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BattleTech Universe #65
A Call to Arms
Months have passed since the interplanetary communications net was destroyed, isolating planets across the Republic of the Sphere. Achernar is one of the few worlds still in possession of a working Hyperpulse Generator Station, a device that enables communication across the galaxy - and a much sought after prize for the splintering factions of the Republic...
After failing to qualify as an active MechWarrior, Raul Ortega finds some solace in the Republic's military reserves on Achernar and dreams of the day he might know the adventure and glory of real combat.The Republic-loyal forces of Achernar are supported by a loose alliance with the Swordsworn, a faction pledged to House Davion, whose leaders have an agenda all their own.
When the planet falls under siege by yet another splinter group the Steel Wolves, who are intent on capturing the HPG station, Raul is called to active duty. But when the Swordsworn desert Achernar in its time of need, Raul discovers that there's little honor in the subtle nuances of treachery and the brutal realities of war...
After failing to qualify as an active MechWarrior, Raul Ortega finds some solace in the Republic's military reserves on Achernar and dreams of the day he might know the adventure and glory of real combat.The Republic-loyal forces of Achernar are supported by a loose alliance with the Swordsworn, a faction pledged to House Davion, whose leaders have an agenda all their own.
When the planet falls under siege by yet another splinter group the Steel Wolves, who are intent on capturing the HPG station, Raul is called to active duty. But when the Swordsworn desert Achernar in its time of need, Raul discovers that there's little honor in the subtle nuances of treachery and the brutal realities of war...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
24 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Loren L. Coleman
106 books39 followersLoren L. Coleman (born 1968) is a science-fiction writer, born and grew up in Longview, Washington.
He is known for having written many books for series such as Star Trek, Battletech/Mechwarrior, Age of Conan, Crimson Skies, Magic: The Gathering and others. Former member of the United States Navy, he has also written game fiction and source material for such companies as FASA Corporation, TSR, Inc. and Wizards of the Coast.
In early 2010s, he began writing The ICAS Files series, science fiction short-stories. [wikipedia]
He is known for having written many books for series such as Star Trek, Battletech/Mechwarrior, Age of Conan, Crimson Skies, Magic: The Gathering and others. Former member of the United States Navy, he has also written game fiction and source material for such companies as FASA Corporation, TSR, Inc. and Wizards of the Coast.
In early 2010s, he began writing The ICAS Files series, science fiction short-stories. [wikipedia]
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 31, 2018
This is the second book in the Mech Warrior Dark Age series. This series is a continuation of the Battletech series. The books in this series, like the books in the original Battletech series, are by various authors. This one is by Loren L. Coleman. The Republic of the Sphere has known a long period of peace and prosperity. Then the interstellar communications network is destroyed by terrorists and many planets in the Republic find themselves cut off from the rest of the galaxy with communications taking weeks or even months. Unrest leads to several factions on several planets trying to overthrow the local governments and seize power for themselves. Only a few planets have a working Hyperpulse Generator Station. Achernor is one of these planets and finds itself at the center of a struggle by two different factions to take control of the planet. It is up to Raul Ortega, a failed candidate for a post as a MechWarrior, and the local militia to repel these invaders and keep their planet safe for it's people and for the Republic. This book has plenty of action and intrigue and is a good read.
December 18, 2019
My second delve into the mechwarrior Dark Age series. Again, wasn't superb but it wasn't bad either. I do enjoy the increase in combined arms that features during this era. This book features the continuing thread from the last one but with different characters. The republic is crumbling and the sharks are everywhere. Loyalists are left high and dry just trying to survive.
January 6, 2022
Good David and Goliath story
The book a good read. Lots of twist and turns. It gets a little wordy at parts but it a good story. I recommend it to be read only because it has great foreshadowing for the three book combo set in Northwind. Long live the highlander
The book a good read. Lots of twist and turns. It gets a little wordy at parts but it a good story. I recommend it to be read only because it has great foreshadowing for the three book combo set in Northwind. Long live the highlander
October 17, 2022
Classic Triangle of conflict
Clan vs. Militia vs. Corporate Security(Noble Operated of course), it's a tale as old as time.
I enjoyed reading about the protagonists, Raul Ortega, a customs official and reservist that finds himself in a global conflict with stellar neighborhood implications.
With that being said, the Clan Leader read a little one note, as did the Corporate Security Nobel. The romance narrative shoved into the story seemed unnecessary, and as this was not a Battletech Universe era that I'm familiar with, I really didn't understand the political considerations presented.
Generally, a decent story, and if you like stumpy robots, you'll dig this.
Clan vs. Militia vs. Corporate Security(Noble Operated of course), it's a tale as old as time.
I enjoyed reading about the protagonists, Raul Ortega, a customs official and reservist that finds himself in a global conflict with stellar neighborhood implications.
With that being said, the Clan Leader read a little one note, as did the Corporate Security Nobel. The romance narrative shoved into the story seemed unnecessary, and as this was not a Battletech Universe era that I'm familiar with, I really didn't understand the political considerations presented.
Generally, a decent story, and if you like stumpy robots, you'll dig this.
July 15, 2022
Not bad, not great
Problem seems to be no story cohesion between authors. The fractured story line based on The Rublic has such unfortunately limited possibilities.
Agro,mining and loader mechs are garbage.
Problem seems to be no story cohesion between authors. The fractured story line based on The Rublic has such unfortunately limited possibilities.
Agro,mining and loader mechs are garbage.
October 3, 2023
Da werden Erinnerungen wach, nachdem ich vor Jahren Battletech Romane verschlungen habe ist mir dieses Buch als erster Mechwarrior Roman in die Hände gefallen und kann ihn nur empfehlen. Packende BattleMech Gefechte und dazu eine gute Story, was will man mehr?
October 29, 2020
Better than ghost war still not as good as some of the other books .
September 6, 2022
great book, was my first involvement in the mechwarrior universe outside of the games
May 17, 2014
This book was a very welcome change of pace after the stale spy story of the previous volume in the series. "A Call to Arms" is clearly displaying its connection with the Mechwarrior game as it keeps its focus where it belongs; on the battlefield.
After a massive blackout in the interstellar communications network, which leaves most planets blind and deaf, the backwater planet of Achernar suddenly finds itself in the crosshairs of three factions now vying for control over the still functioning communications array. The local Republic militia has to face an invasion force related to the Wolf Clan while at the same time having to deal with the machinations of the Swordsworn, a military splintergroup related to the Federated Suns.
The story advances at fast pace and offers interesting dilemmas for the three factions to solve. The different personalities are all a bit clichéd but quite intense and entertaining nonetheless. Players of the related Dark Age boardgame will also find plenty of scenarios for reenactment here. Overall this is one of the very best books in the Dark Age-series, but I feel you still need to be familiar with the Mechwarrior universe to get anything out of it.
After a massive blackout in the interstellar communications network, which leaves most planets blind and deaf, the backwater planet of Achernar suddenly finds itself in the crosshairs of three factions now vying for control over the still functioning communications array. The local Republic militia has to face an invasion force related to the Wolf Clan while at the same time having to deal with the machinations of the Swordsworn, a military splintergroup related to the Federated Suns.
The story advances at fast pace and offers interesting dilemmas for the three factions to solve. The different personalities are all a bit clichéd but quite intense and entertaining nonetheless. Players of the related Dark Age boardgame will also find plenty of scenarios for reenactment here. Overall this is one of the very best books in the Dark Age-series, but I feel you still need to be familiar with the Mechwarrior universe to get anything out of it.
May 3, 2023
"So You've Decided to Read Battletech: Dark Age" - Review 2
Better than Dark Age 1
DA Callbacks
Small appearance from Knight Janella from Ghost War.
Review:
I wasn't sold on the main character for most of the book. He seemed like a schmuck. I don't understand what everyone else saw in him. However, he does have a satisfying arc and I bought into his growth.
Overall, the pacing was good, the twists weren't obvious, the conflict was mostly engrossing, the secondary characters were not quite 2D caricatures, and the end was actually satisfying.
Assessment:
Solid.
Lasting Impressions
In this section, I return long after reading to give my remembered impressions. Did this book stand the test of time?
A bit, but not really. I recall thinking the main character was a bit of a tool. I recall thinking the woman MechWarrior was a fun character. I recall in later books feeling like they changed around her character from how she's depicted here.
Better than Dark Age 1
DA Callbacks
Small appearance from Knight Janella from Ghost War.
Review:
I wasn't sold on the main character for most of the book. He seemed like a schmuck. I don't understand what everyone else saw in him. However, he does have a satisfying arc and I bought into his growth.
Overall, the pacing was good, the twists weren't obvious, the conflict was mostly engrossing, the secondary characters were not quite 2D caricatures, and the end was actually satisfying.
Assessment:
Solid.
Lasting Impressions
In this section, I return long after reading to give my remembered impressions. Did this book stand the test of time?
A bit, but not really. I recall thinking the main character was a bit of a tool. I recall thinking the woman MechWarrior was a fun character. I recall in later books feeling like they changed around her character from how she's depicted here.
July 28, 2010
It was a good intro into the BattleTech realm of novels. It does lack descriptively if you are not already familiar with Mechwarrior terminology thought and could use a bit more character development early on in the book.
May 16, 2011
This novel was a bit interesting as it talked about one of the major power players in The Republic after the collapse. It introduces Tassa Kay who turns out to be a Kerensky Clan warrior and Raul Ortega a devoted Republic citizen
September 22, 2010
Although it was a bit longer than it should have been, it was a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews