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Unwilling from Earth
Alternate cover edition for B01MU10N5T
How can one unwilling human save the galaxy?
Can Mark stay alive, defeat a psychopathic reptile whose armies are set to overwhelm all the free civilizations in the galaxy? And will he get the girl of his dreams?
Maybe not, but he’ll have a damn good try!
And how did he become allied to the most powerful race in the universe?
How can one unwilling human save the galaxy?
Can Mark stay alive, defeat a psychopathic reptile whose armies are set to overwhelm all the free civilizations in the galaxy? And will he get the girl of his dreams?
Maybe not, but he’ll have a damn good try!
And how did he become allied to the most powerful race in the universe?
- GenresScience FictionHumor
600 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2016
About the author
Andrew Maclure
8 books10 followersI write military space opera from the depths of the English countryside. My books have characters you grow to know and care about. The stories contain some violence, I guess you would expect that from military science fiction, and some swearing too, plus a good sprinkling of humour.
Being English, I’m too modest to say much about my writing, so I’ll let my readers speak for me. These are quotes from some of my Amazon reviews you can find on my amazon.com page:
“… one of the best character driven SciFi novels that I've read…”
“There's a real spark and zest to this novel, along with sharp observation”
“I've been reading sci-fi for forty years, some heavy, some light. But one thing I realized is that it all boils down to a good story. And this is a good story."
"I laughed out loud in places and thoroughly enjoyed reading this entertaining book. I look forward to more from Andrew Maclure!"
"…a good story teller plying his craft."
“Absolutely a great book and fun to read. I have read hundreds of sci fi story's and rank this as one of my favorites.”
“Couldn't put it down. Read it straight through until I had to go to work in the morning.”
“The interaction of all the teams members reminded me of the kidding I took and gave when I was in the Marine Corps. I recommend this book as a fun read. I can’t wait for the next book.”
Visit my website www.andrewmaclure.com
Sign up to my readers group to find out about new books, special deals and free stuff: https://mailchi.mp/da4ab4f273a8/andre...
Being English, I’m too modest to say much about my writing, so I’ll let my readers speak for me. These are quotes from some of my Amazon reviews you can find on my amazon.com page:
“… one of the best character driven SciFi novels that I've read…”
“There's a real spark and zest to this novel, along with sharp observation”
“I've been reading sci-fi for forty years, some heavy, some light. But one thing I realized is that it all boils down to a good story. And this is a good story."
"I laughed out loud in places and thoroughly enjoyed reading this entertaining book. I look forward to more from Andrew Maclure!"
"…a good story teller plying his craft."
“Absolutely a great book and fun to read. I have read hundreds of sci fi story's and rank this as one of my favorites.”
“Couldn't put it down. Read it straight through until I had to go to work in the morning.”
“The interaction of all the teams members reminded me of the kidding I took and gave when I was in the Marine Corps. I recommend this book as a fun read. I can’t wait for the next book.”
Visit my website www.andrewmaclure.com
Sign up to my readers group to find out about new books, special deals and free stuff: https://mailchi.mp/da4ab4f273a8/andre...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 16, 2018
Surprisingly good, especially since it started out a bit slow. Some of the reviews I read mentioned how whiny the MC was, and while I have to agree just a bit, he was always improving and very modest when doing so. The book was full of action, interesting aliens and their cultures, a weird love interest and an impressive number of friendship developments for an Earth male that had no friends back on the planet. His interactions with the team was always worth a smile and I found the intergalactic idea of money not being needed intriguing and how they traded ingenious (at least in the book).
The only real issue that I had with the book comes from me being an American and reading a book written by a British author. At times I felt like I had stepped into a room with odd dimensions. Some of the expressions, idioms and descriptions were like sitting down in a chair and my knees touched my chest. Not bad, but uncomfortable. Despite that, it was a fun read and I expect to read the sequel when it comes out.
The only real issue that I had with the book comes from me being an American and reading a book written by a British author. At times I felt like I had stepped into a room with odd dimensions. Some of the expressions, idioms and descriptions were like sitting down in a chair and my knees touched my chest. Not bad, but uncomfortable. Despite that, it was a fun read and I expect to read the sequel when it comes out.
September 18, 2023
Unique and Entertaining
Once I started this, I couldn't stop reading it. There's some crazy aliens (in more ways than one), unwilling combatants, and some unique technology. It all adds up to a rollercoaster ride of an adventure! I hope there is more to this series.
Once I started this, I couldn't stop reading it. There's some crazy aliens (in more ways than one), unwilling combatants, and some unique technology. It all adds up to a rollercoaster ride of an adventure! I hope there is more to this series.
August 31, 2021
I started with doubts as I read this book, the main character seemed to be a socially inept whining nerd who was the type everyone leans on to sort things out technically but cares very little for and I was right. The core of this book once you get beyond the Sci-fi trappings is the growth of said main character into a much more rounded caring and effective human being.
Not that the Sci-fi trappings are done badly, there are all the usual tropes, FTL, transporters, AI's, various alien species, but the author goes to much more depth than usual in filling in how the alien characters think, how their societies work, and how they interact with each other. There is also plenty of British humour, and I would say the author is inspired in part by Douglas Adams works such as "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy".
So you can see I sort of grew into the book as it went along to the point I was sorry it was finished. Regarding that while part of a series, it does end fairly cleanly so I have a chance to catch up with my other reading before I need to find out what happens next. I will however be doing that at some point. A definite winner in the end for me.
Not that the Sci-fi trappings are done badly, there are all the usual tropes, FTL, transporters, AI's, various alien species, but the author goes to much more depth than usual in filling in how the alien characters think, how their societies work, and how they interact with each other. There is also plenty of British humour, and I would say the author is inspired in part by Douglas Adams works such as "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy".
So you can see I sort of grew into the book as it went along to the point I was sorry it was finished. Regarding that while part of a series, it does end fairly cleanly so I have a chance to catch up with my other reading before I need to find out what happens next. I will however be doing that at some point. A definite winner in the end for me.
June 4, 2018
From a milk toast kind of person in Britain to a kick-ass military hero in outer space in just a couple of steps! Mark is a guy that doesn't like to rock the boat. He complains about his life almost constantly. He realizes he's working with an alien and asks to go along when the alien (Alan) leaves earth.
From there to becoming a hero of the highest caliber is a great story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
From there to becoming a hero of the highest caliber is a great story. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
June 27, 2017
Great 👍
Absolutely a great book and fun to read. I have read hundreds of sci fi story's and rank this as one of my favorites. Different lead in and great follow through. Can't wait for the next one. Great job
Absolutely a great book and fun to read. I have read hundreds of sci fi story's and rank this as one of my favorites. Different lead in and great follow through. Can't wait for the next one. Great job
May 13, 2017
You know that old adage about not judging a book by its cover? It's still as true as ever. I wasn't drawn in by the cover of this book, and it sat on my Kindle for a little while. That was my mistake.
Unwilling From Earth is a delight. Right from the off, you can see the author is tipping his cap firmly in the direction of Douglas Adams. Our erstwhile hero, Mark, lives a dull life in IT. Worse, he gets the job that the IT department palms off on him when he's not around to argue about it. And so he finds himself in a basement office, shuffling archives in an office with a wobbly door and aided by the worst helper in the company. The Adams references are as obvious as the BEWARE OF THE LEOPARD sign Mark pastes in his office. On the bright side, the worst helper in the company does agree to going out for a date with Mark, an uncommon experience in his life. Beer is quaffed.
And then comes an odd man with his odd ways and his odd not-very-human appearance. Which perhaps isn't surprising because he isn't very human. Before Mark knows it, he's off on a journey into space and pitched into an interstellar war with some very unexpected companions. I won't say more for spoilers, but let's just say that Mark is as clueless as Arthur Dent when it comes to women.
There's a real spark and zest to this novel, along with sharp observation. It may not be the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, but it's certainly something you might read while waiting to be seated there, and that's no bad thing.
Unwilling From Earth is a delight. Right from the off, you can see the author is tipping his cap firmly in the direction of Douglas Adams. Our erstwhile hero, Mark, lives a dull life in IT. Worse, he gets the job that the IT department palms off on him when he's not around to argue about it. And so he finds himself in a basement office, shuffling archives in an office with a wobbly door and aided by the worst helper in the company. The Adams references are as obvious as the BEWARE OF THE LEOPARD sign Mark pastes in his office. On the bright side, the worst helper in the company does agree to going out for a date with Mark, an uncommon experience in his life. Beer is quaffed.
And then comes an odd man with his odd ways and his odd not-very-human appearance. Which perhaps isn't surprising because he isn't very human. Before Mark knows it, he's off on a journey into space and pitched into an interstellar war with some very unexpected companions. I won't say more for spoilers, but let's just say that Mark is as clueless as Arthur Dent when it comes to women.
There's a real spark and zest to this novel, along with sharp observation. It may not be the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, but it's certainly something you might read while waiting to be seated there, and that's no bad thing.
June 8, 2020
Excellent book great characters, great science fiction, good humor.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was full of character development, characters you actually liked and wanted to see succeed. The main protagonist was a little bit of a jerk to begin with. But that was his journey toward personal growth so ignore it. He’s reluctant hero but he turned out all right. The science fiction elements were excellent the British humor quirky and very enjoyable, you have to like British humor to really, really enjoyed this book. The action sequences were good and not over done with a lot of graphic gore. The book was so enjoyable I’ve gone on to the next one give it a shot.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was full of character development, characters you actually liked and wanted to see succeed. The main protagonist was a little bit of a jerk to begin with. But that was his journey toward personal growth so ignore it. He’s reluctant hero but he turned out all right. The science fiction elements were excellent the British humor quirky and very enjoyable, you have to like British humor to really, really enjoyed this book. The action sequences were good and not over done with a lot of graphic gore. The book was so enjoyable I’ve gone on to the next one give it a shot.
July 7, 2018
Good story. Needs an editor.
For me this book started a little slowly, then the story gets good. I really enjoyed the story but the spelling and grammar mistakes made it difficult to finish. I hated the "er" bits that were constant. I hated that all internal dialogue was in quotation marks. Next time italicize or something that makes it easier for the reader to follow. I loved the characters, I loved the ending and l hope by book 2 the author will have found an editor because this is a book series I'd like to read more of.
For me this book started a little slowly, then the story gets good. I really enjoyed the story but the spelling and grammar mistakes made it difficult to finish. I hated the "er" bits that were constant. I hated that all internal dialogue was in quotation marks. Next time italicize or something that makes it easier for the reader to follow. I loved the characters, I loved the ending and l hope by book 2 the author will have found an editor because this is a book series I'd like to read more of.
April 7, 2019
An AM. SYFY. Novel (Departure From Earth Into An Exciting Universe)
AM. has. penned a SYFY. novel.which contains an assortment of aliens exist that visit Earth on a daily basis.They are present because the People, an Alien species, has directed and recorded human history for ions and like no other species we are to considered to be extremely violent and will make excellent warriors. The men and women are drafted for a coming interplanetary time. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
??
AM. has. penned a SYFY. novel.which contains an assortment of aliens exist that visit Earth on a daily basis.They are present because the People, an Alien species, has directed and recorded human history for ions and like no other species we are to considered to be extremely violent and will make excellent warriors. The men and women are drafted for a coming interplanetary time. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
??
December 17, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: I lost count of the mistakes. There are all types from missing words to names in lowercase letters.
Plot: Finding aliens, leaving earth, joining a military group to save a planet. There is a lot going on and it’s an interesting read.
Characters: The main character is a bit whiny, but he grows up fast enough and is interesting enough to follow.
7.5/10 I went back and forth on giving this just three stars due to mistakes, however the length of the book allowed me to grant four stars.
Mistakes: I lost count of the mistakes. There are all types from missing words to names in lowercase letters.
Plot: Finding aliens, leaving earth, joining a military group to save a planet. There is a lot going on and it’s an interesting read.
Characters: The main character is a bit whiny, but he grows up fast enough and is interesting enough to follow.
7.5/10 I went back and forth on giving this just three stars due to mistakes, however the length of the book allowed me to grant four stars.
June 18, 2018
Gave up at 3/4
The beginning, while the protagonist and friends/aliens were on earth, was good, humorous, and created investment in the characters. They then left to have space adventure. And advanced science, defying logic or understanding, would magically solve every problem, not the character who mostly whined about missing earth. Bah, books like this causes me to miss the old days when only a few authors made it past the editor gods..
The beginning, while the protagonist and friends/aliens were on earth, was good, humorous, and created investment in the characters. They then left to have space adventure. And advanced science, defying logic or understanding, would magically solve every problem, not the character who mostly whined about missing earth. Bah, books like this causes me to miss the old days when only a few authors made it past the editor gods..
May 28, 2022
Not What I Expected
The description and preview were interesting, but after downloading the book and continuing on, the story falls apart for me. The aggressive pirate aliens, and Mark’s forced conversion into soldier, all seem pointless. The character never grows or develops. Mark continues to be myopic and stunted in attitude and behavior. The storyline fails to make sense to me, the action/plot seems uncoordinated and eventually I just quit.
The description and preview were interesting, but after downloading the book and continuing on, the story falls apart for me. The aggressive pirate aliens, and Mark’s forced conversion into soldier, all seem pointless. The character never grows or develops. Mark continues to be myopic and stunted in attitude and behavior. The storyline fails to make sense to me, the action/plot seems uncoordinated and eventually I just quit.
June 4, 2017
Excellent
You know a book is good when you don't actually read it, you live it, your not on your couch or in your favorite chair flipping pages, your in another place or time, I never give 5 stars, but i almost did here, I wasn't fond of the main character to begin with but that changed and I wish the second book was out.
You know a book is good when you don't actually read it, you live it, your not on your couch or in your favorite chair flipping pages, your in another place or time, I never give 5 stars, but i almost did here, I wasn't fond of the main character to begin with but that changed and I wish the second book was out.
May 22, 2018
Annoying
This book is probably not the best read for people who take any kind of initiative in their own life. The main character can be summarized as a spoiled brat crossed with a 40 year old virgin. It was halfway through before I could justify the attitude but only because of the extreme circumstances he found himself in.
This book is probably not the best read for people who take any kind of initiative in their own life. The main character can be summarized as a spoiled brat crossed with a 40 year old virgin. It was halfway through before I could justify the attitude but only because of the extreme circumstances he found himself in.
June 5, 2018
Great Read
I could not stop reading this book after a few chapters. I loved the character development of the different team members. The interaction of all the teams members reminded me of the kidding I took and gave when I was in the Marine Corps. I recommend this book as a fun read. I can’t wait for the next book.
I could not stop reading this book after a few chapters. I loved the character development of the different team members. The interaction of all the teams members reminded me of the kidding I took and gave when I was in the Marine Corps. I recommend this book as a fun read. I can’t wait for the next book.
April 21, 2019
Silly Fun
I liked this book because it was fun. Certainly not to be taken seriously. Nor is there any kind of allegorical or theological context. A "rags to riches" story that is often over the top in the powers given by "The People". Still, with a bit of flexibility I think you will enjoy it too.
I liked this book because it was fun. Certainly not to be taken seriously. Nor is there any kind of allegorical or theological context. A "rags to riches" story that is often over the top in the powers given by "The People". Still, with a bit of flexibility I think you will enjoy it too.
September 11, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. From wimp to getting the girl (even if she is an alien and a cat). Sometimes too much of the f-bombs but that is what you get in a stressful environment. Now I am off the the next in this series and hope it continues with wanting not to put it down. But I read it before going to sleep and took me 5 nights.
November 15, 2017
Great Book
Couldn't put it down. Read it straight through until I had to go to work in the morning.
Can't wait for the next book. In fact I'm going to check if it is out already. Hopefully it continues with the same main character. I'm now emotionally attached:)
Couldn't put it down. Read it straight through until I had to go to work in the morning.
Can't wait for the next book. In fact I'm going to check if it is out already. Hopefully it continues with the same main character. I'm now emotionally attached:)
August 3, 2018
Interesting all powerful concept
The unwilling protagonist mirrors the whole Galaxy and underscores the need for people (loosely) to be able to band together against evil at all times.
The unwilling protagonist mirrors the whole Galaxy and underscores the need for people (loosely) to be able to band together against evil at all times.
October 1, 2018
Page Turner
Quick wit with a few, “don’t kook now but, look out” thrown In everywhere. All that and a lot of action, with very little sadness or feelings of remorse from the characters or myself. Lots of fun and a quick read.
Quick wit with a few, “don’t kook now but, look out” thrown In everywhere. All that and a lot of action, with very little sadness or feelings of remorse from the characters or myself. Lots of fun and a quick read.
July 18, 2019
Next story please
The Continuing story of Sah Lee and friends continues the adventure that began in "Hunter, Warrior Commander, which I recommend you read first. The story in its entirety is a great change from from Mech wars and Marines. Ready for #3 Mr Maclure.
The Continuing story of Sah Lee and friends continues the adventure that began in "Hunter, Warrior Commander, which I recommend you read first. The story in its entirety is a great change from from Mech wars and Marines. Ready for #3 Mr Maclure.
May 26, 2018
Wonderful story!
I enjoyed every page of this adventure. I was able to personalize it, which is rare. I am looking forward to much more from this author!
I enjoyed every page of this adventure. I was able to personalize it, which is rare. I am looking forward to much more from this author!
June 27, 2018
Original
This book had a different flair than books with a similar theme. It started slow but quickly grabbed my full attention and i couldn't put it down.
This book had a different flair than books with a similar theme. It started slow but quickly grabbed my full attention and i couldn't put it down.
November 6, 2018
A good story by a very good story teller.
February 4, 2020
Good romp
It was a good way to pass some time. Humorous. It's not real deep space opera. But overall i liked it. I will read a sequel.
It was a good way to pass some time. Humorous. It's not real deep space opera. But overall i liked it. I will read a sequel.
January 19, 2021
Good read
Good read I bought his other 2 books. Nuff said. When you spend money to read a new author that is as good as it needs to be
Good read I bought his other 2 books. Nuff said. When you spend money to read a new author that is as good as it needs to be
August 10, 2021
Going My Way?
Great story with interesting characters and a decent narrative. The war stuff is ok and the whole thing is just a big fat fun ride
Great story with interesting characters and a decent narrative. The war stuff is ok and the whole thing is just a big fat fun ride
August 14, 2021
Pleasant reading for a book about space war!
Pleasant reading for a book about space war!
It kept me engrossed for a day during a week-long covid lockdown
Pleasant reading for a book about space war!
It kept me engrossed for a day during a week-long covid lockdown
September 9, 2021
Nice read
I was a bit slow on the uptake to get into this book, but it didn't take long for fun interest to peak. Now for the next in the series...
I was a bit slow on the uptake to get into this book, but it didn't take long for fun interest to peak. Now for the next in the series...
November 13, 2021
Fun and fast
This book is a fun read and you just keep reading to see what besets the hero. A fast paced story with interesting characters.
This book is a fun read and you just keep reading to see what besets the hero. A fast paced story with interesting characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews