Overthrowing Heaven

Jon & Lobo #3

by Mark L. Van Name

1. Rave reviews for Mark L. Van

· “Van Name has created a hero worth at least a dozen more novels . . . I want this to be a series. I want to read a new one every year.” — Orson Scott Card

· “ One Jump Ahead is like well-aged white it goes down smooth then delivers a kick that knocks you on the floor.” — John Ringo

· “Hard real science smoothly blended into action that blazes like a pinball from one exotic setting to another. This one is very, very good.” — David Drake

· “Mark Van Name’s headlong pace of story-telling reminds me a lot of Keith Laumer. . . . He’s one of the very few modern authors I've seen who can manage that.” — Eric Flint

2. Van Name is rapidly establishing himself as the next big name in science fiction adventure, and will attract still more enthusiastic reader attention with this novel that will appeal to readers of other Baen superstars, such as David Drake, John Ringo, and David Weber.

3. Trade advertising.

4. Consumer advertising in Locus , more.

5. Distribution of ARCs to top stores and sales reps.

6. Teaser chapter in Slanted Jack mass market.

7. BookSense mailing.

8. Co-op available.

It began as a favor to a woman trying to get away from abusive husband.

Jon Moore grew up in a prison laboratory. When he escaped with nothing but his body's nanotech enhancements and more anger than even a long lifetime could wash away, an entire planet died behind him. Memories of the things he'd done still haunted him; because of them, he often ended up helping those in need.



His kindnesses frequently didn't work out well. This one really didn't work out well. It hurled Jon and Lobo, the intelligent assault vehicle and Jon's only friend, down an accelerating, ever more dangerous spiral



· Private armies and government covert ops teams

· A courtesan who always seems a step ahead of him

· Rival superpowers that define Good in terms of their own advantage and Ethics as whatever doesn't get in the way of their Good

· And a brilliant, amoral scientist to whom human beings are just more experimental animals--and who might be Lobo’s creator.

Jon and Lobo take the reader on a headlong rush through armed enemies and untrustworthy allies and encounter what just might be the worst danger their partnership will the truth.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Genetics, Military Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kelly]

This is a solid book, if not a little staid. The plot and action are fairly linear and told only from one point of view, that of Jon Moore. However, he and his companion Lobo are intriguing characters and I felt I got to know them pretty well by the end of the book. I have since discovered that this is the third in a series of books about Jon and Lobo and I'm quite interested in going back to read from the beginning.

I am hoping that prior exposure to the characters and series may raise my rating of this book. However, I did not feel the lack of background material going into this story, it works very well as a stand alone novel, which is an important point in its favor.

8/7/09 - I've just read the first book in this series and indeed it has prompted me to award Overthrowing Heaven with another star. It's a fine addition to the series and a rewarding expansion of the relationship between Jon and Lobo.

[frumpburger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has such a cliched, horrible sci-fi cover that I am actually embarrassed to be seen in public with it. Yeah, that's right: EMBARRASSED to be seen with the book. Which, by the way, I'm only reading because I have to review it. Thus far, while not great by a long shot, it's much better written than I'd expected based on...well...just look at the cover for yourself!!!

The story isn't half bad, though. Not for what it is. Kinda surprising, actually. It sometimes reads like the fantasy of a weakling who couldn't get laid in high school, and the dialogue can be tedious and somewhat redundant, but it's actually not all that bad at all. It actually has kept me mostly entertained while reading, which is more than I can say for some of the other books I've had to read...

2.5 stars, I think that would be fair.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not entirely a light heist tale like the previous books in the series, this one has more heft to it. Literally and figuratively! It's longer than it needs to be, with more set up in the first two-thirds of the book than feels necessary to me. Then the last section moves more quickly and gets more serious in theme as well. I like the shift in tone, as long as the humor and buddy bonding doesn't get lost. I am worried that Lobo has shared his deepest secrets with Jon, but Jon is holding out on Lobo for some dumb guy reason, this does not bode well for their friendship.

I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Children No More. The author is donating all of the proceeds from the book, including his advance, to a charity that helps child soldiers reintegrate into society. If you'd like to learn more, check out http://childrennomore.com/ .

[Nathan Balyeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like John Moore, the main character in this series. I like the snarky, hyper-intelligent battle tank that is his best friend.

The plot is cool, the universe is awesome, and you get to the point where you can't put the book down because things are developing so well.

Mark L. Van Name does a great job with his characters and universe. The only down side to this book is that it wasn't quite as good as the first two.

I will be reading more in this series.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/12/17 reread.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something very satisfying about Mark L. Van Name’s series of adventure novels featuring mercenary/courier Jon Moore and his “sentient”/AI combat vehicle, Lobo. Overthrowing Heaven is the latest one I’ve read, a gift from my younger brother who knew that I used to work with Mark. But don’t let that fool you. I’m legitimately impressed by this series of novels. The character interaction between Jon and Lobo is fascinating, but so is the speculative technology from the nanomachine enhanced physique/brain of the protagonist and the evolved AI of Lobo to the science-fiction level “imagineering” that created an amusement park among amusement parks (called Wonder Island) on a once-frontier planet. Camouflage covers and cloaks that are environmentally sensitive and adaptive are used sparingly but effectively in this book.

Jon Moore is a loner, as human companionship goes, with Lobo as an unusual sidekick and companion. In Overthrowing Heaven, he demonstrates his usual paranoia regarding the motivations of others—even those who hire him—and we get to see plenty of his famous planning and problem-solving for situations where he is going in “blind” compared to his usual preferences. At one point, Jon becomes so fed up with his client(s) that he is about to quit and give up a prodigious fee when he gets the surprise of his life, a plea from Lobo to stick with the job. How that works out is fascinating and should take the series to a new level in their interaction.

In addition, the series to this point has demonstrated that Jon has trust issues because everyone he has ever trusted (excepting Lobo) has betrayed him. Does this suggest that Lobo might now betray him? At the very least, it means that he and Lobo must recalibrate their friendship to another level. But, this is made trickier by Jon having to learn to treat women as complex human beings rather than potential obstacles or threats. Indeed, Jon must not simply navigate his evolving relationship with Lobo, but with two different women, as well. Yet, in the middle of all this fascinating interpersonal drama, Jon has to keep up his defenses, engage in undercover deceptions, and negotiate with friends and foes.

I particularly liked an encounter with a bureaucratic type eliciting the following observation: “I hate it when bureaucrats waste time telling you why they’re not going to waste time.” (p. 248) In fact, this impatience also shows itself during an undercover scene where our protagonist is being interviewed for a security guard position: “The man who’d spent the last hour staring at his desk and asking questions possessed the warmth and shape of an icicle.” (p. 327) I can’t give away the running joke throughout the novel highlighting Jon’s inability to pick up on social cues without spoiling a vital part of the plot. Let’s just say that most males will identify with Jon’s situation.

The plans for surveillance and abduction seem well thought-out and the execution is elaborate and well-paced. Part of the joy of reading these novels is figuring out how the inevitable Murphy’s Law might force adaptation and improvisation. Hint: I never get that old A-Team satirical feeling of “I love it when a plan comes together” to suggest a fortuitous turn of events. Rather, one gets the sense that no matter how well-oiled a plan may seem, there is need for acute situational awareness and spontaneous problem-solving.

One of my favorite conceits in the books is tied to Jon’s innate ability with nanomachines. I enjoy it when the nanomachines in him talk to or let him overhear other machines (so-called “smart” machines in our world but with hilarious results in these scenes). Yet, even more significant is the fact that Jon’s inner nanomachines give him the potential for enormous destruction that would seem to give Jon potential victory in every combat situation. Fortunately for the reader (and any potential collateral damage), this destructive power is accompanied by its own kryptonite in the way Jon has to perform the moral calculations of actually using it. This occasional consideration truly elevates the novel beyond the mere “action-adventure with speculative trappings” that I originally thought this series would be.

Rarely do I find a 500+ page novel that offers the solid pacing balanced with interpersonal and intrapersonal conundrums interspersed with exciting, plausible (given one’s state of suspended disbelief) action. Overthrowing Heaven satisfies on a lot of levels. The series deserves more attention from readers.

[Jon]

I think the third book in this series is probably the weakest so far, unfortunately. It moves along very slowly, with a ton of setup and very little action until the end. The only thing that redeems this book at all is that we get a little more insight into Lobo's history, at last. It's still a bit of light amusement to while away the lonely hours, but that's about all.

There's a monster in Heaven. Jon and Lobo are recruited to kidnap a scientist who is performing nanotech experiments on abducted children, under the cover of creating fantastic animals out of history, myth and legend for a vast amusement park, Wonder Island, that seems to be like a combination Disney World and Jurassic Park.

There are some good lines here and there, mostly spoken by Lobo, such as,
"Lovely, aerial bodyguard duty. First I get to shop, and now I get to hover in case you overeat and need immediate relief for indigestion. I feel so fulfilled."

I liked this bit of commentary, too,
"What passed for news on Vonsoir was, as is typical of most worlds, a hash of local gossip, government-created flavorless gravy for the intellectually toothless, and the occasional drop of spice..."

One thing that I find slightly annoying about the series thus far is that Jon never seems to just be able to take on a straight job, rather than getting tricked into some mission he hadn't anticipated. Why can't some of his adventures be purposive, rather than being blown willy nilly by the winds of fate into these messes? He always seems to be just relaxing, doing nothing in particular, between jobs, when someone cons or tricks him into doing more than he intended.

Another thing that I'm not thrilled with is that Jon seldom seems to use his nanomachines to do anything worthwhile. He used them to disarm some incompentent thugs in the first book, but since then we haven't really seen any new capabilities from his nanos, and that's the sort of thing I'd like to see developed a little bit in each iteration. Van Name seems to use the excuse of "if I use them, someone might figure out what I am" over and over again, but there are surely ways to use them undetectably, right?

The third thing has to do with Jon's inability to actually have a normal human relationship. He's absolutely unable to ever trust anyone, make friends, be a lover. There was an interesting little triangle that began to develop between Jon and the two female characters in this novel, and between what appears to be his cluelessness (how can anyone who's 155 years old still be that clueless?), and his trust issues, it contributed nothing new to the plot, just tiresome filler material.

I've still got the next book in the series on hold at the local library, so I'll continue to read, but this one was a bit disappointing.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow-- two five Star ratings from me in a row?

Overthrowing Heaven works on so many different levels for me. First, as Space Opera-- the Science Fiction is imaginative. Second, as a spy novel-- okay, Jon is kind of 1/3 mercenary, 1/3 private eye, and 1/3 secret agent. -- But this reminded me of some of the original Matt Helm novels-- where the reader never knows who the hero should trust. Third, as pure action... There is enough to keep the action deprived reader attentive - with bullets (and tranks) flying everywhere.

Here's the setup:

Jon has a secret. As a child, he was the unwilling subject of illegal scientific experiments seeking to blend nanomachines and human systems. There were only two surviving test subjects, and the other one died in other action. If folks find out that Jon has the abilities the nanomachines give him they will try to capture him and replicate the experiments, which were a terrible and horrible experiences.

Lobo (the spaceship) has a secret as well. He has become self-aware. He is able to network with other computers and networks and make decisions on his own. Again, if this is revealed, he will be a target for much the same reasons.

So, Jon is hired to do a job. A Coalition wants him to kidnap a scientist who is conducting illegal experiments on a planet called "Heaven"-- they plan to try him for his crimes and this will allow a subversive group the ability to overthrow the government (because they've been supporting the mad crazy doctor) and the planet can join their coalition. Jon accepts the job (at Lobo's secret urging) and winds up at a Disneyworld type resort that features genetically altered animals (can you imagine a vampibasset?)--

The author manages to keep the reader turning pages as every situation seems to have its own twists and turns... There is a lot of cross and double-cross-- and Jon and Lobo have to respond to each turn and difficulty and surprisingly they are both more than up to the challenge. By the time the reader reaches the end resolution he or she has received a compelling action/espionage story and some lecturing on ethics.

The author manages to make every character come alive. The evil doctor is a conniving coward. The guards at the resort are inept (most of them) or hateful. The people Jon works with are all different in one way or another. The guy who hires him is in the body of a child-- which just adds to the weirdness...

A great book.. a thrilling read...

[Daggry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series but still a page-turner. Although this one ended strong—with a brisk pace and high stakes and hard loss but also new heart—earlier bits mildly frustrated me.

First, Jon makes some pretty boneheaded choices for a 150y.o. onetime merc. He talks about not trusting easily and then …trusts way too readily. It’s not convincing.

Second, his relationship with Lobo makes almost no progress until near the end. But again, it’s not even convincing. The character I met in book one would’ve stopped talking about “owning” Lobo long since. Still, I love where they eventually end up. And the twists were exciting. 3.5 stars

[Will G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book better not be the last of the series. Need more collision between the character's past and their present or future.

[Tim Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same, but not quite.

The formula's the same - wisecracking AI supership and skilled-but-socially-inept human,
tackling a problem slowly and carefully.

But as in books 2 & 3 (somehow I missed #1) Van Name stirs in an ethical component.

Also, in this one, we learn more about Lobo's history, and we have new aspects of their relationship to carry forward to the next volume. Van Name has to keep that going, because the books are becoming a bit repetitive.

Lobo is ridiculously capable, but somehow always constrained a little bit by a superior force that always happens to be around. Even though they have no idea that Lobo is so powerful, they always seem to have the very same force they would have on hand if they DID know.

Lobo's "As if I haven't already ..." is getting old, and Jon's social hopelessness is getting tired, not least because there are no prospect for its ever improving. Stop putting him IN these situations, Mark!

Also getting a bit worn is the abundant description of how a competent guard/unit/army would have done this or that. And the idea that in 2150 or whenever this is set, security and army procedures will be almost exactly as they are now, sir, yes sir, ten-HUT, gimme 20!

Jon also mentions that he is now four or five times the age of most of the characters he meets. It's time for Van Name to make more of this.

Also, the book is refreshingly free of typos and bad usage, EXCEPT right at the end the editor MUST fall on his pen in shame for allowing the book to contain "step foot on," one of the great abominations of modern writing. "Set foot on" is perfectly cromulent, while "step foot" is redundant and inelegant. Pfui. And get off my lawn, you kids!

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first book, I think Van Name wasn't quite sure what to do with both Jon and Lobo, so he gave them both a smart-aleck personality, and I do miss that. It kind of bugs me with a human playing straight man to a machine.

Also I think Van Name is setting up Jon to become the sci-fi version of Andrew Vacchs' Burke--the shadowy, street-wise ex-P.I. who looks out for the kids who was up in the flotsam and jetsam of the underside of New York City. All of his books so far have had kids as the central and motivating factors, and title of the next book is Children No More. Make up your own minds about it.

I liked this one more than the previous one for a couple of reasons: 1) Jon his far less whiny than in the previous book--Slanted Jack. He is introspective, but as he gives us parts of his backstory, he whines less, and lets anger at those circumstances fuel him. And we get enough meat to his background, as well as that of Lobo, to really feel them much more fleshed out. Jon grows, and even has some diquieting moments when he meets a courtesan who is able to give him some moments of actual peace. Which unnerves him. We also understand why there will probably not be any guy/girl relationships. And he's not gay.

2)The action in here, just doesn't really let up. While this book does delve into serious moral questions, it is an action story as well, and the action moves at break-neck pacing.

A solid entry. I miss the smart-aleck Jon, and wish Van Name would bring him back, but this is a better book that the sophomore effort.

[Per Gunnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general I like these books in the Jon & Lobo series but in small dozes. It’s not my favourite type of story so I only read one now and then, even though there more in the series that have been published already, and the last couple of days have been one of those occasions.

This book is no exception to the above. I did like it but, as with the previous book in the series, I would have liked Jon to “show off” his nano-implants a bit more. Again they where hardly used. Lobo could have been allowed to play a bigger combat role as well.

We do get a few more bits of information as to the origin of Lobo which was interesting although the idea of turning armour into a computing substrate (while keeping the armour function) did sound a bit far fetched to me.

As usual there is the continuous bickering between Jon and Lobo which can be quite entertaining and, of course, Jon gets into trouble with the ladies which is not always as entertaining but that’s a matter of taste I guess.

So in short, it’s an okay book worth reading.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far Mark's best book of the series (this is #3 and there's a fourth I haven't read yet). The story was very intriguing with lots of great twists and turns that were unexpected. The worlds he created were equally stunning with the previous books, the plot was now on par with the world he created.

I also liked Jon and Lobo's characters much better in this story. Jon was tougher, more like the ex-merc we'd expect him to be. It's nice to see him grow a pair. And Lobo showed some emotion and depth to his character. It's a progression he has these guys growing through their time together and it's enjoyable to watch. You don't have to read the first two books to enjoy this one, but I think there's back story you'd wish you read about once you're into the story line. It was a fun book to read.

[Leons1701 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently realized I hadn't kept up with Van Name's Jon and Lobo series, in fact, I was two books behind. Since Van Name's One Jump Ahead goes on the shortlist of contenders for Best First Novel, and I thought Slanted Jack was also a fine piece of work, this needed to be addressed. Overthrowing Heaven does not disappoint. Not only is it a perfectly serviceable SF caper novel, it also gives us a window into Lobo's history and marks a distinct turning point in the relationship between a man and his sentient starship/flying tank.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the Jon and Lobo series
Fans of Jon and Lobo will finally get the answer to some of their questions.
Again Jon risks all in a desperate bid to save some children from a fate hauntingly similar to his own, while we begin to find out some of Lobo's past
This book is full of action and fast paced from start to finish.
As always the author does a great job of weaving the high tech of a possible future into this very believable story.
Can't wait for the next installation

[Joe Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a little bit more than I liked Slanted Jack, the previous book in the series. I didn't love it, but I liked it just enough to continue reading in the series. The story was okay, but I'm still don't find all of the character interactions to be believable and realistic.

[Joe Slavinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely fast-paced, roller-coaster ride of a book. I almost read it in one sitting, it was so hard to put down. The 3rd book of the "Jon & Lobo" series, "Overthrowing Heaven" has everything you could ever want, in a space opera. It has both hard & military s-f, emotional turmoil, great action, plotting, & pace. Van Name is really making a name for himself, getting better with each subsequent novel.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fast read. The chapters go quickly. Once again there are characters that draw me into the story and keep me there. I found the courtisan to be particularly interesting and well done.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. I think it is important to get the hardcover edition of the next one...

[M.T. Preston, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous two in the series, but still pretty great. I'm really enjoying Jon's development as a character, and I'm looking forward to Children No More and No Going Back. If you like believable SF thrillers with consistent and likable characters, check out this series. You won't be disappointed!

[Jamie Barrows · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series started off pretty good, but it's gone downhill with each book. This book was particularly bad. For a person who is supposed to be a seasoned mercenary and covert ops expert, the main character does a lot of stupid things and lets his emotions and temper dictate his reactions. It just doesn't hold together well.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb installment in the Jon & Lobo series. A page turner, fast action book, it brings more about Lobo's background rather than advancing Jon's quest.

The series is getting better and better

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon and Lobo's science-fiction bromance continues in this, their third adventure in space. "You know what I am," confesses Lobo to his BFF. "You know what's inside me, and you're still my friend." Come on guys...get a room.

[Drew Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with all the books in this series, it's a fun caper type story with a smattering of good science fiction concepts and interesting complex characters. The more I read of these the more I am impressed with them.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon and Lobo tangle with untrustworthy allies and several governments as they attempt to uncover illegal nano research which uses children as the primary subjects (deja vu for Jon AND Lobo).
This is the best of Van Name's first three books.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Jon & Lobo story provided a ton more backstory to the characters, and explained some of my previous incredulity at Jon's ineptitude in personal relationships. The plot was alright, but the real reason to read is the backstory. I'll definitely continue reading the series.

[Brian Delambre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot better than book 2. I really do like these characters, but I still feel the best books are in front of us.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite one yet, but it also seemed a lot more violent than the first two.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy, you would think that in 150 years of living, a guy would gain SOME insight in relating to girls ;)

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Van Name's books, but the plots run together as it just seems to be Jon and Lobo plotting a kidnapping. Hopefully, we'll get some variety soon in the series.