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Lings
They came. The ravagers of the universe. The scourge of star systems. The enemy of his race.
They decimated all that he knew, slaughtering his colony like a herd of insects. Carrying their metal guns and tactical missiles, the marines butchered his siblings by the thousandfold. For that, they would pay.
Krill is the last of his kind in a distant corner of the galaxy. Entrusted with the survival of his species, Krill carries with him an egg given to him by the Hive Mother herself. Her last, parting gift. What will it hatch into when it's born? A new hope for the rebirth of the Krath?
They decimated all that he knew, slaughtering his colony like a herd of insects. Carrying their metal guns and tactical missiles, the marines butchered his siblings by the thousandfold. For that, they would pay.
Krill is the last of his kind in a distant corner of the galaxy. Entrusted with the survival of his species, Krill carries with him an egg given to him by the Hive Mother herself. Her last, parting gift. What will it hatch into when it's born? A new hope for the rebirth of the Krath?
- GenresScience FictionAliens
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2020
126 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 28, 2021
The failures of this book can be summed up in one word: Inconsistent. So much of the plot revolves around Helmet aiding the Krath (Helmet is LITERAL plot armor). You have to forget past rules established to accept new solutions. I've never seen a book that needed a line editor as bad as this one. This is unfortunate, because the premise was exactly what I wanted. In fact, I feel compelled to share how I discovered this book. I saw the cover in my Facebook feed. I remembered the name and moved on. When I searched for it, I couldn't find the book (one word title confusion, I guess). I prayed it would come in my feed again. When it did, I screen shot it to ensure I found the book and read it through Kindle Unlimited. This shows how excited the cover and hook made me. The first 10% of the book gave me exactly what I wanted, then, Spectra arrived. With her the book went from cool to silly. It got more cringe-worthy as I turned the pages. I will admit that I was curious how it would end (poorly), so the author did keep me engaged. It was ALMOST so bad it was good, but it missed that mark and just stayed bad. Unfortunately, I couldn't take any of it seriously. If it had been a middle-grade or YA story, perhaps it hit the right tone, but the constant scenes of slaughter make be doubt the author didn't consider this an adult book. The rest of my review will contain spoilers.
The Good.
The premise was awesome! It combined Aliens and Starship Troopers but from the bug perspective. I expected a single xenomorph stalking the victorious humans. That would have been cool. The first 10% was amazing. If only it had stayed that way.
Krill (first 10% only) was a fantastic character. Unfortunately for most of the book he acts like a human. He is surly, paranoid, and irritable. Not exactly what I would expect from a bug.
Krill got bold and attacked three Marines early in the book. He kills two, but the sergeant suicide bombs Krill. This almost kills our protagonist. I thought the book would then show him more conscious, but this is literally the seen before Spectra is born.
Krill thought a cloaked Spectra was a god. It was one of the comical scenes that worked for me.
I like that the chapters are bit-sized. Each could be read in under five minutes. The book is rather long, so having constant stopping points were well received.
When Spectra molted the first time. Her nerves were well-defined. Though this did make me wonder what exactly was shared in her genetic code? She can understand English, but doesn't know what molting is? You will see many more inconsistencies like these.
The Rifters were a cool idea (the two representatives weren't). They reminded me of my favorite class in my favorite video game, Mass Effect.
The lings using echolocation to confuse the sentry guns. This was a good tactic that didn't feel like a deus ex machina cheat like Helmet so often provided.
I genuinely was curious to keep turning the pages.
Helmet was a trojan horse!
The Bad.
The Krath understand English, yet not always. They call Humans "Yumens" yet they can pronounce Hs at other times. They understand what batteries are (despite not having them in Krath culture) yet are confused by other terms. The book felt like it was meant to be a true third person omniscient, but the author changed his mind. Sometimes they can determine human gender, other times they are called "it." It can be summed up like this: The Krath know everything the story needs them to, they don't know anything the story needs them to be ignorant of.
Helmet was the worst character. I hate plot armor. He was literally this. His systems are damaged so he can help the Krath, but none of his tactical areas are affected. The ending explains some, so this is less of a problem, but the reader doesn't know this until the end. More foreshadowing was needed for this to land properly.
Dr. Sigmoid is another terrible character. In fact, every character except first 10% Krill are terrible. Sigmoid just monologues and twists his mechanical mustache.
Spectra takes a Human name. She keeps it. All characters except Krill have human sounding names: Herb, Clickbait, Ghostbite, Beaky, etc. Shouldn't they have their own culture? Even if you argue they are translated, then why is Krill so different sounding?
SOLDIERS ARE NOT MARINES! The author calls the humans both with alarming swapping. Soldiers are in the Army. Marines are in the . . . well, figure it out. When I see authors use the terms interchangeably, I already know all military aspects will be garbage. This simple fact is easily looked up on Google.
Case in point, the military stuff is abysmal (I'm a Soldier nearing 19 years of service). Commander Rip talks about his next promotion to Admiral. A commander is an O-5, and an Admiral is at least an O-7. He should be talking about Captain next. He also says Banshee will have a LARGE force of five squads. A squad is nine people. So this large force is under 50. Although after talking about squads, Commander Rip then says squadron. A squadron is much larger. Five squadrons would be over 3,000 people. Later he talks about have exactly 300 people, because of course service members revere that number. Which leads me to . . .
The Battle of Thermopylae had 300 Spartans allied with over 5,000 Greeks. That number means nothing (plus they still lost). Making it look like this number was important was silly. I understand this is a fictional world, but it is still supposed to be grounded in this one.
The Krath constantly behave like squabbling human children. She's his queen, but he treats her like his little sister (which she technically is). Why bother making them insects if they are meant to behave like mammals?
The Rifters are easily defeated despite being sold as super soldiers. Spectra went down too easily. Don't tell me she was top of her class and then show me how one ling easily killed her. Don't tell me she was distracted. The bottom of the class is distracted, not the top. If the rifting was the issue, then give her some soldiers/marines to protect her. Don't leave her out by herself.
An asexual explanation was needed for Spectra's brood. Most insects have males and females, which means Krill would be the daddy. Since this clearly didn't happen, what did? That was a massive plot hole that was simply ignored.
I don't care about the pearl charts and how many units can be birthed by each consumption. I trust the author did the math. You don't need to show me the work every single time. They were wasted words and charts in a book that was already too long.
Melee attacks penetrating a shield is a weak explanation for the real Spectra's death. Again, just have guards. Lazy writing here.
Another inconsistency is Spectra's knowledge of human idioms. She understood "silver lining" but didn't know "baby steps." I could list forever issues like this.
Biting a grenade pin will tear out your teeth. If it was that easy, accidental detonation would be a major concern. Nobody does this anymore in movies/books for a reason. Next we'll have gun magazines that never run out of bullets.
Helmet ultimately goes against programming to save his family. Lame. The power of love wins again.
The Technical.
This book is written (sometimes) with third person omniscient.
There is violence in this book.
The Good.
The premise was awesome! It combined Aliens and Starship Troopers but from the bug perspective. I expected a single xenomorph stalking the victorious humans. That would have been cool. The first 10% was amazing. If only it had stayed that way.
Krill (first 10% only) was a fantastic character. Unfortunately for most of the book he acts like a human. He is surly, paranoid, and irritable. Not exactly what I would expect from a bug.
Krill got bold and attacked three Marines early in the book. He kills two, but the sergeant suicide bombs Krill. This almost kills our protagonist. I thought the book would then show him more conscious, but this is literally the seen before Spectra is born.
Krill thought a cloaked Spectra was a god. It was one of the comical scenes that worked for me.
I like that the chapters are bit-sized. Each could be read in under five minutes. The book is rather long, so having constant stopping points were well received.
When Spectra molted the first time. Her nerves were well-defined. Though this did make me wonder what exactly was shared in her genetic code? She can understand English, but doesn't know what molting is? You will see many more inconsistencies like these.
The Rifters were a cool idea (the two representatives weren't). They reminded me of my favorite class in my favorite video game, Mass Effect.
The lings using echolocation to confuse the sentry guns. This was a good tactic that didn't feel like a deus ex machina cheat like Helmet so often provided.
I genuinely was curious to keep turning the pages.
Helmet was a trojan horse!
The Bad.
The Krath understand English, yet not always. They call Humans "Yumens" yet they can pronounce Hs at other times. They understand what batteries are (despite not having them in Krath culture) yet are confused by other terms. The book felt like it was meant to be a true third person omniscient, but the author changed his mind. Sometimes they can determine human gender, other times they are called "it." It can be summed up like this: The Krath know everything the story needs them to, they don't know anything the story needs them to be ignorant of.
Helmet was the worst character. I hate plot armor. He was literally this. His systems are damaged so he can help the Krath, but none of his tactical areas are affected. The ending explains some, so this is less of a problem, but the reader doesn't know this until the end. More foreshadowing was needed for this to land properly.
Dr. Sigmoid is another terrible character. In fact, every character except first 10% Krill are terrible. Sigmoid just monologues and twists his mechanical mustache.
Spectra takes a Human name. She keeps it. All characters except Krill have human sounding names: Herb, Clickbait, Ghostbite, Beaky, etc. Shouldn't they have their own culture? Even if you argue they are translated, then why is Krill so different sounding?
SOLDIERS ARE NOT MARINES! The author calls the humans both with alarming swapping. Soldiers are in the Army. Marines are in the . . . well, figure it out. When I see authors use the terms interchangeably, I already know all military aspects will be garbage. This simple fact is easily looked up on Google.
Case in point, the military stuff is abysmal (I'm a Soldier nearing 19 years of service). Commander Rip talks about his next promotion to Admiral. A commander is an O-5, and an Admiral is at least an O-7. He should be talking about Captain next. He also says Banshee will have a LARGE force of five squads. A squad is nine people. So this large force is under 50. Although after talking about squads, Commander Rip then says squadron. A squadron is much larger. Five squadrons would be over 3,000 people. Later he talks about have exactly 300 people, because of course service members revere that number. Which leads me to . . .
The Battle of Thermopylae had 300 Spartans allied with over 5,000 Greeks. That number means nothing (plus they still lost). Making it look like this number was important was silly. I understand this is a fictional world, but it is still supposed to be grounded in this one.
The Krath constantly behave like squabbling human children. She's his queen, but he treats her like his little sister (which she technically is). Why bother making them insects if they are meant to behave like mammals?
The Rifters are easily defeated despite being sold as super soldiers. Spectra went down too easily. Don't tell me she was top of her class and then show me how one ling easily killed her. Don't tell me she was distracted. The bottom of the class is distracted, not the top. If the rifting was the issue, then give her some soldiers/marines to protect her. Don't leave her out by herself.
An asexual explanation was needed for Spectra's brood. Most insects have males and females, which means Krill would be the daddy. Since this clearly didn't happen, what did? That was a massive plot hole that was simply ignored.
I don't care about the pearl charts and how many units can be birthed by each consumption. I trust the author did the math. You don't need to show me the work every single time. They were wasted words and charts in a book that was already too long.
Melee attacks penetrating a shield is a weak explanation for the real Spectra's death. Again, just have guards. Lazy writing here.
Another inconsistency is Spectra's knowledge of human idioms. She understood "silver lining" but didn't know "baby steps." I could list forever issues like this.
Biting a grenade pin will tear out your teeth. If it was that easy, accidental detonation would be a major concern. Nobody does this anymore in movies/books for a reason. Next we'll have gun magazines that never run out of bullets.
Helmet ultimately goes against programming to save his family. Lame. The power of love wins again.
The Technical.
This book is written (sometimes) with third person omniscient.
There is violence in this book.
December 20, 2020
A wonderfully wild ride!
The author tells the story from the viewpoints of alien bugs fighting humanity. This in and of itself is very challenging still somehow human in their behavior so that you still care about them. He did this in spades, and injected humor via a sentient AI helmet!
The story is incredibly creative, weaving together alien bugs of different kinds, hive consciousness, parallel energetic realities, Marine battles, musings on loyalty, treacherous Androids, Martians and their society... Extremely entertaining and satisfying!
The author tells the story from the viewpoints of alien bugs fighting humanity. This in and of itself is very challenging still somehow human in their behavior so that you still care about them. He did this in spades, and injected humor via a sentient AI helmet!
The story is incredibly creative, weaving together alien bugs of different kinds, hive consciousness, parallel energetic realities, Marine battles, musings on loyalty, treacherous Androids, Martians and their society... Extremely entertaining and satisfying!
December 25, 2020
Amazing
Loved it can’t wait for book 2 and hope that this book will hit audible at one point :) if your looking for an awesome monster mc book with a few light game like elements look no further this book is what your looking for well written awesome characters and a grate storyline!
Loved it can’t wait for book 2 and hope that this book will hit audible at one point :) if your looking for an awesome monster mc book with a few light game like elements look no further this book is what your looking for well written awesome characters and a grate storyline!
January 8, 2021
Surprisingly entertaining!
When I first began reading this it seemed a little cringy and unpolished. The author seems to get a better foothold as the story progresses and improves. There is some mystery and intrigue as well. This story could use a reworking with less mental dialogue from the Krath, at least at first. Read this!
When I first began reading this it seemed a little cringy and unpolished. The author seems to get a better foothold as the story progresses and improves. There is some mystery and intrigue as well. This story could use a reworking with less mental dialogue from the Krath, at least at first. Read this!
December 20, 2020
Very good book, for fans of alien or 40k
A very good book that takes the xenomorphs of alien, the tyranids of Warhammer, and lets you see conflict through the bug’s eyes. 9/10, will definitely be reading again.
A very good book that takes the xenomorphs of alien, the tyranids of Warhammer, and lets you see conflict through the bug’s eyes. 9/10, will definitely be reading again.
February 1, 2021
Well done sir.
Now that was a fantastic read. An alien mc and culture versus humanity. Rarely do you come across a piece of fiction that actively makes you want to root against your own species, but damn this book was good. Yo Atticus! When the next book coming out?!?!?
Now that was a fantastic read. An alien mc and culture versus humanity. Rarely do you come across a piece of fiction that actively makes you want to root against your own species, but damn this book was good. Yo Atticus! When the next book coming out?!?!?
June 19, 2025
Great Story! Great Action!
With homage to a popular sci-fi universe, this story helps immerse the reader immediately into the events taking place right from the first chapter.
This is a great story that I'd been sitting on for a while since I usually only start books that have at least 3 volumes in the series already. Due to that, I am incredibly eager for the next novel since this was a rather enjoyable read, with plenty of action, character development, and little bit of rts and good world building for the start of a series.
With homage to a popular sci-fi universe, this story helps immerse the reader immediately into the events taking place right from the first chapter.
This is a great story that I'd been sitting on for a while since I usually only start books that have at least 3 volumes in the series already. Due to that, I am incredibly eager for the next novel since this was a rather enjoyable read, with plenty of action, character development, and little bit of rts and good world building for the start of a series.
December 26, 2020
Fun read
If ya like Aliens the movie you'll love Lings the book. Cool sci-fi premise not a Litrpg novel with stats but ya do get a weird character development a la mutant Alien adaptation very cool for city/monster story growth
If ya like Aliens the movie you'll love Lings the book. Cool sci-fi premise not a Litrpg novel with stats but ya do get a weird character development a la mutant Alien adaptation very cool for city/monster story growth
January 26, 2021
You MUST read this book!
Totally Amazing! How on earth did the Author put this fantastic story line together? I could not put the book down and was upset when it ended! May Atticus Andrews keep putting out masterpieces like this continuously!
Totally Amazing! How on earth did the Author put this fantastic story line together? I could not put the book down and was upset when it ended! May Atticus Andrews keep putting out masterpieces like this continuously!
January 31, 2021
Holy crap!
Its like aliens mixed with an rts. It kinda reminds me of a pc game called The hive I recently purchased. So impressed with how well the characters are written. If there is not a sequel this I will very upset!
Its like aliens mixed with an rts. It kinda reminds me of a pc game called The hive I recently purchased. So impressed with how well the characters are written. If there is not a sequel this I will very upset!
June 26, 2021
Top-notch read!!!
Highly recommended for the sci-fi lover! Great storyline about alien technology , how they think and how they love family. I enjoyed this book as much as I have ever enjoyed a book and I read alot!!! You will not be disappointed!
Highly recommended for the sci-fi lover! Great storyline about alien technology , how they think and how they love family. I enjoyed this book as much as I have ever enjoyed a book and I read alot!!! You will not be disappointed!
May 2, 2022
i got this book cheap and was expecting to drop it after prologue....
instead i read it in 3 days.
its not perfect by any means but if you like stories from pov of an animal give it a chance.
you may have a blast reading it just like me ;3
instead i read it in 3 days.
its not perfect by any means but if you like stories from pov of an animal give it a chance.
you may have a blast reading it just like me ;3
May 26, 2022
A great book to read and enjoy.
You are taken on a journey that will leave you wondering how and what will happen next. You will have a problem putting the book down , the author did a good job with the book.
You are taken on a journey that will leave you wondering how and what will happen next. You will have a problem putting the book down , the author did a good job with the book.
January 21, 2021
Pretty Good
Not going to lie I picked this book up by accident, but it turned out pretty good would love to see a book 2.
Not going to lie I picked this book up by accident, but it turned out pretty good would love to see a book 2.
January 25, 2021
Amazing
Well thought out, a mostly consistent plot with several twists and turns. Truly worth the read - I'll be watching this author going forward.
Well thought out, a mostly consistent plot with several twists and turns. Truly worth the read - I'll be watching this author going forward.
January 27, 2021
For the cause!
Well written and very enjoyable. It has elements similar to Enders game, a snake’s life and challengers call. Definitely worth reading
Well written and very enjoyable. It has elements similar to Enders game, a snake’s life and challengers call. Definitely worth reading
January 31, 2021
First book was awesome!
Action pact ride! Great first book and kudos to the author. Different perspectives and a storyline that had me raise my eyebrows. Well worth the read.
Action pact ride! Great first book and kudos to the author. Different perspectives and a storyline that had me raise my eyebrows. Well worth the read.
March 8, 2021
Loved the book
I would reccomend this book to monster fans, and scifi fans alike. It echos several great rts games as well and scifi movies. I loved it.
I would reccomend this book to monster fans, and scifi fans alike. It echos several great rts games as well and scifi movies. I loved it.
March 12, 2021
Well executed concept.
The base idea was well done and given its on unique spin. What made it go from 3 to 4 stars is the well articulated arguments about what freedom is.
The base idea was well done and given its on unique spin. What made it go from 3 to 4 stars is the well articulated arguments about what freedom is.
March 15, 2021
Compelling reae
I couldn't put it down once I started. Eagerly awaiting the next book and would recommend to just about anyone
I couldn't put it down once I started. Eagerly awaiting the next book and would recommend to just about anyone
March 31, 2021
Space monsters but good guys?
Pretty cool, I like this a lot. Obviously the Krath remind me of the Zerg from StarCraft. Can't wait for more!
Pretty cool, I like this a lot. Obviously the Krath remind me of the Zerg from StarCraft. Can't wait for more!
April 29, 2021
Quite Amazing
Really did enjoy everything this! Well thought out, great characters and a surprise ending!
Looking forward to more books by this author.
Really did enjoy everything this! Well thought out, great characters and a surprise ending!
Looking forward to more books by this author.
July 10, 2021
Monsters rules
As a avid fantasy reader it was refreshing to see the viewpoint from the "Monsters" perspective. I will definitely read the next book.
As a avid fantasy reader it was refreshing to see the viewpoint from the "Monsters" perspective. I will definitely read the next book.
February 6, 2022
A blast!
Really fun read! Starcraft inspired, but certainly doesn't stop there! Great backstory and ending to boot. Four more words done.
Really fun read! Starcraft inspired, but certainly doesn't stop there! Great backstory and ending to boot. Four more words done.
December 30, 2020
Different view
Good read like how it flipped the monsters, I am looking forward to the next book. It you want something different this is it.
Good read like how it flipped the monsters, I am looking forward to the next book. It you want something different this is it.
January 25, 2021
My god.
This... this is something, it is one of my new favorite books. We don’t get a lot of books like this. Where the bad guys might not actually be the bad guys. It’s a matter of perspective but this is a twist I enjoyed thoroughly. In this case. From any angle you look. We are the bad guys. I don’t think that the Monster Perspective is explored enough.
This... this is something, it is one of my new favorite books. We don’t get a lot of books like this. Where the bad guys might not actually be the bad guys. It’s a matter of perspective but this is a twist I enjoyed thoroughly. In this case. From any angle you look. We are the bad guys. I don’t think that the Monster Perspective is explored enough.
December 17, 2021
Amazing. Can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews