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Undying Mercenaries #4
Machine 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 fourth book of the series, James McGill is up for promotion. Not everyone is happy about that, and McGill must prove he’s worth his stripes. Deployed to a strange alien planet outside the boundaries of the Galactic Empire, he’s caught up in warfare and political intrigue. Earth expands, the Cephalopod Kingdom launches ships to stop us, and a grand conspiracy emerges among the upper ranks of the Hegemony military.
In MACHINE WORLD, McGill faces an entirely new kind of alien life, Galactic prosecution, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. He lives and dies in the falling ashes of the Empire, a man of unique honor at the dawn of humanity’s resurgence.
MACHINE WORLD is a military science fiction novel by bestselling author B. V. Larson. (To find the first book in the series, search for STEEL WORLD, by B. V. Larson.)
In the fourth book of the series, James McGill is up for promotion. Not everyone is happy about that, and McGill must prove he’s worth his stripes. Deployed to a strange alien planet outside the boundaries of the Galactic Empire, he’s caught up in warfare and political intrigue. Earth expands, the Cephalopod Kingdom launches ships to stop us, and a grand conspiracy emerges among the upper ranks of the Hegemony military.
In MACHINE WORLD, McGill faces an entirely new kind of alien life, Galactic prosecution, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. He lives and dies in the falling ashes of the Empire, a man of unique honor at the dawn of humanity’s resurgence.
MACHINE WORLD is a military science fiction novel by bestselling author B. V. Larson. (To find the first book in the series, search for STEEL WORLD, by B. V. Larson.)
398 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2015
1276 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
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 143 reviews
May 28, 2015
Yeah... I'm done.
This book was just wretched. Boring. Generic. Dull. Offensive. Utterly lacking in entertainment value in any way, shape or form.
B.V. Larson used to tell fun, military sci-fi stories with lots of action, and awesome characters pulling off ridiculous stunts to save humanity. He doesn't do that anymore. His last few books have trivialized and objectified women to the point that I felt like I was doing something wrong just by reading them, and I was afraid the attitude Larson displayed toward women might start rubbing off on me. He's acting like a little boy who just discovered what sex is, and has to tell everyone he meets about it. He portrays men as sex crazed douchebags that'll do anything to fuck, and women as the brainless, clingy, needy enablers that let them do it no matter what happens. I have gotten so sick of it that I gave Larson one last chance to grow up with this book. He didn't. So yeah, I'm done. I can do without this poorly written filth in my life, thank you very much.
And what's worse is this book is probably the most boring, generic piece of shit I've ever read in my life. It follows the exact same formula as the previous three books in the series to the letter. It might as well have been one of the other books with a new cover slapped on it. It took me forever to read it because I was just so friggen bored by it. Nothing new happened. It was the exact same old shit as the last three books with no new twists or turns. It might as well have been verbatim. And any time McGill had ANY interaction with a female character at all, I would roll my eyes and actually say aloud, "Oh come on, again? Really? You've got more important things to be thinking about now idiot!" There's no tension because the characters are basically immortal, and none of them are even remotely likeable. McGill has always been an asshole, but in the beginning he was a likeable asshole. Now he's just an asshole that I really don't care to read about anymore. The author treats all of the women like brainless trash that can't say no when any arrogant asshole comes along looking for a quick fuck. I mean, what the hell did I just read? Seriously. This book is an insult to the intelligence of anyone who reads it. I kept holding out hope that Larson would get past this phase and go back to the fun stuff I used to read of his, but he never did. I'm sick of putting up with this crap, so I'll go find me some authors who act their age, thank you very much.
Yes, Larson, we get it, you have a dick and you're proud of it. Nobody cares. It's nothing special. Half of us have one of our own, and the other half will let you know if they want to hear more about it. But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one if I were you. So can we PLEASE stop living out your fourth grade sex fantasies with you?
Avoid this book like the plague.
In fact, avoid this author like the plague. I certainly plan to from here on out.
This book was just wretched. Boring. Generic. Dull. Offensive. Utterly lacking in entertainment value in any way, shape or form.
B.V. Larson used to tell fun, military sci-fi stories with lots of action, and awesome characters pulling off ridiculous stunts to save humanity. He doesn't do that anymore. His last few books have trivialized and objectified women to the point that I felt like I was doing something wrong just by reading them, and I was afraid the attitude Larson displayed toward women might start rubbing off on me. He's acting like a little boy who just discovered what sex is, and has to tell everyone he meets about it. He portrays men as sex crazed douchebags that'll do anything to fuck, and women as the brainless, clingy, needy enablers that let them do it no matter what happens. I have gotten so sick of it that I gave Larson one last chance to grow up with this book. He didn't. So yeah, I'm done. I can do without this poorly written filth in my life, thank you very much.
And what's worse is this book is probably the most boring, generic piece of shit I've ever read in my life. It follows the exact same formula as the previous three books in the series to the letter. It might as well have been one of the other books with a new cover slapped on it. It took me forever to read it because I was just so friggen bored by it. Nothing new happened. It was the exact same old shit as the last three books with no new twists or turns. It might as well have been verbatim. And any time McGill had ANY interaction with a female character at all, I would roll my eyes and actually say aloud, "Oh come on, again? Really? You've got more important things to be thinking about now idiot!" There's no tension because the characters are basically immortal, and none of them are even remotely likeable. McGill has always been an asshole, but in the beginning he was a likeable asshole. Now he's just an asshole that I really don't care to read about anymore. The author treats all of the women like brainless trash that can't say no when any arrogant asshole comes along looking for a quick fuck. I mean, what the hell did I just read? Seriously. This book is an insult to the intelligence of anyone who reads it. I kept holding out hope that Larson would get past this phase and go back to the fun stuff I used to read of his, but he never did. I'm sick of putting up with this crap, so I'll go find me some authors who act their age, thank you very much.
Yes, Larson, we get it, you have a dick and you're proud of it. Nobody cares. It's nothing special. Half of us have one of our own, and the other half will let you know if they want to hear more about it. But I wouldn't hold my breath on that one if I were you. So can we PLEASE stop living out your fourth grade sex fantasies with you?
Avoid this book like the plague.
In fact, avoid this author like the plague. I certainly plan to from here on out.
November 19, 2015
Earth is still facing annihilation at the hands of Galactic Bureaucrats. The Legions are facing a change in the way they exists. The earth government...Hegemony...wants control of all the said Legions.
After all Humans are now offical enforcers for the Galactics out here on the frontier.
You just know that can't be good and that out "hero" is bound to do something usexpected to put things on their ear and HOPEFULLY save Earth and humanity...
AGAIN.
Recommended...but I'd also recommend you read the series in order.
After all Humans are now offical enforcers for the Galactics out here on the frontier.
You just know that can't be good and that out "hero" is bound to do something usexpected to put things on their ear and HOPEFULLY save Earth and humanity...
AGAIN.
Recommended...but I'd also recommend you read the series in order.
July 25, 2024
This series has the same cast of characters, just fighting different enemies in different worlds. This series is for fans who will read one book after another. The characters and plots aren't that memorable, but it has an interesting theme of specialized worlds and cultures going through them all. If you wait too long before reading the next book, it takes a while to get acquainted again with who is who.
March 12, 2017
Again, this is a book that would've been a strong four stars except for some really weird plot points towards the end.
Specifically, .
After I finished the book, I literally had to go back and re-read several chapters to try to clear up my confusion. No dice.
For that reason, a strong 4+ star book only gets a weak 3 stars from me. If anyone can explain this to me, then I would be willing to change my rating lol.
Specifically, .
After I finished the book, I literally had to go back and re-read several chapters to try to clear up my confusion. No dice.
For that reason, a strong 4+ star book only gets a weak 3 stars from me. If anyone can explain this to me, then I would be willing to change my rating lol.
February 7, 2017
Another fantastic entry in the Undying Mercenaries series. I wish that I could make this series more mainstream. It really is very good. B. V. Larson has created a world where the military personnel are able to come back to life over and over and over and....you get it. But that doesn't dominate the story. That is just something that can happen in the world that he has created. He has a story that he wants to tell and he tells it well.
I'm constantly impressed with how he deals with characters too. First of all, I've said it before and I'm saying it again right here, I love James McGill. He is an awesome character. I would be super curious to see what a lady reader would think of him, since he is a bit of a man whore. But not like a jerk, or a dirtbag or anything. The ladies just love him. Great main character. Also, my friend who recommended these to me will listen to me talk about the series and one second I will hate a character and the next minute Larson has me wanting all the good in the world to happen to them! Ok maybe not that extreme, but you get my point. He does an amazing job.
Please read this series. Or at least the first 2 books. If you don't like it at that point by all means, dump them. But if you have an interest in sci fi then I encourage you to read these. They are a lot of fun and worthy of your time.
I'm constantly impressed with how he deals with characters too. First of all, I've said it before and I'm saying it again right here, I love James McGill. He is an awesome character. I would be super curious to see what a lady reader would think of him, since he is a bit of a man whore. But not like a jerk, or a dirtbag or anything. The ladies just love him. Great main character. Also, my friend who recommended these to me will listen to me talk about the series and one second I will hate a character and the next minute Larson has me wanting all the good in the world to happen to them! Ok maybe not that extreme, but you get my point. He does an amazing job.
Please read this series. Or at least the first 2 books. If you don't like it at that point by all means, dump them. But if you have an interest in sci fi then I encourage you to read these. They are a lot of fun and worthy of your time.
June 23, 2015
I guess B.V Larson is a big fan of Magic School Bus, so much so, that he based one of his characters in the novels from the show.... and he still has his traits.... Imagine an adult Carlos from Magic School bus....
4/5 Stars
February 15, 2024
Really the plotholes in this story only seem to gape ever more open. I would still consider this book and those before it fun reads. They are enjoyable but they seem to be getting progressively stupider. I can't say that there is no place in my life for a stupid and fun enough read, so I will continue. I keep hoping that the pathetic level of male gaze in these will get better as the character is forced kicking and screaming into maturing, but it is still a distracting mess. I actually ended up buying ten of these books on sale because I liked the first one so I am approaching the halfway mark (to my purchases). I will mostly likely read at least that far, but I really am hoping for something big to shake things up, and maybe dropping some of the more nonsensical plot lines.
November 24, 2023
“Machine World” is the fourth installment in the Undying Mercenaries series by B V Larson, a bestselling author of military science fiction. The series follows the adventures of James McGill, a soldier in the Legion Varus, a mercenary unit that serves the Galactic Empire in exchange for Earth’s survival. McGill is a rogue, a rebel, and a hero, who often finds himself in trouble with his superiors, his enemies, and his allies.
In “Machine World,” McGill is up for promotion, but not everyone is happy about that. He is sent to a strange alien planet outside the boundaries of the Empire, where he is caught up in a war between two factions of machines. He also has to deal with a Galactic prosecution, a conspiracy among the Hegemony military, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. McGill has to use his wits, his skills, and his luck to survive and save the day.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, who does a superb job of bringing the characters and the story to life. Boyett has a clear and expressive voice, and he uses different accents and tones to distinguish the various characters. He also captures the emotions, the humor, and the tension of the scenes, making the listener feel immersed in the story.
The audiobook is a fast-paced and action-packed thrill ride, with plenty of twists and turns, battles and betrayals, and surprises and shocks. The story is well-written and well-plotted, with a balance of humor and drama, and a touch of romance. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded, with distinct personalities and motivations. McGill is a likable and relatable protagonist, who is smart, brave, and loyal, but also flawed, impulsive, and rebellious. He is surrounded by a diverse and colorful cast of supporting characters, who add depth and flavor to the story.
The audiobook is also a fascinating exploration of the themes of war, loyalty, honor, and humanity. The story raises questions about the morality and the consequences of war, the meaning and the value of loyalty, the definition and the expression of honor, and the nature and the potential of humanity. The story also showcases the creativity and the imagination of the author, who creates a rich and vivid world of aliens, machines, and technology.
“Machine World” is a highly entertaining and enjoyable audiobook, that will keep the listener hooked and engaged from start to finish. It is a must-listen for fans of military science fiction, and for anyone who likes a good adventure story with a dose of humor and heart. “Machine World” is a worthy addition to the Undying Mercenaries series, and a promising setup for the next book.
In “Machine World,” McGill is up for promotion, but not everyone is happy about that. He is sent to a strange alien planet outside the boundaries of the Empire, where he is caught up in a war between two factions of machines. He also has to deal with a Galactic prosecution, a conspiracy among the Hegemony military, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. McGill has to use his wits, his skills, and his luck to survive and save the day.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, who does a superb job of bringing the characters and the story to life. Boyett has a clear and expressive voice, and he uses different accents and tones to distinguish the various characters. He also captures the emotions, the humor, and the tension of the scenes, making the listener feel immersed in the story.
The audiobook is a fast-paced and action-packed thrill ride, with plenty of twists and turns, battles and betrayals, and surprises and shocks. The story is well-written and well-plotted, with a balance of humor and drama, and a touch of romance. The characters are well-developed and well-rounded, with distinct personalities and motivations. McGill is a likable and relatable protagonist, who is smart, brave, and loyal, but also flawed, impulsive, and rebellious. He is surrounded by a diverse and colorful cast of supporting characters, who add depth and flavor to the story.
The audiobook is also a fascinating exploration of the themes of war, loyalty, honor, and humanity. The story raises questions about the morality and the consequences of war, the meaning and the value of loyalty, the definition and the expression of honor, and the nature and the potential of humanity. The story also showcases the creativity and the imagination of the author, who creates a rich and vivid world of aliens, machines, and technology.
“Machine World” is a highly entertaining and enjoyable audiobook, that will keep the listener hooked and engaged from start to finish. It is a must-listen for fans of military science fiction, and for anyone who likes a good adventure story with a dose of humor and heart. “Machine World” is a worthy addition to the Undying Mercenaries series, and a promising setup for the next book.
June 29, 2023
Just when you thought McGill couldn't get any worse, he does. I don't know how all the women underneath him aren't crushed by his ego.
I'm still enjoying the military bits that aren't eyerollingly misogynistic.
I'm still enjoying the military bits that aren't eyerollingly misogynistic.
November 17, 2022
I honestly didn't see myself continuing this series - but James Magill, man. The guy is a charmer!
Plus Mark Boyett is amazing.
Plus Mark Boyett is amazing.
May 30, 2020
McGill never grows up, he continues to use people and assume any woman walking by is there for his pleasure. He gets away with everything, none of his relationships, blatant disregard for orders, or illegal activities ever have lasting consequences just minor inconveniences, there is no danger or accountability. I had some questions after the first book, how was there going to be any tension if legions had the option to just keep brining people back? The answer made itself clear in this book, there isn't any.
You would think if the Galactics were as harsh as they are written, Earth would be proactive in silencing, or removing people that cause issues. The entire population of Earth is on such a razors edge that any one person could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the entire plant could be destroyed. So, why is someone like James allowed to continue to live? In every book he mouths off to some Galactic, creates a problem for Earth and then solves it in such a short sighted way that it's a bigger problem overall. He's supposedly in the most battle hardened and roughest legion...but no one has the stones to perm him or even kick him out. They just keep promoting him, a known danger to himself and the human race.
I tried to like this series, but I can't.
You would think if the Galactics were as harsh as they are written, Earth would be proactive in silencing, or removing people that cause issues. The entire population of Earth is on such a razors edge that any one person could be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the entire plant could be destroyed. So, why is someone like James allowed to continue to live? In every book he mouths off to some Galactic, creates a problem for Earth and then solves it in such a short sighted way that it's a bigger problem overall. He's supposedly in the most battle hardened and roughest legion...but no one has the stones to perm him or even kick him out. They just keep promoting him, a known danger to himself and the human race.
I tried to like this series, but I can't.
August 22, 2017
Fantastic 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 a cold world and fighting squid men slavers, dinosaurs AND METAL PURPLE WORM BEASTS FROM DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. He also sleeps with some people and learns that not all his girlfriends like that. He also learns to be a Mechwarrior a bit and is promoted whilst also dealing with his nemesis at some points.
He has not changed at all even though he is older - as he does not look older and let's be honest if we could all stay 21 for ever and not grow up (and had space guns, multiple girlfriends and a violent disposition) then we would all stay the same too
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 a cold world and fighting squid men slavers, dinosaurs AND METAL PURPLE WORM BEASTS FROM DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. He also sleeps with some people and learns that not all his girlfriends like that. He also learns to be a Mechwarrior a bit and is promoted whilst also dealing with his nemesis at some points.
He has not changed at all even though he is older - as he does not look older and let's be honest if we could all stay 21 for ever and not grow up (and had space guns, multiple girlfriends and a violent disposition) then we would all stay the same too
December 30, 2017
Very conflicted. This book is incredibly fun and fast paced. The battle scenes are vivid and exciting. And the overall universe is a a wonderfully unique spin on the whole “galactic empire” concept. I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up late three days in a row to finish it.
That said, the book is poorly written. The characters seem to change their personalities chapter by chapter. The plot doesn’t flow smoothly at all. And McGill’s storyline just isn’t very believable. The people around him only act on what has happened in the last chapter or two - nothing that happened before seems to be on anyone’s mind! There are a ton of plot holes.
Verdict? This is a poorly written but still fun read.
That said, the book is poorly written. The characters seem to change their personalities chapter by chapter. The plot doesn’t flow smoothly at all. And McGill’s storyline just isn’t very believable. The people around him only act on what has happened in the last chapter or two - nothing that happened before seems to be on anyone’s mind! There are a ton of plot holes.
Verdict? This is a poorly written but still fun read.
June 21, 2015
Somehow I finished it! I should get a medal for enduring such torture.
June 5, 2022
Niezmiennie pozostaję fanka tej serii
November 12, 2021
W Legion Nieśmiertelnych #4: Świat Maszyn B.V. Larson kolejny raz dostarcza miłośnikom militarnego sci-fi, solidnej dawki widowiskowej akcji. Bohaterowie jego powieści na czele ze wspomnianym Jamesem McGillem, nie mają zbyt wiele czasu na wypoczynek. Dopiero co powrócili na Ziemię z ostatniej misji, a tu już czekają na nich nowe „niebezpieczne” wyzwania. Legion Varus zostaje wysłany na planetę znajdującą się poza granicami Imperium Galaktycznego. Tytułowy Świat Maszyn pełny jest mechanicznych mieszkańców, którzy niekoniecznie życzliwie odnoszą się do nieproszonych gości. Żołnierzom przyjdzie się również zmierzyć z bardziej znanym wrogiem (Kalmary), który najwyraźniej lubi się pojawiać w tych samych miejscach co McGill. Obok samej walki, nie zabraknie tutaj również spisków na szczytach władz czy zdrady, a we wszystko jak zawsze będzie wmieszany James, który nie jest już zwykłym rekrutem, a doświadczonym weteranem z masą osobistych problemów.
Książka (zresztą jak dotychczas cała seria) opiera swoją siłę gównie na sporej widowiskowości, licznych zwrotach akcji i żywiołowych bohaterach. Autor w swoim dziele implementuje również bardziej rozbudowane szczegóły galaktycznej rzeczywistości, ukazuje skomplikowane struktury władzy czy opisuje technologie. Są to jednak tylko drobne dodatki do strzelanin, wybuchów, romansów i wszechobecnej śmierci.
Tytuł pomimo swojej pewnej „wtórności” potrafi być jednak mocno angażujący i przede wszystkim satysfakcjonujący. Jest to zasługa niebywałych zdolności autora do tworzenia nowych niesamowitych światów, które tętnią różnorakim życiem i skrywają masę tajemnic. Do tego dochodzą wykreowane przez niego ciekawe postacie, które napędzają fabułę kolejnych części i podsycają ciekawość czytelnika do dalszego śledzenia ich losów. Turov, Carlos, Natasha, Dellia i oczywiście James McGill – to grupa, która staje się synonimem dynamicznej akcji, zwariowanych pomysłów i ekstremalnych sytuacji osobistych. Nie są to może „genialni” bohaterowie, ale na pewną doskonale zapadają w pamięć i zyskują uznanie czytelnika.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Książka (zresztą jak dotychczas cała seria) opiera swoją siłę gównie na sporej widowiskowości, licznych zwrotach akcji i żywiołowych bohaterach. Autor w swoim dziele implementuje również bardziej rozbudowane szczegóły galaktycznej rzeczywistości, ukazuje skomplikowane struktury władzy czy opisuje technologie. Są to jednak tylko drobne dodatki do strzelanin, wybuchów, romansów i wszechobecnej śmierci.
Tytuł pomimo swojej pewnej „wtórności” potrafi być jednak mocno angażujący i przede wszystkim satysfakcjonujący. Jest to zasługa niebywałych zdolności autora do tworzenia nowych niesamowitych światów, które tętnią różnorakim życiem i skrywają masę tajemnic. Do tego dochodzą wykreowane przez niego ciekawe postacie, które napędzają fabułę kolejnych części i podsycają ciekawość czytelnika do dalszego śledzenia ich losów. Turov, Carlos, Natasha, Dellia i oczywiście James McGill – to grupa, która staje się synonimem dynamicznej akcji, zwariowanych pomysłów i ekstremalnych sytuacji osobistych. Nie są to może „genialni” bohaterowie, ale na pewną doskonale zapadają w pamięć i zyskują uznanie czytelnika.
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
May 15, 2017
Have you ever known an intelligent person who routinely made stupid decisions because it seemed as if actually trying to think was painful to them? Meet James McGill, one of the smartest dumbasses you'll ever run across in science fiction. He's just in the Earth Mercenary Corp because everyone has to have a job, and it might as well be this one. Despite the fact that he's a voluntary soldier, he really hates taking orders that he finds to be stupid, which are most of them. That always gets him into trouble with almost every side of every situation he encounters... which of course means he up for promotion!
There are flaws in this book. I don't care about them. It was fun to read, just like the others have been. There is just the right amount of intrigue mixed with ass-kickery to satisfy. The only slow parts (to me at least) were the agonizing self-manufactured woman troubles that McGill allows to happen.
The flaws that I chose to ignore are mostly the characters decision making processes. As soon as you think you know how McGill will react, nope... he does something else. He's tends to be overly forgiving of some pretty hellish grievances from others, and he is lucky almost to a Mary-Sue fault.
The major flaw in this book which cost it the 5th star from me is the fact that two of the main antagonists were known to be in collusion by McGill at about 2/3 through the book, but at the very end it was stated that he only suspected it. This was an editorial mistake, but it was very glaring, because many of McGill's decisions were based off that collusion being a fact, not a suspicion.
Still, I don't want to just talk about the flaws. The action and world building were detailed without getting overly bogged down. The galactic, as well as human, political intrigue is still intense, and widening. The series is definitely going places, and intend to keep following it.
I give this book four stars and call it a Just Shut-Up and Enjoy The Ride Read.
There are flaws in this book. I don't care about them. It was fun to read, just like the others have been. There is just the right amount of intrigue mixed with ass-kickery to satisfy. The only slow parts (to me at least) were the agonizing self-manufactured woman troubles that McGill allows to happen.
The flaws that I chose to ignore are mostly the characters decision making processes. As soon as you think you know how McGill will react, nope... he does something else. He's tends to be overly forgiving of some pretty hellish grievances from others, and he is lucky almost to a Mary-Sue fault.
The major flaw in this book which cost it the 5th star from me is the fact that two of the main antagonists were known to be in collusion by McGill at about 2/3 through the book, but at the very end it was stated that he only suspected it. This was an editorial mistake, but it was very glaring, because many of McGill's decisions were based off that collusion being a fact, not a suspicion.
Still, I don't want to just talk about the flaws. The action and world building were detailed without getting overly bogged down. The galactic, as well as human, political intrigue is still intense, and widening. The series is definitely going places, and intend to keep following it.
I give this book four stars and call it a Just Shut-Up and Enjoy The Ride Read.
March 27, 2021
I recently listened to Machine World written by B.V. Larson and narrated by Mark Boyett.
Before I begin this review I need to mention that this book is part of the Undying Mercenary series. As it's almost impossible to review a book in a series without a few spoilers to what came before. This is the obligatory warning. If you are averse to any spoilers, stop reading.
For those who haven't read a B.V. Larson book yet, allow me to share with you what kind of author he is. He writes decent military sci-fi combined with a teenage boys fulfillment fantasy. Every book in every series he has ever written follows this trend. This leads to questionable plot choices and bad story writing. Even though I am aware he is a poor writer, I enjoy his books. I'm not actually certain why I enjoy his books. Maybe it's my latent teenage boy coming out.
In this book James McGill, our hero, once again finds his legion being called up. Earth has decided to strike out on its own and claim a metal heavy planet outside the boundaries of the galactic empire. It just happens that the cephalopod kingdom may have already staked a claim on that world.
Such matters not to our valiant hero. Most of the ladies in his legion are once again willing to give him a roll in the hay and mayhem is his middle name. Onward to the unfaithful stars!
Mark Boyett is a perfect narrator for this series. He not only carries off the masculine parts fairly well, but breathes life into the women as well. It's a top notch voice job of narration by him.
Conclusion: This is pure B.V. Larson. When you read his books you should go in with the foreknowledge of what you are going to get. If you enjoy military sci-fi with a heavy dose of teenage boy wish fulfillment, then you can't go wrong. If this doesn't sound like your thing, the plot problems will be all too obvious and this title should be avoided by you.
Before I begin this review I need to mention that this book is part of the Undying Mercenary series. As it's almost impossible to review a book in a series without a few spoilers to what came before. This is the obligatory warning. If you are averse to any spoilers, stop reading.
For those who haven't read a B.V. Larson book yet, allow me to share with you what kind of author he is. He writes decent military sci-fi combined with a teenage boys fulfillment fantasy. Every book in every series he has ever written follows this trend. This leads to questionable plot choices and bad story writing. Even though I am aware he is a poor writer, I enjoy his books. I'm not actually certain why I enjoy his books. Maybe it's my latent teenage boy coming out.
In this book James McGill, our hero, once again finds his legion being called up. Earth has decided to strike out on its own and claim a metal heavy planet outside the boundaries of the galactic empire. It just happens that the cephalopod kingdom may have already staked a claim on that world.
Such matters not to our valiant hero. Most of the ladies in his legion are once again willing to give him a roll in the hay and mayhem is his middle name. Onward to the unfaithful stars!
Mark Boyett is a perfect narrator for this series. He not only carries off the masculine parts fairly well, but breathes life into the women as well. It's a top notch voice job of narration by him.
Conclusion: This is pure B.V. Larson. When you read his books you should go in with the foreknowledge of what you are going to get. If you enjoy military sci-fi with a heavy dose of teenage boy wish fulfillment, then you can't go wrong. If this doesn't sound like your thing, the plot problems will be all too obvious and this title should be avoided by you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
This whole series is somewhat tongue-in-cheek. It is also violent in that soldiers die in various ways and are later resurrected (essentially reborn full grown) within as little as half an hour. This makes soldiers virtually immortal, and if you have 10,000 soldiers who die in battle and are resurrected, you have effectively doubled (or more) the number of soldiers you can field in a battle.
The story: James McGill's talents for getting into trouble and more importantly getting himself and the whole human race out of trouble is being rewarded by a jump in rank to provisional Veteran. He must also lead his troops with a new battle machine which strikes me as being a mini-mecha. Their goal is to take Machine World, a source of nearly pure titanium from which they can build space ships. Unfortunately, it is inhabited by machines which eat metal, especially the titanium in mini-mechas.
Any problems with this story? McGill continues to have girl problems and it is becoming a bit of a joke. The ending has a "deus ex-machina" quality as do all of the books in the series although I am still curious what crazy way McGill will come up with to get himself out of trouble. He seems like he just fell off of the turnip truck, but he always falls into a solution. It is sort of like him jumping off a cliff and assuming that he will be able to catch a branch before he hits bottom.
Any modesty issues? The normal stuff for this series is casual sex. In this case, adultery is implied. Vulgar language is used, but not as much as I would anticipate given the subject matter.
I'd read this book again.
The story: James McGill's talents for getting into trouble and more importantly getting himself and the whole human race out of trouble is being rewarded by a jump in rank to provisional Veteran. He must also lead his troops with a new battle machine which strikes me as being a mini-mecha. Their goal is to take Machine World, a source of nearly pure titanium from which they can build space ships. Unfortunately, it is inhabited by machines which eat metal, especially the titanium in mini-mechas.
Any problems with this story? McGill continues to have girl problems and it is becoming a bit of a joke. The ending has a "deus ex-machina" quality as do all of the books in the series although I am still curious what crazy way McGill will come up with to get himself out of trouble. He seems like he just fell off of the turnip truck, but he always falls into a solution. It is sort of like him jumping off a cliff and assuming that he will be able to catch a branch before he hits bottom.
Any modesty issues? The normal stuff for this series is casual sex. In this case, adultery is implied. Vulgar language is used, but not as much as I would anticipate given the subject matter.
I'd read this book again.
November 18, 2025
I don't think McGill has had one set back that lasts for more than one paragraph. It even tends to conclude with him either killing of horribly injuring the offender. even where it doesn't make sense for there to be no consequences.
I really want to give some examples but don't want to have to spoiler this review.
Even worse than the dull predictability of and combat is the hypocrisy of the stories favoritism. McGill will do something against the rules to further his ego and it's portrayed as at worst neutral if not a good thing, but someone not named James McGill does the exact same thing for actual reasons that aren't entirely ego driven and that same act is suddenly treated as the epitome of wrong and McGill wipes out some law or some regulation out his butt to justify hating the action now that it's not him doing it.
This wouldn't even be a bad thing if it was treated as a character flaw that had consequences. You know showing your main character's flaws are a bad thing, but that would get in the way of him getting promotions. I don't know whether to bash it for being an author's darling character, or praise it for it's realism in someone getting promoted upwards for being friends with someone with just enough power to do so.
I'm gonna go with hating it, cause it doesn't make a compelling story.
I really want to give some examples but don't want to have to spoiler this review.
Even worse than the dull predictability of and combat is the hypocrisy of the stories favoritism. McGill will do something against the rules to further his ego and it's portrayed as at worst neutral if not a good thing, but someone not named James McGill does the exact same thing for actual reasons that aren't entirely ego driven and that same act is suddenly treated as the epitome of wrong and McGill wipes out some law or some regulation out his butt to justify hating the action now that it's not him doing it.
This wouldn't even be a bad thing if it was treated as a character flaw that had consequences. You know showing your main character's flaws are a bad thing, but that would get in the way of him getting promotions. I don't know whether to bash it for being an author's darling character, or praise it for it's realism in someone getting promoted upwards for being friends with someone with just enough power to do so.
I'm gonna go with hating it, cause it doesn't make a compelling story.
February 11, 2020
So here's the deal. I'm still not sure what BV Larson wants us to think about James McGill. On one hand he has the looks, the build, the strength, the fighting skill against anyone else, more intelligence than most officers, is a schemer, able to get any woman he wants with minimal effort and he's a man of honour! Too good to be true right? Well correct. He is written to be the perfect hero without any flaws except his leaping without thinking attitude (which works out anyway). Nothing really goes wrong for James McGill. One chapter he's so honourable, the next he is a liar - we do know he is a pathological liar anyway - but he gets away with everything. Why not just promote him to Tribune and end it? Since he runs the show anyway.
There has to be some sort of believable portions to sci-fi and the lead character at least, that is something lacking here.
There has to be some sort of believable portions to sci-fi and the lead character at least, that is something lacking here.
November 3, 2019
I really wonder where the author is heading with this series. Each book starts to resemble small speck of diamond enveloped in a massive mass of mud. I listened to this book because I'm interested in this diamond. How is empire doing? Is there war with cephalopods? How is Earth holding in position in frontier? Instead, I got a very dull story about first interaction (again, similar to the second book) with new species.
The motivation of characters is still dubious, and the main character seems to be entirely without conscious about everything. What I really want is either military sci-fi or space-opera. Undying mercenaries series start to profile itself as the worst combination of both.
.....
Yeah, the narration is excellent, as always. But its starting to not be enough.
The motivation of characters is still dubious, and the main character seems to be entirely without conscious about everything. What I really want is either military sci-fi or space-opera. Undying mercenaries series start to profile itself as the worst combination of both.
.....
Yeah, the narration is excellent, as always. But its starting to not be enough.
May 12, 2019
Good series.
This is reminding me of the Horatio Hornblower series by Forester who follows a young seaman up through the ranks. Larson is doing a version of that in outer space, and, a wonderful version it is. McGill is loyal trooper, an opportunity with a conscience, and is growing into a strategic thinker. The back drop is space where not much changes from an earth life. Follow the money, see where true power resides, and use both to your and others' benefit all while keeping your soul active and ethical. Add adventure to this mix and it is a worthy novel in a worthy series.
This is reminding me of the Horatio Hornblower series by Forester who follows a young seaman up through the ranks. Larson is doing a version of that in outer space, and, a wonderful version it is. McGill is loyal trooper, an opportunity with a conscience, and is growing into a strategic thinker. The back drop is space where not much changes from an earth life. Follow the money, see where true power resides, and use both to your and others' benefit all while keeping your soul active and ethical. Add adventure to this mix and it is a worthy novel in a worthy series.
May 18, 2017
Undying mash up
The series contains and combines elements of Harry Harrison's "Stainless Steel Rat" and "Bill Galactic Hero" with Jack Vance's "The Dragon Masters" . In the spirit of those tales this is an occasionally dark , slightly philosophical story of future
conflict on and off the battlefield with an array of opponents and allies that constantly shift, trading places like they are either square dancing or playing deadly musical chairs. Tongue in cheek dialog makes the rouge protagonist nearly lovable.
The series contains and combines elements of Harry Harrison's "Stainless Steel Rat" and "Bill Galactic Hero" with Jack Vance's "The Dragon Masters" . In the spirit of those tales this is an occasionally dark , slightly philosophical story of future
conflict on and off the battlefield with an array of opponents and allies that constantly shift, trading places like they are either square dancing or playing deadly musical chairs. Tongue in cheek dialog makes the rouge protagonist nearly lovable.
June 21, 2017
This book starts off with a bang when James and his legion get attacked right as they land on Machine world, the 4th world he has been assigned to. James must battle his way up a huge mountain, in order to find a mine that is said to have massive amounts of titanium, something needed to build starships.
James's legion find that the mine is not abandoned though, and there are traces of another alien species. All at the same time, he has started to climb the ranks. This book will definently bring you in from the start.
James's legion find that the mine is not abandoned though, and there are traces of another alien species. All at the same time, he has started to climb the ranks. This book will definently bring you in from the start.
May 18, 2018
Building the plot
The first two books set the tone of the series and offered a glimpse of a larger plot. The third book set up major players, and the fourth book is the one that shows that the novel is all tied together & sheds light on the implications only hinted at previously. The writing is still just as engaging, though some of the action scenes seemed a little stale, having happened again and again. However, the twists and quirks of the players keeps it from being TOO monotonous.
The first two books set the tone of the series and offered a glimpse of a larger plot. The third book set up major players, and the fourth book is the one that shows that the novel is all tied together & sheds light on the implications only hinted at previously. The writing is still just as engaging, though some of the action scenes seemed a little stale, having happened again and again. However, the twists and quirks of the players keeps it from being TOO monotonous.
December 20, 2020
Non-stop Action
Six stars! Oops, the rating only allows five. In any event, Larson knows how to spin a yarn. If they ever decide to revive Star Trek, I hope they get him involved. Many writers have a little action and then a lot of chat and thrown in to, I believe, fill in the number of pages. Not so with Larson. It is non-stop action. Once you start reading it is almost impossible to stop. You just keep wondering how THIS step will play out. He follows one character and does not confuse multiple story lines. Just as I like it. I hope you will too.
Six stars! Oops, the rating only allows five. In any event, Larson knows how to spin a yarn. If they ever decide to revive Star Trek, I hope they get him involved. Many writers have a little action and then a lot of chat and thrown in to, I believe, fill in the number of pages. Not so with Larson. It is non-stop action. Once you start reading it is almost impossible to stop. You just keep wondering how THIS step will play out. He follows one character and does not confuse multiple story lines. Just as I like it. I hope you will too.
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.
May 12, 2018
The series keeps getting interesting
I love stories that keep you guessing and Mr Larson has a knack for just doing that. I dislike it when I can guess the end of a chapter in this case just when I think I know what is going to happen I am surprised, and that keeps the story interesting. Love these stories.
I love stories that keep you guessing and Mr Larson has a knack for just doing that. I dislike it when I can guess the end of a chapter in this case just when I think I know what is going to happen I am surprised, and that keeps the story interesting. Love these stories.
May 30, 2018
I have very much enjoyed these books but this one had a bit of a repetitious feel to it. Not much character or overall story progression. Still a fun read like the others. I think this serious would have made an awesome trilogy. I am going to take a break for a book or two and come back to see if he carries the story further in the next book. Definitely worth giving it another shot.
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