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Mech Wars #1-4
Mech Wars: The Complete Military Sci-Fi Series
Humanity is tired of losing. Enter the mech.
Jake Price has always dreamed of joining the Darkstream military, like his father before him. When he’s told his gaming scores are good enough to qualify him for a brand new training program, designed to find recruits talented enough to pilot humanity’s first mechs, he can hardly believe it.
He’s right to be doubtful. There are hundreds of other recruits competing for the same eight jobs, and they’re all as skilled as he is. Worse, the training instructor is an unhinged chief with a particular dislike for Jake.
But Jake refuses to give up, refuses to wash out. Because humanity is facing its greatest threat yet. If someone doesn’t step up, it could all be over for the human species.
Jake Price has always dreamed of joining the Darkstream military, like his father before him. When he’s told his gaming scores are good enough to qualify him for a brand new training program, designed to find recruits talented enough to pilot humanity’s first mechs, he can hardly believe it.
He’s right to be doubtful. There are hundreds of other recruits competing for the same eight jobs, and they’re all as skilled as he is. Worse, the training instructor is an unhinged chief with a particular dislike for Jake.
But Jake refuses to give up, refuses to wash out. Because humanity is facing its greatest threat yet. If someone doesn’t step up, it could all be over for the human species.
889 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2018
699 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books305 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 24, 2019
I can’t makes sense of who these books are for. YA? Or just undiscerning readers who don’t know much about anything? The emotional levels of the characters are petty much set to teenager setting through out. When some serious issues are raised they are dealt with in such one-dimensional ways, that I occasionally thought “aha1 this is a satire of bad SF1!
There are some nice ideas in the 4 books included in this edition. But mostly they are just brief explosions of wit and story-telling skills that are quickly buried in an avalanche of trite cliches and/or a 15-year old’s notion of what science, war, action, human beings are like.
I finished the books. That’s what I do. More out of curiosity and perhaps as a sort of study of how this kind of writing is done. And I have to say that while there is some bare minimum of entertainment to be had, mostly it was a cringe-inducingly plodding and bad read.
There are some nice ideas in the 4 books included in this edition. But mostly they are just brief explosions of wit and story-telling skills that are quickly buried in an avalanche of trite cliches and/or a 15-year old’s notion of what science, war, action, human beings are like.
I finished the books. That’s what I do. More out of curiosity and perhaps as a sort of study of how this kind of writing is done. And I have to say that while there is some bare minimum of entertainment to be had, mostly it was a cringe-inducingly plodding and bad read.
November 10, 2024
"Mech Wars: The Complete Military Sci-Fi Series" by Scott Bartlett delivers an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed experience for fans of military sci-fi and space operas. Set in a future where massive, humanoid mechs dominate the battlefield, the series combines high-octane action with complex political intrigue. Bartlett’s world-building is immersive, painting a vivid picture of a galaxy torn apart by war, power struggles, and shifting alliances. The author skillfully navigates through the gritty realities of combat, offering readers a front-row seat to the intense battles between technologically advanced factions, each with their own motivations and goals. The action scenes are fast-paced and well-choreographed, filled with tension and strategic thinking, making it impossible to put the book down once the action picks up.
The characters in "Mech Wars" are well-developed, with personalities that grow and evolve over the course of the series. While the book features classic archetypes, such as the tough, battle-hardened commander and the brilliant but troubled strategist, Bartlett adds depth to these figures through strong dialogue and internal conflict. This gives the characters a more human side, which provides emotional weight to their actions on and off the battlefield. However, while the action and character development are engaging, the book occasionally delves too deeply into technical jargon related to the mechs and warfare, which might overwhelm readers who are less familiar with the genre. Despite this, Bartlett successfully crafts a compelling narrative that balances the technical with the personal, offering both thrilling space battles and moments of introspection. Overall, "Mech Wars" is an enjoyable ride for those who love military sci-fi, blending futuristic technology, high-stakes warfare, and personal drama in a way that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
The characters in "Mech Wars" are well-developed, with personalities that grow and evolve over the course of the series. While the book features classic archetypes, such as the tough, battle-hardened commander and the brilliant but troubled strategist, Bartlett adds depth to these figures through strong dialogue and internal conflict. This gives the characters a more human side, which provides emotional weight to their actions on and off the battlefield. However, while the action and character development are engaging, the book occasionally delves too deeply into technical jargon related to the mechs and warfare, which might overwhelm readers who are less familiar with the genre. Despite this, Bartlett successfully crafts a compelling narrative that balances the technical with the personal, offering both thrilling space battles and moments of introspection. Overall, "Mech Wars" is an enjoyable ride for those who love military sci-fi, blending futuristic technology, high-stakes warfare, and personal drama in a way that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
November 21, 2023
Set on the Steele System this is the the story of a Darkstream developer of new star systems. The Steele System is just such a system. It is doing well for Darkstream but for two anomalies...
The first is there is another alien race on the two planets called the Quatro. They seem inimical.
Then there are the remnants of some other unknown race that left robotic type beings behind viz the Gatherers and the Amblers. What if their makers return?
And now there are the humans on hand as well. Quite a number too.
The problem, though, is that Darkstream is in business for themselves only and the Darkstream governing board are in it to make as much money as they can get. Which is where even stranger things starts happening.
Which is where our foremost unlikely heroes called Jake and Lisa and Ash comes into the picture when Jake's father discovers a buried mech in an asteroid. And suddenly the means of protecting themselves and loved ones and humans becomes possible.
But would it?
This box set with some very, very action filled books depicts what happened then. In horrifying detail.
Enjoy.
The first is there is another alien race on the two planets called the Quatro. They seem inimical.
Then there are the remnants of some other unknown race that left robotic type beings behind viz the Gatherers and the Amblers. What if their makers return?
And now there are the humans on hand as well. Quite a number too.
The problem, though, is that Darkstream is in business for themselves only and the Darkstream governing board are in it to make as much money as they can get. Which is where even stranger things starts happening.
Which is where our foremost unlikely heroes called Jake and Lisa and Ash comes into the picture when Jake's father discovers a buried mech in an asteroid. And suddenly the means of protecting themselves and loved ones and humans becomes possible.
But would it?
This box set with some very, very action filled books depicts what happened then. In horrifying detail.
Enjoy.
July 12, 2018
I've personally always wondered why the military doesn't already have mechs, the technology is there, so apparently it's an efficiency/cost thing, but that never stops me from thoroughly enjoying books that contain mechs in them (except those that call them mechas. (mecha is the place muslems make a pilgrimage to, not a robotic battle suit), but I'm always hard press to find really good mech stories, even though I tend to like them anyway, even if they're crap. However, this one was very good, and if you like mech battles, then this series is definitely one you won't want to miss.This book doesn't encompass the entire series, as there's definitely story left when this collection ends, but it's well worth the read anyway for the space battles alone (if you like that sort of thing)It's always cool to see a mech tearing into a spaceship with intent to dismantle said ship. Who wouldn't enjoy that?
Good story here, and I'm looking forward to more in the series.
Good story here, and I'm looking forward to more in the series.
July 25, 2025
Mech Wars delivers exactly what the title promises—a thrilling, cinematic military sci‑fi saga packed with giant robots and underdog heroism. Jake Price is a likeable everyman whose only chance to serve humanity is his video game prowess, which lands him in the Darkstream military’s experimental mech pilot program. The training gauntlet he faces is brutal, with hundreds of equally talented recruits vying for a handful of slots and a drill instructor who seems determined to break him. I loved how Scott Bartlett balances the wonder of piloting humanity’s first mechs with the grit of military life and the looming stakes of an existential war. The camaraderie and rivalry among the recruits felt authentic, and the action scenes had me flipping pages like I was playing a high‑stakes simulator. Fans of Ender’s Game and Battletech will appreciate the blend of strategy, heart and jaw‑dropping battles. A blast from start to finish.
June 24, 2018
If you've gotten and read any of these books, and were thinking of getting the series, good choice! I've read them all and enjoyed them enough to buy the boxed set. And at under a buck, it's a great investment! Jake Price wants to be like his dad and join the Darkstream Military. He tries out for the job. He flunks. Discouraged, he's approached by someone who thinks Jake would be a candidate for pilot training for humanity's first mechs. This is the beginning of how one young man and his friends find they could help save humanity just by piloting mechs. But it turns out to be oh so much more than that. Buy the set, sit back and enjoy the ride!
September 6, 2022
So I listened to the series on audible. Really well done, love that narrator. The series itself? Lots of good action, fun believable characters. A bit too large of a cast at times for what it is, with a few plotlines. Really, this series would have worked better for me with picking one MC and sticking with him or her. Many of the characters have a darker side that is fun to get to know, and reminds you how human everyone is. The bad guys.....are kind of laughably bad. And the reveals at the end didn't really get my attention. A lot of set up for more series. Not really my cup of tea. Still, good action and mostly fun characters. Not bad!
June 29, 2018
Same old same old
I’m old enough to remember si-fi before the advent of space operas. This series is just a same variation in the same old worn out theme. Humanity has an evil enemy and spends several books fighting them and just as they are vanquishing them along comes a more powerful race that’s behind it all. Don’t writers ever have any original ideas anymore? It’s kinda like a cookie cutter idea where they just swap the names of the protagonists. I’m done with this series and this author.
I’m old enough to remember si-fi before the advent of space operas. This series is just a same variation in the same old worn out theme. Humanity has an evil enemy and spends several books fighting them and just as they are vanquishing them along comes a more powerful race that’s behind it all. Don’t writers ever have any original ideas anymore? It’s kinda like a cookie cutter idea where they just swap the names of the protagonists. I’m done with this series and this author.
September 21, 2018
Who's your enemy, who's your friend ?
I'm giving this collection of stories a rating of four stars. The action movies along rather smoothly as you get to know the main characters. There are many battles both on the ground and out in space against both humans and aliens. Whose right and who is wrong, one moment your on one side of an alliance the next your on the side you were fighting against, go figure. There are bad guys aplenty and some you wouldn't suspect. Enjoy your read.
I'm giving this collection of stories a rating of four stars. The action movies along rather smoothly as you get to know the main characters. There are many battles both on the ground and out in space against both humans and aliens. Whose right and who is wrong, one moment your on one side of an alliance the next your on the side you were fighting against, go figure. There are bad guys aplenty and some you wouldn't suspect. Enjoy your read.
October 31, 2023
Good for it's genre
The story line is good but I prefer a bit more real science and less fantasy.. I also prefer less battle description.. Chapter after chapter it gets boring.. I do appreciate the lack of graphic,unrealistic sex acts.. That gets boring too.. As I said, the basic storyline is good.. The interaction between people is true to life.. The emotions are real and the interspecie interaction is believable..
The story line is good but I prefer a bit more real science and less fantasy.. I also prefer less battle description.. Chapter after chapter it gets boring.. I do appreciate the lack of graphic,unrealistic sex acts.. That gets boring too.. As I said, the basic storyline is good.. The interaction between people is true to life.. The emotions are real and the interspecie interaction is believable..
August 3, 2024
I Can't Stop
... to write a reiew!
I'm spellbound by Scott Bartlett's yarn-spinning. His heroes and villians are all quite believable. But they're complicated.
His continuinng saga of galactic tormnet is perfect for my personal theatre of the mind, as I can practically see the action, as if I'm watching a video.
Back to my reading.
Oh yeah, read this stuff ... it's incredible!
... to write a reiew!
I'm spellbound by Scott Bartlett's yarn-spinning. His heroes and villians are all quite believable. But they're complicated.
His continuinng saga of galactic tormnet is perfect for my personal theatre of the mind, as I can practically see the action, as if I'm watching a video.
Back to my reading.
Oh yeah, read this stuff ... it's incredible!
November 9, 2024
The concept behind this book was fantastic, and there were moments where I could see glimpses of brilliance. However, the pacing was uneven, and the story often felt like it was dragging. The characters were interesting but sometimes came across as caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. I appreciated the ambition, but the execution left me wanting more. It’s a decent read if you’re willing to be patient, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential.
January 23, 2020
Mech Wars: The Complete Series
If you love the concept of Mechs, this is for you. On a broad canvas, your knowledge grows at a incredible pace. Action-packed scene after scene, you can see and feel the unit come together and be torn asunder. Not to be missed a thourally power ride.
If you love the concept of Mechs, this is for you. On a broad canvas, your knowledge grows at a incredible pace. Action-packed scene after scene, you can see and feel the unit come together and be torn asunder. Not to be missed a thourally power ride.
June 12, 2020
I just loved this book! Was so hard to put down - until my Kindle crashed that is! I hated being without my Kindle as I was heartbroken not to know what was coming next. I would recommend it for all to read - and then some. Now I want to know what is to happen next as it's been such an adventure.
April 21, 2024
Action-packed, fast-paced Sci-fi thriller!
There are many twists and turns and surprises that keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. Scott Bartlett weaves an amazing journey for the reader with aliens and AI against the human race. This series is very intriguing and captivating. I recommend this series to every Sci-fi enthusiast. Happy reading! 😊
There are many twists and turns and surprises that keep you turning the pages to see what will happen next. Scott Bartlett weaves an amazing journey for the reader with aliens and AI against the human race. This series is very intriguing and captivating. I recommend this series to every Sci-fi enthusiast. Happy reading! 😊
August 31, 2018
Story was so-so, writing was mostly fairly sub-par. Could have used a good editing pass; reading things like "this was way more important" in exposition (not even dialogue) were fairly jarring; felt like a teenager speaking as opposed to good novel writing.
January 3, 2022
Metal heads
Superbly well written and the swearing is within reason for the story line and violent clashes between opposite sides in the war the cursing makes a nice change from the woke wankers out there
Superbly well written and the swearing is within reason for the story line and violent clashes between opposite sides in the war the cursing makes a nice change from the woke wankers out there
January 12, 2022
Hard to put down
The action is constant and the tech is believable.
The human inter actions are consistent with what is known.
If you like sci or action books these are a must read.
The action is constant and the tech is believable.
The human inter actions are consistent with what is known.
If you like sci or action books these are a must read.
November 9, 2024
A solid story, but it felt like something was missing. The buildup was strong, but the ending left me wanting more. The characters were likeable but didn’t really stand out. It was an enjoyable read, but not one that I would necessarily revisit. A good one-time read.
July 5, 2018
Very good Space Adventure
This is an excellent read with some very clever ideas. There is a good balance of characters and depth. The use of technology is not overstated within the story but clearly gives it flavour.
This is an excellent read with some very clever ideas. There is a good balance of characters and depth. The use of technology is not overstated within the story but clearly gives it flavour.
July 6, 2018
Awesome Story
This was a great story. Full of action, suspense and intrigue throughout the story. What a surprise ending too. I can’t wait to get more books from this author.
This was a great story. Full of action, suspense and intrigue throughout the story. What a surprise ending too. I can’t wait to get more books from this author.
August 26, 2018
Good series
This is a good story. I would have liked more space battles between Mechs and between ships. I didn't much like the ending either.
This is a good story. I would have liked more space battles between Mechs and between ships. I didn't much like the ending either.
October 31, 2018
Great ride
It is a great read, hard to put down always anxious to get back to it. Too bad we have to sleep or we go crazy.
It is a great read, hard to put down always anxious to get back to it. Too bad we have to sleep or we go crazy.
April 24, 2020
If only! Mechs like this are something our military could shurly use.
July 3, 2020
Science fiction, space warfare and aliens!
Scott write a grand space warfare story with engaging characters. You will find that you don’t want to put it down.
Scott write a grand space warfare story with engaging characters. You will find that you don’t want to put it down.
February 16, 2021
Great reading
January 18, 2022
Fun Series to Read
This was a fun series to read. I love the action and the characters. I recommend it if you are looking for a little fun read.
This was a fun series to read. I love the action and the characters. I recommend it if you are looking for a little fun read.
July 18, 2022
A decent read but got tougher after the half way point and more predictable. Would have liked to see more character development and depth back story.
July 29, 2022
Space Fighting
Lots of action and thoughts if humanity could creat robots to fight. What could the future hold. I think only a God knows but this was interesting read. Big D
Lots of action and thoughts if humanity could creat robots to fight. What could the future hold. I think only a God knows but this was interesting read. Big D
May 18, 2018
Did not finish.
I've only read 5 chapters and am totally disgusted with the characters and their actions. There are no redeeming features.
Military shooting anything for pleasure. Others inciting violence.
There are no heroes here. The characters I have met so far should be lined up and shot for what they have done.
I've only read 5 chapters and am totally disgusted with the characters and their actions. There are no redeeming features.
Military shooting anything for pleasure. Others inciting violence.
There are no heroes here. The characters I have met so far should be lined up and shot for what they have done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews