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Undying Mercenaries #8
Blood World
A dirty deal was struck. Humanity was allowed to keep three hundred rebellious worlds. In return, we declared war on a powerful enemy from beyond the frontier.
A frantic build-up of forces has begun, but the task is hopeless. Seeking allies, Earth’s legions are sent to BLOOD WORLD. A planet on the fringe of known space, where the people only respect masters of combat.
Earth’s Legions must impress them, but other alien powers have been invited to join the contest. The prize consists of billions of loyal troops—Earth must win.
Fighting and dying and fighting again, the struggle is half-mad—but so is James McGill.
BLOOD WORLD is the eighth book in the Undying Mercenaries Series.
A frantic build-up of forces has begun, but the task is hopeless. Seeking allies, Earth’s legions are sent to BLOOD WORLD. A planet on the fringe of known space, where the people only respect masters of combat.
Earth’s Legions must impress them, but other alien powers have been invited to join the contest. The prize consists of billions of loyal troops—Earth must win.
Fighting and dying and fighting again, the struggle is half-mad—but so is James McGill.
BLOOD WORLD is the eighth book in the Undying Mercenaries Series.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2017
1271 people are currently reading
357 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 110 reviews
February 17, 2018
The Undying Mercenaries series always has been a mix of fun and stupid. As I'm not generally a military sci-fi fan, it had enough story to keep the book moving, but I'm finding myself growing bored and finding the series flaws grating. James McGill, a man, gifted with the luxury living and dying many times over and now father, seems impervious to learning anything. There's no enlightenment, and while the forever young, life fast and die-hard aspect almost makes his forever skirt-chasing antics tolerable, ever since he found his way into the pants of Turov the series has become a "herem" fantasy. James McGill seems incapable of appreciating any women beyond her curves. Each book brings yet another woman to bring into his revolving bedroom door of women whom somehow fall under his dopey "c'mon girl, just wait for a second" spell. While sexual politics are bound to change in the future and especially in one where space soldiers are forever young, it's too chauvinistic to be taken seriously. It's been the main criticism I've had ever since McGill wormed his way into his commanding officer's panties. I'm not hypersensitive to such things hence how I made it to book eight but I'm nearing my threshold of non-stop ogling. There are hyper-sexed sci-fi series like Peter F Hamilton's Commonwealth saga that pulls off such antics, but Undying Mercenaries isn't mature or nuanced enough to make it feel anything more than like an undersexed male's fantasy.
Blood world isn't exciting, and while it expands on the universe, it does little to further the glacial moving plot line of "things are not what they seem" in the Galactic Empire. Sure there's more gore, new aliens, a few call-backs to previous books like the dinosaur-ish aliens but there's only so many times one needs to rehash Claver's machinations or the uncertainty of Turov's motives. The novelty of being birthed by disgusting organ filled machines charm has worn off. Somewhat likable side characters like Carlos seem frozen as much as McGill. The book is a paint-by-the-numbers outing. There's yet-another-female conquest with an off-world alien woman who's culture just so happens compliment James' sexual appetite. There's a battle that must be fought tooth and nail on the ground, the usual back stabbing and of course everything works out (mostly) in the end.
What was once a fun outing is starting to feel like a chore, and that's too bad. The series started out with a bang, but with the content churn of an author like Larson, I suppose there's only so much one can expect. I've certainly wasted my time on far worse books (The Lost Fleet remains one of the worst series I ever powered through) but my interest is waning fast.
Blood world isn't exciting, and while it expands on the universe, it does little to further the glacial moving plot line of "things are not what they seem" in the Galactic Empire. Sure there's more gore, new aliens, a few call-backs to previous books like the dinosaur-ish aliens but there's only so many times one needs to rehash Claver's machinations or the uncertainty of Turov's motives. The novelty of being birthed by disgusting organ filled machines charm has worn off. Somewhat likable side characters like Carlos seem frozen as much as McGill. The book is a paint-by-the-numbers outing. There's yet-another-female conquest with an off-world alien woman who's culture just so happens compliment James' sexual appetite. There's a battle that must be fought tooth and nail on the ground, the usual back stabbing and of course everything works out (mostly) in the end.
What was once a fun outing is starting to feel like a chore, and that's too bad. The series started out with a bang, but with the content churn of an author like Larson, I suppose there's only so much one can expect. I've certainly wasted my time on far worse books (The Lost Fleet remains one of the worst series I ever powered through) but my interest is waning fast.
June 4, 2021
I don't get it...but the writer of this series sometimes makes me scratch my head. I guess if they keep selling (to people like me) you keep doing what works.
Why does he keep bringing back Claver? The guy should have been "permed" long ago but again he keeps showing back up. Then there is McGill's proclivity to risk millions of lives or maybe the entire galaxy because he want to "make time" with a new female.
Yet in spite of screwing the entire human race occasionally (always by accident) he keeps ending up...well, not "permed".
Oh well.
I do find some of the philosophical questions it brings up interesting. For instance, if you die and are then reborn out of an alien "rebirth machine"...are you the same person or are you a new person who happens to have the same memories and experiences as the person who died? Do you believe in people are living souls? Then is it the same soul?
Think about it.
Why does he keep bringing back Claver? The guy should have been "permed" long ago but again he keeps showing back up. Then there is McGill's proclivity to risk millions of lives or maybe the entire galaxy because he want to "make time" with a new female.
Yet in spite of screwing the entire human race occasionally (always by accident) he keeps ending up...well, not "permed".
Oh well.
I do find some of the philosophical questions it brings up interesting. For instance, if you die and are then reborn out of an alien "rebirth machine"...are you the same person or are you a new person who happens to have the same memories and experiences as the person who died? Do you believe in people are living souls? Then is it the same soul?
Think about it.
November 21, 2017
Looking forward to the next book in the series. Could we see a bit of an arc in future books for McGill? I'm not sure if he can become more of am irreverent womanizer at this point. Also, I'm wondering if there is an arc, if he's actually becoming more callous and less empathetic which may ultimately make him less relatable?
But maybe changing him would ruin the entire thing, I'm not sure. Regardless enjoyed this entertaining installment!
But maybe changing him would ruin the entire thing, I'm not sure. Regardless enjoyed this entertaining installment!
December 12, 2017
Good ole James McGill back at. You keep writing them, I’ll keep buying them.
September 5, 2025
Churning through this series on audible forgot to update progress. Reader does a good job with voices and the sci fi world is great. Plot is pretty similar most books tho, good for driving.
July 25, 2021
You know, I think I remember now what annoyed me about this series after reading 2 more books in it.
If you're read one, you've read them all. They're all pretty much the same book.
This one changed things up a little bit by having the main conflict be a tournament instead of a battle for whatever planet, or whatever resource.
/rant on
Of course, then you get into my very opinionated stance on tournaments in stories. There are few things that a writer can do that will bring his/her/other story to a screeching halt than to add in a tournament. You see this all the time in Anime/Manga. Things are going along fine, then OMG lets do this tournament thing... FOR THIRTY SEVEN EPISODES!!! All forward narrative motion completely halts so characters can fight each other for no reason, and not even be bothered with developing as characters while they're doing it. They completely forget the main conflict of the series. They completely forget all of their goals and aspirations. They lose all focus on anything important so they can fight and fight and fight and fight to no real purpose. It's fucking boring as hell.
/rant off
So, yeah, this one wasn't great.
If you're read one, you've read them all. They're all pretty much the same book.
This one changed things up a little bit by having the main conflict be a tournament instead of a battle for whatever planet, or whatever resource.
/rant on
Of course, then you get into my very opinionated stance on tournaments in stories. There are few things that a writer can do that will bring his/her/other story to a screeching halt than to add in a tournament. You see this all the time in Anime/Manga. Things are going along fine, then OMG lets do this tournament thing... FOR THIRTY SEVEN EPISODES!!! All forward narrative motion completely halts so characters can fight each other for no reason, and not even be bothered with developing as characters while they're doing it. They completely forget the main conflict of the series. They completely forget all of their goals and aspirations. They lose all focus on anything important so they can fight and fight and fight and fight to no real purpose. It's fucking boring as hell.
/rant off
So, yeah, this one wasn't great.
June 10, 2018
Amazingly fun, hilarious, great background story : The undying Mercenaries are better and better each time.
December 17, 2017
We’re back with James McGill, Centurion, Legion Varus. Yeah, that guy! He’s managed to stay out of trouble for awhile since the Legion hasn’t gone on a mission for quite sometime. During this downtime, he spends his days in his shack behind his parents home in the "Georgia Sector”. Things are kind of peaceful right now, well, as peaceful as they can be with his, now twelve-year old daughter, Etta around. She’s a very wild child raised for awhile by her Mother, Delia, and Grandfather back on Dust World. We’d call people on that plane savages since there wasn't much but dust and dirt on the entire world. Being brought back to Earth didn’t change Etta much. She still does what she wants to but does have some grudging respect for James McGill, her Father.
But, this time the peace isn’t exactly shattered by something Etta has done. No, that come in a very strange and frightening way when Primus Graves shows up a this shack door. That’s never happened before and James doesn’t know why in the world it happened now. And, to make matters worse, Primus Graves tells James McGill that he’s sorry but he’s been volunteered for a new mission. Now, Primus Graves have never ever came to McGill for anything other than an explanation of the trouble he’s currently causing. But, since there’s not trouble with the Legion that James knows about right now, he’s terribly cautious about this action on the part of Primus Graves. He is told to report to Central the next day so he assumes he’ll be going on some kind of mission, but Primus Graves didn’t quite mention what that might be; he just apologized for “volunteering” McGill. That sounds pretty dangerous.
So, McGill heads off towards Central HQ where he hopes he’ll get some answers to just what he’s gotten himself “volunteered” for. He doesn’t get far when he’s met by Primus Winslade who’s the Adjunct for Imperator Turov. Why he’s out picking up James McGill is a real mystery and then James finds that all his troops are being picked up. Now he’s really worried about what this mission might entail.
When they get to Central, he’s met by Primus Graves who again seems kind of sorry for McGill and his troops. They are to go through a series of “test” for what reason no one knows, but the winner of these tests will go on the full mission. Strangely, everyone of the brass seems to be indicating to McGill that he and his troops would be better off if they failed these upcoming tests.
But, that’s not the way James McGill has been trained. He’s also learned quite a bit about leading his troops and knows how to handle a bunch of misfits since he was one himself for a long time. Now as a Centurion, he’s responsible for all these misfits and feels it somewhat necessary to keep them alive, unless mission success dictates otherwise.
So, off we go on another strange mission. We don’t even get to the new world, Blood World, before our ship is attacked and James McGill has to step into action. Unfortunately, his action prove to other interested parties that he’s a very skilled and determined warrior. He seems to be the leader of everyone since he’s always at the forefront of every battle. James McGill as the leader of Legion Varus! That’s got to be a mistake. You’ll find out the truth as you read the rest of the story.
I really enjoy reading about James’ daughter, Etta. She is a real brat, but seems to at least get along with James pretty good. She stays with James’ parents most of the time. They are getting along in years and his mother has contacted some kind of fatal disease, but, as usual, James is going to do something about that even thought the government says his parents don’t have any insurance and have no money to pay for a special kind of surgery. But, back to Etta. James is going to have a lot of fun when she starts getting interested in boys, teenage boys. Some how he’s going to have to figure our some way to get a bunch of teenaged boys through a revival machine, because once they tangle with Etta and she doesn’t like their advances, she might just off them for the hell of it. She's James McGill's daughter after all. She also has told James that she’s going to join the Legion when she is old enough. That’s going to be frightening for the Legion.
Don’t know when the next book will be released, but I’ll definitely be looking for it.
But, this time the peace isn’t exactly shattered by something Etta has done. No, that come in a very strange and frightening way when Primus Graves shows up a this shack door. That’s never happened before and James doesn’t know why in the world it happened now. And, to make matters worse, Primus Graves tells James McGill that he’s sorry but he’s been volunteered for a new mission. Now, Primus Graves have never ever came to McGill for anything other than an explanation of the trouble he’s currently causing. But, since there’s not trouble with the Legion that James knows about right now, he’s terribly cautious about this action on the part of Primus Graves. He is told to report to Central the next day so he assumes he’ll be going on some kind of mission, but Primus Graves didn’t quite mention what that might be; he just apologized for “volunteering” McGill. That sounds pretty dangerous.
So, McGill heads off towards Central HQ where he hopes he’ll get some answers to just what he’s gotten himself “volunteered” for. He doesn’t get far when he’s met by Primus Winslade who’s the Adjunct for Imperator Turov. Why he’s out picking up James McGill is a real mystery and then James finds that all his troops are being picked up. Now he’s really worried about what this mission might entail.
When they get to Central, he’s met by Primus Graves who again seems kind of sorry for McGill and his troops. They are to go through a series of “test” for what reason no one knows, but the winner of these tests will go on the full mission. Strangely, everyone of the brass seems to be indicating to McGill that he and his troops would be better off if they failed these upcoming tests.
But, that’s not the way James McGill has been trained. He’s also learned quite a bit about leading his troops and knows how to handle a bunch of misfits since he was one himself for a long time. Now as a Centurion, he’s responsible for all these misfits and feels it somewhat necessary to keep them alive, unless mission success dictates otherwise.
So, off we go on another strange mission. We don’t even get to the new world, Blood World, before our ship is attacked and James McGill has to step into action. Unfortunately, his action prove to other interested parties that he’s a very skilled and determined warrior. He seems to be the leader of everyone since he’s always at the forefront of every battle. James McGill as the leader of Legion Varus! That’s got to be a mistake. You’ll find out the truth as you read the rest of the story.
I really enjoy reading about James’ daughter, Etta. She is a real brat, but seems to at least get along with James pretty good. She stays with James’ parents most of the time. They are getting along in years and his mother has contacted some kind of fatal disease, but, as usual, James is going to do something about that even thought the government says his parents don’t have any insurance and have no money to pay for a special kind of surgery. But, back to Etta. James is going to have a lot of fun when she starts getting interested in boys, teenage boys. Some how he’s going to have to figure our some way to get a bunch of teenaged boys through a revival machine, because once they tangle with Etta and she doesn’t like their advances, she might just off them for the hell of it. She's James McGill's daughter after all. She also has told James that she’s going to join the Legion when she is old enough. That’s going to be frightening for the Legion.
Don’t know when the next book will be released, but I’ll definitely be looking for it.
March 22, 2018
4.5*
If there was some magic thing I could say to get people to read this series, I would say it. It's just so much fun the whole way through. This book is more of the sweet goodness that I've pointed out in my other reviews, so if you aren't sure what your would be getting into, check out my other reviews.
This book in particular is sorry if like the Undying Mercenaries version of the Hunger Games. Or like the book version of a multiplayer deathmatch session in your favorite online multiplayer shooter video game. Lots of fun.
If there was some magic thing I could say to get people to read this series, I would say it. It's just so much fun the whole way through. This book is more of the sweet goodness that I've pointed out in my other reviews, so if you aren't sure what your would be getting into, check out my other reviews.
This book in particular is sorry if like the Undying Mercenaries version of the Hunger Games. Or like the book version of a multiplayer deathmatch session in your favorite online multiplayer shooter video game. Lots of fun.
January 20, 2018
Live, die, repete
This is one good story. It has the Mil-Sci-Fi, mystery and humor,with a bit of a love story. The premise of being killed them coming back the next morning is a nice method of writing for this author and this series of books. There is a longer story about to happen!
This is one good story. It has the Mil-Sci-Fi, mystery and humor,with a bit of a love story. The premise of being killed them coming back the next morning is a nice method of writing for this author and this series of books. There is a longer story about to happen!
March 16, 2020
This episode of the pulp "young man crushes aliens and sleeps with various women" storyline was as good as the others. At least he's blowing up aliens using his intellect, as well as his muscle and willingness to die for his planet.
July 2, 2018
I cant explain why these books are so fun. Enjoyable characters and interesting interactions. I always want more when I'm done these.
November 11, 2017
Leaving us waiting for more
Didn't think this series could still hold me enthralled.... But I think it's reached a point where either the story expands either on the frontier war with earth or with the core or wraps up, otherwise McGills antics just become repetitive.
Don't get me wrong I would certainly love for the series to continue... But it needs something to advance the storyline.
Didn't think this series could still hold me enthralled.... But I think it's reached a point where either the story expands either on the frontier war with earth or with the core or wraps up, otherwise McGills antics just become repetitive.
Don't get me wrong I would certainly love for the series to continue... But it needs something to advance the storyline.
December 26, 2020
Me encantó!!!... muy divertido, muy entretenido... justo lo que necesitaba pata terminar este pandémico 2020.
Uno de los mejores de esta serie...
Uno de los mejores de esta serie...
January 13, 2024
Re-read: Really fun. A bit messy, but lots of fun action.
This one was really fun. More like a competition, legion against legion with plenty of backstabbing. Our heroes romances finally get flipped on him, which was wonderful to see. Overall, a fun addition.
This one was really fun. More like a competition, legion against legion with plenty of backstabbing. Our heroes romances finally get flipped on him, which was wonderful to see. Overall, a fun addition.
October 4, 2022
PopKulturowy Kociołek:
Nawet ktoś taki jak James McGill, po serii wydarzeń przedstawionych w poprzednich odsłonach, potrzebuje odrobiny odpoczynku. Początek recenzowanej książki Legion Nieśmiertelnych #8: Świat Krwi daje mu taką okazję. O ile można należycie wypocząć, przebywając blisko „żywiołowej” córki (mocny charakterek jak tatuś). Wszystko dobre szybko się jednak kończy, szczególnie kiedy w drzwiach jego domostwa pojawia się niespodziewany gość. Ziemia otrzymuje bowiem szansę zatrzymania zdobytych światów. Musi ona jednak wziąć udział w serii brutalnych pojedynków na śmierć i życie. Nie będzie dla nikogo zaskoczeniem, że „ochotnikiem” do tej misji staje się McGill. Kolejny raz będzie on mógł zaprezentować swoje niezwykłe zdolności bojowe i kolejny raz skorzystać z niebywałego szczęścia (które do tej pory mu sprzyjało).
B.V. Larson postanowił tym razem odejść od dotychczasowego schematu wplątywania bohatera i naszej planety w kolejny niebezpieczny konflikt. Nowe podejście do historii nie oznacza jednak, że nagle staje się ona mniej widowiskowa. Nadal „akcja” odgrywa tutaj bardzo ważną rolę, a nowe zadanie jest równie niebezpieczne i krwawe jak wszystkie poprzednie misje.
Obok McGilla na łamy powieści powracają również inni znani członkowie legionu Varus oraz postacie nie zawsze dobrze mu życzące. Dla fana serii oznacza to tylko jedno – obok widowiskowej akcji, znajdzie on tutaj również masę o wiele bardziej złożonych wątków. Wszystko to, co początkowo może wydawać się proste i przejrzyste, szybko zaczyna się komplikować. Każda osoba będąca bowiem u władzy stara się coś dla siebie ugrać, niespecjalnie przejmując się życiem swoich podwładnych. Autor dodatkowo kolejny raz pokazuje, że ma niezwykły talent do kreślenia złożonych, zaskakujących i bogatych światów. Miejsce akcji nowej powieści jest pod wieloma względami niezwykłe i dobrze oddaje zróżnicowanie całego uniwersum. Jeśli to jeszcze dla kogoś mało to obok tego wszystkiego znalazła się tutaj również odpowiednia dawka humoru i kolejne „miłosne” podboje Jamesa.
W tej kosmicznej beczce miodu pojawia się jednak pewna mała łyżeczka dziegciu. Jest nią sam główny bohater i jego podejście do życia. Brał on już udział w wielu misjach, wielokrotnie doświadczył przeróżnych spisków, a nadal w pewnych momentach zachowuje się on dosyć naiwnie. Niestety, ale zdarzają się tu fragmenty, kiedy jego zachowanie jest strasznie głupie i psuje to inercję historii. Dla niektórych czytelników problematyczny może być również jego stosunek do kobiet. Każda kolejna odsłona serii to nowa piękna niewiasta pchająca się w jego ramiona (i nie tylko). B.V. Larson zaczyna troszkę przesadzać z tym elementem serii (ale to już ocena bardzo subiektywna).
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
Nawet ktoś taki jak James McGill, po serii wydarzeń przedstawionych w poprzednich odsłonach, potrzebuje odrobiny odpoczynku. Początek recenzowanej książki Legion Nieśmiertelnych #8: Świat Krwi daje mu taką okazję. O ile można należycie wypocząć, przebywając blisko „żywiołowej” córki (mocny charakterek jak tatuś). Wszystko dobre szybko się jednak kończy, szczególnie kiedy w drzwiach jego domostwa pojawia się niespodziewany gość. Ziemia otrzymuje bowiem szansę zatrzymania zdobytych światów. Musi ona jednak wziąć udział w serii brutalnych pojedynków na śmierć i życie. Nie będzie dla nikogo zaskoczeniem, że „ochotnikiem” do tej misji staje się McGill. Kolejny raz będzie on mógł zaprezentować swoje niezwykłe zdolności bojowe i kolejny raz skorzystać z niebywałego szczęścia (które do tej pory mu sprzyjało).
B.V. Larson postanowił tym razem odejść od dotychczasowego schematu wplątywania bohatera i naszej planety w kolejny niebezpieczny konflikt. Nowe podejście do historii nie oznacza jednak, że nagle staje się ona mniej widowiskowa. Nadal „akcja” odgrywa tutaj bardzo ważną rolę, a nowe zadanie jest równie niebezpieczne i krwawe jak wszystkie poprzednie misje.
Obok McGilla na łamy powieści powracają również inni znani członkowie legionu Varus oraz postacie nie zawsze dobrze mu życzące. Dla fana serii oznacza to tylko jedno – obok widowiskowej akcji, znajdzie on tutaj również masę o wiele bardziej złożonych wątków. Wszystko to, co początkowo może wydawać się proste i przejrzyste, szybko zaczyna się komplikować. Każda osoba będąca bowiem u władzy stara się coś dla siebie ugrać, niespecjalnie przejmując się życiem swoich podwładnych. Autor dodatkowo kolejny raz pokazuje, że ma niezwykły talent do kreślenia złożonych, zaskakujących i bogatych światów. Miejsce akcji nowej powieści jest pod wieloma względami niezwykłe i dobrze oddaje zróżnicowanie całego uniwersum. Jeśli to jeszcze dla kogoś mało to obok tego wszystkiego znalazła się tutaj również odpowiednia dawka humoru i kolejne „miłosne” podboje Jamesa.
W tej kosmicznej beczce miodu pojawia się jednak pewna mała łyżeczka dziegciu. Jest nią sam główny bohater i jego podejście do życia. Brał on już udział w wielu misjach, wielokrotnie doświadczył przeróżnych spisków, a nadal w pewnych momentach zachowuje się on dosyć naiwnie. Niestety, ale zdarzają się tu fragmenty, kiedy jego zachowanie jest strasznie głupie i psuje to inercję historii. Dla niektórych czytelników problematyczny może być również jego stosunek do kobiet. Każda kolejna odsłona serii to nowa piękna niewiasta pchająca się w jego ramiona (i nie tylko). B.V. Larson zaczyna troszkę przesadzać z tym elementem serii (ale to już ocena bardzo subiektywna).
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/recen...
December 5, 2023
“Blood World” is the 8th book in the Undying Mercenaries series by B V Larson, a prolific author of science fiction and fantasy novels. The series follows the adventures of James McGill, a soldier who works for Earth's legions in a galaxy full of hostile aliens. Thanks to a technology that allows him to resurrect after death, McGill is an undying mercenary who can fight and die and fight again.
In this book, McGill and his comrades are sent to Blood World, a planet where the inhabitants value martial prowess above all else. Earth needs to impress them and win their allegiance, as they face a powerful enemy from beyond the frontier. However, other alien races are also competing for the prize of billions of loyal troops. McGill has to use his cunning, courage, and charisma to survive the brutal challenges and schemes that await him on Blood World.
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 that captures the tone and mood of each scene. He also gives distinct voices and accents to the different characters, making it easy to follow the dialogue and the action. Boyett's narration adds to the enjoyment and immersion of listening to the audiobook.
“Blood World” is a fast-paced and thrilling book that will appeal to fans of military science fiction and space opera. The book is full of humor, action, and intrigue, as well as some surprising twists and turns. The book also explores some interesting themes, such as the nature of war, loyalty, and identity. The book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone, as the author provides enough background information and recaps to catch up new readers.
Overall, “Blood World” is a highly entertaining and engaging audiobook that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you are looking for a fun and exciting sci-fi adventure with a likable and witty protagonist, you should definitely check out Blood World.
In this book, McGill and his comrades are sent to Blood World, a planet where the inhabitants value martial prowess above all else. Earth needs to impress them and win their allegiance, as they face a powerful enemy from beyond the frontier. However, other alien races are also competing for the prize of billions of loyal troops. McGill has to use his cunning, courage, and charisma to survive the brutal challenges and schemes that await him on Blood World.
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 that captures the tone and mood of each scene. He also gives distinct voices and accents to the different characters, making it easy to follow the dialogue and the action. Boyett's narration adds to the enjoyment and immersion of listening to the audiobook.
“Blood World” is a fast-paced and thrilling book that will appeal to fans of military science fiction and space opera. The book is full of humor, action, and intrigue, as well as some surprising twists and turns. The book also explores some interesting themes, such as the nature of war, loyalty, and identity. The book is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone, as the author provides enough background information and recaps to catch up new readers.
Overall, “Blood World” is a highly entertaining and engaging audiobook that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you are looking for a fun and exciting sci-fi adventure with a likable and witty protagonist, you should definitely check out Blood World.
May 5, 2018
Haha.. if it isn't old James McGill.
(an audiobook review)
In the evolving story of James McGill..errr wait. Is this story about earth and the galactic empire or James? I'd argue James. The great thing about this ongoing series is the characters. They stand out. Standing out screaming their intentions and goals. This new story pits the same mercenaries of earth on a interesting mission. A big move to etch out a bigger plan for all those of earth. Without dropping any spoilers, you should know that James will have a voice. As he always does. The infamous hero of his legion. He'll face the same amount of adversaries on all sides. From his ranks, his superiors, and enemies of all sorts. Action packed. Great science. Loss and comedy.
I highly recommend this next installment of Undying Mercenaries.
(an audiobook review)
In the evolving story of James McGill..errr wait. Is this story about earth and the galactic empire or James? I'd argue James. The great thing about this ongoing series is the characters. They stand out. Standing out screaming their intentions and goals. This new story pits the same mercenaries of earth on a interesting mission. A big move to etch out a bigger plan for all those of earth. Without dropping any spoilers, you should know that James will have a voice. As he always does. The infamous hero of his legion. He'll face the same amount of adversaries on all sides. From his ranks, his superiors, and enemies of all sorts. Action packed. Great science. Loss and comedy.
I highly recommend this next installment of Undying Mercenaries.
April 28, 2020
The only things that make these novels bearable at this point is Claver and the aliens. They are absolutely hilarious and almost make it worth it. McGill is a trashy Marty Stu. All females exist for the main character to ogle or screw. Literally every female character is either copulating with the main character or jealous of the one(s) currently doing so. It’s misogynistic, sure, but its so over the top it makes you hate the female characters, too.
Lots of inconsistencies and nonsensical turns that broke my willing suspension of disbelief. One illustrative example was the part where McGill gets drunk while dining with Inspector Zlur. Seems pretty insane given the Mogwa’s propensity to demand destruction of the human race for even the smallest of insults. But the story is full of absurd stuff like this. Makes me think there is no developmental editing or beta reading done at all.
Lots of inconsistencies and nonsensical turns that broke my willing suspension of disbelief. One illustrative example was the part where McGill gets drunk while dining with Inspector Zlur. Seems pretty insane given the Mogwa’s propensity to demand destruction of the human race for even the smallest of insults. But the story is full of absurd stuff like this. Makes me think there is no developmental editing or beta reading done at all.
October 27, 2024
It appears that b v Larson watched a Ted talk because the chapters have become super small.
This series is getting more dumb and ridiculous. The plot of this is that the main character has to go to a planet and convince a billion idiots to fight for earth by being both a studly fighter and a literal stud.
I feel dumber after finishing this book
Some high points in cringe:
She let her clothes fall away from her again, leaving us in a bare embrace. We spent the next hour of the night nuzzling, screwing, and generally comforting one another.
I enjoyed the fleeting contact and let it go. I didn’t chase her, make a comment, or even let my eyes drift after her well-rounded posterior.
“Oh, come on,” I said to them both. “We’re all friends here, working on a critical scientific mission. Grow up, ladies. Continue the briefing.”
This series is getting more dumb and ridiculous. The plot of this is that the main character has to go to a planet and convince a billion idiots to fight for earth by being both a studly fighter and a literal stud.
I feel dumber after finishing this book
Some high points in cringe:
She let her clothes fall away from her again, leaving us in a bare embrace. We spent the next hour of the night nuzzling, screwing, and generally comforting one another.
I enjoyed the fleeting contact and let it go. I didn’t chase her, make a comment, or even let my eyes drift after her well-rounded posterior.
“Oh, come on,” I said to them both. “We’re all friends here, working on a critical scientific mission. Grow up, ladies. Continue the briefing.”
April 17, 2018
If books can be compared to movies, then this entire series would be an Hollywood blockbuster to be consumed in a big theater along with lots of popcorn and soda. To be enjoyed for the pure fun it is and not deeply analysed as a profound world-changing experience.
That said, the book follows the same recipe applied on all other books in the series. Our hero continues to jump from trouble to trouble, and always finding beautiful women in the process to seduce.
Yes, it portraits women in a very simple and sexist way, but this is to be enjoyed and not deeply analysed, right?
So... will keep looking for a new installment of the series.
That said, the book follows the same recipe applied on all other books in the series. Our hero continues to jump from trouble to trouble, and always finding beautiful women in the process to seduce.
Yes, it portraits women in a very simple and sexist way, but this is to be enjoyed and not deeply analysed, right?
So... will keep looking for a new installment of the series.
August 10, 2019
If you have been reading along with the series, this book goes pretty much the same. I am surprised that the author can think up so many different situations to put the main character through. The character's southern corn pone logic is as charming as ever if not more so. I knocked off a star because of the lame ending. The actual problem presented by the novel is solved in a unique way and I liked it, but after that, the consequences that came from all of that seemed lame.
I suppose if someone wanted to stop reading this series, this would be a good point to step out. I'm going to try one more to see if the author can pick up my interest again.
I suppose if someone wanted to stop reading this series, this would be a good point to step out. I'm going to try one more to see if the author can pick up my interest again.
February 7, 2019
So at this point Larson has started to really privilege the larger "series plot" over the "episodic plot" of the individual book. That isn't necessarily a bad thing (the books are still fun and do have individual plots formulated around the protagonist's adventures on a particular planet) but it is worth noting. I am beginning to be impressed by the degree of psychological complexity the author is hinting at in the protagonist. On the flip side, all of the non-protagonist characters are pretty flat—fun but not especially dynamic.
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed the first few books, but by book 4 or 5, I was getting fairly tired of this schtick. But, some of these were free, so i read a few more. After taking off several years from reading this series, book 8 was $1.99 so i thought it was worth it. Maybe in a few years, I'll get book 9 if it is free, or if it is $1.99, but now i remembered why i stopped reading this series. The characters are good (though the actions are merely recycled), and the science is interesting, but the books are too long for so little actual substance.
March 9, 2018
I love finding plot holes.
The series wasn't as enjoyable as when I first started reading it.
My interest has waned significantly. Or maybe there isn't much to do now.
3/5 Stars
The series wasn't as enjoyable as when I first started reading it.
My interest has waned significantly. Or maybe there isn't much to do now.
3/5 Stars
March 26, 2018
Classic BV Larson
Enjoyable light read, but you need to have read previous books in the series to understand this one. Always makes me laugh with the over the top guy machismo that Centurion McGill displays. I would say this book is more like a stepping stone book to the next one in the series. Seems like McGill is slowly being fleshed out as more than a simple characterization of a sex driven male, but along the way he does indulge.
Enjoyable light read, but you need to have read previous books in the series to understand this one. Always makes me laugh with the over the top guy machismo that Centurion McGill displays. I would say this book is more like a stepping stone book to the next one in the series. Seems like McGill is slowly being fleshed out as more than a simple characterization of a sex driven male, but along the way he does indulge.
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.
November 16, 2017
I love this series!
James McGill is just about the funniest antihero hero you could conceive. He combines political smarts, military competence, and irreverent situation savvy with irreverent humor to resolve one fascinating situation after another.
Keep them coming!
And thanks, B.V.!
James McGill is just about the funniest antihero hero you could conceive. He combines political smarts, military competence, and irreverent situation savvy with irreverent humor to resolve one fascinating situation after another.
Keep them coming!
And thanks, B.V.!
November 19, 2017
A wild ride that sets up the next part of this series!
James McGill is at it again! All the characters we love and hate are in this story and they don’t disappoint.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that Graves actually laughs. Or at least says he thought something was funny.
And now we have to wait and wait. It will be worth it!
James McGill is at it again! All the characters we love and hate are in this story and they don’t disappoint.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that Graves actually laughs. Or at least says he thought something was funny.
And now we have to wait and wait. It will be worth it!
November 19, 2017
A decent series....
The eight books that have been written so far are a fun read. The writing does get a bit predictable, however the idea of a never dying soldier is well put. Slightly reminiscent of Joe Haldemans "Forever War". The tech could have been a little more detailed, however it doesn't distract from an enjoyable read that moves quickly.
The eight books that have been written so far are a fun read. The writing does get a bit predictable, however the idea of a never dying soldier is well put. Slightly reminiscent of Joe Haldemans "Forever War". The tech could have been a little more detailed, however it doesn't distract from an enjoyable read that moves quickly.
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