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Tyrus Rechs: Contracts & Terminations #3
Madame Guillotine
Leave no man behind. On Detron, a simmering protest boils over and turns deadly when militants hiding among the demonstrators deliberately shoot down a group of legionnaires, executing one survivor and taking two for ransom. The only Republic asset the captured leejes can rely on is a lone marine sniper who defies orders in a desperate attempt to save them. But a troubled sea of hostile riots, looting, and murder is too much for anyone to navigate safely. Except Tyrus Rechs. Following a trail that links the riots and deaths to a demagogue known in the underground as Madame Guillotine, the bounty hunter must fight his way above, beneath, and through the sweltering city to bring the prisoners back home…and make those responsible pay. Join the adventure as Tyrus Rechs stops at nothing to take down a nefarious conspiracy before it has a chance to take root in the very Republic that wants him dead.
446 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
188 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Jason Anspach
186 books839 followersJASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.
He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 25, 2021
I wanna preface this by saying that I am a massive Galaxy's Edge fan. I have, to date, every book in the franchise and I do love the franchise. I am an Insider subscriber and while this review is receiving a two star review, that isn’t to mean I am hating it. So therefore, I hope this criticism is considered rather than dismissed.
This was a pile of hot, heavy-handed trash that honestly is very much a disgruntled veteran's take on global events.
Lemme explain why.
Tyrus Rechs should never have been in the situation this book portrayed him to be in. At this point, the disgruntled war fighter is very much anti-Republic, yet makes no comment on the validity of the 'socie' movement, despite armed rebellion not being a far cry from what Tyrus would, and has, done; and the book tries very hard to condemn 'socies,' in a way that's very reminiscent of IRL socialists.
The worst part is that the Socies aren’t themselves purely anti-Republic, but rather anti-the new Republic. Which is.
Exactly.
What.
Tyrus.
Is.
This was a world that helped him with the Savage Wars only to get shafted at its conclusion, and while I don’t expect Rechs to sympathize to any great, hero-inducing extent, I don’t expect him to be so vindictive towards them.
More so not on behalf of dead Legionnaires, of which he has killed and will continue to do so, showing no remorse for the men he is ultimately grandfather too.
This drastic 180 is poor writing at best, forced politics at worst, and everything I know about Nick leads me to believe it’s one over the other.
And while politics in books happen, they do, at least try to make it fit the narrative.
BUT okay, maybe you don't care about the politics. That's fair.
The story-line in this book is awful. Much of it is stagnant and when the plot does progress, often it's to no real meaningful ending. I can't get too into it without giving out spoilers, but a certain character duo's arc was honestly so stagnant that if you cut it out entirely, you'd still have a story to go with.
It was so bad, that if you skipped this book entirely, absolutely nothing is gained or lost from the story of Tyrus Rechs.
So yeah, massive fan here, but I am utterly disappointed.
This was a pile of hot, heavy-handed trash that honestly is very much a disgruntled veteran's take on global events.
Lemme explain why.
Tyrus Rechs should never have been in the situation this book portrayed him to be in. At this point, the disgruntled war fighter is very much anti-Republic, yet makes no comment on the validity of the 'socie' movement, despite armed rebellion not being a far cry from what Tyrus would, and has, done; and the book tries very hard to condemn 'socies,' in a way that's very reminiscent of IRL socialists.
The worst part is that the Socies aren’t themselves purely anti-Republic, but rather anti-the new Republic. Which is.
Exactly.
What.
Tyrus.
Is.
This was a world that helped him with the Savage Wars only to get shafted at its conclusion, and while I don’t expect Rechs to sympathize to any great, hero-inducing extent, I don’t expect him to be so vindictive towards them.
More so not on behalf of dead Legionnaires, of which he has killed and will continue to do so, showing no remorse for the men he is ultimately grandfather too.
This drastic 180 is poor writing at best, forced politics at worst, and everything I know about Nick leads me to believe it’s one over the other.
And while politics in books happen, they do, at least try to make it fit the narrative.
BUT okay, maybe you don't care about the politics. That's fair.
The story-line in this book is awful. Much of it is stagnant and when the plot does progress, often it's to no real meaningful ending. I can't get too into it without giving out spoilers, but a certain character duo's arc was honestly so stagnant that if you cut it out entirely, you'd still have a story to go with.
It was so bad, that if you skipped this book entirely, absolutely nothing is gained or lost from the story of Tyrus Rechs.
So yeah, massive fan here, but I am utterly disappointed.
December 28, 2023
Madame Guillotine gives us a hostage-rescue situation with the famed bounty hunter, Tyrus Rechs. There's a revolution going down and there's all sorts happening with various factions who are trying to take out the legionnaires who are essentially the peacekeepers of the world. A planned attack involves capturing some legionnaires and executing them on the equivalent of TV. Rechs must go in to try and rescue them and dissolve the situation.
If you've read the previous Galaxy’s Edge books—and if you read this book, you probably should have read the series already—you know exactly what to expect from the story, and it doesn't disappoint in that it's quite formulaic—it's not one that breaks any boundaries or anything along those lines, but it is quite enjoyable for what it is. I wouldn’t call it anything special but it was a nice solid story and one of those books that for me was pretty much a comfort read.
If you've read the previous Galaxy’s Edge books—and if you read this book, you probably should have read the series already—you know exactly what to expect from the story, and it doesn't disappoint in that it's quite formulaic—it's not one that breaks any boundaries or anything along those lines, but it is quite enjoyable for what it is. I wouldn’t call it anything special but it was a nice solid story and one of those books that for me was pretty much a comfort read.
May 5, 2020
I always have time for Tyrus Rechs books, and this one didn't disappoint. As with all of these Galaxy's Edge books it is a barely veiled commentary on contemporary politics, and if I have a quibble about this book is that the allusions were a little too on the nose. That doesn't mean I disagree with the authors' conclusions, but there was a distinct lack of subtlety this time out.
Anyway, great book, and if I could figure out why I can't download "The Hundred", and get them to move up the ebook release of "Takeover", I'd be even happier.
Edit: I've seen some comments that there were (too) many parallels with a certain Star Wars scene, and they are fair, as I thought the same. The difference is that I didn't care, and it's still an entertaining book.
Anyway, great book, and if I could figure out why I can't download "The Hundred", and get them to move up the ebook release of "Takeover", I'd be even happier.
Edit: I've seen some comments that there were (too) many parallels with a certain Star Wars scene, and they are fair, as I thought the same. The difference is that I didn't care, and it's still an entertaining book.
July 30, 2023
Vieniem Tyrus Rechs ir lielākais kara noziedznieks un terorists, kādu vien varētu iedomāties, neskatoties uz simtiem un pat tūkstošiem citu varbūt pat vēl lielākiem briesmoņiem, kādi Visumā sastopami. Citiem tieši pretēji T.Rekss ir varonis, kurš pielicis izšķirošo pirkstu, lai tiktu gūta uzvara nu jau tālajā karā ar Barbariem. Lai kā nebūtu, T.Reksa triloģija Contracts & Terminations iezīmē viņa pilnā saprāta beigu sākumu.
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https://poseidons99.wordpress.com/202...
April 29, 2020
Galaxy's Edge scrapes the bottom of the barrel
Plot summary: Boba Fett, aided by R2D2 and C3PO, escapes from the Sarlac pit and puts down a rebellion encouraged by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Plot summary: Boba Fett, aided by R2D2 and C3PO, escapes from the Sarlac pit and puts down a rebellion encouraged by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
February 11, 2020
All of the Tyrus Rechs books have been phenomenal.
April 24, 2020
There's only one Tyrus Rechs .
Tyrus Rechs is one of the best characters in science fiction,let alone military science fiction. He's always fascinated me,he's complex but simple at the same time. Rechs believes in honor. And revenge. But his revenge extends far beyond petty personal reasons. His revenge is for those who misuse good men and women for their own selfish reasons,in pursuit of power. In many ways over so many years Rechs has suppressed his own emotions to the point where he seems almost an automaton. But there,buried under a tidal wave of grief,lay the real emotions of the killing force known around the galaxy as Tyrus Rechs.
Tyrus Rechs is one of the best characters in science fiction,let alone military science fiction. He's always fascinated me,he's complex but simple at the same time. Rechs believes in honor. And revenge. But his revenge extends far beyond petty personal reasons. His revenge is for those who misuse good men and women for their own selfish reasons,in pursuit of power. In many ways over so many years Rechs has suppressed his own emotions to the point where he seems almost an automaton. But there,buried under a tidal wave of grief,lay the real emotions of the killing force known around the galaxy as Tyrus Rechs.
July 6, 2020
A rip roaring run through Detron, a mid-core planet with a topical problem. Soshies are rioting in the streets. They are controlled by sinister forces, acting in the shadows. Tyrus Rechs pitches to fix the problem and kicks up a hornets nest both above and below the planet surface.
In real Rechs fashion the action does not let up. The story feels real and raw owing to recent unrest accross our own planet.
No-one writes military sci-fi like Anspach and Cole. If you want an adventure that reads like an action thriller, get this book and be satisfied.
In real Rechs fashion the action does not let up. The story feels real and raw owing to recent unrest accross our own planet.
No-one writes military sci-fi like Anspach and Cole. If you want an adventure that reads like an action thriller, get this book and be satisfied.
May 13, 2020
Really enjoyed reading Madame Guillotine. Like all other Galaxy’s Edge books action packed.
Felt that one was being drawn into the fight to save and get the Leejs back. As overwatch Amanda tried her hardest to protect those legionnaires no matter the cost. And this just proves that “points” are still idiots and need to be shot on sight if all possible.
Felt that one was being drawn into the fight to save and get the Leejs back. As overwatch Amanda tried her hardest to protect those legionnaires no matter the cost. And this just proves that “points” are still idiots and need to be shot on sight if all possible.
July 12, 2020
A good read
A good read. I found I was struggling to read anything but managed this slowly but enjoyable. It was a good story about Rechs and his antics just wish I was in a frame of mind to read so could have enjoyed it more.
Try it yourself I am sure you will like it, I will enjoy it more second time I read it in a week or so.
A good read. I found I was struggling to read anything but managed this slowly but enjoyable. It was a good story about Rechs and his antics just wish I was in a frame of mind to read so could have enjoyed it more.
Try it yourself I am sure you will like it, I will enjoy it more second time I read it in a week or so.
January 14, 2021
Great Book
Amazing, as always from the GE series. They don't conform to the "best seller" formula of catering to socialists and gender confused adolescents. Good job as always, do yourself a favor and read this one. "It always ends in rope..." Tyrus is my hero. DO-19Roadblock approved!
Amazing, as always from the GE series. They don't conform to the "best seller" formula of catering to socialists and gender confused adolescents. Good job as always, do yourself a favor and read this one. "It always ends in rope..." Tyrus is my hero. DO-19Roadblock approved!
April 27, 2021
Amazing
Now this was an epic book. Much much more than a military scifi installment. There's plenty of reading between the lines here and comparing it to the recent political climate. Certain events and the motivation behind it (certainly those doing the motivating), and the main antagonist being similar to a certain politician. Brilliant book.
Now this was an epic book. Much much more than a military scifi installment. There's plenty of reading between the lines here and comparing it to the recent political climate. Certain events and the motivation behind it (certainly those doing the motivating), and the main antagonist being similar to a certain politician. Brilliant book.
June 14, 2020
3 for 3
Another good one. If you like hard boiled military sci-fi with a heavy dose of vengful PI involved then you'll like this. On book 3 and looking for book 4, this after reading 9 others by the authors. A good casual read with quality folded 8n all the way through.
Another good one. If you like hard boiled military sci-fi with a heavy dose of vengful PI involved then you'll like this. On book 3 and looking for book 4, this after reading 9 others by the authors. A good casual read with quality folded 8n all the way through.
August 16, 2020
Another amazing story from Galaxy’s Edge
A thrilling read from beginning to end. Vivid storytelling and multiple perspectives keep the pacing action packed. A must read in anybody’s collection of SciFi must reads.
A thrilling read from beginning to end. Vivid storytelling and multiple perspectives keep the pacing action packed. A must read in anybody’s collection of SciFi must reads.
April 30, 2020
Another great read
I have yet to find a book in this series that is not a top-notch adventure. If you are not already a fan, you should be
I have yet to find a book in this series that is not a top-notch adventure. If you are not already a fan, you should be
May 4, 2020
As with all he galaxies books
As with all the galaxies books ....it’s good action book and if a Ex Legion General happens to be in it .....well what can I say
As with all the galaxies books ....it’s good action book and if a Ex Legion General happens to be in it .....well what can I say
May 5, 2020
Apropos for our time
When I first started on this one, I was stuck by its timeliness. Read it and you will see what I mean.
When I first started on this one, I was stuck by its timeliness. Read it and you will see what I mean.
June 7, 2020
I love this and all of the galaxy edge books I need more of them to read!!
August 19, 2020
Great third book in the Contracts and Terminations series as Tyrus Rechs tries to stop a rogue member of The House of Reason in this extremely tense book as tensions rise and revolution is incited.
September 6, 2020
Tyrus Rechs would be for all time one of my favorite action characters. Forget nothing. KTF.
May 15, 2020
jason Anspach continues to amaze with this very exciting & gripping story of the latest adventure of the extremely-feared bounty hunter Tyrus Rechs. Straight away, you will be thrust into a literal powder keg of a mess full of riots, guns, and a fuse waiting to be lit.
The pacing of the story is very good much like with Requiem For Medusa with the description of each scene done well to describe what is happening, while not boring the reader with long paragraphs of each detail. Instead, you get enough to know who is who & where each person is located. The characters & their dialogue are well done as well, giving you more about the new characters while staying true to the returning characters as well. Even the side characters get some descriptions as well. One example is a marine colonel who got relieved of duty pretty quick for requesting permission to shoot down a politician's ship flying into a hot zone (and the reaction to that) was pretty funny.
The evolving of the backstory of Tyrus Rechs continues to be fleshed out even more so, with clear references to the Savage Wars being present here. Not saying anymore beyond that in terms of the Savage wars (you gotta read those books).
The villains in Madame Guillotine are pretty good ones too, ranging from the squad leading heavy hitters to the masterminds pulling the strings. Although, there were a few that left something more to be desired.
The action is great, of course, with some real crazy moments happening when things get hot quick. Oh yeah, before I forgot, there is actual good monster fights involved too.
The Galaxy's Edge universe continues to impress with this entry into it, and brings Tyrus Rechs into the hall of awesome characters.
The pacing of the story is very good much like with Requiem For Medusa with the description of each scene done well to describe what is happening, while not boring the reader with long paragraphs of each detail. Instead, you get enough to know who is who & where each person is located. The characters & their dialogue are well done as well, giving you more about the new characters while staying true to the returning characters as well. Even the side characters get some descriptions as well. One example is a marine colonel who got relieved of duty pretty quick for requesting permission to shoot down a politician's ship flying into a hot zone (and the reaction to that) was pretty funny.
The evolving of the backstory of Tyrus Rechs continues to be fleshed out even more so, with clear references to the Savage Wars being present here. Not saying anymore beyond that in terms of the Savage wars (you gotta read those books).
The villains in Madame Guillotine are pretty good ones too, ranging from the squad leading heavy hitters to the masterminds pulling the strings. Although, there were a few that left something more to be desired.
The action is great, of course, with some real crazy moments happening when things get hot quick. Oh yeah, before I forgot, there is actual good monster fights involved too.
The Galaxy's Edge universe continues to impress with this entry into it, and brings Tyrus Rechs into the hall of awesome characters.
April 3, 2021
A thoroughly enjoyable tale of military mayhem and violence, this time with some socio-political elements.
I enjoyed the banter between Rechs, the droid and the gun-crazy bot, but this was rather skimpy compared to other Rechs stories.
The brief and vague references to past romances (Reina) and the unanswered questions in the mind of a Rechs about Gabriella were potentially interesting but frustratingly paths not taken.
The ending (actually epilogue) was disappointing: it didn’t mesh with either Rechs’ character or with what he himself says about history repeating itself, nor with who Gabriella tells him the true villain is.
I enjoyed the banter between Rechs, the droid and the gun-crazy bot, but this was rather skimpy compared to other Rechs stories.
The brief and vague references to past romances (Reina) and the unanswered questions in the mind of a Rechs about Gabriella were potentially interesting but frustratingly paths not taken.
The ending (actually epilogue) was disappointing: it didn’t mesh with either Rechs’ character or with what he himself says about history repeating itself, nor with who Gabriella tells him the true villain is.
April 19, 2025
Madame Guillotine is a gripping and relentless ride that blends political intrigue, sharp dialogue, and raw tension into a brilliantly crafted story. Jason Anspach delivers a brutal yet thought-provoking narrative that does not flinch, pushing characters to the edge in a world where justice and ideology collide violently. It is refreshingly unfiltered and unapologetically bold, one of the most compelling reads I have come across in years.
March 30, 2020
Another great Galaxy’s Edge novel. There’s so much good in here that I’d spend way too much time listing it than I have. Sgt. Almond; Puncher and Baldur; the Nubarian Gunnery Bot; etc, etc.
The only thing holding it back is that the eponymous Madam Guillotine seems to be a relatively minor player, and I’d have liked to see more of her.
The only thing holding it back is that the eponymous Madam Guillotine seems to be a relatively minor player, and I’d have liked to see more of her.
November 20, 2022
Low 3 stars. The plot just seemed to drag, in the longest book of the Tyrus Rechs series yet, and didn't really progress well enough for me to be interested in reading more of this series in the future, unless some major rehaul is done.
June 2, 2020
A good read
This was a nice balance of action and intrigue. It will be interesting to see how Rechs goes after the Dark Wanderer.
This was a nice balance of action and intrigue. It will be interesting to see how Rechs goes after the Dark Wanderer.
June 4, 2020
Looking forward to more books in the series.
October 17, 2020
Quite good
June 23, 2021
Social unrest, hostages, fighting, crazy killer bots...Mr. Rechs is also in this tale of mayhem, destruction and vendettas that won't ever quite go away.
Fun read.
Fun read.
September 5, 2021
T. Rex continues to take names of the bad guys, kick the asses of evil doers, fight for right and generally uphold the honour and ideas of The Legion against all odds.
Fun stuff.
Fun stuff.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews