. Things are looking up on the home front. His parents moved to a place in the countryside of Georgia. James got his own room, which was really a standalone shed attached to the old farm house. He gets a visit from his friend, Natasha. She spends the night and in the morning James is visited by the Hegemony Military Police with an arrest warrant. The situation gets out of hand and—you guessed it—James is killed once again.
James has trouble with following orders. He has a very strong independence streak and this gets him into trouble with his superiors in Legion Varus. This time he must face Primus Galina Turov herself and explain his actions. The two of them have never seen eye to eye. She is a “rule-stickler” and James is a “rule-breaker”. She has tried several times to have James permanently killed, which James always seems to talk his way out of. This time James is informed that Legion Varus is mustering out once again.
Legion Varus has a new assignment as the enforcers for the Galactic Empire. They are being sent to Tau Ceti, otherwise known as Tech World, for one whole year. They are to serve as body guards to the rich merchants living on Tech World replacing Legion Germanica. It should be an easy assignment, much better than the assignments on Steel World and Dust World. So they think.
As you can imagine, things on Tech World are not what they seem. Legion Varus gets involved in some dirty affairs and the beings on Tech World rebel. James finds himself deep in trouble with his superiors and takes things into his own hands. Everyone around him is affected, and of course dying, by his decisions. I have come to consider James McGill as the Forest Gump of his time—well maybe a bit more troublesome.
I give this book four stars because James McGill continues to entertain the reader with his unpredictable, but honorable, behavior. I vote that the author continues this series with more Legion Varus assignments to new worlds.
This review is on Tech World by B.V. Larson. This is the third book in The Undying Mercenaries Series I have read by this writer.
James McGill’s adventures continue in this story. James is back home in between missions. Things are looking up on the home front. His parents moved to a place in the countryside of Georgia. James got his own room, which was really a standalone shed attached to the old farm house. He gets a visit from his friend, Natasha. She spends the night and in the morning James is visited by the Hegemony Military Police with an arrest warrant. The situation gets out of hand and—you guessed it—James is killed once again.
James has trouble with following orders. He has a very strong independence streak and this gets him into trouble with his superiors in Legion Varus. This time he must face Primus Galina Turov herself and explain his actions. The two of them have never seen eye to eye. She is a “rule-stickler” and James is a “rule-breaker”. She has tried several times to have James permanently killed, which James always seems to talk his way out of. This time James is informed that Legion Varus is mustering out once again.
Legion Varus has a new assignment as the enforcers for the Galactic Empire. They are being sent to Tau Ceti, otherwise known as Tech World, for one whole year. They are to serve as body guards to the rich merchants living on Tech World replacing Legion Germanica. It should be an easy assignment, much better than the assignments on Steel World and Dust World. So they think.
As you can imagine, things on Tech World are not what they seem. Legion Varus gets involved in some dirty affairs and the beings on Tech World rebel. James finds himself deep in trouble with his superiors and takes things into his own hands. Everyone around him is affected, and of course dying, by his decisions. I have come to consider James McGill as the Forest Gump of his time—well maybe a bit more troublesome.
I give this book four stars because James McGill continues to entertain the reader with his unpredictable, but honorable, behavior. I vote that the author continues this series with more Legion Varus assignments to new worlds.
March 16, 2017
It is still amazing how much of a screw up our protagonist is, yet somehow everything always works out in his favor. In the first and event second book, it was endearing- but now I am starting to find it more irritating than humanizing. The story is also getting a bit predictable, how McGill screws up in a big way- how he tries to solve it only to mess it up but somehow cleaning that mess up contrives the means to exculpate him from his earlier predicament. I hope the next book won't be as predictable.
May 15, 2016
The first book was interesting. The second book was pretty much the same as the first. The 3rd seems to be the same as the other two. I admit I am intrigued by the world but the main character is just such a jerk. I am like so tired of him just doing whatever he wants with like no punishment and it just happens to work out at the end.
June 29, 2023
Still insanely misogynistic and McGill is the worst, but I really enjoy the actual military sci-fi aspect.
February 12, 2024
These books continue to be entertaining reads, but the plot holes seem to be getting worse. In a way it doesn’t matter much given the nature of this type of story but I do hate how disorienting some of this writing can be when it seems so obvious how some of this tech and the situations they get into could be handled better.
November 8, 2022
I don't know why I really like James McGill so much. He's kind of a big goofball with a whole lot of redeeming qualities - but a whole lot of questionable ones too. The cast of characters is just different enough from other books like this that I've loved to make it thoroughly enjoyable.
The way this guy can go from standing there ready to be executed to being promoted in rank will make your head spin. And dude! Pick a girl! Any girl! And leave the rest alone! To be fair, the girls are all written as seeing James as a bit of a guilty pleasure but certainly not the full meal deal.
And Mark Boyett is one of my new favorite narrators of all time. Right up there with RC Bray and that's saying something.
The way this guy can go from standing there ready to be executed to being promoted in rank will make your head spin. And dude! Pick a girl! Any girl! And leave the rest alone! To be fair, the girls are all written as seeing James as a bit of a guilty pleasure but certainly not the full meal deal.
And Mark Boyett is one of my new favorite narrators of all time. Right up there with RC Bray and that's saying something.
July 2, 2019
Series showing some real promise. This book was an upgrade and obviously part of the larger whole while still holding it's own weight as would a stand-alone novel. I know a lot of people take issue with how the women "behave" with regards to being sexually active, notably with McGill. There is A LOT which can be proposed psychologically and sociologically about this in the time and space and situation they exist within. But why need bother. First, I suspect many are just annoyed since (Male audience referred to here) even in this series' "world" THEY themselves would simply NOT be "scoring" regardless of anything!! And are pissed about following an MC who actually IS "getting some" when they would not. I get it. I really do. But I personally (even though not bothered by McGill's fortunes with a few women regularly) recognize this book for what it is... a work of freaking FICTION people! Get a grip!! And it is not even as if the scenarios are extremely far-fetched even. But for many readers they wish to live vicariously through the MC. They WANT & CRAVE the fantasy! Hell, there are numerous similar series (less so in military sci-fi perhaps as in LitRPG) in which the MC scores at an alarming rate. Practically has a harem of women after him. Sometimes literally so. This is fiction people. When you get a grip on that you're quite likely to be able to enjoy these books. Perhaps some say they want an MC they can relate to. In certain regards that is honored and is realistic. However, I doubt that even 1% of readers could remotely perform in such a military role on the level (at least when not a bit over the top of course) the MC does or even the majority of his friends and fellow legionnaires. Not even in the height of their physical condition if such were even a fraction of McGill's. So fantasy here too. But THIS is somehow okay to them. FICTION. THESE BOOKS ARE WORKS OF FICTION. Learn what that means TRULY. And if you don't like what that might entail, well, there is this other literary phenomenon known as NON-FICTION. Check it out. It is largely truthful and realistic (not always but most attempt some semblance of such at least... at least as far as they can see the reality of things anyway). My goodness, people.
January 22, 2018
I picked this fun series from my Audible TBR. I may have stayed up too late listening. :-) My rating 4.5.
James McGill is not a handsome, kind, charming hero. He is more a Georgia, ‘good ol’ boy’, skirt chasing, in your face, military character. He is a Tech Specialist with big guns and although he’s known to cause trouble, he usually saves the day. Even if he has to die a time or two to do so.
These military troops are termed ‘undying’ because they can be replicated if they die in battle. This is somewhat painful and particularly alarming the first time around. But some, like McGill, have gotten used to it. The problem is that McGill’s brash, cavalier attitude may get him ‘permed’ (permanently dead) one of these days if he keeps annoying the wrong superiors.
There are those in control on earth who want to unify the independent legion forces under one government control as it looks like events may make the forces more military and less mercenary. McGill and his friends are part of Legion Varus, the toughest group who get the roughest mercenary jobs and who have scored some nice bonuses due to their success at the ‘dirty’ work. McGill creates (or renews) a few enemies when he sends out a mass email telling the legionnaires to vote against the unity push.
The Varus troops are sent on assignment to Tech World which is considered a quiet, easy post. This is not their usual style and they recognize they are been ostracized. Things are supposed to be quiet until they uncover a smuggling ring and set off a rebellion. McGill continues to flaunt authority and pushes a bit more than might be right.
I enjoy the irreverent humor in this book that pokes fun at ineptitude and corrupt leadership and recognizes the ability of seemingly mediocre ‘grunts’ to step up and outsmart the opposition. I also like the interesting world building, the strong danger and action-packed scenes. This is a fun series to pick up for sheer entertainment.
Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does he usual spot on narration in this series. He pulls in the voices and the nuances of character. I definitely enjoy listening to this series on audio.
James McGill is not a handsome, kind, charming hero. He is more a Georgia, ‘good ol’ boy’, skirt chasing, in your face, military character. He is a Tech Specialist with big guns and although he’s known to cause trouble, he usually saves the day. Even if he has to die a time or two to do so.
These military troops are termed ‘undying’ because they can be replicated if they die in battle. This is somewhat painful and particularly alarming the first time around. But some, like McGill, have gotten used to it. The problem is that McGill’s brash, cavalier attitude may get him ‘permed’ (permanently dead) one of these days if he keeps annoying the wrong superiors.
There are those in control on earth who want to unify the independent legion forces under one government control as it looks like events may make the forces more military and less mercenary. McGill and his friends are part of Legion Varus, the toughest group who get the roughest mercenary jobs and who have scored some nice bonuses due to their success at the ‘dirty’ work. McGill creates (or renews) a few enemies when he sends out a mass email telling the legionnaires to vote against the unity push.
The Varus troops are sent on assignment to Tech World which is considered a quiet, easy post. This is not their usual style and they recognize they are been ostracized. Things are supposed to be quiet until they uncover a smuggling ring and set off a rebellion. McGill continues to flaunt authority and pushes a bit more than might be right.
I enjoy the irreverent humor in this book that pokes fun at ineptitude and corrupt leadership and recognizes the ability of seemingly mediocre ‘grunts’ to step up and outsmart the opposition. I also like the interesting world building, the strong danger and action-packed scenes. This is a fun series to pick up for sheer entertainment.
Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does he usual spot on narration in this series. He pulls in the voices and the nuances of character. I definitely enjoy listening to this series on audio.
March 5, 2020
I have to confess this isn't my favorite science fiction series. I'm a sucker for hard sci-fi and this just isn't it. Larson takes too many liberties when describing things: sometimes he says the characters are floating on "Null-G", but other times the characters are running around inside a stationary ship, how? I've no idea. Plus, the whole Galactic Law just feels like over-constraining the universe.
I have to admit the series has grown on me, though. It took me more than two years to finish the first book, but the second book I just couldn't put down and this one was even better. You keep turning the pages and don't see the time fly.
There are a couple of things I don't like about this book, specially that the main character isn't Claver (he was just so much more interesting than McGill), and the Turov romance was just... stupid, I guess? It fell through. If the author really did want to go that route, it would've been more interesting had he managed to cure her of her bitchiness with his magic dick; at least something would have happened then. The way it happened, it was just a waste. I'll see how the author handles the problems he himself described would happen on future books, mainly how Turov manages to retain her authority through things that happened. Turov has really been a disappointing plot-point in this book.
I have to admit the series has grown on me, though. It took me more than two years to finish the first book, but the second book I just couldn't put down and this one was even better. You keep turning the pages and don't see the time fly.
There are a couple of things I don't like about this book, specially that the main character isn't Claver (he was just so much more interesting than McGill), and the Turov romance was just... stupid, I guess? It fell through. If the author really did want to go that route, it would've been more interesting had he managed to cure her of her bitchiness with his magic dick; at least something would have happened then. The way it happened, it was just a waste. I'll see how the author handles the problems he himself described would happen on future books, mainly how Turov manages to retain her authority through things that happened. Turov has really been a disappointing plot-point in this book.
August 2, 2019
Well... this was a little less violent in some ways and more personal in other ways.
The Story: In an attempt to rig an election amongst the mercenaries, James McGill is shipped out early to Tech World, a supposedly cushy job babysitting rich merchants, but the job soon turns ugly with shady deals and corruption. If Earth is supposed to be the law enforcement arm in this locality, it is doing a poor job accepting bribes, and circumventing Galactic law. As usual, McGill won't be part of it, and acts contrary to what everyone is telling him. He also gets caught two-timing and three-timing his various girlfriends, and they don't like it one bit.
Any problems with the book? Well... it's a little difficult with the girlfriends at times. They are supposed to be hardened soldiers who have died many times in battle, but they act like petty teenage girls at times. One of them gets revenge on McGill, and it's not pretty. It is also unlikely.
Any modesty issues? The same as before. Vulgar language is used, but not as much as I expected for the subject at hand. Sex is casual, and not in detail, but it results in hard feelings at times which means that it was not as casual as was assumed.
I'd read this book again.
The Story: In an attempt to rig an election amongst the mercenaries, James McGill is shipped out early to Tech World, a supposedly cushy job babysitting rich merchants, but the job soon turns ugly with shady deals and corruption. If Earth is supposed to be the law enforcement arm in this locality, it is doing a poor job accepting bribes, and circumventing Galactic law. As usual, McGill won't be part of it, and acts contrary to what everyone is telling him. He also gets caught two-timing and three-timing his various girlfriends, and they don't like it one bit.
Any problems with the book? Well... it's a little difficult with the girlfriends at times. They are supposed to be hardened soldiers who have died many times in battle, but they act like petty teenage girls at times. One of them gets revenge on McGill, and it's not pretty. It is also unlikely.
Any modesty issues? The same as before. Vulgar language is used, but not as much as I expected for the subject at hand. Sex is casual, and not in detail, but it results in hard feelings at times which means that it was not as casual as was assumed.
I'd read this book again.
June 21, 2017
James and his legion have been assigned to be the local police force of region 921. They receive a report that something is going on on tech world, and they find out that the people there have holograms as clothes, and the color represents their emotions. Tech world is actually just a bunch of space stations above an inhabitable world. An Adjunct named Claver has hacked into these holograms, and the entire space station is in a panic and war is breaking out. Trying to track down Claver and doing some very questionable things while doing so, James has a hell of a time at tech world. This book has a very good build-up, and a few surprises, including a visit from another alien species.
August 22, 2017
Glorious pulp nonsense
Imagine Starship Troopers without the political satire. Add in the idea you can die and come back as a clone as a soldier. Go into space and shoot things whilst having lots of sex. Add a hero that is a natural soldier and a bit of a rebel that does not over intellectualize anything ever.
Add beer and space guns
This one is him going to safe tech world after a disaster, safe tech world is not safe and all sorts of fighting happens. He also sleeps with his boss and makes a nemesis whilst nearly being killed permanently many many times. He does not buy a new iPod even on tech world
Imagine Starship Troopers without the political satire. Add in the idea you can die and come back as a clone as a soldier. Go into space and shoot things whilst having lots of sex. Add a hero that is a natural soldier and a bit of a rebel that does not over intellectualize anything ever.
Add beer and space guns
This one is him going to safe tech world after a disaster, safe tech world is not safe and all sorts of fighting happens. He also sleeps with his boss and makes a nemesis whilst nearly being killed permanently many many times. He does not buy a new iPod even on tech world
March 23, 2017
Just as good as previous books
Follow the continuing and exciting adventures of your favorite legionnaires, this time on another new world with new technology...however, things start to get a bit "darker" as this book comes to a conclusion, and any reader will start to wonder if the tone of this series is about to take an interesting turn. I for one, plan to start book 4, "Machine World" in less than 60 seconds.
Follow the continuing and exciting adventures of your favorite legionnaires, this time on another new world with new technology...however, things start to get a bit "darker" as this book comes to a conclusion, and any reader will start to wonder if the tone of this series is about to take an interesting turn. I for one, plan to start book 4, "Machine World" in less than 60 seconds.
November 6, 2018
This is where the series really starts to pick up. This book in an absolute sense isn’t worthy of a 4 star review but viewed in isolation for just what it is which is popcorn sci fi it is. This entire series shouldn’t be taken as literary greatness or anything. It is about a cunning southern hick getting laid and killing aliens. Nothing more or less. James McGill is entertaining so I give him a 4/5 for this one.
January 24, 2019
OK, three books in and it is still a fun series. My only significant updates at this point are first that the author (Larson) seems to be building a pretty solid "space epic" level meta-plot into the series as a backdrop to the far more episodic plot of each book—I am very much appreciating that dynamic—and second that the character set is beginning to get just a little bit stale. I hope we will start to see some new supporting characters added to the line up in the next few books.
May 15, 2021
This is a great series to read between my other larger series. The character development and world-building are great. It's usually a quick easy read, or if you have audible a nice listen. Doesn't involve any thinking. I was drawn in since book 1 and binged the series.
Definitely recommend it if you are looking for some space combat, mixed with good character development and a decent storyline.
Definitely recommend it if you are looking for some space combat, mixed with good character development and a decent storyline.
August 19, 2017
Another rambling adventure with James McGill and his fellow recruits in Legion Varis, this time on a space station around Tau Ceti. Classic BV Larson: a decent main character in James McGill as the story meanders from one unlikely situation/outcome to the next. I did not find this book very compelling and will be dropping this series.
August 1, 2021
It is definitely better than the previous book of Undying mercenaries. There is more interesting story development, and we got a new compelling antagonist. I think that in this point of series you just like the word build by Larson or you hate it. I liked it so far, it is a solid three-star book (with one star for the narrator).
February 9, 2020
Unsure
Well story wise this one is quite convoluted. Character wise I don't feel liken the author knows what he wants for James. His character life-changing and his decisions are always not what you expect . he's honestly annoying with all the womanizing and his blatant lack of respect. Let's see how things go in the next one.
Well story wise this one is quite convoluted. Character wise I don't feel liken the author knows what he wants for James. His character life-changing and his decisions are always not what you expect . he's honestly annoying with all the womanizing and his blatant lack of respect. Let's see how things go in the next one.
August 4, 2020
In this episode in "The ever increasing treasonous acts of James McGil" James starts an intergalactic war. lol be seriously bad shit happens and James is just trying to look out for people but seems like the brass are only worried about their own butts. But judging by his luck I have a feeling he's going to be an Imperator one of these days.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2020
Well, I'm glad to be able to read these books in quick succession as the over-arching story is becoming compelling. It turns out that our irreverant hero kicked a hornets nest in the last novel, and now he kicked another one. What will come next??? Earth in the middle of a galactic scale world war????? Let's proceed with the next installment: Machine World.
February 22, 2016
Getting a bit tired of McGill at this point. I like the plot, but main character's actions with women are turning my stomach. First book, fine. Second book, okay I guess. Even more in the third and I've had enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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