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Drop Trooper #2
Kinetic Strike
The war made him a hero. Now the Marines need him to be a leader.
Cam Alvarez is a Drop-Trooper. A warrior-knight wrapped in the futuristic armor of a high-tech battlesuit, and he’s one of the best. When he’s promoted to sergeant and asked to become a leader, he faces a whole new challenge. The Marines are striking deep into enemy territory and the casualties are mounting.
Cam is torn, knowing his job is to follow orders and carry out the battle plan, even if he doesn’t agree with it. But his squad has become his family, and now he’s being asked to lead his family into battle, knowing it will mean their deaths.
Can a Marine squad leader come up with a better battle plan than the high command? And will anyone listen if he does?
Grab the explosive second installment of Rick Partlow's newest Military Sci-Fi Series and find out!
Cam Alvarez is a Drop-Trooper. A warrior-knight wrapped in the futuristic armor of a high-tech battlesuit, and he’s one of the best. When he’s promoted to sergeant and asked to become a leader, he faces a whole new challenge. The Marines are striking deep into enemy territory and the casualties are mounting.
Cam is torn, knowing his job is to follow orders and carry out the battle plan, even if he doesn’t agree with it. But his squad has become his family, and now he’s being asked to lead his family into battle, knowing it will mean their deaths.
Can a Marine squad leader come up with a better battle plan than the high command? And will anyone listen if he does?
Grab the explosive second installment of Rick Partlow's newest Military Sci-Fi Series and find out!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2020
1348 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Rick Partlow
207 books372 followersRick Partlow is that rarest of species, a native Floridian. Born in Tampa, he attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a degree in History and a commission in the US Army as an Infantry officer.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
His lifelong love of science fiction began with Have Space Suit---Will Travel and the other Heinlein juveniles and traveled through Clifford Simak, Asimov, Clarke and on to William Gibson, Walter Jon Williams and Peter F Hamilton. And somewhere, submerged in the worlds of others, Rick began to create his own worlds.
He has written over 70 books in over a dozen different series, and his short stories have been included in many different anthologies.
He currently lives in norther Wyoming with his wife and their dog. Besides writing and reading science fiction and fantasy, he enjoys outdoor photography, hiking and camping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 4, 2020
Cam Alverez continues his advance against the enemy as a Drop-Troop Marine in Drop Trooper Book 2, Kinetic Strike. This is a solid stand-alone military mech SF novel and you need not have read Book 1 to enjoy it. Though I think you’ll want to follow the series from the beginning in order to tag along with Cam as he goes from a desperate loner in Trans-Angeles on Earth to a seasoned soldier and talented leader battling an alien invasion among the stars.
The author, Rick Partlow, is a really good story teller, balancing important description (without a heavy dose of techno-jargon) with well-rounded characters in tense situations. This is definitely a plot-driven, fast paced, exciting adventure but Cam is ‘real’, his friends are not two-dimensional, and the action is believable. This is an adult military SF book, so rough language is sprinkled throughout, but not overused, imo. I enjoyed book one immensely and was glad to read book two. Will definitely follow the series.
The author, Rick Partlow, is a really good story teller, balancing important description (without a heavy dose of techno-jargon) with well-rounded characters in tense situations. This is definitely a plot-driven, fast paced, exciting adventure but Cam is ‘real’, his friends are not two-dimensional, and the action is believable. This is an adult military SF book, so rough language is sprinkled throughout, but not overused, imo. I enjoyed book one immensely and was glad to read book two. Will definitely follow the series.
October 26, 2020
Continued Excellence!
Overall, this book is excellent and continues to be one of the best sci-fi series that I have read in a long time. I continue to appreciate that the main character has both flaws and relatable growth.
I did take 1 star off for a couple of continuity issues that bothered me. If I recall correctly, in the first book, it was states that Highborn (?) Tahni troopers were categorically better than Human ones, and that humans suffered upwards of 5+ casualties for each Highborn they took down. In this book, that was not shown; in fact, the Human troopers took on equal numbers and won without many losses. I found that change confusing.
The main character has some decidedly out of character references throughout the book. At times, the main character claims ignorance of things like where Australia is, yet at other times makes references to things like "the ghost of Christmas past". I found it jarring to have the "ignorance" of the main character repeatedly shown while also having him make timely references to 300+ year old literature.
On the topic of continuity, the main character also stated that he had never fired his grenade launcher in combat before, yet I distinctly remember him using it against a bunker in book one.
In short, the overall story, writing style, and characters are great and I highly recommend the book. For the astute reader, you may encounter some continuity issues; ignore it and enjoy the ride!
Overall, this book is excellent and continues to be one of the best sci-fi series that I have read in a long time. I continue to appreciate that the main character has both flaws and relatable growth.
I did take 1 star off for a couple of continuity issues that bothered me. If I recall correctly, in the first book, it was states that Highborn (?) Tahni troopers were categorically better than Human ones, and that humans suffered upwards of 5+ casualties for each Highborn they took down. In this book, that was not shown; in fact, the Human troopers took on equal numbers and won without many losses. I found that change confusing.
The main character has some decidedly out of character references throughout the book. At times, the main character claims ignorance of things like where Australia is, yet at other times makes references to things like "the ghost of Christmas past". I found it jarring to have the "ignorance" of the main character repeatedly shown while also having him make timely references to 300+ year old literature.
On the topic of continuity, the main character also stated that he had never fired his grenade launcher in combat before, yet I distinctly remember him using it against a bunker in book one.
In short, the overall story, writing style, and characters are great and I highly recommend the book. For the astute reader, you may encounter some continuity issues; ignore it and enjoy the ride!
February 21, 2022
The first part was a little more interesting. It's a little too repetitive, but the last battle of the book is well written, with good suspense.
March 15, 2024
Wish I could give it 6 stars!
March 14, 2021
3 stars. Still light on the scifi and very VERY heavy on the military action. Tbh, just not really my taste though I will not rule out returning to the series at some point, particularly as you can't go wrong with offers on Kindle Unlimited.
I do think "Drop Trooper #2" was a better overall book than the first in the series. The gaps Partlow created in order to get the series started were missing - or at very least not as apparent - and it was a relief that the main character wasn't just some poor kid caught in a bad situation this go 'round. The strategic and execution part of the primary (but not only) big battle in this book was pretty exciting, too, even if the reader is being asked to think that the 'enemy' is pretty naive about how wars are fought. Overall, it kind of struck me as when I was a kid drawing stick figures shooting at each other (pew pew'ing the hours away in trig classes) but at least we are pulled in enough to feel things when the stuff hits the fan.
On the negative side, just as with the first book, I felt that once again we needed far too long to ramp things up into a smooth-flowing and overall well-plotted book. Sure the characterizations are somewhat better handled this time but only just. And to be honest, it all comes across as something only barely beyond a two-dimensional lovefest intended solely for glorifying the Marines, Oorah, Oorah. There are also far too many uncomfortable undertones here- um, are we SURE we're the good guys? - including borderline blatant (redacted) characterizations of the Tahni - but I don't want to vocalize those in this forum at the risk of encouraging arguments that I would have no intention of engaging in anyway.
Look if you love military scifi, these books are for you. For me, I need something else to go alongside that and will stick to a level embraced by writers like Scalzi, N.S.Smith and co. particularly if there's hardcore gun-play involved (which again, in itself doesn't bother me BUT...). Call me nuts, call me an old tree-hugger, whatever... but I just want to understand the stuff around it at the same time.
I do think "Drop Trooper #2" was a better overall book than the first in the series. The gaps Partlow created in order to get the series started were missing - or at very least not as apparent - and it was a relief that the main character wasn't just some poor kid caught in a bad situation this go 'round. The strategic and execution part of the primary (but not only) big battle in this book was pretty exciting, too, even if the reader is being asked to think that the 'enemy' is pretty naive about how wars are fought. Overall, it kind of struck me as when I was a kid drawing stick figures shooting at each other (pew pew'ing the hours away in trig classes) but at least we are pulled in enough to feel things when the stuff hits the fan.
On the negative side, just as with the first book, I felt that once again we needed far too long to ramp things up into a smooth-flowing and overall well-plotted book. Sure the characterizations are somewhat better handled this time but only just. And to be honest, it all comes across as something only barely beyond a two-dimensional lovefest intended solely for glorifying the Marines, Oorah, Oorah. There are also far too many uncomfortable undertones here- um, are we SURE we're the good guys? - including borderline blatant (redacted) characterizations of the Tahni - but I don't want to vocalize those in this forum at the risk of encouraging arguments that I would have no intention of engaging in anyway.
Look if you love military scifi, these books are for you. For me, I need something else to go alongside that and will stick to a level embraced by writers like Scalzi, N.S.Smith and co. particularly if there's hardcore gun-play involved (which again, in itself doesn't bother me BUT...). Call me nuts, call me an old tree-hugger, whatever... but I just want to understand the stuff around it at the same time.
July 19, 2020
I really like this series. It’s just my kind of military science fiction. We’re with a young guy who is growing up real fast. He’s a Drop Troop Marine and has found out that the top brass considers him and his fellow Drop Troopers as very expendable assets as long as the overall mission gets done.
Well, that’s the military for you. The mission comes first. Yet, Sergeant Cameron (“Cam”) Alvarez isn’t necessarily going to accept that he and his battle buddies are just “throw-away” Marines. He believes the current attack tactics used by the Fleet is nothing but suicide attacks with almost a zero chance that his Drop Troopers will survive. They have to go in on attack shuttles and are exposed to a lot of devastating enemy missile and beam attacks while flying through way to much empty space. The carriers that drop the shuttles can only get in to a system at a certain distance and it’s always no where close to the planet they are attacking. Cam doesn’t like seeing his guys die before they even hit the ground. He’s watched it once and won’t do that again. He’s also been lucky that the attach shuttle he’s been on hasn’t been directly hit, yet!
So, Sgt Alvarez sets about studying some ancient military history. He’s forced to do that since all the current tactics he would like to see are classified way beyond his level. In fact, he’ll get into some trouble just trying to ask some innocent questions. The thing is, Cam comes up with a possible new attack tactic that could work in a certain situation. It would save a whole lot of Drop Troopers and Recon Marines as well. But, he’s only a Squad Leader and not any where near high enough to propose something like this to the brass. They would laught their heads off — that is until they didn’t!
The computers tell Sgt Alvarez that his new attack plan could indeed save a lot of Marines, except for those executing the plan and their chances of survival are, you guessed it, zero. It’s still his plan and someone’s got to do it, but really, what will it cost?
Good read and on to the next one, “Danger Close”.
Well, that’s the military for you. The mission comes first. Yet, Sergeant Cameron (“Cam”) Alvarez isn’t necessarily going to accept that he and his battle buddies are just “throw-away” Marines. He believes the current attack tactics used by the Fleet is nothing but suicide attacks with almost a zero chance that his Drop Troopers will survive. They have to go in on attack shuttles and are exposed to a lot of devastating enemy missile and beam attacks while flying through way to much empty space. The carriers that drop the shuttles can only get in to a system at a certain distance and it’s always no where close to the planet they are attacking. Cam doesn’t like seeing his guys die before they even hit the ground. He’s watched it once and won’t do that again. He’s also been lucky that the attach shuttle he’s been on hasn’t been directly hit, yet!
So, Sgt Alvarez sets about studying some ancient military history. He’s forced to do that since all the current tactics he would like to see are classified way beyond his level. In fact, he’ll get into some trouble just trying to ask some innocent questions. The thing is, Cam comes up with a possible new attack tactic that could work in a certain situation. It would save a whole lot of Drop Troopers and Recon Marines as well. But, he’s only a Squad Leader and not any where near high enough to propose something like this to the brass. They would laught their heads off — that is until they didn’t!
The computers tell Sgt Alvarez that his new attack plan could indeed save a lot of Marines, except for those executing the plan and their chances of survival are, you guessed it, zero. It’s still his plan and someone’s got to do it, but really, what will it cost?
Good read and on to the next one, “Danger Close”.
June 7, 2020
Book 2, Good Sequel in the Drop Trooper series.
The author's continued integration of Army Airborne and Marine Corps terminology continues to bring both a smile and frown to my face. Personally I'd give a Force Recon guy or gal more credit for doing a Halo insertion the old fashioned way than a person in an armored suit; just my opinion. I know, opinions are like, that to, everyone has one, and since I'm a member of the "Century Jumper" club, my opinion counts just a little bit more . I'm enjoying following "Cam's" time in the military and some of those around him. The author has definitely borrowed some ideas from Heinlein and Dingo but that's fine with me.Yes, I've preordered book 3, nuff said!!!!!!
The author's continued integration of Army Airborne and Marine Corps terminology continues to bring both a smile and frown to my face. Personally I'd give a Force Recon guy or gal more credit for doing a Halo insertion the old fashioned way than a person in an armored suit; just my opinion. I know, opinions are like, that to, everyone has one, and since I'm a member of the "Century Jumper" club, my opinion counts just a little bit more . I'm enjoying following "Cam's" time in the military and some of those around him. The author has definitely borrowed some ideas from Heinlein and Dingo but that's fine with me.Yes, I've preordered book 3, nuff said!!!!!!
April 13, 2022
This series just gets better and better! This second book centers around one incredibly risky and dangerous mission that Cam dreamed up out of frustration from watching fellow Marines die needlessly. There was a point in their clandestine insertion for that mission that I had to stop reading, put the book down, and had a mild panic attack over what Cam was decsribing he was seeing...the scale of space FREAKS ME OUT! You'll know the part when you get there.
I can't wait to dive further into this excellent series!
I can't wait to dive further into this excellent series!
January 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this and can't help but wonder why I stubbornly refuse to give away that 5th star. I have technically rated as 5 star books in other genres that weren't as good. But I can't help but think there's a certain criterion of memorability involved.
Maybe in a year I'll come back and change this series to a full 5 stars. In the meantime, this is still a fun series that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys military sci-fi and space marines specifically.
Maybe in a year I'll come back and change this series to a full 5 stars. In the meantime, this is still a fun series that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys military sci-fi and space marines specifically.
April 18, 2023
I'm pretty sure this is a series and an author I'm going to stick with. There's a sense of realism in his writing but without the hopeless cynicism that many authors think is necessary to achieve that goal. There is also a lot of authentic-sounding action but it's still primarily a character-driven story. I found myself looking for excuses to read this book, rather than do the things I'd planned for the day. That's a very good sign.
August 17, 2023
Wow, what a difference from the first book! I am not saying the first "Contact Front" was not bad it just was a little too high speed for me with too much action and not enough plot built up. The 2nd "Kinetic Strike" was almost perfect in giving the readers a delicate balance of build-up and laser destruction.
There were 3 specific occasions I thought Rick Partlow did a fantastic job getting his audience engaged in the interstellar storyline he created.
1#: He put more of an explanation on who the alien enemy race (Tahni) was in terms of their origin, their fanatical religion/culture, and their weaponry. I specifically loved the ending boss scene where a "Mecha" armor suit is discussed. I won't go into any more details than that.
2#: The militaristic reality and armed tactics of the Common Wealth (the united government of the human race) are a hell of a lot more descriptive and most importantly realistic compared to the first book. I am Staff Sergeant in the Marines and I admired the dialogue and emotions the characters felt as I too have felt them when stupid Op-orders are given out by outdated brass.
3#: The romance between Cam (main character) and Vicky Sandoval I personally enjoyed. Call me what you will but their relationship is starting to grow on me and I am very curious how those two will end up, especially now Cam is moving into a different role in the Platoon coming in book three.
With all that being said the only critique I have is I wish the battles were more drawn out and not so fast. Yes, I did say the balance of build-up and action greatly improved but I still had to go back and re-read a few pages when battle scenes started so I could get a clear picture of what was happening in crucial combat moments.
In any case, the book was again fantastic and I greatly look forward to what book three has in stores.
-Alex
There were 3 specific occasions I thought Rick Partlow did a fantastic job getting his audience engaged in the interstellar storyline he created.
1#: He put more of an explanation on who the alien enemy race (Tahni) was in terms of their origin, their fanatical religion/culture, and their weaponry. I specifically loved the ending boss scene where a "Mecha" armor suit is discussed. I won't go into any more details than that.
2#: The militaristic reality and armed tactics of the Common Wealth (the united government of the human race) are a hell of a lot more descriptive and most importantly realistic compared to the first book. I am Staff Sergeant in the Marines and I admired the dialogue and emotions the characters felt as I too have felt them when stupid Op-orders are given out by outdated brass.
3#: The romance between Cam (main character) and Vicky Sandoval I personally enjoyed. Call me what you will but their relationship is starting to grow on me and I am very curious how those two will end up, especially now Cam is moving into a different role in the Platoon coming in book three.
With all that being said the only critique I have is I wish the battles were more drawn out and not so fast. Yes, I did say the balance of build-up and action greatly improved but I still had to go back and re-read a few pages when battle scenes started so I could get a clear picture of what was happening in crucial combat moments.
In any case, the book was again fantastic and I greatly look forward to what book three has in stores.
-Alex
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June 3, 2020Kinetic Strike - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Rick Partlow's new Drop Trooper series moves on to its first sequel, in Book 2, Kinetic Strike.
MC and former Trans-Angeles (Earth) Marine, Cameron 'Cam' Alvarez is part of the eponymous Drop Troop Fourth Squadron, who, with his girlfriend Private Vicky Sandoval Corporal Graciano, Captain Covington, are now 'starship troopers', ready to be deployed in their Vigilante mech suits to engage in missions across the galaxy, in tandem with Recon Trooper Squads.
One such mission leads to some fatalities and nanite-repair in special medi tanks, but overall, things end well, as Cam now gets
sent to Officer's Candidate School on planet Inferno, with a brilliant future ahead on his return.
His only regret, ahead of Book 5, is that he and Vicky will be separated... what will he decide?
A great all-action thriller that will leave you digging your fingernails into your chair arms, so exciting is Kinetic Strike by Rick Partlow.
Its galactic adventures of camaraderie, loss, bravery and changing fortune, together with epic battle scenes, will make you forget your Covid-19 fears and Lockdown Blues for as long as you're part of this riveting storyline.
Get your copy today - it's sure to be an 'out of this world' experience!
Rick Partlow's new Drop Trooper series moves on to its first sequel, in Book 2, Kinetic Strike.
MC and former Trans-Angeles (Earth) Marine, Cameron 'Cam' Alvarez is part of the eponymous Drop Troop Fourth Squadron, who, with his girlfriend Private Vicky Sandoval Corporal Graciano, Captain Covington, are now 'starship troopers', ready to be deployed in their Vigilante mech suits to engage in missions across the galaxy, in tandem with Recon Trooper Squads.
One such mission leads to some fatalities and nanite-repair in special medi tanks, but overall, things end well, as Cam now gets
sent to Officer's Candidate School on planet Inferno, with a brilliant future ahead on his return.
His only regret, ahead of Book 5, is that he and Vicky will be separated... what will he decide?
A great all-action thriller that will leave you digging your fingernails into your chair arms, so exciting is Kinetic Strike by Rick Partlow.
Its galactic adventures of camaraderie, loss, bravery and changing fortune, together with epic battle scenes, will make you forget your Covid-19 fears and Lockdown Blues for as long as you're part of this riveting storyline.
Get your copy today - it's sure to be an 'out of this world' experience!
October 11, 2025
The combat scenes are even more dynamic and strategic.
Book Two: Kinetic Strike
Premise:
Picking up where Contact Front left off, Kinetic Strike sees Cam now a seasoned Drop Trooper. The stakes are higher as he transitions from a raw recruit to a leader. The war intensifies, and Cam must navigate not only external threats but also internal conflicts and the burden of command.
Themes & Tone:
• Leadership and Responsibility: Cam’s evolution continues, now grappling with the weight of leading others.
• Moral Ambiguity: The lines between right and wrong blur further as the war escalates.
• Escalating Conflict: The tone is more intense, with larger-scale battles and deeper political intrigue.
Strengths:
• Expanded Scope: The universe grows, introducing new factions, technologies, and moral dilemmas.
• Character Maturation: Cam’s development is more nuanced, showing growth and internal conflict.
• Relentless Action: The combat scenes are even more dynamic and strategic.
Criticisms:
• Less Focus on Backstory: With Cam’s origins established, the emotional depth may feel reduced for some readers.
• Complexity vs. Clarity: The broader scope might overwhelm readers who prefer the tighter focus of Book One.
Book Two: Kinetic Strike
Premise:
Picking up where Contact Front left off, Kinetic Strike sees Cam now a seasoned Drop Trooper. The stakes are higher as he transitions from a raw recruit to a leader. The war intensifies, and Cam must navigate not only external threats but also internal conflicts and the burden of command.
Themes & Tone:
• Leadership and Responsibility: Cam’s evolution continues, now grappling with the weight of leading others.
• Moral Ambiguity: The lines between right and wrong blur further as the war escalates.
• Escalating Conflict: The tone is more intense, with larger-scale battles and deeper political intrigue.
Strengths:
• Expanded Scope: The universe grows, introducing new factions, technologies, and moral dilemmas.
• Character Maturation: Cam’s development is more nuanced, showing growth and internal conflict.
• Relentless Action: The combat scenes are even more dynamic and strategic.
Criticisms:
• Less Focus on Backstory: With Cam’s origins established, the emotional depth may feel reduced for some readers.
• Complexity vs. Clarity: The broader scope might overwhelm readers who prefer the tighter focus of Book One.
June 14, 2025
The story basically picks right up where book 1 left off, continuing the military adventures of Cam Alvarez in the war against the alien Tahni. One thing that Partlow does really well is to give us a glimpse of what military life might be like in the future. I love how he shows the Drop Trooper tech without overdoing it like so many sci-fi authors tend to do. You can almost feel yourself wearing the armor and jump-jetting into battle. He also does a fantastic job of describing the Tahni civilization and I love the contrast of their society and weapons systems versus those of the humans. But again, he doesn't overdo it, leaving us with a little mystery for the bad guys. The story stays entertaining throughout and the final battle scene is fantastic. Sometimes character development is a tad bit shallow, but it really doesn't detract much from the overall story - especially given how well the military stuff is all done. I'd say 4.5 stars. Not quite 5, but better than 4. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 - "Danger Close."
January 13, 2022
Jeez! One thing I hate about these books on war and battles is that you get to know and like all these characters and then they die and you tell yourself you don't want to read anymore. BUT, you go on to the next book anyway.
In this one Cam came up with an idea that would stop so many from dying but even with his good idea there was still so many dead, marines Cam didn't know and one he particularly liked, as well as me. I was very pissed off when she died. But, at least they were able to take the Tahni's planet that supplied their other planets with food.
I'll remind all of you that I'm doing these 4 books separately because I bought them as a bundle of 4 books in the Drop Trooper series.
Again, no sex and the F-bomb was used 393 times in the 4 books.
As for the narration: James Patrick Cronin continues to do a fantastic job.
In this one Cam came up with an idea that would stop so many from dying but even with his good idea there was still so many dead, marines Cam didn't know and one he particularly liked, as well as me. I was very pissed off when she died. But, at least they were able to take the Tahni's planet that supplied their other planets with food.
I'll remind all of you that I'm doing these 4 books separately because I bought them as a bundle of 4 books in the Drop Trooper series.
Again, no sex and the F-bomb was used 393 times in the 4 books.
As for the narration: James Patrick Cronin continues to do a fantastic job.
June 30, 2020
Kinetic Strike by Rick Partlow, is the second book that follows the Drop Trooper, Cam Alvarez, in the battle against the Tahni. It also follows his battle with personal demons.
This is an old theme – a criminal offered a chance to change his life by enlisting in the Marines but it has seldom been told as well or as believably. Shades of the Master, Heinlein, and other are here. I cut my sci fi teeth on Have Spacesuit – Will Travel and other tales, most recently the Honor Harrington series and Partlow is right up there. Engaging, growing characters and a nice meaty plot.
No, I am not going to reveal anything else. Read for yourself. As for me, I am reading book 3 and waiting for book 4.
This is an old theme – a criminal offered a chance to change his life by enlisting in the Marines but it has seldom been told as well or as believably. Shades of the Master, Heinlein, and other are here. I cut my sci fi teeth on Have Spacesuit – Will Travel and other tales, most recently the Honor Harrington series and Partlow is right up there. Engaging, growing characters and a nice meaty plot.
No, I am not going to reveal anything else. Read for yourself. As for me, I am reading book 3 and waiting for book 4.
March 27, 2021
Time to return to the world of Drop Troopers. It is a very comfortable world, well written and a set of characters that are not cliche. I found the first book due to its extensive use of power armor. Here, we find our main character out thinking the enemy by using history.
The second book is much better than the first. Cam has doubts about the strategies of the Marine officers who put together the battle plans. Anything has to be better than mass stampede to an objective. His idea is inventive, one that requires thinking of how to surprise the enemy in a new way.
I’m already into book four, as the books are short enough to be read in a handful of days, yet complete as a story of each phase of Cam’s journey as a Marine.
The second book is much better than the first. Cam has doubts about the strategies of the Marine officers who put together the battle plans. Anything has to be better than mass stampede to an objective. His idea is inventive, one that requires thinking of how to surprise the enemy in a new way.
I’m already into book four, as the books are short enough to be read in a handful of days, yet complete as a story of each phase of Cam’s journey as a Marine.
October 18, 2020
Great reading
The storyline is great coupling futuristic weaponry with realistic military doctrine and execution. That combines to make a truly exciting and worthy story that thrusts young people into rapid development both physically, mentally and emotionally. Although this is science fiction, it really hits home as to how our military men and women have made great sacrifices to protect our way of life. You only have to look back at the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the West Pacific Islands to know what I mean. Don’t forget to truly thank our soldiers and sailor past and present for their sacrifices!
The storyline is great coupling futuristic weaponry with realistic military doctrine and execution. That combines to make a truly exciting and worthy story that thrusts young people into rapid development both physically, mentally and emotionally. Although this is science fiction, it really hits home as to how our military men and women have made great sacrifices to protect our way of life. You only have to look back at the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Midway, the Battle of the West Pacific Islands to know what I mean. Don’t forget to truly thank our soldiers and sailor past and present for their sacrifices!
December 31, 2024
2nd book in set
I enjoy the writing of Rick Partlow, it in not high literature but a great entry in the future war type of story, it continues the story of Cam Alvarez, & the armoured troopers against an alien race that’s hard to understand, the author is not scared about removing characters that have come to be ones we care for & feel the loss almost as much as Cam, the battle scenes are well written, & the war continues, if you enjoy this type of story I’m sure you will like it as I do, I’ve read several of his series & have enjoyed them all, & now I am just about to start the next novel.
I enjoy the writing of Rick Partlow, it in not high literature but a great entry in the future war type of story, it continues the story of Cam Alvarez, & the armoured troopers against an alien race that’s hard to understand, the author is not scared about removing characters that have come to be ones we care for & feel the loss almost as much as Cam, the battle scenes are well written, & the war continues, if you enjoy this type of story I’m sure you will like it as I do, I’ve read several of his series & have enjoyed them all, & now I am just about to start the next novel.
March 8, 2023
The first book did a great job of character development. The first about half of this book is accounts of multiple battles, so no development. I was getting close to rating this book lower because it just did not tell a good story. Then I got to the real meat of the book.
About halfway through, the book goes back to the great story and character development of the first one. Yes, there is a massive battle at the end, but it is as much story and emotion as is it explosions.
Overall, this book isn't as good as the first, but it is a good sequel to a very good book.
About halfway through, the book goes back to the great story and character development of the first one. Yes, there is a massive battle at the end, but it is as much story and emotion as is it explosions.
Overall, this book isn't as good as the first, but it is a good sequel to a very good book.
June 15, 2020
Wow, just wow. I practically inhaled this book over the weekend. Very well written and a TON of action.
I really enjoyed this second installment of the series and book 3 is in preorder right now.
As a prior military person I really enjoyed the nuance added to the characters. Top is never really one dimensional, you just have to recognize responsibility varies at levels. The LT portrayal was also fantastic. Not one one dimensional dumb butter bar.
Just an overall great read.
I really enjoyed this second installment of the series and book 3 is in preorder right now.
As a prior military person I really enjoyed the nuance added to the characters. Top is never really one dimensional, you just have to recognize responsibility varies at levels. The LT portrayal was also fantastic. Not one one dimensional dumb butter bar.
Just an overall great read.
July 5, 2020
A fantastic follow-up
Kinetic Strike is the second in the Drop Trooper books and it is literally non stop action. This second book starts off the now Sergeant Alvarez, along with his fellow Marines are taking the fight to the Tahni, humanity's implacable foe.
The book is well written and it is at a high speed pace. Rick Partlow is an accomplished storyteller and it will be well worth the investment to grab this book and read it.
Kinetic Strike is the second in the Drop Trooper books and it is literally non stop action. This second book starts off the now Sergeant Alvarez, along with his fellow Marines are taking the fight to the Tahni, humanity's implacable foe.
The book is well written and it is at a high speed pace. Rick Partlow is an accomplished storyteller and it will be well worth the investment to grab this book and read it.
April 23, 2021
Strong character development and pacing -another winner
The series continues with this second installment tracing the battles and promotions of the young marine as he matures into a leader. This formula works despite the expected plot development because of vivid imagery a land the right level of detail to make future space fleet with FTL capability plausible. Looking forward to the third installment.
The series continues with this second installment tracing the battles and promotions of the young marine as he matures into a leader. This formula works despite the expected plot development because of vivid imagery a land the right level of detail to make future space fleet with FTL capability plausible. Looking forward to the third installment.
April 5, 2024
Could not put down, page after page.
I love the non-stop story line. Hardly any time between scenes and contributive story lines. I didn't feel like there was much empty page filling words, just like watching a good movie. As a veteran I appreciate the storyline and explanations of terms and procedures as well as rank and file that is not dumbed down but simply explained and moved on. Book one had me hooked and book two didn't disappoint.
I love the non-stop story line. Hardly any time between scenes and contributive story lines. I didn't feel like there was much empty page filling words, just like watching a good movie. As a veteran I appreciate the storyline and explanations of terms and procedures as well as rank and file that is not dumbed down but simply explained and moved on. Book one had me hooked and book two didn't disappoint.
April 27, 2024
I read the first 4 books in this series in one week. The characters are realistic as are the battle scenarios. The books have a great balance between training chapters and action chapters. I'm impressed with the character development of main character Cam Alvarez. The author does a great job at developing the inner thoughts of Cam as he progresses through the stories. In each book, his perspective and thought processes clearly mature.
May 31, 2020
Another great installment
This series keeps getting better. Cam and his fellow marines are dumped further into the can. The senior leaders are cost cutting and that means Cam and his fellow marines are on the knifes edge with less support. New marines join and some other make the trip to Valhalla. Character development continues apace and the world building is excellent.
This series keeps getting better. Cam and his fellow marines are dumped further into the can. The senior leaders are cost cutting and that means Cam and his fellow marines are on the knifes edge with less support. New marines join and some other make the trip to Valhalla. Character development continues apace and the world building is excellent.
June 2, 2020
This second book in the Dropship Troopers series is even more intense than the first. Cam is taking the fight onward and the action is even more rough and dangerous. The battle scenes draw you in and make you feel like you are there. Partlow's characters feel real and the deaths hurt! Great book and I look forward to the next.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
June 7, 2020
Great exciting, hard to put down read! I felt like I was right there with Cam fighting by his side through the good and the sad. It is great reading about Cameron Alvarez grows from a kid on the streets to being a sergeant in the Marines.
I can’t wait to start reading book three.
I recommend this book to everyone you will not be sorry.
I can’t wait to start reading book three.
I recommend this book to everyone you will not be sorry.
July 30, 2020
Even better than the first one...
A prime example of well crafted hard military sci-fi. Complex main character, simple story, contemplative situations, realistic reactions, and all expertly paced with suspense and satisfying action. My only wish would be for the antagonists and supporting characters to be better developed and significant.
A prime example of well crafted hard military sci-fi. Complex main character, simple story, contemplative situations, realistic reactions, and all expertly paced with suspense and satisfying action. My only wish would be for the antagonists and supporting characters to be better developed and significant.
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