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One U.G.L.Y. Marine #1
Wake Him Up
Could the first Vale settlers have predicted anything but the perfect civilization they were determined to create?
How was it possible that their advanced culture and knowledge could one day prove to be their greatest disadvantage?
Had they not learned the bitter lessons of man’s weaknesses and overcome them?
Centuries after being driven from Earth as part of a massive diaspora triggered by an alien invasion, can the Valers face their worst—and unimaginable—nightmare?
Can they withstand the might of the Komran Empire as it sweeps across the galaxy in a campaign to conquer all in its path?
When the conflict reaches a crisis point, will they recognize that what they see as their greatest strength is their greatest weakness before it’s too late?
Sometimes, situations are so ugly that only an ugly solution will suffice.
Will they have the courage to unleash the secret weapon they have in their cryo hold?
Are they desperate enough to resort to the kind of tough and strong that is bold, bad, and brazen enough to turn their society and the enemy on their heads?
Joe Ugly is undoubtedly the Marine for the job. But is the galaxy ready for One Ugly Marine?
How was it possible that their advanced culture and knowledge could one day prove to be their greatest disadvantage?
Had they not learned the bitter lessons of man’s weaknesses and overcome them?
Centuries after being driven from Earth as part of a massive diaspora triggered by an alien invasion, can the Valers face their worst—and unimaginable—nightmare?
Can they withstand the might of the Komran Empire as it sweeps across the galaxy in a campaign to conquer all in its path?
When the conflict reaches a crisis point, will they recognize that what they see as their greatest strength is their greatest weakness before it’s too late?
Sometimes, situations are so ugly that only an ugly solution will suffice.
Will they have the courage to unleash the secret weapon they have in their cryo hold?
Are they desperate enough to resort to the kind of tough and strong that is bold, bad, and brazen enough to turn their society and the enemy on their heads?
Joe Ugly is undoubtedly the Marine for the job. But is the galaxy ready for One Ugly Marine?
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2022
428 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 26, 2023
I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this, when I first started reading it but, after the first few pages, I was slowly sucked into this future world.
I liked Sergeant Major Johnson straight away, though I wasn't so sure of his fellow military companions - although the General, despite being a Political post, seemed to have more about her than the rest of her fellow Vale dwellers.
Their society felt drab to me, and when I realised that this was something they'd aimed for over the centuries, I couldn't believe that they'd be that crazy to do this so deliberately.
It was then, that I realised that I was a bit of a barbarian, too - just like Joe Ugly! 🤣
I like a bit of peace and quiet, just like the next person - but how would you know you were truly alive, without a bit of anger, or passion, or all the other emotions that have driven humanity into the stars, and beyond, in this story?
It's that urge, that brought us to question, investigate, and push our species beyond the original hunter-gatherers - and I've a feeling that Joe, and the Komran, are going to either create such havoc that the modern Valers will implode with shock - or they'll make them realise that life really should be lived to the full! Lol
Funnily enough, I don't smoke any more, and neither can I drink, due to the strong meds I'm on - but I hate to think of a future where there's not even any kind of alcoholic beverage going!
I imagine that, once humanity really does get out there in the stars, the first experiments that the scientists will do, after finding something edible, will be finding something to put in a still! Lol
I ended this book wanting to know more about what was going to happen next, and that's a good enough sign for me, that I'm enjoying this new series so, without ado, I'm going to finish this review, then start on Book Two: 'Non-peaceful Negotiations'.
So, I'll catch you on the flip side, once I've finished reading the second book, and I'll let you know what I think about it, too!
I liked Sergeant Major Johnson straight away, though I wasn't so sure of his fellow military companions - although the General, despite being a Political post, seemed to have more about her than the rest of her fellow Vale dwellers.
Their society felt drab to me, and when I realised that this was something they'd aimed for over the centuries, I couldn't believe that they'd be that crazy to do this so deliberately.
It was then, that I realised that I was a bit of a barbarian, too - just like Joe Ugly! 🤣
I like a bit of peace and quiet, just like the next person - but how would you know you were truly alive, without a bit of anger, or passion, or all the other emotions that have driven humanity into the stars, and beyond, in this story?
It's that urge, that brought us to question, investigate, and push our species beyond the original hunter-gatherers - and I've a feeling that Joe, and the Komran, are going to either create such havoc that the modern Valers will implode with shock - or they'll make them realise that life really should be lived to the full! Lol
Funnily enough, I don't smoke any more, and neither can I drink, due to the strong meds I'm on - but I hate to think of a future where there's not even any kind of alcoholic beverage going!
I imagine that, once humanity really does get out there in the stars, the first experiments that the scientists will do, after finding something edible, will be finding something to put in a still! Lol
I ended this book wanting to know more about what was going to happen next, and that's a good enough sign for me, that I'm enjoying this new series so, without ado, I'm going to finish this review, then start on Book Two: 'Non-peaceful Negotiations'.
So, I'll catch you on the flip side, once I've finished reading the second book, and I'll let you know what I think about it, too!
April 23, 2022
almost 5 stars.
Good book, fast paste, interesting character. I am going to give this book 4 stars because of the male misogyny. All marines don’t act like this one did. He’s a great main character except for his approach to women. There is something called the military code of conduct, be a marine act professional like a marine. Besides that issue the book was good characters will probably be flushed out a bit more good world building going to read the next book when it arrives
Good book, fast paste, interesting character. I am going to give this book 4 stars because of the male misogyny. All marines don’t act like this one did. He’s a great main character except for his approach to women. There is something called the military code of conduct, be a marine act professional like a marine. Besides that issue the book was good characters will probably be flushed out a bit more good world building going to read the next book when it arrives
August 23, 2022
Did Not Finish, 40%
Well what can I say?
Pros : Shows clearly how a society run strictly by liberal goodie-two-shoes folks who restrict the pleasures of life, swearing, alcohol and control then condition everyone by AI, becomes a weak society ripe for the taking.
Cons : This is an extremely slow cooking story, far far too much detail about nothing. 40% and nothing at all happens. It's still in level 1 tutorial mode. Ponderous being a good word. Not to my taste at all. May never come around to finishing this, I already have a terrible taste.
Well what can I say?
Pros : Shows clearly how a society run strictly by liberal goodie-two-shoes folks who restrict the pleasures of life, swearing, alcohol and control then condition everyone by AI, becomes a weak society ripe for the taking.
Cons : This is an extremely slow cooking story, far far too much detail about nothing. 40% and nothing at all happens. It's still in level 1 tutorial mode. Ponderous being a good word. Not to my taste at all. May never come around to finishing this, I already have a terrible taste.
May 16, 2022
Michael Anderle Struck Gold Again
This is a great beginning to a new series. A "fish out of water" tale is always intriguing to me. It's just how the story plays out that makes or breaks it. This one was wonderful. I really like Joe and how he is integrating into this new (to him) society. Of course everything is not going his way and I am looking forward to his adjustments to life.
This is a great beginning to a new series. A "fish out of water" tale is always intriguing to me. It's just how the story plays out that makes or breaks it. This one was wonderful. I really like Joe and how he is integrating into this new (to him) society. Of course everything is not going his way and I am looking forward to his adjustments to life.
November 24, 2022
A very K.A. Marine
Wasn't sure about this one when I started....there is a lot of lead in and some frustrating non-swearing ;-)!! But once this marine gets going...think juggernaut! Lots of action, aliens, New friends and some frustrations of waking into a new society. MA has delivered yet again....the ultimate hard core adventure with lots of attitude....and some TIC humour!! More, more, more!!!!
Wasn't sure about this one when I started....there is a lot of lead in and some frustrating non-swearing ;-)!! But once this marine gets going...think juggernaut! Lots of action, aliens, New friends and some frustrations of waking into a new society. MA has delivered yet again....the ultimate hard core adventure with lots of attitude....and some TIC humour!! More, more, more!!!!
February 9, 2024
ok....... So this book reminds me so much of what Demolition Man and Old mans war had a baby. When I cracked it open I fell in love with this book. THinks to keep in mind:
1. THe world is peaceful, people have been "bred" to be peace-loving.
2. Big baddies are around now and they need "help" so they have defrosted a few people to help them
3. Non-stop laughing and action.
you will love this book from start to finish. I'm starting the next book shortly, I hope :)
1. THe world is peaceful, people have been "bred" to be peace-loving.
2. Big baddies are around now and they need "help" so they have defrosted a few people to help them
3. Non-stop laughing and action.
you will love this book from start to finish. I'm starting the next book shortly, I hope :)
April 23, 2022
Not quite the zoo but good fun
Anything from Mr Anderle, I get excited by. This is very good, not quite up to Savage qulaity or the 1st of the 1st, BA. But still very good fun reading, already pre-ordered #2.
Michael, keep up the good work. I'm still feeling my way around east TX, need lots of great reading material to fill voids.
Anything from Mr Anderle, I get excited by. This is very good, not quite up to Savage qulaity or the 1st of the 1st, BA. But still very good fun reading, already pre-ordered #2.
Michael, keep up the good work. I'm still feeling my way around east TX, need lots of great reading material to fill voids.
October 7, 2022
Good read
This was a pretty good story, I enjoyed it. Had seen it in my feed for awhile and decided to give it a chance. No regrets , will continue the saga of Joe Ugly. Fairly well written and edited. Only a few military faux pas, this is usually a pet peeve. But the story ended me enough to ignore them. I definitely recommend the book. I will advise on the other installments.
This was a pretty good story, I enjoyed it. Had seen it in my feed for awhile and decided to give it a chance. No regrets , will continue the saga of Joe Ugly. Fairly well written and edited. Only a few military faux pas, this is usually a pet peeve. But the story ended me enough to ignore them. I definitely recommend the book. I will advise on the other installments.
December 12, 2023
Get the next one for me please!
I usually read crime and post-apocalyptic fiction, but this book looked interesting. It was a fast-paced page turner. The characters are very interesting, and the storyline is good. I liked the concept of bringing someone out of cryo from centuries before, into such a polite society. This author writes very well, and I'm ready for Book 2!
I usually read crime and post-apocalyptic fiction, but this book looked interesting. It was a fast-paced page turner. The characters are very interesting, and the storyline is good. I liked the concept of bringing someone out of cryo from centuries before, into such a polite society. This author writes very well, and I'm ready for Book 2!
April 19, 2022
A Frozen Treat from the Zoo!!
I love this new series with a thread going back to the Zoo series. Michael thinks up the most bizzar creatures to include in his books. Anyway, you will love this series. Joe Ugly kind of reminds the big red headed guy in another series.
I love this new series with a thread going back to the Zoo series. Michael thinks up the most bizzar creatures to include in his books. Anyway, you will love this series. Joe Ugly kind of reminds the big red headed guy in another series.
October 1, 2022
Love the ugly
Glad I didn't serve with him, but he is a very useful character. Thank all that he is more than a cardboard, mech-man who drinks, smokes, swives, and bullies his way to victory; ah maybe he is one of more of them.
Glad I didn't serve with him, but he is a very useful character. Thank all that he is more than a cardboard, mech-man who drinks, smokes, swives, and bullies his way to victory; ah maybe he is one of more of them.
December 16, 2022
,wow!!!!
Michael Anderle has created some great characters, villiians, hero's and a wonderful plot!!! This book is a great read. and leads you on a wonderful Journey. Read it!
A Good Read.
Santa Mike
Michael Anderle has created some great characters, villiians, hero's and a wonderful plot!!! This book is a great read. and leads you on a wonderful Journey. Read it!
A Good Read.
Santa Mike
April 26, 2023
Great story
Well that was a great storyline with plenty of blood and guts just the way I like my stories lol. What a way to wake up after 5 centuries being frozen and thrown into the crapper lol
Well that was a great storyline with plenty of blood and guts just the way I like my stories lol. What a way to wake up after 5 centuries being frozen and thrown into the crapper lol
May 13, 2023
An interesting easy read
What happens when a cryogenically preserved Marine is thawed out to fight a telepathic race that is at odds with Homo Sapiens over mysterious artefacts left behind by an unknown third race?
Read this book to find out
What happens when a cryogenically preserved Marine is thawed out to fight a telepathic race that is at odds with Homo Sapiens over mysterious artefacts left behind by an unknown third race?
Read this book to find out
September 21, 2023
It was ok but nothing too special
Retro marine has to teach pacifist humans how to throw down in order to save scientists from aliens. It was really a pretty average story. Sadly the characters were all forgettable. I dont have enough interest to read any more or this.
Retro marine has to teach pacifist humans how to throw down in order to save scientists from aliens. It was really a pretty average story. Sadly the characters were all forgettable. I dont have enough interest to read any more or this.
November 1, 2023
Easy reading. If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, immerse you in a vivid and realistic world, and make you feel like you are playing a video game this is the one. For people who liked Ready Player One and Enders Game.
April 22, 2024
Wake Him Up (One U.G.L.Y. Marine #1)
By Michael Anderle
This is a fun military, futuristic book that includes another world to protect, hostile creatures and enemies, great characters, and fun plot.
Can't wait to read more of this series.
By Michael Anderle
This is a fun military, futuristic book that includes another world to protect, hostile creatures and enemies, great characters, and fun plot.
Can't wait to read more of this series.
May 12, 2022
An outstanding intergalactic adventure
A thrilling start to a new series. Great characters with realistic situation and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
A thrilling start to a new series. Great characters with realistic situation and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
May 26, 2022
New and a different flavor
Finished it and will read at least two more to see where it is going.
Similar to Brownstone in temperament but whole other universe.
Finished it and will read at least two more to see where it is going.
Similar to Brownstone in temperament but whole other universe.
July 11, 2022
Omg
Omg these books are so great.I can't wait to read more from this series.I really love this author.This book was so good.
Omg these books are so great.I can't wait to read more from this series.I really love this author.This book was so good.
June 8, 2023
The normal Anderle feel and a great ride in a new universe. On to book 2👍👍
May 18, 2024
It was a good read; I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It had the feel of an '80s action movie, which really worked in its favour.
November 21, 2025
Better than I was expecting
August 5, 2022
Not good 2.5* at best
First off, I'm a big fan of Anderle having read numerous books of his previously and rated them highly
I had high hopes for this series, unfortunately the first in the series fails to deliver. It's ponderous, lethargic even, far too much detail, not enough progression. Appreciate this is the first in the series and the scene needs to be set, but this was just too much, with little actual story being told
The last third did pick up a bit, but even that was not to the authors usual standards
Given previous series by this author, I'll give book two a shot, but it needs to be significantly better than this one
First off, I'm a big fan of Anderle having read numerous books of his previously and rated them highly
I had high hopes for this series, unfortunately the first in the series fails to deliver. It's ponderous, lethargic even, far too much detail, not enough progression. Appreciate this is the first in the series and the scene needs to be set, but this was just too much, with little actual story being told
The last third did pick up a bit, but even that was not to the authors usual standards
Given previous series by this author, I'll give book two a shot, but it needs to be significantly better than this one
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews