What do you think?
Rate this book
The Expendables #3
The War Games of Zelos
The probe reported no evidence of human life on Zelos. It should have been an easy mission. The planet was supposed to be remarkably like Earth.
The Expendables were trained to expect the unexpected, but even they were surprised to discover homo sapiens 24 light-years away from Terra. These people were Viking-like. Tall. Strong. Armed. And ready to fight with their uninvited guests.
Zelosian weaponry was primitive and no match for the Expendables' laser power. But the Expendables wanted to colonize Zelos, not wipe out the population. So when the crew of the Santa Maria was asked to join the War Games, they accepted. They would have to prove themselves-- or perish . . .
The Expendables were trained to expect the unexpected, but even they were surprised to discover homo sapiens 24 light-years away from Terra. These people were Viking-like. Tall. Strong. Armed. And ready to fight with their uninvited guests.
Zelosian weaponry was primitive and no match for the Expendables' laser power. But the Expendables wanted to colonize Zelos, not wipe out the population. So when the crew of the Santa Maria was asked to join the War Games, they accepted. They would have to prove themselves-- or perish . . .
- GenresScience FictionFiction
214 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Richard Avery
19 books8 followersPseudonym of Edmund Cooper.
Librarians Note: This author should not be merged with the profile for Edmund Cooper. Books are listed in the Goodreads database by the name under which they were published, even if later reprinted under the author's real name.
Librarians Note: This author should not be merged with the profile for Edmund Cooper. Books are listed in the Goodreads database by the name under which they were published, even if later reprinted under the author's real name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 29, 2020
Edmund Cooper wrote this four volume series under the pseudonym Richard Avery. The science fiction he was writing under his own name at the time was more cerebral and subtle, serious studies of character and society, and The Expendables was an action/adventure series of swashbuckling derring-do, an updating of the more juvenile-oriented space opera pulp stories of earlier decades. Led by the heroic James Conrad, the beautiful Indira Smith, the brilliant Kurt Kwango, and a team of similarly diverse people and intelligent robots, they were a team of explorers sent to prepare the most challenging new planets for human colonization. Similar to the concept of The Dirty Dozen or The Suicide Squad, they faced situations where the odds were always stacked against them, the going was always rough, and the chances of success were low. Cooper made a heartfelt attempt to present a very diverse group of characters, and to make thematic points against and statements opposing racism, sexism, or ethnic discrimination, and it's unfortunately ironic that some modern readers see signs of these policies in the stories in the light of current sensitivities. They're captivating adventures, full of humor and adventure, better written than most similar titles of their time. The original U.S. Fawcett editions have lovely Ken Kelly covers than capture the action very well.
April 7, 2018
The latest exploratory mission for James Conrad and his team of Expendables takes them to a world 24 light years from home. Designated as Zelos, the crew expect to find an uninhabited Earth-type planet, yet soon after their arrival they discover a previously-unidentified city on the main continent. Soon after their landfall, they discover something even more astonishing – a population of primitive warrior humans that soon challenges their presence. Now, in order to win the acceptance of the Zelosians, Conrad and his team must participate in the War Games, a set of physical and martial challenges in which failure could result in their deaths and a conflict Conrad hopes desperately to avoid.
Edmund Cooper’s third Expendable novel presents what is now a familiar pattern for readers of the series. Again we have the core team of Conrad, Indira Smith, and Kurt Kwango, along with four other new members who largely serve as secondary characters. The action does not really pick up until halfway through the novel, but once it does it provides an adventure every bit as entertaining as Cooper’s previous entries, The Deathworms of Kratos and, The Rings of Tantalus. The Zelosians themselves are fairly undeveloped as a set of characters, but they serve as effective enough plot devices to keep the action going. The undercurrent of misogyny that characterizes much of the series is present in this entry as well, but readers willing to accept this as a product of the times in which it was written will find this book an afternoon's worth of escapist reading.
Edmund Cooper’s third Expendable novel presents what is now a familiar pattern for readers of the series. Again we have the core team of Conrad, Indira Smith, and Kurt Kwango, along with four other new members who largely serve as secondary characters. The action does not really pick up until halfway through the novel, but once it does it provides an adventure every bit as entertaining as Cooper’s previous entries, The Deathworms of Kratos and, The Rings of Tantalus. The Zelosians themselves are fairly undeveloped as a set of characters, but they serve as effective enough plot devices to keep the action going. The undercurrent of misogyny that characterizes much of the series is present in this entry as well, but readers willing to accept this as a product of the times in which it was written will find this book an afternoon's worth of escapist reading.
January 6, 2013
the only reason i read this book was because i bought books 1,2 and 3 at a used book store for $1 each. I definitely got a bucks worth of entertainment out of these trashy pulp titles. I can't wait to return them to the book store and unleash the pulp on some other unsuspecting reader.
i guess there is a 4th in this series. It probably follows the exact same formula as the first 3. I hope I never find a copy of it at the used book store because I would probably have to buy and read that one too.
i guess there is a 4th in this series. It probably follows the exact same formula as the first 3. I hope I never find a copy of it at the used book store because I would probably have to buy and read that one too.
February 27, 2008
Science fiction for people who like fun, but don't like science that much.
March 2, 2021
“The War Games of Zelos” by Edmund Cooper (1975)
Overall Rating 8/10 – Zelosian Greatness!
Plot
Captain James Conrad and his crew of “expendables” (skilled misfits & criminals who are “expendable”) are sent once again across the galaxy, this time to the planet of Zelos, to determine if it is suitable for human colonisation. Here they meet an apparently human race if people who are warrior like and primitive. How did these people come to be here? More importantly, are James Conrad (Captain) and his team going to be able to “prove” the planet for Terran occupation?
Writing Style
Easy to read and flowing style that is somewhere between High school essay writer and accomplished fiction writer. Nothing complex (like Dickens) and no excess use of names or words that bend the brain unnecessarily (Marion Zimmer Bradley). Pretty much “Tea Time” reading with a strong flavour of the 1970’s.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
A very typical 1970’s science fiction adventure with a fanciful plot, lack of detail and cavalier storyline.
From the outset, I expected to meet human-type primitive warriors indigenous to the planet – because the front cover of the book illustrated exactly that. I nearly didn’t read the novel believing it would be “boring” and “crap”. However, my experience of the preceding two adventures pushed me across to the side of “yes, I will give it a go”.
… And I am very glad I did.
This was somewhat akin to an extended episode of “Star Trek” – The original series with Captain James T Kirk. In fact, the very same “givens” seem to exist (Earth-like planet, Earth-like Fauna, Earth-like Flora and, of course, Earth-like people). As much as the storyline was mostly predictable it had a very strong moral code running right through it (no, not the “prime directive, that was more in the pocket of Captain Jean-Luc Picard). In fact, the moral fibre of this story is what, in the end, made it so fabulous and so “stand outy” from the previous two. Towards the end, the quality racked up many notches and, at the very end, I felt gloriously warm and fuzzy.
As ridiculous as it is, it is also brilliant.
Overall Rating 8/10 – Zelosian Greatness!
Plot
Captain James Conrad and his crew of “expendables” (skilled misfits & criminals who are “expendable”) are sent once again across the galaxy, this time to the planet of Zelos, to determine if it is suitable for human colonisation. Here they meet an apparently human race if people who are warrior like and primitive. How did these people come to be here? More importantly, are James Conrad (Captain) and his team going to be able to “prove” the planet for Terran occupation?
Writing Style
Easy to read and flowing style that is somewhere between High school essay writer and accomplished fiction writer. Nothing complex (like Dickens) and no excess use of names or words that bend the brain unnecessarily (Marion Zimmer Bradley). Pretty much “Tea Time” reading with a strong flavour of the 1970’s.
Point of View
Written in the 3rd Person / Past Tense (standard convention)
Critique
A very typical 1970’s science fiction adventure with a fanciful plot, lack of detail and cavalier storyline.
From the outset, I expected to meet human-type primitive warriors indigenous to the planet – because the front cover of the book illustrated exactly that. I nearly didn’t read the novel believing it would be “boring” and “crap”. However, my experience of the preceding two adventures pushed me across to the side of “yes, I will give it a go”.
… And I am very glad I did.
This was somewhat akin to an extended episode of “Star Trek” – The original series with Captain James T Kirk. In fact, the very same “givens” seem to exist (Earth-like planet, Earth-like Fauna, Earth-like Flora and, of course, Earth-like people). As much as the storyline was mostly predictable it had a very strong moral code running right through it (no, not the “prime directive, that was more in the pocket of Captain Jean-Luc Picard). In fact, the moral fibre of this story is what, in the end, made it so fabulous and so “stand outy” from the previous two. Towards the end, the quality racked up many notches and, at the very end, I felt gloriously warm and fuzzy.
As ridiculous as it is, it is also brilliant.
October 17, 2024
This is the third in a four book series about a team of scientists & technicians whose job it is to investigate new planets to see if they can be colonized. They are called Expendables because they were chosen for the team as much for being social outcasts or criminals on Earth as for their job qualifications, so no one really cares if they get killed--as long as the job gets done.
This time, they land on the planet Zelos. To their surprise, they find a relatively primitive human civilization there. This opens an ethical can of worms--there are vast unpopulated sections of the planet, but any colony would inevitably clash with the Zelosians. But that's a decision to be made back on Earth--the Expendables still have a job to do. And the best way to do that job includes making friends with the Zelosians.
But this won't be easy. The natives are warlike and have a rigid code of combat-based honor--proving themselves as warriors in duels and in their very dangerous annual Games. Initial contact with the Zelosians doesn't go well--the Expendables are forced to kill some of them in self-defense.
When slightly-friendlier contact is made, the Expendables discover the only way to earn the respect of the Zelosians to to prove their physical courage. That inevitably means participation in duels and in the Games...
It's all great fun--pulpy SF at its best. The plot moves along quickly, the characterizations are strong and the action is exciting.
This time, they land on the planet Zelos. To their surprise, they find a relatively primitive human civilization there. This opens an ethical can of worms--there are vast unpopulated sections of the planet, but any colony would inevitably clash with the Zelosians. But that's a decision to be made back on Earth--the Expendables still have a job to do. And the best way to do that job includes making friends with the Zelosians.
But this won't be easy. The natives are warlike and have a rigid code of combat-based honor--proving themselves as warriors in duels and in their very dangerous annual Games. Initial contact with the Zelosians doesn't go well--the Expendables are forced to kill some of them in self-defense.
When slightly-friendlier contact is made, the Expendables discover the only way to earn the respect of the Zelosians to to prove their physical courage. That inevitably means participation in duels and in the Games...
It's all great fun--pulpy SF at its best. The plot moves along quickly, the characterizations are strong and the action is exciting.
November 16, 2021
Book three of four
I first enjoyed this novel as a young teen not long after it was published. Now almost exactly forty years later I discovered the entire four volume set available on Kindle and snapped them all up. The three core members of our team are sent out once again to prove humans can survive on a planet Earth wishes to colonise. Soon the Expendable make a shocking discovery, this world already has a human iron age culture thriving on the largest continent. It will be up to the government to decide how or when colonists shall be sent, but in the interim our crew must do a complete scientific work up of the ecosystem while also learning the native language and attempting to open peaceful negotiations.
I first enjoyed this novel as a young teen not long after it was published. Now almost exactly forty years later I discovered the entire four volume set available on Kindle and snapped them all up. The three core members of our team are sent out once again to prove humans can survive on a planet Earth wishes to colonise. Soon the Expendable make a shocking discovery, this world already has a human iron age culture thriving on the largest continent. It will be up to the government to decide how or when colonists shall be sent, but in the interim our crew must do a complete scientific work up of the ecosystem while also learning the native language and attempting to open peaceful negotiations.
March 11, 2026
Fun pulpy sci-fi! Funny read so close to Mother of Demons, which took its cultural/world building so seriously. This was a much more lax approach to the same subject but a good time nonetheless!
I admit I got shocked by the blatant sexism and the casual racism from the captain and his bud (GOAT Kwango!). Was it a shock factor meant to make the characters more hip and relatable (by 70's standards i guess)? I assume so, and frankly id say it mostly worked.
Didn't realize it was the third of the series, but that largely made no difference. I doubt I'll go back and read the first two, but there's a real possibility I'll seek out the fourth.
If they made a movie I'd cast the captain as Fassbender and Kwango as that dude who played Chidi from the good place.
I admit I got shocked by the blatant sexism and the casual racism from the captain and his bud (GOAT Kwango!). Was it a shock factor meant to make the characters more hip and relatable (by 70's standards i guess)? I assume so, and frankly id say it mostly worked.
Didn't realize it was the third of the series, but that largely made no difference. I doubt I'll go back and read the first two, but there's a real possibility I'll seek out the fourth.
If they made a movie I'd cast the captain as Fassbender and Kwango as that dude who played Chidi from the good place.
January 17, 2023
Mission 3 for the crew of the Santa Maria to prove a planets habitable for humanity to colonise brings the first encounter with sapient beings. Hello Clarke’s law. But in a departure from the usual form he’s gone with Vikings crossed with gladiators instead of the traditional knights in shining armour this trope normally follows. The cut an thrust of this book can be summed up with this quote:
“That’s it!,” snorted Kwango. “The reservation mentality. You draw a line anywhere at all on the map and say: right, you folks, just stay north of the border; and you’ve put them in a reservation. No matter how big it is. Boss, this is their world.’
“That’s it!,” snorted Kwango. “The reservation mentality. You draw a line anywhere at all on the map and say: right, you folks, just stay north of the border; and you’ve put them in a reservation. No matter how big it is. Boss, this is their world.’
April 5, 2023
was Edmund Cooper fixated with rape?
Just finished The Expendables 3 The War Games of Zelos by Edmund Cooper under the pen name Richard Avery.
Three books into this series and rape features prominently in everyone so far.
Really a shame, because other than that the books are well written and entertaining.
I guess he is a bit of a one note author incapable of showing the strength and resiliency of women except as survivors of rape.
Just finished The Expendables 3 The War Games of Zelos by Edmund Cooper under the pen name Richard Avery.
Three books into this series and rape features prominently in everyone so far.
Really a shame, because other than that the books are well written and entertaining.
I guess he is a bit of a one note author incapable of showing the strength and resiliency of women except as survivors of rape.
March 15, 2026
*Third book of a thus far
*Entertaining series.
*Though there
*Were a few more moments of humour & the ending was different, this wasn't as
*Good as the first two installments. Perhaps the excitement is wearing
*Off & it's becoming too samey-samey? In that case I'll have to postpone finishing the series for now. I'm sure I won't deprive myself too long of the banter,
*Zeal & gritty resolve of Commander James Conrad & his ragtag team of plucky & determined Expendables.
*Entertaining series.
*Though there
*Were a few more moments of humour & the ending was different, this wasn't as
*Good as the first two installments. Perhaps the excitement is wearing
*Off & it's becoming too samey-samey? In that case I'll have to postpone finishing the series for now. I'm sure I won't deprive myself too long of the banter,
*Zeal & gritty resolve of Commander James Conrad & his ragtag team of plucky & determined Expendables.
April 14, 2019
It’s a simple enough story but told well and with a fairly interesting attempt to form an image of a society that resembles Vikings just enough to be plausible ( in a Star Trek tos kind of way). Fun, breezy, action packed, formulaic, yet readable. A nice diversion and an improvement over book 2. It’s pulpy light reading.
October 16, 2022
A super easy read that hasn't aged well. I'm just glad the elephant in the room was finally addressed at the end of the book. In general, I thought the world-building was pretty poor, but it was a harmless book to read for a couple days.
March 2, 2025
Pulp SF from the 1970s. Treat it as such, you either like it or you don't. If you don't, simply stop reading and move on. Don't try to compare it with more current SF, you will miserably fail. As enjoyable as the first two!
June 30, 2014
Read this years ago. So glad to find it in digital format. This book continues the crew of the Santa Maria's mission to explore prove a planet for colonization. Survival of the human race hangs in the balance. Commander James Conrad has a crew of highly talented humans designated expendables and 4 self programming robots. They not only look for traps, they jump up and down on the springs. If enough expendables survive a local year the planet may be considered for colonists.
Each Expendable is a volunteer. Intelligent with useful skills like chemistry, botany or construction. Many are criminals and all have no one on earth who will miss them if they die.
This third book in the series give a new twist. An intelligent, primitive lifeforms already lives there.
Should we tell them we are from earth and want to help them. Or do we try telling the truth?
refound this favorite last fall.
Each Expendable is a volunteer. Intelligent with useful skills like chemistry, botany or construction. Many are criminals and all have no one on earth who will miss them if they die.
This third book in the series give a new twist. An intelligent, primitive lifeforms already lives there.
Should we tell them we are from earth and want to help them. Or do we try telling the truth?
refound this favorite last fall.
May 10, 2012
This is the third of the expendable series - and as you can well imagine the characters and plot are pretty much set - what makes it different each time is the planet the come across and the perils and challenges they are presented from it. This is where the story really takes on its pulp origins and excels. Again i will not give anything away but I will say that one of my favourite scenes is the "games" and how the crew take on the challenges and use their special skills to make their own special mark - the Morningstar in particular makes me smile.
August 5, 2016
The third book of the series and for me the less exciting yet. It follows pretty much the same characters (the three main and the archetypical side ones) into yet another planet, facing a new challenge. At first I was glad they finally encountered intelligent species. At second I did not like that these species were humans. It soon devolved from space sci fi to a kind of science fantasy that, while entertaining, was not the reason I liked the series. I hope the fourth and last one is better.
September 15, 2013
This is the first book in the series that I have read, and I don't see myself reading the other books. I am a fan of sci-fi and action. Reading the description, I expected a sort-of Hunger Games-for lack of better comparison-going on between the humans and the Zelosians to fight for Zelos. Unfortunately, I only got little action and a slow plot from this book.
August 8, 2009
I read this in the Fawcett edition, and as by Richard Avery. In fact, I didn't realize until today that Avery was actualy Edmund Cooper. I thought it was pretty good, perhaps a bit better than 3 stars.
October 29, 2014
1977 grade B-
1995 grade B-
1995 grade B-
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews