What do you think?
Rate this book
Deadmen's War #3
Scourge
The key to saving humanity—or dooming it—is in the hands of the enemy.
Veteran mech operator Sergeant Major Shaw spent his career fighting huge monsters known as Sentinels. He never expected that he would be piloting them.
But as a new war unfolds, Shaw finds himself and his team using this unorthodox technology in a desperate attempt to save the New World Republic from destruction. The Principality of the Seven Sons has control of an ancient Progenitor dreadnaught rumored to have the power to enslave and destroy empires. No one is safe.
Not even Shaw and his Deadmen.
The Principality has resurrected the worst of the Progenitor weapons, infecting entire planets with a bioengineered disease called the Scourge. With the Scourge and the dreadnaught poised to destroy the NWR, the fate of mankind is dark.
There is only one hope for survival. One mission so dangerous, so impossible that only a single team is suited for it. The Deadmen.
Veteran mech operator Sergeant Major Shaw spent his career fighting huge monsters known as Sentinels. He never expected that he would be piloting them.
But as a new war unfolds, Shaw finds himself and his team using this unorthodox technology in a desperate attempt to save the New World Republic from destruction. The Principality of the Seven Sons has control of an ancient Progenitor dreadnaught rumored to have the power to enslave and destroy empires. No one is safe.
Not even Shaw and his Deadmen.
The Principality has resurrected the worst of the Progenitor weapons, infecting entire planets with a bioengineered disease called the Scourge. With the Scourge and the dreadnaught poised to destroy the NWR, the fate of mankind is dark.
There is only one hope for survival. One mission so dangerous, so impossible that only a single team is suited for it. The Deadmen.
- GenresScience FictionAudiobook
493 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
About the author
Anthony J. Melchiorri
98 books382 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 10, 2026
I’m really glad I started this series, which is proving to be very promising.
The book picks up exactly where the previous one left off, placing the recovery of the Progenitors’ battleship—already central to the last adventure—at the heart of the plot. The Principality now has control of the vessel and, as if that weren’t enough, it is spreading the Scourge throughout NWR space, putting even more pressure on the Republic.
Once again, the action shifts to a different planet, this time marked by even harsher environmental conditions and by new types of Sentinels ready to stand in the Deadmen’s way. At the same time, Melchiorri introduces readers to the political intrigues and internal factions within the NWR, adding a new layer of complexity and confronting the protagonists with threats entirely different from those they’re used to. The arrival of the Directorate’s members and the political maneuvering—largely absent until now—further enrich the narrative.
The plot moves quickly, just like in the first two volumes, and the combination of intrigue, fast pacing, and space opera atmosphere makes the story increasingly engaging. Anthony Melchiorri once again shows remarkable skill in crafting detailed and fascinating alien worlds—rich enough to spark the imagination yet scientifically intriguing, prompting readers to wonder how many of the most plausible concepts are being explored today in cutting edge laboratories.
I began this series drawn by its original and intriguing premise, but now it has completely hooked me. I’m halfway through, and I imagine the twists are far from over. I can’t wait to see how the fourth book carries the story forward.
The book picks up exactly where the previous one left off, placing the recovery of the Progenitors’ battleship—already central to the last adventure—at the heart of the plot. The Principality now has control of the vessel and, as if that weren’t enough, it is spreading the Scourge throughout NWR space, putting even more pressure on the Republic.
Once again, the action shifts to a different planet, this time marked by even harsher environmental conditions and by new types of Sentinels ready to stand in the Deadmen’s way. At the same time, Melchiorri introduces readers to the political intrigues and internal factions within the NWR, adding a new layer of complexity and confronting the protagonists with threats entirely different from those they’re used to. The arrival of the Directorate’s members and the political maneuvering—largely absent until now—further enrich the narrative.
The plot moves quickly, just like in the first two volumes, and the combination of intrigue, fast pacing, and space opera atmosphere makes the story increasingly engaging. Anthony Melchiorri once again shows remarkable skill in crafting detailed and fascinating alien worlds—rich enough to spark the imagination yet scientifically intriguing, prompting readers to wonder how many of the most plausible concepts are being explored today in cutting edge laboratories.
I began this series drawn by its original and intriguing premise, but now it has completely hooked me. I’m halfway through, and I imagine the twists are far from over. I can’t wait to see how the fourth book carries the story forward.
February 17, 2025
4.5
What do we say... These books just keep getting better!
I have always liked the plot to this series and the characters continue to feel like people I can relate to and would hang out with in real life. So I was pleased when in this third book I was able to be made emotional even slightly for the characters, which has yet to happen in this series (and for characters I didn't expect or always care for).
The plot is fast just like the first two and the political intrigue and space opera vibe are becoming more and more enthralling. Anthony does an incredible job at creating worlds that feel very alien but also so descriptive that you can easily put yourself on the planet surface right alongside the Deadmen.
I started this series because "it sounded cool!" and I have to say that it has been a great decision, perfect books to read between other series for me! Can't wait to see how book 4 continues the story.
What do we say... These books just keep getting better!
I have always liked the plot to this series and the characters continue to feel like people I can relate to and would hang out with in real life. So I was pleased when in this third book I was able to be made emotional even slightly for the characters, which has yet to happen in this series (and for characters I didn't expect or always care for).
The plot is fast just like the first two and the political intrigue and space opera vibe are becoming more and more enthralling. Anthony does an incredible job at creating worlds that feel very alien but also so descriptive that you can easily put yourself on the planet surface right alongside the Deadmen.
I started this series because "it sounded cool!" and I have to say that it has been a great decision, perfect books to read between other series for me! Can't wait to see how book 4 continues the story.
July 19, 2023
A great read
Honestly, I was a little hesitant at first. The first few parts of the story, while well written, we're heading in a direction I personally didn't like. However, those parts were just springboards to used to propel the story forward.
This is a great series and is worth a read to any sci-fi enjoyer. AJM gave us another fantastic installment.
Unfortunately, I'm much worse at writing positive reviews than negative ones, so read the book to find out why it's awesome, lol
Honestly, I was a little hesitant at first. The first few parts of the story, while well written, we're heading in a direction I personally didn't like. However, those parts were just springboards to used to propel the story forward.
This is a great series and is worth a read to any sci-fi enjoyer. AJM gave us another fantastic installment.
Unfortunately, I'm much worse at writing positive reviews than negative ones, so read the book to find out why it's awesome, lol
April 9, 2022
Another great book in the series. Cannot wait for number four.
June 21, 2022
Another sleeper hit!
I've become more of a Melchiorri fan every time I read a new story. Sometimes it takes me a few times pages before I catch up with what's going on and where it is heading but I'm ALWAYS intrigued by the science and semi ambiguous nature of the protagonists at first glance. Then they do something that grabs my attention and I'm hooked and ready to see where this behavior will lead. Write on good sir, write on!
I've become more of a Melchiorri fan every time I read a new story. Sometimes it takes me a few times pages before I catch up with what's going on and where it is heading but I'm ALWAYS intrigued by the science and semi ambiguous nature of the protagonists at first glance. Then they do something that grabs my attention and I'm hooked and ready to see where this behavior will lead. Write on good sir, write on!
March 1, 2022
Wowzers! Talk about a far-reaching adventure chock full of pure action and adrenaline! If the idea of an on-going space opera that mixes political and military intrique with a combination of mech- and kaiju-awesomeness sounds like fun, well, this is the series for you!
I'm glad that Melchiorri seems to have righted the ship in the ON-GOING "Deadmen's War" series, particularly as I felt Book 2 hadn't lived up to the potential we saw in Book 1. However, this one was just plain fun and didn't waste ANY time at any point pushing the pedal to the metal. Yes, our crew continues to get the ever-lovin' shinola kicked out of them again and again and again, but dang, it feels good to read a book just for the sake of some all-out non-stop mayhem! IMPORTANT NOTE HOWEVER: if you are getting into these books, realize that we're STILL a long way away from a conclusion. Somehow I had started reading this book thinking it was going to be the conclusion to a trilogy (oh ha ha, from Melchiorri you say? Yeah, I should have known better). However, in the epilogue we learn that there are AT LEAST 3 more books to go. But what a great way to just occasionally clear out the brain of any lingering heavy duty "literature" and just let it all hang out!
I will say that despite the book following a pretty steady "formulaic tempo" - find new Sentinels, fight with new Sentinels, almost get killed in new Sentinels, repeat - I do want to give the author a nod for including a noticeably higher level of character development in this book that what's come before. Yes, a lot of that takes the form of some rather severe bouts of PTSD for our crew but still. And no, even so we don't learn a LOT of deep things about these folks and extended players... YET. But we are starting to make some headway into who they are as people and perhaps even more importantly why they are the way the are. Sure, we know Shaw up, down and side-to-side, but the additional inputs to especially someone like Garcia in this book were very welcome indeed.
And getting a bit more into the politics of the AT LEAST 3 different warring factions in this expansive tale just gets more and more intriquing for sure! Finding out who the Progenitors were (though I suspect it will wind up being more of a question who they ARE) is going to be fun! Goodness knows we've probably got a few more mutant Pokemon to deal with as well!
Look kids, I'm not going to dilly-dally here. If you're looking for a Shakespearian evening out with a bountiful amount of foreshadowing, romance and well-timed soliloquys, well, you've come to the wrong bar. These books aint' that at all! If you're looking for the kind of testosterone-laden action-adventure that you found in AJM's signature 'Tide' series or that we regularly see from his compatriots like Nicholas Sansbury Smith and even some of Rhett C. Bruno's work, then hey, enjoy the hell of it! Heck, if you just dig reading about all these nasty Prog critters, go for it! Trust me, you won't find yourself "broke dick" or any other kind of, um, you know, dick for that matter! But good golly, how do these people have any blood left in them at all? Sheesh, this guy just beats the hell out of them!
I'm glad that Melchiorri seems to have righted the ship in the ON-GOING "Deadmen's War" series, particularly as I felt Book 2 hadn't lived up to the potential we saw in Book 1. However, this one was just plain fun and didn't waste ANY time at any point pushing the pedal to the metal. Yes, our crew continues to get the ever-lovin' shinola kicked out of them again and again and again, but dang, it feels good to read a book just for the sake of some all-out non-stop mayhem! IMPORTANT NOTE HOWEVER: if you are getting into these books, realize that we're STILL a long way away from a conclusion. Somehow I had started reading this book thinking it was going to be the conclusion to a trilogy (oh ha ha, from Melchiorri you say? Yeah, I should have known better). However, in the epilogue we learn that there are AT LEAST 3 more books to go. But what a great way to just occasionally clear out the brain of any lingering heavy duty "literature" and just let it all hang out!
I will say that despite the book following a pretty steady "formulaic tempo" - find new Sentinels, fight with new Sentinels, almost get killed in new Sentinels, repeat - I do want to give the author a nod for including a noticeably higher level of character development in this book that what's come before. Yes, a lot of that takes the form of some rather severe bouts of PTSD for our crew but still. And no, even so we don't learn a LOT of deep things about these folks and extended players... YET. But we are starting to make some headway into who they are as people and perhaps even more importantly why they are the way the are. Sure, we know Shaw up, down and side-to-side, but the additional inputs to especially someone like Garcia in this book were very welcome indeed.
And getting a bit more into the politics of the AT LEAST 3 different warring factions in this expansive tale just gets more and more intriquing for sure! Finding out who the Progenitors were (though I suspect it will wind up being more of a question who they ARE) is going to be fun! Goodness knows we've probably got a few more mutant Pokemon to deal with as well!
Look kids, I'm not going to dilly-dally here. If you're looking for a Shakespearian evening out with a bountiful amount of foreshadowing, romance and well-timed soliloquys, well, you've come to the wrong bar. These books aint' that at all! If you're looking for the kind of testosterone-laden action-adventure that you found in AJM's signature 'Tide' series or that we regularly see from his compatriots like Nicholas Sansbury Smith and even some of Rhett C. Bruno's work, then hey, enjoy the hell of it! Heck, if you just dig reading about all these nasty Prog critters, go for it! Trust me, you won't find yourself "broke dick" or any other kind of, um, you know, dick for that matter! But good golly, how do these people have any blood left in them at all? Sheesh, this guy just beats the hell out of them!
February 23, 2022
Team Banshee of the New World Republic's Farspace Legion is now officially "The Deadmen"!
The Progenitors, an ancient civilization with godlike technology, had guarded their bases and planets with giant beasts called Sentinels: autonomous, bioengineered, monstrous defensive systems controlled by nanites and thousands of years old. The same nanites when infecting humans cause a debilitating, deadly, incurable condition known as The Scourge. A secret program in the New World Republic trained mech operators to control modified Sentinels from a cockpit inside the huge beasts. The operators had surgically installed plugs connected to nerves up and down their bodies, in addition to the nerve port in the back of their necks that every mech operator had to 'plug in' to their mechs. The Scourge nanites particularly affected the plugs on the Sentinel operators. Inside their cockpit, the operators had another port on their neck to connect their bloodstream to the Sents' bloodtream, supplying oxygen without the need to breath. The plugs allow the operators to completely control the giant beasts, see through their eyes, smell with whatever the creatures use to smell. Plugged in is the only time The Scourge releases its hold on their nerves. A shock absorbing gel fills the cockpit, protecting the operators.
Team Banshee died when the Principality of the Seven Sons sent Master Sergeant Dagva and his Aku-Mat trimmed he to steal the Progenitor dreadnaught that the NWR had just uncovered. Now the reorganized team was the Deadmen, lead by Sergeant Major Cole Shaw. Staff Sergeant Luca Ricci, Staff Sergeant Roman Kross, Master Sergeant Rachel Garcia and Gunnery Sergeant Aya Panama filled out the rest of the Deadmen. Together with their science team, they're going to get the dreadnaught back.
Amazing characters form an ensemble cast. From the beat up, sleepless, confused and suspicious Deadmen to the arrogant, ruthless and committed Aku-Mat Grimmech elite operator Master Sergeant Dagva, the characters create the perfect mix of dedication and determination and the action is out of this world! Mech on monster! Man versus nature! Claws against swords! The best of science fiction to crazy flights of fantasy, this is a great read!
The Progenitors, an ancient civilization with godlike technology, had guarded their bases and planets with giant beasts called Sentinels: autonomous, bioengineered, monstrous defensive systems controlled by nanites and thousands of years old. The same nanites when infecting humans cause a debilitating, deadly, incurable condition known as The Scourge. A secret program in the New World Republic trained mech operators to control modified Sentinels from a cockpit inside the huge beasts. The operators had surgically installed plugs connected to nerves up and down their bodies, in addition to the nerve port in the back of their necks that every mech operator had to 'plug in' to their mechs. The Scourge nanites particularly affected the plugs on the Sentinel operators. Inside their cockpit, the operators had another port on their neck to connect their bloodstream to the Sents' bloodtream, supplying oxygen without the need to breath. The plugs allow the operators to completely control the giant beasts, see through their eyes, smell with whatever the creatures use to smell. Plugged in is the only time The Scourge releases its hold on their nerves. A shock absorbing gel fills the cockpit, protecting the operators.
Team Banshee died when the Principality of the Seven Sons sent Master Sergeant Dagva and his Aku-Mat trimmed he to steal the Progenitor dreadnaught that the NWR had just uncovered. Now the reorganized team was the Deadmen, lead by Sergeant Major Cole Shaw. Staff Sergeant Luca Ricci, Staff Sergeant Roman Kross, Master Sergeant Rachel Garcia and Gunnery Sergeant Aya Panama filled out the rest of the Deadmen. Together with their science team, they're going to get the dreadnaught back.
Amazing characters form an ensemble cast. From the beat up, sleepless, confused and suspicious Deadmen to the arrogant, ruthless and committed Aku-Mat Grimmech elite operator Master Sergeant Dagva, the characters create the perfect mix of dedication and determination and the action is out of this world! Mech on monster! Man versus nature! Claws against swords! The best of science fiction to crazy flights of fantasy, this is a great read!
July 11, 2024
At first it was just Sentinels of a planet, whether the Helot Class, Agis or if they were lucky the Titan class, now it was Sentinels from another planet, to be used for other planets.
This time it was Agis class Sentinels from five planets to be used for an operation, that would have otherwise been impossible for any ordinary Sentinels, even if the story is just Sentinels, the author keep on evolving the creatures used.......the latest storyline even if we already knew what was going to happen, the author was still able to keep it exciting, all those twists, and still they end up in the same predicament, dying, no known cure and now towing around an alien battle cruiser......
Thinking of the three volumes I have read, I still have no idea what this nanobacteria they call Scourge is, it's purpose, and the Prog artifacts.....so many ideas and the author keeps doling out info in miniscule amount..........does it make the series interesting.....well yes, for another 2 volumes maybe.........but from the look of things, there is something coming that will whet your appetite from all this.
This time it was Agis class Sentinels from five planets to be used for an operation, that would have otherwise been impossible for any ordinary Sentinels, even if the story is just Sentinels, the author keep on evolving the creatures used.......the latest storyline even if we already knew what was going to happen, the author was still able to keep it exciting, all those twists, and still they end up in the same predicament, dying, no known cure and now towing around an alien battle cruiser......
Thinking of the three volumes I have read, I still have no idea what this nanobacteria they call Scourge is, it's purpose, and the Prog artifacts.....so many ideas and the author keeps doling out info in miniscule amount..........does it make the series interesting.....well yes, for another 2 volumes maybe.........but from the look of things, there is something coming that will whet your appetite from all this.
March 10, 2022
Excellent battle scenes and tense climax!
While the collection of deadly beasts during the first half of the book has some exciting moments, the drawn-out fight (to recapture the alien tech that shifts the balance of power) is really intense. Readers may need to take a break to regulate their heart rates. The battle is one to savor as the heroes are pitted against terrible foes who can destroy them and the universe as they know it.
In addition to the fantastic extended fight scene, the author indulges readers by reminding them of past highlights, situations, and key issues in the previous books so the emotional layers are more powerful and the characters have more humanity (and are less like video game constructs).
This book balances the deadly action scenes with insightful character interactions, so it is more compelling and engaging than the second book. The best thing is that, while this book ends at a good spot, there’s more to come!
This is a book I’ve told my hubby about and described the awesome battles to him. So good!
While the collection of deadly beasts during the first half of the book has some exciting moments, the drawn-out fight (to recapture the alien tech that shifts the balance of power) is really intense. Readers may need to take a break to regulate their heart rates. The battle is one to savor as the heroes are pitted against terrible foes who can destroy them and the universe as they know it.
In addition to the fantastic extended fight scene, the author indulges readers by reminding them of past highlights, situations, and key issues in the previous books so the emotional layers are more powerful and the characters have more humanity (and are less like video game constructs).
This book balances the deadly action scenes with insightful character interactions, so it is more compelling and engaging than the second book. The best thing is that, while this book ends at a good spot, there’s more to come!
This is a book I’ve told my hubby about and described the awesome battles to him. So good!
February 26, 2022
Wow ! Wow! Wow ! I can tell you, the adrenalin rush in this book is non stop from the start to the end. I love Mr Melchiorri's imagination, it enables me to be right there fighting along side Shaw's team of Deadmen, willing them to succeed in their quest. To The End. Scourge, another great book in the series. Bring on the next !
April 27, 2022
Hang on for a fast ride
I made the mistake of getting close to the end of the book reading late one night. The ending was so good I lost hours of sleep that night trying to finish it. Be sure to start with the first book of the series to get the characters and plot fixed in your mind.
I made the mistake of getting close to the end of the book reading late one night. The ending was so good I lost hours of sleep that night trying to finish it. Be sure to start with the first book of the series to get the characters and plot fixed in your mind.
September 19, 2024
Kudos
This episode blends the biophysics of sentinels with considerable knowledge of robotics. I'm waiting for episode 4 to see who does what to who.
Lots of options with 3 empires and who knows what increases in technology inspired by the giant spaceship.
Ps. I'm commenting under my wife's name. I am Jim nall.
This episode blends the biophysics of sentinels with considerable knowledge of robotics. I'm waiting for episode 4 to see who does what to who.
Lots of options with 3 empires and who knows what increases in technology inspired by the giant spaceship.
Ps. I'm commenting under my wife's name. I am Jim nall.
October 9, 2024
A Great Ride
The Deadmen's War series is a great read for the scifi reader that loves distant world and ancient tech with a set of characters you can't help but cheer for and maybe want to smack at the same time (on occasion). Its a Beast of a ride from the first page to the last!
The Deadmen's War series is a great read for the scifi reader that loves distant world and ancient tech with a set of characters you can't help but cheer for and maybe want to smack at the same time (on occasion). Its a Beast of a ride from the first page to the last!
December 10, 2024
Awesome third book!
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series as I can buy them. It is a very fun, exciting ride following the deadmen. I would encourage anyone to start with book one and strap in for a wild ride. I want to rave about the book and the series but it's difficult to do without giving spoilers.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series as I can buy them. It is a very fun, exciting ride following the deadmen. I would encourage anyone to start with book one and strap in for a wild ride. I want to rave about the book and the series but it's difficult to do without giving spoilers.
March 1, 2022
An all out action extravaganza
Intergalactic warfare and giant monster.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of heart pounding action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
Intergalactic warfare and giant monster.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of heart pounding action.
I look forward to the next one 😀
March 5, 2022
Excellent
The whole book is unusually charming with likable characters and a lot of action. Obviously as with all books of this genre you have to suspend disbelief to a large degree, but it is impossible not to like the book. Recommended.
The whole book is unusually charming with likable characters and a lot of action. Obviously as with all books of this genre you have to suspend disbelief to a large degree, but it is impossible not to like the book. Recommended.
March 13, 2022
a wild ride
If you liked the first two books, you will love this one.
The tone is somewhat darker here and there's more focus on introspection and character development than on combat (of which there is still plenty).
Highly recommended!
If you liked the first two books, you will love this one.
The tone is somewhat darker here and there's more focus on introspection and character development than on combat (of which there is still plenty).
Highly recommended!
April 10, 2025
Action packed.
So far, this series isbfull of action and interesting characters. The authors' descriptions of the events are engaging and really draw the reader in. If you are a sci-fi fan, pick up this series.
So far, this series isbfull of action and interesting characters. The authors' descriptions of the events are engaging and really draw the reader in. If you are a sci-fi fan, pick up this series.
March 31, 2022
recommended
This was a really good book! Does a good job of tying up plot threads while leaving room for future books. I look forward to the next one in the series!
This was a really good book! Does a good job of tying up plot threads while leaving room for future books. I look forward to the next one in the series!
June 2, 2022
Plenty of Action!!
Great story, hard to put down and just all in all great characters. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Great story, hard to put down and just all in all great characters. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
December 25, 2023
Edge of your seat reading
I feel like I am right there with the characters feeling scared as hell someone is going to die. I am so invested in this series.
I feel like I am right there with the characters feeling scared as hell someone is going to die. I am so invested in this series.
December 17, 2024
Civilization is at Risk
This sci-fi looks at the use of viruses to kill off opponents and trying to take advantage of futuristic machines left to them by prior civilizations.
This sci-fi looks at the use of viruses to kill off opponents and trying to take advantage of futuristic machines left to them by prior civilizations.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews