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Drop Trooper: Birthright #1
Glory Boy
Caleb Mitchell had to give up his home to save it.
Shunned by friends and family, abandoned by the love of his life, he left his world to go to the Academy and train to fight in a looming war against an implacable alien threat.
The Fleet turned him into an enhanced super-soldier, designed to put the fear of God into aliens who think their Emperor IS god, asked to sacrifice his humanity to protect his people.
But when his homeworld is threatened, will Caleb throw away his career and risk everything to save the people who turned their backs on him?
The first novel of the War with the Tahni, in the universe of the epic Drop Trooper series!
If you're a fan of Starship Troopers or Altered Carbon, jump into the world of future super commandos and star-spanning galactic war with Glory Boy!
Shunned by friends and family, abandoned by the love of his life, he left his world to go to the Academy and train to fight in a looming war against an implacable alien threat.
The Fleet turned him into an enhanced super-soldier, designed to put the fear of God into aliens who think their Emperor IS god, asked to sacrifice his humanity to protect his people.
But when his homeworld is threatened, will Caleb throw away his career and risk everything to save the people who turned their backs on him?
The first novel of the War with the Tahni, in the universe of the epic Drop Trooper series!
If you're a fan of Starship Troopers or Altered Carbon, jump into the world of future super commandos and star-spanning galactic war with Glory Boy!
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
814 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Rick Partlow
207 books372 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 3, 2023
This is the first of four in the "Drop Trooper: Birthright" series. This is probably 3.5 stars rounded up.
This opens in the middle of an action. The MC and his spec ops force, nicknamed the Glory Boys, are on a mission against the enemy, the Tahni. The latter have been slaughtering whole populations of humans at the behest of their emperor. This emperor is treated as a god, and the Tahni are fanatical followers. The Glory Boys, (and some are actually Glory Girls), have been assigned to a "Morale Reduction Operation" against the Tahni. That phrase was taken from the book, by the way.
After this opening section, the book goes back in time to show the events leading up to it. We meet the MC, Caleb, when he was just a normal guy. By normal, I mean before he was given all of the super-duper top secret augmentation. He comes from a strict, intolerant, and extremely pacifist society. Needless to say, his decision to fight in the war wasn't very popular and there are consequences.
Once the members of his unit have been turned into either the Six Million Dollar Man or the Bionic Woman, the story deals with the training. They not only get a slew of physical enhancements but some interesting equipment, too. The chameleon armor reminded me of the Predator, while the claws leant a Freddie Kruger vibe. The Terminator-esque enemies were cool. And I need to hush up now, because I'm probably dating myself with all of these references.
I liked this. I think any reader that enjoys military sci-fi that takes place on the ground would, too. It certainly wasn't perfect. There were some behavior inconsistencies that bugged me, in particular, (and some plot issues), but overall I still liked it. I had never read anything by this author before, so I was pleasantly surprised. I plan on reading the sequel.
This opens in the middle of an action. The MC and his spec ops force, nicknamed the Glory Boys, are on a mission against the enemy, the Tahni. The latter have been slaughtering whole populations of humans at the behest of their emperor. This emperor is treated as a god, and the Tahni are fanatical followers. The Glory Boys, (and some are actually Glory Girls), have been assigned to a "Morale Reduction Operation" against the Tahni. That phrase was taken from the book, by the way.
After this opening section, the book goes back in time to show the events leading up to it. We meet the MC, Caleb, when he was just a normal guy. By normal, I mean before he was given all of the super-duper top secret augmentation. He comes from a strict, intolerant, and extremely pacifist society. Needless to say, his decision to fight in the war wasn't very popular and there are consequences.
Once the members of his unit have been turned into either the Six Million Dollar Man or the Bionic Woman, the story deals with the training. They not only get a slew of physical enhancements but some interesting equipment, too. The chameleon armor reminded me of the Predator, while the claws leant a Freddie Kruger vibe. The Terminator-esque enemies were cool. And I need to hush up now, because I'm probably dating myself with all of these references.
I liked this. I think any reader that enjoys military sci-fi that takes place on the ground would, too. It certainly wasn't perfect. There were some behavior inconsistencies that bugged me, in particular, (and some plot issues), but overall I still liked it. I had never read anything by this author before, so I was pleasantly surprised. I plan on reading the sequel.
April 27, 2023
One of the better Space Opera - Military SciFi that I have read this year.
Something similar to Heinlein's Starship Troopers meets the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman.
Heavily augmented super soldiers are unleashed on an alien race that humanity is fighting for the second time. I did like the main characters, which were well fleshed out. The action is good, and there is enough tech and geek information to keep most fans of this genre happy.
There is some minor plot inconsistencies, and the characters actions sometimes seem out of character, or at least what I would have assumed the character would have done.
Minor nit picks aside, about the only thing I do not like is the casual sex between team members. Most militaries, and I have no reason to doubt that militaries in the future would hold similar regulations, prohibit relationships between unit members. The events in this book, perfectly illustrate why most militaries have that regulation, but even I admit that (at least in the US military, especially now with mixed units being more common now) fraternization regulations are some of the most frequently violated.
Something similar to Heinlein's Starship Troopers meets the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman.
Heavily augmented super soldiers are unleashed on an alien race that humanity is fighting for the second time. I did like the main characters, which were well fleshed out. The action is good, and there is enough tech and geek information to keep most fans of this genre happy.
There is some minor plot inconsistencies, and the characters actions sometimes seem out of character, or at least what I would have assumed the character would have done.
Minor nit picks aside, about the only thing I do not like is the casual sex between team members. Most militaries, and I have no reason to doubt that militaries in the future would hold similar regulations, prohibit relationships between unit members. The events in this book, perfectly illustrate why most militaries have that regulation, but even I admit that (at least in the US military, especially now with mixed units being more common now) fraternization regulations are some of the most frequently violated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2022
Solid space opera. The writing isn't as polished as Peter Hamilton but still good and entertaining. Starship trooper type stuff.,
September 14, 2017
I really loved Glory Boy. Full disclosure: I am a fan of military sci-fi. Glory Boy was one of those books that don't slow down. Partlow did a phenomenal job of developing the characters and progressing the story line. He also built a very believable universe. Not everything goes the protagonists way. The protagonist doesn't just luck into solutions. Everything is well thought out and grounded. Partlow also did a great job of explaining what needed to be explained as far as the technology goes. He doesn't over do it, but gives enough info for it to be believable.
I don't often rate a book 5 stars, yet Glory Boy earned a 5 star rating from me!
I don't often rate a book 5 stars, yet Glory Boy earned a 5 star rating from me!
June 27, 2017
Well written, polished book. While it never got dull, there were sections I skimmed past. Mostly good dialogue with the exception of the run in with the supply officer at the end. That felt forced and contrived. I docked it one star because I did feel that it began to drag a bit in parts. A good book excellently written.
August 13, 2020
Glory Boy is a science fiction military novel with aspects of space opera.
It explores the coming of age story of young man conflicted by religious upbringings and reality that interacting with the various aspects of the human federation and human nature.
As with other science fiction works we get to see how individual worlds could have singular tenets based on the community that initially settles and grows into the majority. Something that I did enjoy was how physical traits were tied to cultural traits when interplanetary groups meet.
So far the trope in science fiction that humans from a planet with higher gravity are super strong and physically capable but are kinda like a little dumb is also carried across by the author.
I enjoyed the plot and flow as well as how current religious tenets have been adapted to survive the new worlds.
In this book you will see how little is actually in ones control and how much is based on random chance and luck. The hope that no matter how dark the situation there is a possible more is something everyone needs to imbibe.
The world will be better tomorrow, we just need to work towards it.
Good Read. Do pick it up.
It explores the coming of age story of young man conflicted by religious upbringings and reality that interacting with the various aspects of the human federation and human nature.
As with other science fiction works we get to see how individual worlds could have singular tenets based on the community that initially settles and grows into the majority. Something that I did enjoy was how physical traits were tied to cultural traits when interplanetary groups meet.
So far the trope in science fiction that humans from a planet with higher gravity are super strong and physically capable but are kinda like a little dumb is also carried across by the author.
I enjoyed the plot and flow as well as how current religious tenets have been adapted to survive the new worlds.
In this book you will see how little is actually in ones control and how much is based on random chance and luck. The hope that no matter how dark the situation there is a possible more is something everyone needs to imbibe.
The world will be better tomorrow, we just need to work towards it.
Good Read. Do pick it up.
August 2, 2022
Really wish Partlow would branch out. I understand he has a very successful and loving wife but is he capable of ever writing a character that isn't? How about a massive poon-hound? Or someone that's literally too busy saving humanity to get tied up with anyone? After the third or fourth series where the main character kicks ass on Thursday and spends his off hours with his devoted wife/girlfriend, they all start blending together.
Not to mention the absolutely ridiculous and unlikely welcome he got back on Canaan. Dude was shunned, disowned, and the only people that cared for him were his best friend's parents. He honestly doesn't owe the planet anything
Not to mention the absolutely ridiculous and unlikely welcome he got back on Canaan. Dude was shunned, disowned, and the only people that cared for him were his best friend's parents. He honestly doesn't owe the planet anything
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2022
Good story, well written.
Can't say any less, good story, good leading character and sufficient action and tactics to keep readers of this entertained. Which is why we but these books. A war fought between races but a war on planets rather than space dogfights between star fighters. I quite enjoy these character led stories and can easily recommend this. It's not deep, meaningful or full of emotion. It's action between an enhanced human and enemy soldiers and as you would expect, the soldier wins out. Enjoy.
Can't say any less, good story, good leading character and sufficient action and tactics to keep readers of this entertained. Which is why we but these books. A war fought between races but a war on planets rather than space dogfights between star fighters. I quite enjoy these character led stories and can easily recommend this. It's not deep, meaningful or full of emotion. It's action between an enhanced human and enemy soldiers and as you would expect, the soldier wins out. Enjoy.
June 23, 2017
Fast paced Military Sci-fi
The premise is the basic spec-ops trope. The details are intriguing, the plot moves along quickly, but the intriguing bits, a pacifist becoming an elite soldier and the society's reaction to war could have had truly deep and meaningful plot implications, but the author skimmed right over them leaving us with a candy bar story. Tastes good, but just empty calories.
The premise is the basic spec-ops trope. The details are intriguing, the plot moves along quickly, but the intriguing bits, a pacifist becoming an elite soldier and the society's reaction to war could have had truly deep and meaningful plot implications, but the author skimmed right over them leaving us with a candy bar story. Tastes good, but just empty calories.
August 10, 2022
super soldiers
What happens when you make a bunch of 18yr old cadets into supersoldiers? You get a bunch of killing machines that are genuine and with out the egos of hard core soldiers. It’s a good book, even though I think they would eventually gain egos, but whatever. Good characters, well described action, all the emotions and worries of real people, and a decent story. Worth a read.
What happens when you make a bunch of 18yr old cadets into supersoldiers? You get a bunch of killing machines that are genuine and with out the egos of hard core soldiers. It’s a good book, even though I think they would eventually gain egos, but whatever. Good characters, well described action, all the emotions and worries of real people, and a decent story. Worth a read.
March 29, 2019
So all the classic ingredients are there; futuristic technology, the horror of war, complicated government politics, etc. The action is even well described and the dialogue is pretty good, but there's nothing that marks this book different from any other in its genre. There's no unique takes on anything, not plot twists, etc. A purely ok book
August 20, 2021
Good military sci-GI
While the initial storyline was done years ago with the Cobra warriors series, this one gives more & better back story to the characters. It’s also interesting to see more stories in the same universe that has the Marine combat armor. I’m going to read the other books!
While the initial storyline was done years ago with the Cobra warriors series, this one gives more & better back story to the characters. It’s also interesting to see more stories in the same universe that has the Marine combat armor. I’m going to read the other books!
October 23, 2022
The book deserves a little more than 3 stars, but does not rate a full 4. It starts off really well and keeps that way though about half the book. Then after a significant scene, it slows to a crawl. So much so I almost gave up on it. But I figured I had read so much that I may as well finish, and I'm glad I did. After a while, the book picks up and it's non-stop action until the end.
October 28, 2022
good reading time
The book wasn’t a great work of art but met the entertainment quota just fine. I enjoyed the world(s) created, storyline and characters. Overall definitely a worth the the time and cost to read - satisfied. I will be reading book 2 to see where this story is going to continue to go!
The book wasn’t a great work of art but met the entertainment quota just fine. I enjoyed the world(s) created, storyline and characters. Overall definitely a worth the the time and cost to read - satisfied. I will be reading book 2 to see where this story is going to continue to go!
June 13, 2023
Good story, lots of action
This was a good story, and there was a ton of action, interesting locations, detailed and fun characters, and just a lot of enjoyable reading. There was a good mix of tech and people. It is nice to see this is a series, even though this works great as a standalone book. I recommend this book.
This was a good story, and there was a ton of action, interesting locations, detailed and fun characters, and just a lot of enjoyable reading. There was a good mix of tech and people. It is nice to see this is a series, even though this works great as a standalone book. I recommend this book.
August 6, 2024
GREAT
Rick Partlow is still maintaining his standards and quality of penmanship that I have come to expect from reading all of his books. I have enjoyed every one of his books that he has written. I am positive that everyone who reads his books will enjoy them as I have. "Glory Boys" is well worth reading.
Rick Partlow is still maintaining his standards and quality of penmanship that I have come to expect from reading all of his books. I have enjoyed every one of his books that he has written. I am positive that everyone who reads his books will enjoy them as I have. "Glory Boys" is well worth reading.
September 1, 2024
Another Partlow Great
When I read the Drop Trooper series, I figured thst was it. Don't get me wrong; it was amazing. But I had no idea that he would cook up this, whole other storyline.
Boy am I glad he did. And if the rest are as good as this one, my sleep cycles are gonna be hosed for the next little while.
The thing is, you don't want to miss this!
When I read the Drop Trooper series, I figured thst was it. Don't get me wrong; it was amazing. But I had no idea that he would cook up this, whole other storyline.
Boy am I glad he did. And if the rest are as good as this one, my sleep cycles are gonna be hosed for the next little while.
The thing is, you don't want to miss this!
December 26, 2025
Not a bad read. This is the first book in a 4 part book series about a soldier who fights against an alien empire (the Tahni) alongside his comrades. He is cybernetically enhanced and ends up having several close calls with the Tahni. I like this kind of read, with strong military types and heavy action scenes. A good read for anyone who enjoys reading military sci-fi style books.
March 20, 2017
Very good sci-fi thriller. Enjoyed the writing style very much.
Excellent story line and full bodied character. Hard to put the kindel down! Looking forward to the next 3 book series!
Excellent story line and full bodied character. Hard to put the kindel down! Looking forward to the next 3 book series!
August 7, 2018
Some very enjoyable military sci fi adventure with a compelling central character. I particularly appreciated the background of said main character and how that was interwoven throughout the entire plot. It brought a sense of refreshing newness to the hero's journey.
August 28, 2019
It is clearly a book that should of been broken up into 3 vols. After you get to a certain point you notice a lot of the storytelling is Halo lite. Doesnt make the book any less good just didnt feel complete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2020
Great!
If you want to know if you should pick this up then the answer is yes! Well written mil-sci-fi that keeps going. I skipped over the romance portions, not to my tastes but the story is superb. There's plenty more books in this universe as well.
If you want to know if you should pick this up then the answer is yes! Well written mil-sci-fi that keeps going. I skipped over the romance portions, not to my tastes but the story is superb. There's plenty more books in this universe as well.
October 18, 2020
Great Storyline
Well another great storyline which I am glad ended well. Now hopefully that is the end of the Tanhi storyline from the 4 different teams involved in the series of books. Well done
Well another great storyline which I am glad ended well. Now hopefully that is the end of the Tanhi storyline from the 4 different teams involved in the series of books. Well done
January 30, 2022
A must read for Sci-fi military buffs!
Packed with action throughout the story! Characters are well developed and believable...in Sci-Fi land! Definitely going to read the additional books in the series!
Packed with action throughout the story! Characters are well developed and believable...in Sci-Fi land! Definitely going to read the additional books in the series!
August 9, 2022
This one has it all
From freckle faced farm boy through to galactic super soldier, this story runs the gamut. Lots of new tech, many intertwined love stories, and aliens that need a good butt whopping. Loved it!
From freckle faced farm boy through to galactic super soldier, this story runs the gamut. Lots of new tech, many intertwined love stories, and aliens that need a good butt whopping. Loved it!
August 16, 2022
Details are great
Rick Partlow does a fantastic job of providing the details to "flesh out" a scene, in fact, it's almost too much detail; I could almost smell the burning fires. :)
I'm ready for the next book...
Rick Partlow does a fantastic job of providing the details to "flesh out" a scene, in fact, it's almost too much detail; I could almost smell the burning fires. :)
I'm ready for the next book...
September 3, 2022
Kind of a "updated" Staship Troopers, the Robert Heinlein classic. As with the newer Scifi most modern Authors once they have a successfully book/subject tend to work it to death, rather then try a new subject . But good read.
September 15, 2022
Great from start to finish
War and how politics almost lost it. Home planet seized. Friends come together with a plan. Love. Love lost. Love regained. Battles galore. Now to see where the rest of the series goes.
War and how politics almost lost it. Home planet seized. Friends come together with a plan. Love. Love lost. Love regained. Battles galore. Now to see where the rest of the series goes.
September 30, 2022
Interesting
Coming from Droptrooper to this series means you have some of the overall story and setting background, but not all. Not to say this book just fills in the holes, it is a complete story itself. A good book and well worth your time.
Coming from Droptrooper to this series means you have some of the overall story and setting background, but not all. Not to say this book just fills in the holes, it is a complete story itself. A good book and well worth your time.
January 19, 2023
Love the droptrooper series, but glory boy just did not have enough surprises. Every missing almost smooth, some hikups but was missing the real trill. If i start falling a sleep during a chapter it just isn’t good enough. Hopefully birth right can turn me around in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews