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BattleTech Universe
BattleTech: Elements of Treason: Duty
ABANDONED BY THE ARCHON…
Once the founding capital and a vital planet in the Lyran Commonwealth, Arcturus has been held by the Clans for more than two decades, most recently by the Jade Falcons. But when the Falcons suddenly abandon the planet in early 3151, Arcturus is left to fend for itself, with no support from Archon Trillian Steiner or former-Commonwealth worlds.
For Hauptmann-General Sarah Regis, commander of the Twenty-Sixth Arcturan Guards, returning home means a chance to free Arcturus from Clan control. However, the planet is not the same one she remembers. Instead, she finds a weary population fractured by internal strife, starvation, and the remnants of Jade Falcon cruelty.
To save Arcturus from itself, Sarah must forge a new path forward, one that offers her people something they haven't known in many hope. But many wish to see her fail, and the space around Arcturus teems with predators seeking to destroy everything she has fought for. Sarah’s last hope to move Arcturus into a brighter future may actually lie in its past…if she can stay alive long enough to make it happen…
Once the founding capital and a vital planet in the Lyran Commonwealth, Arcturus has been held by the Clans for more than two decades, most recently by the Jade Falcons. But when the Falcons suddenly abandon the planet in early 3151, Arcturus is left to fend for itself, with no support from Archon Trillian Steiner or former-Commonwealth worlds.
For Hauptmann-General Sarah Regis, commander of the Twenty-Sixth Arcturan Guards, returning home means a chance to free Arcturus from Clan control. However, the planet is not the same one she remembers. Instead, she finds a weary population fractured by internal strife, starvation, and the remnants of Jade Falcon cruelty.
To save Arcturus from itself, Sarah must forge a new path forward, one that offers her people something they haven't known in many hope. But many wish to see her fail, and the space around Arcturus teems with predators seeking to destroy everything she has fought for. Sarah’s last hope to move Arcturus into a brighter future may actually lie in its past…if she can stay alive long enough to make it happen…
- GenresScience Fiction
196 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 15, 2026
Short and decently entertaining political intrigue.
My second BattleTech book and first decently-sized one. Short, very fast-paced and with a lot of dense material to get into, this one is definitely a bit complicated to get into due to the various concepts and ideas that require some previous knowledge to understand. While it wasn't superbly difficult, it did have me visiting the Sarna wiki a few times to get a better understanding of what I was reading.
Other than that, the prose is workable, serviceable with just some minor issues (dialogue mostly) that didn't bother me that much. Perhaps my biggest pet peeve is the attempts at humor thrown around that feel a little immature, and some of the villains acting all mustache-twirling.
Still, I enjoyed that it focused more on several threads of plotting as different characters and factions tried to take control of the planet of Arcturus, keeping a laser-focused story told through several characters that each one has their own motives to enact on their actions. I liked that there's no clear good guys, even though, of course, some are shittier than others, it gives the setting a more grounded foundation that feels human. The action itself was intense and heavy, with some good moments of "gotcha" that help spice up things a bit.
Overall, I liked this one. Very pulpy, but the good kind of pulpy this time. I'll keep reading.
My second BattleTech book and first decently-sized one. Short, very fast-paced and with a lot of dense material to get into, this one is definitely a bit complicated to get into due to the various concepts and ideas that require some previous knowledge to understand. While it wasn't superbly difficult, it did have me visiting the Sarna wiki a few times to get a better understanding of what I was reading.
Other than that, the prose is workable, serviceable with just some minor issues (dialogue mostly) that didn't bother me that much. Perhaps my biggest pet peeve is the attempts at humor thrown around that feel a little immature, and some of the villains acting all mustache-twirling.
Still, I enjoyed that it focused more on several threads of plotting as different characters and factions tried to take control of the planet of Arcturus, keeping a laser-focused story told through several characters that each one has their own motives to enact on their actions. I liked that there's no clear good guys, even though, of course, some are shittier than others, it gives the setting a more grounded foundation that feels human. The action itself was intense and heavy, with some good moments of "gotcha" that help spice up things a bit.
Overall, I liked this one. Very pulpy, but the good kind of pulpy this time. I'll keep reading.
May 18, 2022
So, here we are with another novel of the ilClan era, set in the Hinterlands, this time focusing on the creation of the new Tamar Pact. It moves between a large enough cast, a mix of soon-to-be former LCAF soldiers and nobles and politicians on Arcturus as Sarah Regis takes her RCT rogue and realises that the best way to protect Arcturus is to form a new nation rather than try and re-integrate into the Lyran Commonwealth.
Like many BattleTech novels, the book revolves around the axes of soldiers doing their jobs and political machinations that serve to support or hinder them. In this case the primary antagonists are a pair of nobles who plot against the government and a bloodthirsty Jade Falcon they've allied with, and their plans work away behind the scenes as the new Tamar Jaegers are securing nearby worlds and such. It's a very straightforward plot, more interested in setting up complications for the sequel novels than being complex in and of itself.
Which isn't to say the book is bad, of course. It's enjoyable and has some great moments in there, the relationship between Krit Siripsota and Rebecca is probably my highlight, there's some decent action sequences and it adds more depth to the events of the Tamar Rising sourcebook. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories in this corner of the Inner Sphere
Like many BattleTech novels, the book revolves around the axes of soldiers doing their jobs and political machinations that serve to support or hinder them. In this case the primary antagonists are a pair of nobles who plot against the government and a bloodthirsty Jade Falcon they've allied with, and their plans work away behind the scenes as the new Tamar Jaegers are securing nearby worlds and such. It's a very straightforward plot, more interested in setting up complications for the sequel novels than being complex in and of itself.
Which isn't to say the book is bad, of course. It's enjoyable and has some great moments in there, the relationship between Krit Siripsota and Rebecca is probably my highlight, there's some decent action sequences and it adds more depth to the events of the Tamar Rising sourcebook. I'm definitely looking forward to more stories in this corner of the Inner Sphere
May 4, 2022
For those that like Battletech - a good opener to what will hopefully be a trilogy or more?
May 1, 2022
Not bad at all
Lots of nation building not enough battle. Other than that if they can stay in track with classic Battletech traditions it will be a continuing story.
Lots of nation building not enough battle. Other than that if they can stay in track with classic Battletech traditions it will be a continuing story.
June 9, 2022
The Tamar Pact is easily shaping up to be one of the most interesting parts of the now-ilClan era Battletech universe. A contested borderland with intermixed cultures, nefarious political players, and plenty of battles to be had. This novel is a perfect companion piece to the Tamar Rising sourcebook and essential reading to know how the lore is shaping up. Reed ain't Stackpole (yet), nor is he Thurston or Charnette. However, he is a solid BT author and definitely works through some great characters. (Shoutout to Kris Sirisposa and former CJF Cadet Rebecca). I hope we get more to advance the plot in this corner of the Inner Sphere!
July 22, 2023
The title is spot on for the themes of Treason to the state that has given you everything but duty to your home.
The story does glamorize a military coup, but I think difficult situations do come up in Battletech fiction often and get passed over. I also realize I didn’t enjoy another story when started to sink into self realization on a related unsavory topic.
The action was great. It included multi world campaigns and progression of developments in the universe.
This really seems like more of a return to classic Battletech fiction.
The story does glamorize a military coup, but I think difficult situations do come up in Battletech fiction often and get passed over. I also realize I didn’t enjoy another story when started to sink into self realization on a related unsavory topic.
The action was great. It included multi world campaigns and progression of developments in the universe.
This really seems like more of a return to classic Battletech fiction.
September 6, 2026
I enjoyed this one. I confess that I find the mech fights to be a bit boring to read, but I did like the political components and the drama between characters. There is a decently sized cast, so I sometimes forgot who was who, especially (this is a particular problem I have with military novels) since they are sometimes referred to by first name and sometimes by last. Those struggles aside, I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next two in the series.
November 6, 2022
Great read
This is another great story about the re- founding of the Tamar Pact with some very interesting characters in the mix and you will be wondering where this will lead into the new ilclan era.
This is another great story about the re- founding of the Tamar Pact with some very interesting characters in the mix and you will be wondering where this will lead into the new ilclan era.
April 3, 2022
A Must Read
Great novel that tells the origin story of the Tamar Pact. Fast paced and fun. A must read for the IlClan era.
Great novel that tells the origin story of the Tamar Pact. Fast paced and fun. A must read for the IlClan era.
October 6, 2024
Surprisingly good story. fairly short but broad in scope, personal and yet about nation building.
May 18, 2022
A good book. Really enjoying the IlClan era so far.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews