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Terran Menace #1
The Terran Menace
The war was just the beginning.
As the son of Earth's most prominent tech mogul, Ben Hutchins grew up comfortably in the Golden Age of the Confederated Terran Systems. But lurking in the shadows are sinister forces intent on tearing his world apart.
Without warning or provocation, the mysterious Alarians, a civilization of refugees that fled their home system to escape genocide, launch a coordinated attack on Earth and its colonies. Stranded light-years from his father, Ben must fight to survive the brutal aftermath of the war with the Alarians while uncovering the secrets of his past--secrets that point to him being the weapon that will save humanity from extinction.
The Terran Menace is a fast-paced military sci-fi adventure and the first installment in the Terran Menace series. Fans of Chris Fox's Void Wraith series, Joshua Dalzelle's Terran Scout Fleet series, and Marko Kloos's Frontlines series will feel right at home.
As the son of Earth's most prominent tech mogul, Ben Hutchins grew up comfortably in the Golden Age of the Confederated Terran Systems. But lurking in the shadows are sinister forces intent on tearing his world apart.
Without warning or provocation, the mysterious Alarians, a civilization of refugees that fled their home system to escape genocide, launch a coordinated attack on Earth and its colonies. Stranded light-years from his father, Ben must fight to survive the brutal aftermath of the war with the Alarians while uncovering the secrets of his past--secrets that point to him being the weapon that will save humanity from extinction.
The Terran Menace is a fast-paced military sci-fi adventure and the first installment in the Terran Menace series. Fans of Chris Fox's Void Wraith series, Joshua Dalzelle's Terran Scout Fleet series, and Marko Kloos's Frontlines series will feel right at home.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2021
636 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Robertson
3 books35 followersJ.R. Robertson is a science fiction author who pays the bills by pretending to be a vineyard manager. While fantasy stories and the occasional thriller populate his library, his first love will always be science fiction. A hopeless optimist, he writes science fiction because no genre has the ability to inspire people to constantly be striving to reach greater heights quite like it. But also because handheld rail guns, obviously.
He lives in Michigan's beautiful Leelanau County with his wife, daughter, terrible husky, and two hermit crabs. He grows grapes by day and writes by night. He doesn't sleep. When not working, writing, or not sleeping, he spends his time outside with his family on the boat, hiking, snowshoeing, or just siting on the dock with a cold beverage. The terrible husky is usually missing, having freed herself from her tie-out and run away again.
He lives in Michigan's beautiful Leelanau County with his wife, daughter, terrible husky, and two hermit crabs. He grows grapes by day and writes by night. He doesn't sleep. When not working, writing, or not sleeping, he spends his time outside with his family on the boat, hiking, snowshoeing, or just siting on the dock with a cold beverage. The terrible husky is usually missing, having freed herself from her tie-out and run away again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 2, 2024
Audible version. It was a fun beach read/listen. Seems like a good YA sci-fi book. I may return to finish the series. Nice job by the narrator.
January 12, 2022
The 16 year olds today are made of sterner stuff then the young protagonist in this book.
Not sure about the title of the book who is the menace, Terrence or the main protagonist been? I know this book had to have some set up but it should not have taken half the book to get it done. Don’t like books where the payoff is in the last third of the book it makes the book seem a little bit slow. Enjoy the story as it is the characters are OK have to read the next book to make a definitive decision on if I will like this series or not
Not sure about the title of the book who is the menace, Terrence or the main protagonist been? I know this book had to have some set up but it should not have taken half the book to get it done. Don’t like books where the payoff is in the last third of the book it makes the book seem a little bit slow. Enjoy the story as it is the characters are OK have to read the next book to make a definitive decision on if I will like this series or not
February 13, 2023
"The Terran Menace" by J.R. Robertson is a novel with potential but falls short due to some structural weaknesses. Despite the intriguing technology, such as nanotechnology that grows brain interface connections, its implications on society are not well-developed. The book also lacks a clear genre direction early on, which detracts from the overall experience.
Additionally, the inclusion of a chapter from an intriguing character's perspective, who never reappears, disrupts the flow of the story. While the action scenes are well-done, the "anger makes you a super soldier" trope is overused, and the romantic subplot lacks credibility.
Despite these shortcomings, the book is an easy read and provides some entertainment if you can suspend your disbelief. While I won't be reading the second book in the series, I am interested in trying the author's future work as they continue to grow and mature as a writer.
Additionally, the inclusion of a chapter from an intriguing character's perspective, who never reappears, disrupts the flow of the story. While the action scenes are well-done, the "anger makes you a super soldier" trope is overused, and the romantic subplot lacks credibility.
Despite these shortcomings, the book is an easy read and provides some entertainment if you can suspend your disbelief. While I won't be reading the second book in the series, I am interested in trying the author's future work as they continue to grow and mature as a writer.
August 14, 2024
Audible. Started well but gradually descended into a 14 year old boy’s fantasy. A mixture of strange elements, sort of Steve Jobs’ son saves the universe. A US book so the earths’ space navy or whatever is basically the US navy in space and treated with the breathless fandom the US military is often afforded. Again as is typical is US books, a lot of gun worship, especially in the post apocalypse section.
Some hilarious anachronisms, we’re like 200 years in the future on a planet hundreds of light years away in the middle of a war with aliens but you still can’t drink until you’re 21, which suggest a trip to France might be a shock.
I’m not sure I can face the next instalment but it’s undemanding stuff which would perhaps suit a long car journey.
Some hilarious anachronisms, we’re like 200 years in the future on a planet hundreds of light years away in the middle of a war with aliens but you still can’t drink until you’re 21, which suggest a trip to France might be a shock.
I’m not sure I can face the next instalment but it’s undemanding stuff which would perhaps suit a long car journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
Somewhat unexpected - much more please!
I've been reading quite a lot recently, given a long-covid slow down period. This book for into my "might be interesting" category - and indeed it was.
Admittedly it is set within the upper reaches of 'young adult' books, so there were the usual 'single hero, left alone, becomes superhero and gets the girl' elements - but character building was good, universe design excellent even With the Alarian version of Battlestar Galactica.
If you like sci-fi without bad language - you won't be disappointed. If you like bad language you'll still be happy.
I've been reading quite a lot recently, given a long-covid slow down period. This book for into my "might be interesting" category - and indeed it was.
Admittedly it is set within the upper reaches of 'young adult' books, so there were the usual 'single hero, left alone, becomes superhero and gets the girl' elements - but character building was good, universe design excellent even With the Alarian version of Battlestar Galactica.
If you like sci-fi without bad language - you won't be disappointed. If you like bad language you'll still be happy.
May 20, 2022
Not perfect but damned good. 4 1/2 stars?
This is a pretty well rounded story. There are some well used tropes that make it fairly predictable, but it is better than most. There is some effort towards making dialog unique to some characters, though there is room for more work in that area. (There's nothing wrong with having a foul-mouthed mechanic, sergeant, etc. they just need to stay consistent and present to highlight the differences, an academy graduate is different from a street urchin. The effort to show this was appreciated)
I am looking forward to the next episode of this series. I am following this author.
This is a pretty well rounded story. There are some well used tropes that make it fairly predictable, but it is better than most. There is some effort towards making dialog unique to some characters, though there is room for more work in that area. (There's nothing wrong with having a foul-mouthed mechanic, sergeant, etc. they just need to stay consistent and present to highlight the differences, an academy graduate is different from a street urchin. The effort to show this was appreciated)
I am looking forward to the next episode of this series. I am following this author.
April 12, 2024
This book seems to be well-regarded by the Goodreads editors and a host of readers. I'm sorry to say I made it only as far as page 41 before deciding I could take the torture no longer. While I don't insist on great dialogue in SF books (E.E. "Doc" Smith was no Shakespeare, but his other strengths made up for it), the dialogues in this book is excruciating to read. Also, the picture of two budding female scientists engaging in catfights as if they were junior high school students was more than off-putting.
Many reviewers say this book takes a long time to get going. I have neither the time nor the patience to slog through until the going starts.
Many reviewers say this book takes a long time to get going. I have neither the time nor the patience to slog through until the going starts.
September 16, 2023
There Comes a Time . . .
There comes a time when a reader has to listen to that tiny but growing voice in the back of his mind that says, “No, I am not enjoying this.” I reached that point somewhere between chapters 18 and what followed. I felt that tiny little twinge that began growing more and more insistent that finishing this novel had become a duty, not a pleasure. The gobbledygook had become so deep I just had to say “Adieu,” not “Au Revoir” and go elsewhere. ‘Nuff said ?
There comes a time when a reader has to listen to that tiny but growing voice in the back of his mind that says, “No, I am not enjoying this.” I reached that point somewhere between chapters 18 and what followed. I felt that tiny little twinge that began growing more and more insistent that finishing this novel had become a duty, not a pleasure. The gobbledygook had become so deep I just had to say “Adieu,” not “Au Revoir” and go elsewhere. ‘Nuff said ?
January 8, 2021
Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. A wonderful, brilliant journey with developed characters that shine and allow the intense action and technology to give the reader and adventure they wont forget. The character of Ben Hutchins and the astonishing secrets he discovers particularly stood out in how Ben and what he goes through were realistic and the secrets were multi layered and believable. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2021
Good Beginning
I found this book to be interesting and a good beginning to a new series. The storyline proposes an unknown third player who orchestrates the primary conflict between two current allies. Good character development is supported by technology which blends science and neurological advances to provide a possible obstacle to the unknown third party. Decent ending to this first installment, with an anticipation for the next.
I found this book to be interesting and a good beginning to a new series. The storyline proposes an unknown third player who orchestrates the primary conflict between two current allies. Good character development is supported by technology which blends science and neurological advances to provide a possible obstacle to the unknown third party. Decent ending to this first installment, with an anticipation for the next.
September 7, 2021
MC is a RETARD. Literally dumb as fuck. His parents are supposed to be Geniuses, still they are pretty dumb too.
Literally first 60% of the book is how dumb the MC is, he really needs an AI to be less retarded. Fuck its not a bad book, but MC is super annoying.. Also most really good helper characters die like civilians during drone strikes...
No way MC is a son of a genius. fuck its barely acceptable...
Also MC is super dumb so his AI just magically defeats enemy ships. like wtf....
Literally first 60% of the book is how dumb the MC is, he really needs an AI to be less retarded. Fuck its not a bad book, but MC is super annoying.. Also most really good helper characters die like civilians during drone strikes...
No way MC is a son of a genius. fuck its barely acceptable...
Also MC is super dumb so his AI just magically defeats enemy ships. like wtf....
June 14, 2024
Well paced read
As a fan of military Sci Fi, I have often been disappointed, but this book has not!
The action is well paced and balanced with the information needed to flesh out the characters enough that you become invested in both their story arcs and what will happen next!
As a long time fan of Herbert, Heinlein and Niven this is up there with its character and world (or should that be universe?) Building.
Looking forward to reading more of the series!
As a fan of military Sci Fi, I have often been disappointed, but this book has not!
The action is well paced and balanced with the information needed to flesh out the characters enough that you become invested in both their story arcs and what will happen next!
As a long time fan of Herbert, Heinlein and Niven this is up there with its character and world (or should that be universe?) Building.
Looking forward to reading more of the series!
July 6, 2025
A scientific wonder
If you’re a science geek like me, this is the book for you. Not only are the characters well developed, the story line is filled with unexpected surprises. I can’t wait to start on book 2 and have already downloaded both 2 and 3. The technical descriptions are a challenge for me to grasp, and I appreciate stretching my knowledge of physics and biology to grasp the details this author creates.
If you’re a science geek like me, this is the book for you. Not only are the characters well developed, the story line is filled with unexpected surprises. I can’t wait to start on book 2 and have already downloaded both 2 and 3. The technical descriptions are a challenge for me to grasp, and I appreciate stretching my knowledge of physics and biology to grasp the details this author creates.
March 22, 2021
I thought that this book provided a superb hero and sub plots. I enjoyed the battle scenes and the maturing of the hero. It was a great read that I could not stop reading. My only complaint is that the next book is not out yet. I thank the author for such an outstanding military SF. Great book!
April 27, 2022
Absolutely exciting.
This book contains things that I've never seen in a Sci-Fi novel before. It's fast, it's action, it's science, and innovation. The characters are strong the growth of the story is amazing. Obviously I highly recommend reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
This book contains things that I've never seen in a Sci-Fi novel before. It's fast, it's action, it's science, and innovation. The characters are strong the growth of the story is amazing. Obviously I highly recommend reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
August 21, 2022
Good, solid sci-fi. Author J.R. Robertson delivers an unpretentious and well-crafted story. Rather than go for cerebral or poignant or moody, this book focuses on generating excitement through constant trouble. The book works because the author takes care to make the trouble generally believable, and the solutions mostly feel uncontrived. The results are entertaining!
March 6, 2023
Really good writing
I wasn't sure at first about this book. I'd started to read it done time ago but left it at about 22% in. I came back to it and realized how much I enjoyed the storyline and the battles. This is a very good series and I intend to read it through to the end, hoping for more to come.
I wasn't sure at first about this book. I'd started to read it done time ago but left it at about 22% in. I came back to it and realized how much I enjoyed the storyline and the battles. This is a very good series and I intend to read it through to the end, hoping for more to come.
July 21, 2023
Great First Book
What a great kick off to this series Terran Menace. A The main character Ben has an awful start as everything goes belly up as an interstellar war kicks off and he has to learn how to survive while being cut off from contact with his father and is considered dead. Highly recommended, now onto book 2.
What a great kick off to this series Terran Menace. A The main character Ben has an awful start as everything goes belly up as an interstellar war kicks off and he has to learn how to survive while being cut off from contact with his father and is considered dead. Highly recommended, now onto book 2.
June 30, 2024
Outstanding and extremely entertaining start to this series!!!!!!
Congratulations to J.R. Robertson for this book in this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to J.R. Robertson for this book in this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
November 23, 2024
Well Written and Engaging
Hard to put down. Some extraneous dialogue but well-written, with plot line that flowed well from beginning to end. Useful character development. Good change in perspective among characters during key events. Few artifices and lots of high energy action.
Hard to put down. Some extraneous dialogue but well-written, with plot line that flowed well from beginning to end. Useful character development. Good change in perspective among characters during key events. Few artifices and lots of high energy action.
July 15, 2025
This was ENTHRALLING. I wasn’t expecting much, but I was mistaken. This is an excellent military sci-fi thriller, right up there with the best of them in the genre. Plausibility, combined with fast past tactical scenarios, as well as enough strategic direction (and mystery) to keep me turning the pages at a lightning fast pace. Looking forward book 2 of this series.
February 12, 2021
Perfect shooting
As a suppressor shooter salesman you had me with your.perfect description of the guns suppressors and how they work together. Looking.forward to your book. Good shooting. Marshall priest
As a suppressor shooter salesman you had me with your.perfect description of the guns suppressors and how they work together. Looking.forward to your book. Good shooting. Marshall priest
March 9, 2021
Great storyline
What a great storyline this has been totally enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next episode of this series. Well written and thought out storyline as a child goes from boy to man.. Well worth five stars
What a great storyline this has been totally enjoyed this book. Looking forward to the next episode of this series. Well written and thought out storyline as a child goes from boy to man.. Well worth five stars
May 9, 2021
Birth of a demigod
This is of the best books I have read, on par with early Heinlein and Asimov. It allows us to imagine what could happen if technology and biology are combined to the optimal level. Plenty of action and character development as well as world building.
This is of the best books I have read, on par with early Heinlein and Asimov. It allows us to imagine what could happen if technology and biology are combined to the optimal level. Plenty of action and character development as well as world building.
May 30, 2021
Very enjoyable read
As a die-hard sci-fi mil novel reader, I have to say I enjoyed this book very much. The one hitch is that the “About this Book” is a bit misleading, but forgivable.
As a die-hard sci-fi mil novel reader, I have to say I enjoyed this book very much. The one hitch is that the “About this Book” is a bit misleading, but forgivable.
April 25, 2022
Interesting
A good story. Didn't have the time to read it non stop as I normally would but very easy to pick up again. Good characters, easy to relate to. Looking forward to continuing the tale.
A good story. Didn't have the time to read it non stop as I normally would but very easy to pick up again. Good characters, easy to relate to. Looking forward to continuing the tale.
October 19, 2022
worth the read
Great story concept and characters. The author gets too granular in his descriptions of items that not central to the story…do I really need to know the conference table is made of poly-carbonate??
Great story concept and characters. The author gets too granular in his descriptions of items that not central to the story…do I really need to know the conference table is made of poly-carbonate??
November 28, 2022
Series was ok but there were a couple issues I couldn’t get past. The series felt rushed and not well thought out. The author could have used other mechanisms to get to the same results but stuck to ideas that I felt didn’t work well.
April 1, 2024
An enjoyable start to the series. I'll be reading book 2.
SPOILERS BELOW
I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because there were a few elements that strained credibility, namely Henry using his only son as a science experiment. But suspending that disbelief, the series is good. Robertson has some interesting twists on familiar tropes, which I found enjoyable.
SPOILERS BELOW
I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars because there were a few elements that strained credibility, namely Henry using his only son as a science experiment. But suspending that disbelief, the series is good. Robertson has some interesting twists on familiar tropes, which I found enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
Well written sci-fi military story
Intelligent story with above average finesse. Characters are believable and sympathetic. The plot is familiar but updated and entertaining. Well done!. I am looking forward to the next book.
Intelligent story with above average finesse. Characters are believable and sympathetic. The plot is familiar but updated and entertaining. Well done!. I am looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews