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Deadmen's War #1
Sentinel
From the ashes of the ancients, a cataclysmic new threat rises.
Born on a forsaken desert planet, Cole Shaw has two options - perish from starvation and disease, or enlist in the New World Republic’s armed forces. He chooses the military. For the first time, he thinks he has a shot at a better life. But survival is not guaranteed.
Leading an elite team of mech operators, he is deployed to a frozen planet called Ferrous where dangerous relics of a past war lurk beneath the ice and savage creatures prowl the barren wastelands. Scientists on Ferrous are chasing rumors of godlike technologies buried in the ruins of a long-extinct civilization. When Shaw and his team are assigned to protect the researchers, they face an unexpected, merciless new enemy desperate to stop them.
An ancient secret has been awakened on Ferrous. The deadly race to claim this terrifying power has only just begun.
Born on a forsaken desert planet, Cole Shaw has two options - perish from starvation and disease, or enlist in the New World Republic’s armed forces. He chooses the military. For the first time, he thinks he has a shot at a better life. But survival is not guaranteed.
Leading an elite team of mech operators, he is deployed to a frozen planet called Ferrous where dangerous relics of a past war lurk beneath the ice and savage creatures prowl the barren wastelands. Scientists on Ferrous are chasing rumors of godlike technologies buried in the ruins of a long-extinct civilization. When Shaw and his team are assigned to protect the researchers, they face an unexpected, merciless new enemy desperate to stop them.
An ancient secret has been awakened on Ferrous. The deadly race to claim this terrifying power has only just begun.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
586 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Anthony J. Melchiorri
107 books361 followersAnthony J Melchiorri is a scientist with a PhD in bioengineering. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives in Texas. By day, he develops cellular therapies and 3D-printable artificial organs. By night, he writes apocalyptic, medical, and science-fiction thrillers that blend real-world research with other-worldly possibility. When he isn't in the lab or at the keyboard, he spends his time running, reading, hiking, and traveling in search of new story ideas.
Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.
Read more at http://anthonyjmelchiorri.com and sign up for his mailing list at http://bit.ly/ajmlist to hear about his latest releases and news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 26, 2021
This story would have benefited greatly from some humor and a little less blood and gore. The suspension of belief required from all the energy, effort, exertion, and depletion of strength was a bit much.
I had hopes for this series, but it fell flat. It's not bad, it's just not amazing.
RC Bray did raise it a notch or two on audio, though.
I had hopes for this series, but it fell flat. It's not bad, it's just not amazing.
RC Bray did raise it a notch or two on audio, though.
December 19, 2024
4 stars
This was a solid read. It's a very fast paced story, starting out with action and only fizzling for a chapter or two, then right back into it. Always been a big Gundam fan so the mech genre of sci-fi gets bonus points and it's cool to read the authors thoughts on how that would work. This is an adult book, there is a lot of violence and a bit of gore but it never felt overdone or out of place. Very cool concepts in this story and the world Anthony built is very interesting. I will continue this series in the near future!
This was a solid read. It's a very fast paced story, starting out with action and only fizzling for a chapter or two, then right back into it. Always been a big Gundam fan so the mech genre of sci-fi gets bonus points and it's cool to read the authors thoughts on how that would work. This is an adult book, there is a lot of violence and a bit of gore but it never felt overdone or out of place. Very cool concepts in this story and the world Anthony built is very interesting. I will continue this series in the near future!
November 2, 2021
4+ stars full of action, more action and good golly don't forget the action! I'm seriously out of breath here folks!
Whew, Melchiorri's signature style of putting the pedal to the metal when it comes to pushing a story through to the last page is still VERY much apparent in this latest (or one of his latest I guess) books-slash-series! "Sentinel" starts off with a bang, follows up with a kaboom and just does not stop at all! The only chance we have throughout to catch our breath is when one of the characters invariably is knocked either unconscious or for all practical purposes dead and we can reflect along with them as their last functional neurons fire away.
Furthermore, if being on Earth fighting horrible monsters of all ilk didn't thrill you enough in Melchiorri's signature "Tide" series - which if you haven't read it yet, all I can stress is that you should! - then trust me when I say he's gone and added more to the cocktail! This time he frames a decidedly similar story - and yes, with similar characters - around a vast sci-fi background full of intergalactic war, ancient alien mysteries and a wild blend of mech/kaiju thrills that is sure to please fans of all these and more!
Looking back at my first few reviews from the aforementioned "Tide" books (when did I mention them? Afore!) I could probably almost copy my reactions and reviews from my almost month-long immersion! One thing is definitely the same: Melchiorri's book reads fast and I mean fast FAST! I did my best to finish in one "sitting" (read: day) but just couldn't make my old eyes work that long! But my having to finish first thing the next morning - and yes, I was rarin' to go! - was no fault of the author! AJM's style is fluid (almost to the point on occasion of being a tad choppy what with some 2 - 3 word "sentences" added in) and the editing remains top-notch so no worries there at all.
Unfortunately, he also doesn't spend a lot of time with some important background information which I think ultimately could be integrated without losing any pacing. For example, we scarcely get to know anyone in this story aside from the main protagonist and a few detes on his compadres - though I have to admit what we are provided with is pretty well-formulated, perhaps even better at this stage than the "Tide" cast. Still, in this story, the biggest concern for me is that I feel like I know more about the mysterious "Progs" than I do about either the NWR or the Alliance. Who they are, why they're fighting, is there really a good side in all this remain mysteries that we the readers either have to piece together to some level of satisfaction or continue to make assumptions as we move along...? All of that is very much open at this stage!
Still, I simply must go back and underline SEVERAL times how entertaining AJM's stories are, where he continues to provide thrills along with the bests in this area like Nicholas S. Smith and Adrian J. Smith (no relation... as far as I know!). If you're looking for a good modern take on "Starship Troopers" - and yeah, there's more than just a few similarities - without all the sanctimonious, borderline propaganda-ization poured into the movies (or was that the Heinlein version?), then you'll like this for sure! Now if you'll excuse me, I also have the second in the series uploaded so it's onward I go!
Whew, Melchiorri's signature style of putting the pedal to the metal when it comes to pushing a story through to the last page is still VERY much apparent in this latest (or one of his latest I guess) books-slash-series! "Sentinel" starts off with a bang, follows up with a kaboom and just does not stop at all! The only chance we have throughout to catch our breath is when one of the characters invariably is knocked either unconscious or for all practical purposes dead and we can reflect along with them as their last functional neurons fire away.
Furthermore, if being on Earth fighting horrible monsters of all ilk didn't thrill you enough in Melchiorri's signature "Tide" series - which if you haven't read it yet, all I can stress is that you should! - then trust me when I say he's gone and added more to the cocktail! This time he frames a decidedly similar story - and yes, with similar characters - around a vast sci-fi background full of intergalactic war, ancient alien mysteries and a wild blend of mech/kaiju thrills that is sure to please fans of all these and more!
Looking back at my first few reviews from the aforementioned "Tide" books (when did I mention them? Afore!) I could probably almost copy my reactions and reviews from my almost month-long immersion! One thing is definitely the same: Melchiorri's book reads fast and I mean fast FAST! I did my best to finish in one "sitting" (read: day) but just couldn't make my old eyes work that long! But my having to finish first thing the next morning - and yes, I was rarin' to go! - was no fault of the author! AJM's style is fluid (almost to the point on occasion of being a tad choppy what with some 2 - 3 word "sentences" added in) and the editing remains top-notch so no worries there at all.
Unfortunately, he also doesn't spend a lot of time with some important background information which I think ultimately could be integrated without losing any pacing. For example, we scarcely get to know anyone in this story aside from the main protagonist and a few detes on his compadres - though I have to admit what we are provided with is pretty well-formulated, perhaps even better at this stage than the "Tide" cast. Still, in this story, the biggest concern for me is that I feel like I know more about the mysterious "Progs" than I do about either the NWR or the Alliance. Who they are, why they're fighting, is there really a good side in all this remain mysteries that we the readers either have to piece together to some level of satisfaction or continue to make assumptions as we move along...? All of that is very much open at this stage!
Still, I simply must go back and underline SEVERAL times how entertaining AJM's stories are, where he continues to provide thrills along with the bests in this area like Nicholas S. Smith and Adrian J. Smith (no relation... as far as I know!). If you're looking for a good modern take on "Starship Troopers" - and yeah, there's more than just a few similarities - without all the sanctimonious, borderline propaganda-ization poured into the movies (or was that the Heinlein version?), then you'll like this for sure! Now if you'll excuse me, I also have the second in the series uploaded so it's onward I go!
September 26, 2021
First time I have read this author’s work and was happy I decided to give him a try. If you you like futuristic science fiction and amazing battle sequences then this is for you. Had trouble putting this book down. It was a fast read with a ton of action and just enough character back story so as to not slow it down. Will definitely try more of his work.
July 9, 2023
A good, well written military sci-fi
Honestly, I don't have a whole lot to say. I loved the book. The pacing felt right, no unessensary cliff hangers at the end of each chapter like the last series I read.
It's probably some of the best world building and storytelling I've seen in the last little while. The plot is also a new concept for me, finally something that isn't a cheap re-skin or something else.
It's definitely worth a read if you're into this genre.
Honestly, I don't have a whole lot to say. I loved the book. The pacing felt right, no unessensary cliff hangers at the end of each chapter like the last series I read.
It's probably some of the best world building and storytelling I've seen in the last little while. The plot is also a new concept for me, finally something that isn't a cheap re-skin or something else.
It's definitely worth a read if you're into this genre.
April 3, 2022
Listened to the Audible version. Gritted my teeth quite a lot and often left me exasperated and bored. The battle descriptions were vastly prolonged and tedious, chapter after chapter so that I eventually began to skip entire chapters, often several at a time. The machismo, violence, gore, and inevitable/predictable setbacks makes this story much more suitable as a video game for teenagers. Not really for adult, or serious sci-fi readers.
July 20, 2021
10 meters tall and weighing 11 tons, the Asher mech was a formidable fighting machine, turning one man into an army.
Master Sergeant Cole Shaw survived his youth on planet Xenia. His home planet offered death in many forms and he carried the scars of his youth with him to planet Ferrous. Ferrous was as cold as Xenia had been hot, but cradled by the warm gel in the pilot chamber, Cole could handle the cold. It was the Sentinels that gave him cold chills. The Sentinels were the guardians left behind by the Progenitors eons before the New World Republic landed on planet Ferrous. What kept them alive and functional for thousands of years, was a mystery, but the Progenitors left behind many mysteries. Small manufactured planets were the hubs of the faster than light travel across the vast reaches of the universe. How they worked was another mystery, but using them to travel light years in minutes didn't need understanding.
Cole's unit with the Armored Support and Heavy Weapons, ASH-W or Adhere, call sign Fireteam Banshee, was assigned guard duty of a team of scientists in a sector that Asher Team Anvil had mixed it up with 5 Hels and 2 Grendels. Helot class Sentinels were 5 meters tall with 8 legs and two rows of 4 eyes, like a huge spider except for the barbed tail. Individually, Hels weren't a major fight, but 2 or 3 could take an Asher down. Grendels were more of a problem, standing at 8 meters, they could give a good fight. Titans were another story. They could look an Asher in the eye and put up a hell of a fight. Fighting them all at once with no backup, just the 5 members of Fireteam Banshee, was suicide. Fireteams Anvil and Valkyrie were on the way for back-up, just ten minutes away, but 10 minutes may as well be forever with the fight they were in.
Cole and the rest of Banshee - Tanaka, Kross, Ricci, and Langer - form the base of the characters in the story. Their unit comradery is stronger in destruction, even in defeat. Broken, but not defeated, Banshee will fight on, in some form or other. The storyline and fight sequences are tight. This is a great read! Can't wait for book 2!
Master Sergeant Cole Shaw survived his youth on planet Xenia. His home planet offered death in many forms and he carried the scars of his youth with him to planet Ferrous. Ferrous was as cold as Xenia had been hot, but cradled by the warm gel in the pilot chamber, Cole could handle the cold. It was the Sentinels that gave him cold chills. The Sentinels were the guardians left behind by the Progenitors eons before the New World Republic landed on planet Ferrous. What kept them alive and functional for thousands of years, was a mystery, but the Progenitors left behind many mysteries. Small manufactured planets were the hubs of the faster than light travel across the vast reaches of the universe. How they worked was another mystery, but using them to travel light years in minutes didn't need understanding.
Cole's unit with the Armored Support and Heavy Weapons, ASH-W or Adhere, call sign Fireteam Banshee, was assigned guard duty of a team of scientists in a sector that Asher Team Anvil had mixed it up with 5 Hels and 2 Grendels. Helot class Sentinels were 5 meters tall with 8 legs and two rows of 4 eyes, like a huge spider except for the barbed tail. Individually, Hels weren't a major fight, but 2 or 3 could take an Asher down. Grendels were more of a problem, standing at 8 meters, they could give a good fight. Titans were another story. They could look an Asher in the eye and put up a hell of a fight. Fighting them all at once with no backup, just the 5 members of Fireteam Banshee, was suicide. Fireteams Anvil and Valkyrie were on the way for back-up, just ten minutes away, but 10 minutes may as well be forever with the fight they were in.
Cole and the rest of Banshee - Tanaka, Kross, Ricci, and Langer - form the base of the characters in the story. Their unit comradery is stronger in destruction, even in defeat. Broken, but not defeated, Banshee will fight on, in some form or other. The storyline and fight sequences are tight. This is a great read! Can't wait for book 2!
August 4, 2021
Fantastic battle - action scenes! Great story; excellent writing
Love this story! I read parts of it aloud to my hubby. The action scenes are exceptionally well plotted and described with conflict and tension building from one page to the next, one chapter to the next. While there are less-than-original elements to the entire set-up, the story is so well written that the reader can immerse him/herself in the imaginary world and feel as though he/she is part of the action. The imagery is powerful and the emotions are believable. The world-building is vivid.
The key soldier characters, while not overly expressive, are not entirely stereotypical. They have just enough background to have a bit of depth to their personalities so they are not just names. The protagonist is a basic good-guy survivor with intelligence to figure out things along the way. He’s loyal to his buddies and tries to do right.
However, one weakness of the book is that the descriptions of the appearance of characters and creatures are a fast pass. Sizes/builds are mentioned frequently, but facial appearances, hair color, eye color, etc., not so much. I’m not sure I could pick out main players from a line up. While the planets’ creatures are new chimeras in my imagination, the details concerning political factions, weapons, military tech, and space travel are based on previous sci-fi concepts and inventions, so readers won’t need to figure out how the systems, gizmos, and gadgets work. It’s all how the elements are woven together that make this book exciting to read.
The writing skill is fantastic and the book expertly edited.
There is a lot of violence involving sci-fi battles of man vs machine and alien creatures, profanity, alcohol consumption, and creature blood and guts/destruction of mechanical parts, but the scenes are not gratuitously graphic. I recommend this book to advanced middle school readers and anyone older who enjoys action adventure, military sci-fi tech, and life on other planets.
Love this story! I read parts of it aloud to my hubby. The action scenes are exceptionally well plotted and described with conflict and tension building from one page to the next, one chapter to the next. While there are less-than-original elements to the entire set-up, the story is so well written that the reader can immerse him/herself in the imaginary world and feel as though he/she is part of the action. The imagery is powerful and the emotions are believable. The world-building is vivid.
The key soldier characters, while not overly expressive, are not entirely stereotypical. They have just enough background to have a bit of depth to their personalities so they are not just names. The protagonist is a basic good-guy survivor with intelligence to figure out things along the way. He’s loyal to his buddies and tries to do right.
However, one weakness of the book is that the descriptions of the appearance of characters and creatures are a fast pass. Sizes/builds are mentioned frequently, but facial appearances, hair color, eye color, etc., not so much. I’m not sure I could pick out main players from a line up. While the planets’ creatures are new chimeras in my imagination, the details concerning political factions, weapons, military tech, and space travel are based on previous sci-fi concepts and inventions, so readers won’t need to figure out how the systems, gizmos, and gadgets work. It’s all how the elements are woven together that make this book exciting to read.
The writing skill is fantastic and the book expertly edited.
There is a lot of violence involving sci-fi battles of man vs machine and alien creatures, profanity, alcohol consumption, and creature blood and guts/destruction of mechanical parts, but the scenes are not gratuitously graphic. I recommend this book to advanced middle school readers and anyone older who enjoys action adventure, military sci-fi tech, and life on other planets.
June 6, 2022
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Cole Shaw grew up on a poor planet, his family scraping by at the best of times while they slowly died from disease. He got out when the NRW came by to recruit operators, and he took the chance and left.
Now he's on planet Ferrous, a frozen planet with nothing going for it. He operates sentinels, which require cords going from his body to the machine so he can operate it, just like Neo was like when he was stuck in the matrix.
There's talk of the progenitors, an ancient race that left ruins behind having been on the planet, and then there are the alien kaiju's that come in only two sizes. Big and bigger.
That's the setup. The story is well written and edited, and the action is tight and frequent. Cole and his team get into some scrapes I was sure he wouldn't get out of, only for him to make it beat up and bloody. Or maybe missing some body parts.
For a military sci-fi, this book is light on lingo (we don't have any Charlie Mike's or acronyms here) and heavy on characters and story. Cole is not a perfect man, but he knows what needs to be done and does it. He'll put himself through the gauntlet to save his team if need be.
I enjoyed it. 5/5*
Cole Shaw grew up on a poor planet, his family scraping by at the best of times while they slowly died from disease. He got out when the NRW came by to recruit operators, and he took the chance and left.
Now he's on planet Ferrous, a frozen planet with nothing going for it. He operates sentinels, which require cords going from his body to the machine so he can operate it, just like Neo was like when he was stuck in the matrix.
There's talk of the progenitors, an ancient race that left ruins behind having been on the planet, and then there are the alien kaiju's that come in only two sizes. Big and bigger.
That's the setup. The story is well written and edited, and the action is tight and frequent. Cole and his team get into some scrapes I was sure he wouldn't get out of, only for him to make it beat up and bloody. Or maybe missing some body parts.
For a military sci-fi, this book is light on lingo (we don't have any Charlie Mike's or acronyms here) and heavy on characters and story. Cole is not a perfect man, but he knows what needs to be done and does it. He'll put himself through the gauntlet to save his team if need be.
I enjoyed it. 5/5*
July 20, 2021
Ferrous is no place I'd want to visit.
This is the first book in an ongoing science fiction series. July 20, 2021 marks its introduction to the reading community. It contains violence and adult language.
An isolated frozen planet, Ferrous, is the current home to Master Sergeant Cole "Ace" Shaw. His job is to lead an elite team, Banshee. They're charged with protecting the military and civilian population of the planet from beings collectively known as Sentinels. That job gets tougher to do when unprecedented events begin to occur.
I think the author did a wonderful job of using the first-person point of view to capture the emotional as well as physical challenges of what Team Banshee encountered.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book which I voluntarily read. Above is my honest opinion. I enjoyed the book so much that I've added it to my science fiction collection.
This is the first book in an ongoing science fiction series. July 20, 2021 marks its introduction to the reading community. It contains violence and adult language.
An isolated frozen planet, Ferrous, is the current home to Master Sergeant Cole "Ace" Shaw. His job is to lead an elite team, Banshee. They're charged with protecting the military and civilian population of the planet from beings collectively known as Sentinels. That job gets tougher to do when unprecedented events begin to occur.
I think the author did a wonderful job of using the first-person point of view to capture the emotional as well as physical challenges of what Team Banshee encountered.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced reader's copy of this book which I voluntarily read. Above is my honest opinion. I enjoyed the book so much that I've added it to my science fiction collection.
March 17, 2025
I debated giving this book a 5 star rating, it certainly got my attention from page 1 and kept me wanting to dive back in and continue reading late into the night. However, it lost a star because it was a little predictable and there were possibly too many long battles for my taste with very little downtime in between. OK I know it's fiction and science-fiction at that, but I really struggled to accept how much damage each character could take and still keep fighting and running around.
As the title suggests this is book one of a series, will I continue reading the series - yes, probably I will, but I think I'll take a break and read something else first because assuming book 2 contains as many battles as this one, I will become bored and possibly annoyed at the infeasibility of things despite the page-turning writing abilities of the author and that would be a real shame.
As the title suggests this is book one of a series, will I continue reading the series - yes, probably I will, but I think I'll take a break and read something else first because assuming book 2 contains as many battles as this one, I will become bored and possibly annoyed at the infeasibility of things despite the page-turning writing abilities of the author and that would be a real shame.
August 29, 2021
Cole and his squad (Banshee) are to protect some scientists on a frozen planet, but when they are almost wiped out they are given a new role, to jack into to Sentinels that were being studied by the scientist, in hopes they might be able to more protect the scientists.
This is a awesome audio narrated by the award winning R.C. Bray. The book is full of action with a bit of suspense thrown in. As cool as Cole is, my favorite character has to be the kick butt female operator named Tanaka. She can do anything and do it well. This book is very engaging and will grab you and not let go until you are finished and even than you will be clamoring for more, at least that is what happened to me. This is my first book by Melchiorri but I will certainly be looking for more.
This is a awesome audio narrated by the award winning R.C. Bray. The book is full of action with a bit of suspense thrown in. As cool as Cole is, my favorite character has to be the kick butt female operator named Tanaka. She can do anything and do it well. This book is very engaging and will grab you and not let go until you are finished and even than you will be clamoring for more, at least that is what happened to me. This is my first book by Melchiorri but I will certainly be looking for more.
January 20, 2022
This was quite fascinating, as far as military sciFi goes. It was hard to believe our heroes did so well when so much happened to them during the battle with the Alliance; Shaw lost both legs and had prosthetics replace them, Tanaka had and eye and her arm replaced, Ricci had 50% of his skull replaced as well as both lungs and his ribs and half of his left arm, Kross's left leg was replaced, below the knee, and his lungs sustained damage. And so many were killed. And for all that they still remained heroes. Dr. Bussert did some amazing things with the mechanical monsters they fought.
I can't wait to move on to the next book.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 51 times.
As for the narration: R.C. Bray is fantastic, no matter what he narrates.
I can't wait to move on to the next book.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 51 times.
As for the narration: R.C. Bray is fantastic, no matter what he narrates.
July 27, 2021
WOW! This was AMAZING!
This story took me a little out of my normal comfort zone, but because it was written by Anthony, I figured I'd give it a spin. It was a little hard to get into with all the space tech jargon, but soon enough the story smoothed out and the characters came to life. Once I was in, could not put it down. I thought it couldn't be as good as the Tide Series but I was wrong. Not better, but just as captivating. Can't wait for the next book. Bravo! Hope it comes out in audio!
This story took me a little out of my normal comfort zone, but because it was written by Anthony, I figured I'd give it a spin. It was a little hard to get into with all the space tech jargon, but soon enough the story smoothed out and the characters came to life. Once I was in, could not put it down. I thought it couldn't be as good as the Tide Series but I was wrong. Not better, but just as captivating. Can't wait for the next book. Bravo! Hope it comes out in audio!
September 16, 2024
Really interesting new take on mech warfare
At first I thought I wouldn't be interested in biological mechs but it was pretty well written and interesting.
How depressing their lives were grew a bit old for me. I mean it's a pretty bleak universe this story is based in.
Could have done with more info on the old alien tech and people since by the time you expect to get answers there is a battle that destroys all the previous stuff. Just seems unfulfilling.
Overall I'll keep reading though.
At first I thought I wouldn't be interested in biological mechs but it was pretty well written and interesting.
How depressing their lives were grew a bit old for me. I mean it's a pretty bleak universe this story is based in.
Could have done with more info on the old alien tech and people since by the time you expect to get answers there is a battle that destroys all the previous stuff. Just seems unfulfilling.
Overall I'll keep reading though.
October 11, 2024
"Sentinel" by Anthony J Melchiorri is a riveting read that hooks you from the very first page. Melchiorri weaves an intricate plot filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-crafted, each with their own distinct personalities and backgrounds, which add depth to the narrative. The book's pacing is impeccable, balancing intense action scenes with quieter, character-driven moments. If you found it awesome, you're definitely not alone—it’s a gem in the sci-fi and thriller genres!
May 15, 2025
A total shoot'em up which is pretty much what I wanted and, being a regular scifi reader I'm willing to suspend disbelief. However not this much. I'm not really sure what kind of creatures they "net" into and I'm annoyed that there were no explanations or at least drawings of the various "things" they used to fight this war. It's also really nothing but shooting and hacking and slicing with a little plot thrown in. And rescues "in the nick of time". He might be a good writer but it's difficult to tell.
August 29, 2021
Outstandingnew
I've read almost all of Anthony Melchiorri's books. When I saw he had a new one out, and I was thrilled. While sci fi is not my usual genre I thought I'd give this one a try. I'm happy I did. There is lots of action with monsters/machines of all types, battle scenes throughout the entire book, but just enough personal interaction to keep the machines from dominating the storyline. I thoroughly recommend this book, and I'm anxiously awaiting book two!
I've read almost all of Anthony Melchiorri's books. When I saw he had a new one out, and I was thrilled. While sci fi is not my usual genre I thought I'd give this one a try. I'm happy I did. There is lots of action with monsters/machines of all types, battle scenes throughout the entire book, but just enough personal interaction to keep the machines from dominating the storyline. I thoroughly recommend this book, and I'm anxiously awaiting book two!
May 20, 2022
I liked this story. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I've always liked scifi stories with space travel, mechs (not to be confused with a lot of writers who mistakenly call them mechas), aliens, and the like. It still puzzles me why we don't have mechs IRL, but . Anyway, it's a good story, and although it's a story that's been done before, it's handled well, and I believe the next book will be interesting as well.
I've always liked scifi stories with space travel, mechs (not to be confused with a lot of writers who mistakenly call them mechas), aliens, and the like. It still puzzles me why we don't have mechs IRL, but . Anyway, it's a good story, and although it's a story that's been done before, it's handled well, and I believe the next book will be interesting as well.
September 17, 2024
interesting plot, with good characters
The hero’s of the book ride bio-metallic armored creations that greatly multiply the power and fighting ability of their operators. This makes for the basis of the story as they try to defend a planet that is being attacked The Alliance their enemies. As the fighting gets tougher they learn more about what is happening, and the danger to the galaxy. Well worth reading
The hero’s of the book ride bio-metallic armored creations that greatly multiply the power and fighting ability of their operators. This makes for the basis of the story as they try to defend a planet that is being attacked The Alliance their enemies. As the fighting gets tougher they learn more about what is happening, and the danger to the galaxy. Well worth reading
July 20, 2021
I'm a big fan of the Tide series so I was looking forward to this & I read it straight through. I'm looking forward to the next installment & seeing where it goes. Think Kaiju vs Mechs on alien world, sort of a mash-up of Pacific Rim & Starship Troopers but with better characters and more of a plot! A fun, escapist Sci-Fi ride.
November 4, 2021
Like the concept, not the main protagonist.
I enjoyed the concept of the book very much. Mechanized Alien bionic type creatures, plenty of action, fast paced, good character development all-around well done. Not too sure about the main protagonist will go on to read the next book.
I enjoyed the concept of the book very much. Mechanized Alien bionic type creatures, plenty of action, fast paced, good character development all-around well done. Not too sure about the main protagonist will go on to read the next book.
December 15, 2021
I very unique space adventure
I really enjoy military science fiction. This is a smart story that makes you think about all the things we don’t know. You are immediately drawn into the action and the esprit de corps do team Banshee. The idea of the military unit as a family is very appealing. It is like you can feel the icy winds.
I really enjoy military science fiction. This is a smart story that makes you think about all the things we don’t know. You are immediately drawn into the action and the esprit de corps do team Banshee. The idea of the military unit as a family is very appealing. It is like you can feel the icy winds.
April 6, 2023
potential for a great series
I found it a tiny bit slow to get into but that well good have been the mood I was in. There is lots of action and fighting scenes. The story line is unique and interesting. I would like a little more character development but I reckon that will improve as we go along. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I found it a tiny bit slow to get into but that well good have been the mood I was in. There is lots of action and fighting scenes. The story line is unique and interesting. I would like a little more character development but I reckon that will improve as we go along. I’m looking forward to the next book.
May 27, 2023
Cole Shaw a member of Fireteam Banshee armored pilot is our main character but its the pacing of the book that is the most important part of the story. Melchiorri puts on a hectic pace that is awesome to read through. Fast action and non-stop.
The Sentinels are awesome enemies and that is just skimming the top of it. Loved it can't wait to read the next one on the series.
The Sentinels are awesome enemies and that is just skimming the top of it. Loved it can't wait to read the next one on the series.
September 7, 2024
Wow I was not expecting that
Top of the line SF Opera. this is the way story's should be written. Its good to be entertained and be surprised at a intermediate ending so pleasant to be able to honestly hope and somewhat expect more of the same but different in the rest of the series that comes later. Thank you.
Top of the line SF Opera. this is the way story's should be written. Its good to be entertained and be surprised at a intermediate ending so pleasant to be able to honestly hope and somewhat expect more of the same but different in the rest of the series that comes later. Thank you.
September 9, 2024
A fun alien landscape wartime story
This can be a standalone story, but I'm looking forward to reading more! As an origin of the series, the author did a great job introducing characters, planets, and concerts. Several plot points are introduced and followed through. The story is thrilling and I recommend it!
This can be a standalone story, but I'm looking forward to reading more! As an origin of the series, the author did a great job introducing characters, planets, and concerts. Several plot points are introduced and followed through. The story is thrilling and I recommend it!
October 2, 2024
Wow ok so this book is crazy good. The pace with which everything happens in the book is simply mind boggling. I could visualize all the action sequences in my mind whilst reading the book. This is my 4th-5th book in Mecha Scifi Futuristic backdrop and by far my favorite. Got to read the whole series now and there are 6 of them so pretty excited.
October 9, 2024
Makes Hoth look like Bermuda
Good action filled hard sci-fi based on one character's POV. Your imagination will get a workout. Would give it a 4.5 *
A different editing would have allowed it to stand alone. I rather miss that in today's world of endless sequels. On the other hand, I am glad there are more books from this author.
Good action filled hard sci-fi based on one character's POV. Your imagination will get a workout. Would give it a 4.5 *
A different editing would have allowed it to stand alone. I rather miss that in today's world of endless sequels. On the other hand, I am glad there are more books from this author.
July 22, 2021
What a fantastic story. Your imagination is sent into overdrive as you follow Team Banshee and their missions to save the planet Ferrous. Very descriptive and plenty of action to keep you riveted. Shaw and his team are great characters in a very strong storyline and I can't wait for the next book.
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