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The Sleeping Legion #1
The Legion Awakes
A century ago, all but two members of Lance Scipio’s unit were executed.
Now he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
THE PRICE OF FAILURE: DEATH!
2565AD. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved… as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that’s needed to change the fate of worlds…
The Sleeping Legion is a breakneck new sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the international bestselling series: ‘The Human Legion’.
Now he is woken into a strange new time, and tasked with whipping into shape the worst squad of misfits in the entire Human Marine Corps.
THE PRICE OF FAILURE: DEATH!
2565AD. Tranquility-4 near the frontier of the White Knight Empire. Guided by mysterious orders, the authorities at the Human Marine Corps base of Beta City thaw Lance Scipio. In 2441, an entire Marine company was executed with the exception of Captain Grimgerde and Sergeant Lance Scipio, the usual punishment for running in the face of the enemy. But these two were preserved… as if they would be required in the future.
Scipio is not expected to escape execution for long, but he has been given a slim chance. For a Marine, a chance can be all that’s needed to change the fate of worlds…
The Sleeping Legion is a breakneck new sequence of military science fiction novels set in the worlds of the international bestselling series: ‘The Human Legion’.
332 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2016
About the author
J.R. Handley
52 books262 followersJ.R. Handley is a pseudonym for a family writing team. He is a veteran infantry sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division and the 28th Infantry Division. His family is the kind of crazy that interprets his insanity into cogent English. He writes the sci-fi while they proofread it. The sergeant is a two-time combat veteran of the late unpleasantness in Mesopotamia where he was wounded, likely doing something stupid. He started writing military science fiction as part of a therapy program suggested by his doctor and hopes to entertain you while he attempts to excise his demons through these creative endeavors. In addition to being just another dysfunctional veteran, he is a stay-at-home parent, avid reader and all-around nerd. Luckily for him, his family joins him in his fandom nerdalitry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 28, 2018
This is a very fun and tactically accurate military science fiction book with active and colorful prose. J.R. uses his first personal knowledge of infantry tactics to weave a believable and action-packed tale. I loved the dialog and banter between the characters. If you're a veteran, you will recognize it immediately.
Scipio is a solid protagonist, his arc of an infantry NCO pushed to assume greater responsibility is engaging. But I think my favorite character is Basil. His arc is deeply satisfying.
The world of The Sleeping Legion is fascinating and very well thought out. Without giving too much away... It's interesting to see a sci-fi world where humans are subservient to alien races and are not the master of the universe...yet. I jumped into this series not knowing it was set in a universe written by another author. (Tim C. Taylor's The Human Legion series) So, of course, I'll have to check out that series now, once I finish this one.
Scipio is a solid protagonist, his arc of an infantry NCO pushed to assume greater responsibility is engaging. But I think my favorite character is Basil. His arc is deeply satisfying.
The world of The Sleeping Legion is fascinating and very well thought out. Without giving too much away... It's interesting to see a sci-fi world where humans are subservient to alien races and are not the master of the universe...yet. I jumped into this series not knowing it was set in a universe written by another author. (Tim C. Taylor's The Human Legion series) So, of course, I'll have to check out that series now, once I finish this one.
July 5, 2017
FIRST AND FOREMOST...
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! I too am a disabled veteran. I enjoyed this story very much and can't wait to start the next. I am hoping that the offer of the three books at the end still stands, as they sound like they will provide some interesting backstory. But even if I have to buy them, it's ok. Looking forward to the next. Onward and upward!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!! I too am a disabled veteran. I enjoyed this story very much and can't wait to start the next. I am hoping that the offer of the three books at the end still stands, as they sound like they will provide some interesting backstory. But even if I have to buy them, it's ok. Looking forward to the next. Onward and upward!!!
March 31, 2017
My review for this book can be found here:
https://mlsweech.wordpress.com/2017/0...
https://mlsweech.wordpress.com/2017/0...
March 6, 2017
Fun read
I enjoyed this book, somewhat predictable, with a fast pace. I hope more world building is done in the sequel.
I enjoyed this book, somewhat predictable, with a fast pace. I hope more world building is done in the sequel.
January 4, 2021
This was an interesting read for fun.
March 1, 2017
Good military fiction! I enjoyed the sequel as well.
November 4, 2017
Good book, little confusing at times but great start to a series.
October 22, 2017
I read this book after listening to the prequel on audio. I’m hooked! The imagery and description of this future world make you feel like you are right in the action with the characters. I am not familiar with military life, but the author is obviously an expert and writes a gripping story with precise authenticity.
January 30, 2017
I award this book 3.5 stars. If I'm honest, this type of book is not my cup of tea. It's graffic in the art of warfare, a subject I'm not comfortable with. My personel prefference has coloured my judgment and rating. Otherwise it would have recieved 4 stars.
What I Liked: Sgt Scipio is a dedicated and professional solider who puts the welfare of his troops as top priority. Sgt Scipio prepares his squad for the harsh reality of battle. I was immersed in the life of a solider, it was brutal and gritty. The author’s military knowledge gives an honest account of a soldier’s life.
The world building and artificial intelligence is brilliant. The novel reveals clear, vivid setting throughout. I enjoyed the story arc, it was enthralling. Keeping me interested during the course of the book. I also want to applaud the quality of writing.
This novel gave me a first-hand experience of what it's like to be a soldier. How they think, act and adapt, to become who they must to win.
What I disliked: The long names of the squads became tedious, I ignored most of them. I had to back track to get a sense of place during the training scenes. The story nature requires a high number of characters, sometimes their introduction pulled me from the story.
I recommend this book to sci-fi fans, who appreciate the gore and tactics of a military life.
What I Liked: Sgt Scipio is a dedicated and professional solider who puts the welfare of his troops as top priority. Sgt Scipio prepares his squad for the harsh reality of battle. I was immersed in the life of a solider, it was brutal and gritty. The author’s military knowledge gives an honest account of a soldier’s life.
The world building and artificial intelligence is brilliant. The novel reveals clear, vivid setting throughout. I enjoyed the story arc, it was enthralling. Keeping me interested during the course of the book. I also want to applaud the quality of writing.
This novel gave me a first-hand experience of what it's like to be a soldier. How they think, act and adapt, to become who they must to win.
What I disliked: The long names of the squads became tedious, I ignored most of them. I had to back track to get a sense of place during the training scenes. The story nature requires a high number of characters, sometimes their introduction pulled me from the story.
I recommend this book to sci-fi fans, who appreciate the gore and tactics of a military life.
January 31, 2017
Hilarious Military Space Opera Tour de Force
What a comedic tale of a future quick-frozen Marine Corps! I haven't read anything this crazy and entertaining since "Bill the Galactic Hero"! If you are looking for a Military Space Opera Comedy, this is it!
Handley imagines a darkly comedic future in which the human race serves alien masters as either slave-soldiers or as slaves. Frozen for future use between assignments, the Marine bases can also flash-freeze everyone in an emergency.
The laughs continue in a very dark vein, alternating with feverish action, as Sargeant Lance Scipio is thawed out in an attempt to train a group of total misfits into productive Marines. If he fails, the entire group, including Sargeant Scipio, will be culled by a firing squad. If he succeeds, he may survive, for a while...
What a comedic tale of a future quick-frozen Marine Corps! I haven't read anything this crazy and entertaining since "Bill the Galactic Hero"! If you are looking for a Military Space Opera Comedy, this is it!
Handley imagines a darkly comedic future in which the human race serves alien masters as either slave-soldiers or as slaves. Frozen for future use between assignments, the Marine bases can also flash-freeze everyone in an emergency.
The laughs continue in a very dark vein, alternating with feverish action, as Sargeant Lance Scipio is thawed out in an attempt to train a group of total misfits into productive Marines. If he fails, the entire group, including Sargeant Scipio, will be culled by a firing squad. If he succeeds, he may survive, for a while...
March 20, 2017
On its face, this is the sort of story I like. While reading it, I kept waiting for it to get good. At its conclusion, I still wasn't interested in the characters although they had some moments of interest.
I found the refrain of 'new and novel tactics', got very, very old. It seemed like the only real change to tactics from the old to the new, was that the old Marines were required to think, and the new to just blindly follow orders.
Using this refrain of 'old' tactics as an extension of a failing empire could have been done better. There are numerous books on Amazon where the central idea is the old order is failing and somehow, someone must revitalize it.
This book had some interesting ideas but none of them really gelled into a solid narrative.
I found the refrain of 'new and novel tactics', got very, very old. It seemed like the only real change to tactics from the old to the new, was that the old Marines were required to think, and the new to just blindly follow orders.
Using this refrain of 'old' tactics as an extension of a failing empire could have been done better. There are numerous books on Amazon where the central idea is the old order is failing and somehow, someone must revitalize it.
This book had some interesting ideas but none of them really gelled into a solid narrative.
June 11, 2017
Military sci-fi about soldier from some years ago awoken from cryo freeze to train recruits in the old ways. It's mostly boot camp story set in a world where humanity is one of lower vassals of multi alien society. There isn't much background, so it was hard to get who's what species at first.
Might be a good start for a series once the characters evolve and and the world becomes more clear.
Might be a good start for a series once the characters evolve and and the world becomes more clear.
January 7, 2017
Great book!
I took a chance and bought this book without ever hearing of the author and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised! I really like the nomenclature and other ideas that he came up with.
BUY THIS BOOK!
I took a chance and bought this book without ever hearing of the author and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised! I really like the nomenclature and other ideas that he came up with.
BUY THIS BOOK!
January 29, 2017
Fun Read
Handles has a great start on a promising new series. A somewhat unconventional look at Marine boot camp. A caveat to the author, marines don't yell " hurrah" they do yell OOORAH!!/=
Handles has a great start on a promising new series. A somewhat unconventional look at Marine boot camp. A caveat to the author, marines don't yell " hurrah" they do yell OOORAH!!/=
December 25, 2016
Really liked the characters and the world building. A great read. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 25, 2017
A great first book by a new author and US Army veteran. Captures the mil-sf genre very well.
Can't wait to get to book 2
Can't wait to get to book 2
July 4, 2017
Good read
May 21, 2019
Good read
Excellent book, great look into military training and tactics, some well written military sci-fi! Can't wait to read all the rest.
Excellent book, great look into military training and tactics, some well written military sci-fi! Can't wait to read all the rest.
January 12, 2023
“They were called the Human Marine Corps,” the blurb says, “but their cause was never humanity’s.” Fair summary in one sentence of this book. Dating from the beginning of Handley’s career as a published author, this comes out of the gate strong and kept my interest, even as a I had a little trouble following all of the twists and turns. The characters are interesting, but painted with very broad strokes. Fundamentally solid mil SF, it was entertaining and kept me reading. Handley went on in 2019 to co-author The Reservist, my favorite book from the Order of the Centurion series, so I’ve sprung for the Sleeping Legion box set to see how this series turns out.
April 1, 2021
I LOVE that the author writes fiction to help with the after effects of battle.
I liked the cryoguy. But I got bored about five hours in when the storyi started to meander.
Audiobook: The narrator speaks with enthusiasm, but he didn’t do any acting, e.g. he didn’t shout orders. “I said Recruits do you hear me?!” “Sir, yes sir!”
I liked the cryoguy. But I got bored about five hours in when the storyi started to meander.
Audiobook: The narrator speaks with enthusiasm, but he didn’t do any acting, e.g. he didn’t shout orders. “I said Recruits do you hear me?!” “Sir, yes sir!”
August 29, 2018
I really loved the precision of the military description and the action scenes. Great writings, very efficient and I felt I was in there where the squads.
Just one thing : I would have liked a lot more details about the politics of the world.
Just one thing : I would have liked a lot more details about the politics of the world.
July 7, 2021
Great start to a new series!☺
I really enjoyed this book for its characters and universe building. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
The actions and reaction of the characters kept me engrossed as well as the environment and situations they are put in this universe.
I really enjoyed this book for its characters and universe building. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
The actions and reaction of the characters kept me engrossed as well as the environment and situations they are put in this universe.
March 25, 2022
A disjointed series of engaging vignettes promises more than it delivers, but hopefully hints at better to come. The military writing is top notch, but the plot is a mess, the pacing all over the place, and the editing non-existent.
April 10, 2018
entirely entertaining
November 18, 2018
Interesting story line
I like the way the story develops and the characters are added quickly but have defined personalities. Looking forward to the next book.
I like the way the story develops and the characters are added quickly but have defined personalities. Looking forward to the next book.
July 21, 2021
Good
Realistic small infantry tactics plus dealing with the culture issues of the White Knights that tried to prevent a rebellion.
Realistic small infantry tactics plus dealing with the culture issues of the White Knights that tried to prevent a rebellion.
February 25, 2022
not booyah, or boohoo apparently, but ooh rah!
future MC 'procedural'!
for gung ho merchants!
some tongue in cheek, maybe? 🤔 pls enjoy
future MC 'procedural'!
for gung ho merchants!
some tongue in cheek, maybe? 🤔 pls enjoy
September 15, 2022
apparently the organizational structure and doctrine of post 1970 american marine corp,is the epitome of what a galaxy best military mind could come up with
January 25, 2023
Enjoy the beginning, typical military sci-fi storyline but some new ideas and moved right along. Then it just went all over the place, completely lost me.
April 14, 2017
A Blast!
I'm a veteran myself (USAF Vietnam) and absolutely loved this story! I would recommend this to any and all avid sci-fi fans as well as adventure and military nerds. On to book 2!
I'm a veteran myself (USAF Vietnam) and absolutely loved this story! I would recommend this to any and all avid sci-fi fans as well as adventure and military nerds. On to book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews