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Death's Head #2
Maximum Offense
Sven Tveskoeg–antisocial, antihero, anti-you-name-it–is a one-man killing spree whose best friend is an intelligent handgun with a bad attitude and whose worst enemy is, well, just about everybody else. These qualities have earned Sven a lieutenant’s commission in the Death’s Head, the elite corps of assassins and enforcers whose purpose in life is to serve OctoV, a tyrant who is part machine, part boy, part god, and all evil. Sven’s new assignment? Lead his ragtag band of Death’s Head rejects to the artificial world of Hekati to find a missing citizen of the United Free, a vast empire that turns out to be a vicious den of backstabbing and betrayal where nothing and no one can be trusted. Looks like Sven is on a suicide mission. So what else is new?
398 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
37 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
David Gunn
25 books114 followersSmartly dressed, resourceful, and discreet, David Gunn has undertaken assignments in Central America, the Middle East, and Russia (among numerous other places). Coming from a service family, he is happiest when on the move and tends not to stay in one town or city for very long. The author of Death’s Head and Death’s Head: Maximum Offense, Gunn lives in the United Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 30, 2022
'Oh yes,' says the SIG.
It has wanted to do this for days.
I would be hard pressed to come up with another Science Fiction series I’ve read that is as down and dirty as the Death’s Head books. I suppose I could, if I really put my mind to it (I have read a few Warhammer 40k novels in my time), but still…..
This is unapologetically rough stuff, and told from a first person perspective that doesn’t make it less squirmy.
All is empty, all is unknowing. Then I happen.
The novel features a few surprisingly big reveals (for a story that is predominantly about blood and guts and violence) and it does have some sense of wonder going for it (such as a massive spoked wheel habitat where a substantial portion of the action takes place). There is also some space action. In short: if it is military Science Fiction you are after that features both knife fights and spaceship warfare (and just about anything in between) this may be your fix, as long as you are not squeamish.
The smart gun is still one of my favourite characters.
I'm tempted to kill the general first, then his staff officers.
Sometimes you just want to eat pudding early.
It has wanted to do this for days.
I would be hard pressed to come up with another Science Fiction series I’ve read that is as down and dirty as the Death’s Head books. I suppose I could, if I really put my mind to it (I have read a few Warhammer 40k novels in my time), but still…..
This is unapologetically rough stuff, and told from a first person perspective that doesn’t make it less squirmy.
All is empty, all is unknowing. Then I happen.
The novel features a few surprisingly big reveals (for a story that is predominantly about blood and guts and violence) and it does have some sense of wonder going for it (such as a massive spoked wheel habitat where a substantial portion of the action takes place). There is also some space action. In short: if it is military Science Fiction you are after that features both knife fights and spaceship warfare (and just about anything in between) this may be your fix, as long as you are not squeamish.
The smart gun is still one of my favourite characters.
I'm tempted to kill the general first, then his staff officers.
Sometimes you just want to eat pudding early.
April 27, 2016
I'm so loving these Death's Head books! They are just flat-out fun and I'm having a hard time putting my finger on exactly what it is I like about them so much.
When I read a review of the first book, self-titled Death's Head, by Neal Asher; Asher referenced it to the likes of Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs, I just had to give that book a shot. As much as I enjoyed Death's Head, I didn't really get those references. Now after reading Maximum Offense, I do. It's that kind of pulpy fun to read.
Admittedly I have a soft spot for protagonists that solve most their problems by killing someone or something. Sven lives by the Death's Head motto, "death or glory". But don't assume he is a psychopathic murders, -well he kinda is- but he does seem to be developing some compassion, but that crap will get Sven killed.
If Riddick had gotten inducted into the Legion instead of being a convict, he would be Sven Tveskoeg.
When I read a review of the first book, self-titled Death's Head, by Neal Asher; Asher referenced it to the likes of Robert E. Howard and Edgar Rice Burroughs, I just had to give that book a shot. As much as I enjoyed Death's Head, I didn't really get those references. Now after reading Maximum Offense, I do. It's that kind of pulpy fun to read.
Admittedly I have a soft spot for protagonists that solve most their problems by killing someone or something. Sven lives by the Death's Head motto, "death or glory". But don't assume he is a psychopathic murders, -well he kinda is- but he does seem to be developing some compassion, but that crap will get Sven killed.
If Riddick had gotten inducted into the Legion instead of being a convict, he would be Sven Tveskoeg.
March 18, 2013
This is what happens when you let a 12 year old boy write a book. I honestly kept on thinking that this book was probably the 10th book in the series and that's why I couldn't understand what was going on with all of the different characters, races, etc. Nope, not the case, the write just doesn't understand how to write a back story at all, or a plot for that matter. The main character is one dimensional, cliché, unlikable, and essentially a 12 year old's wet dream–big penis, sword for an arm, invincible, etc. I kept on reading the book hoping the story would essentially tie together, and have some form of redemption. I was seriously disappointed. Good thing I bought his book for a dollar at the flea market. I will for sure skip out on reading any more books by this author.
February 24, 2012
I liked and actually cared about the characters (including the talking gun). I enjoyed the action, the visceral violence and sordid sex. This is no nonsense entertainment and really you get what it says on the tin. If this were a tome delivering deep homilies about the horror of war, sexual and racial inequality or environmental issues, I’m guessing it wouldn’t be called Death’s Head Maximum Offence. I’m also guessing Gunn had his tongue firmly wedged in his cheek while writing it, probably to stop him laughing out loud with enjoyment. Once it grabbed me at about page 30, I polished off this book, with similar enjoyment, within a day.
December 1, 2015
Bit better than the last one. Dumbo lumbers around murdering people. Decent read.
June 3, 2017
4 Stars Sven has a Sig Sauer 37. The Sig is an AI, with citizen status, a bad attitude and "lives" for a fight, the messier the better. Sven also has a small commando group of former Death's Head Legion soldiers. They are deadly. The storyline takes a while to become clear but well worth the wait. Non-stop action. Excellent.
February 20, 2017
I went into this book fully blind and ignorant, having loved the first book in the series, since I couldn't wait to follow Sven's adventures with his military team. I now regret it, since it takes most elements that made the first great and assembles them into a frankly annoying and pointless second part.
The main character, Sven Sveskoeg, seems to be the same anti-hero of the first novel, but instead of once again growing fond of him, I found myself endlessly annoyed by his attitude. He never stops being an arrogant invincible soldier who thinks he's better than everyone else. He loathes and criticizes the military chain of command, but he gets angry and judgmental when anyone breaks military protocol. At least in the first book he learned to respect people who earned his respect, but in this book he learns nothing and he respects nothing. He is always right, and he always wins. The end.
The reason this book is praised as having a "break-neck pace" is not because it's full of "non-stop action", but rather because the author skips out on descriptions and scenes just to keep going. Many scenes will be unclear because what is actually happens is implied rather than described, and while that is not a bad thing in itself, it is when you never... stop... doing it. Everyone except the reader knows what is happening, so not even dialogue will help you understand people's motivations. You'll be thankful when you actually understand what is happening and why.
The worst part is how the setting is handled. I personally dislike the "stranded in a barren world" deal when you could instead be reading about the actually important kick-ass galactic conflict happening elsewhere. But that's just me, so that's not the issue. The real issue is that most of the story taking place there, which is most of the book, ends up being pointless. That's as much as I can say without spoilers so... That's all just adding insult to injury.
There's also an additional issue I had throughout. The first book was pretty clear in establishing that death is final, but... The worst part of this is that the author doesn't reveal this until later, so he tricks you into believing that a character's fate is a big deal until surprise! It isn't. I decided to write it down as a warning rather than a spoiler, because all it is, is this: Annoying.
There is indeed some decent fighting action, and even some space fighter action by the end. But again, the motivations for all this (beyond "Sven is an invicible badass and he must kill everyone who opposes him and treat everyone else like trash") are unclear, so they were barely worth the read. But that's the reason for the two stars rather than one.
By the end I lost all concern for any of the characters, most of all Sven, and they were just "there", so I just wanted it to end. I can't recommend this book even to die-hard fans of the first, because I'd rather remember Sven as the lovable badass jerk of the fun first novel, rather than whatever unlikable thing he is in this pointless second story. Sadly, I will be dropping this series. Goodbye Sven, I'll miss you.
The main character, Sven Sveskoeg, seems to be the same anti-hero of the first novel, but instead of once again growing fond of him, I found myself endlessly annoyed by his attitude. He never stops being an arrogant invincible soldier who thinks he's better than everyone else. He loathes and criticizes the military chain of command, but he gets angry and judgmental when anyone breaks military protocol. At least in the first book he learned to respect people who earned his respect, but in this book he learns nothing and he respects nothing. He is always right, and he always wins. The end.
The reason this book is praised as having a "break-neck pace" is not because it's full of "non-stop action", but rather because the author skips out on descriptions and scenes just to keep going. Many scenes will be unclear because what is actually happens is implied rather than described, and while that is not a bad thing in itself, it is when you never... stop... doing it. Everyone except the reader knows what is happening, so not even dialogue will help you understand people's motivations. You'll be thankful when you actually understand what is happening and why.
The worst part is how the setting is handled. I personally dislike the "stranded in a barren world" deal when you could instead be reading about the actually important kick-ass galactic conflict happening elsewhere. But that's just me, so that's not the issue. The real issue is that most of the story taking place there, which is most of the book, ends up being pointless. That's as much as I can say without spoilers so... That's all just adding insult to injury.
There's also an additional issue I had throughout. The first book was pretty clear in establishing that death is final, but... The worst part of this is that the author doesn't reveal this until later, so he tricks you into believing that a character's fate is a big deal until surprise! It isn't. I decided to write it down as a warning rather than a spoiler, because all it is, is this: Annoying.
There is indeed some decent fighting action, and even some space fighter action by the end. But again, the motivations for all this (beyond "Sven is an invicible badass and he must kill everyone who opposes him and treat everyone else like trash") are unclear, so they were barely worth the read. But that's the reason for the two stars rather than one.
By the end I lost all concern for any of the characters, most of all Sven, and they were just "there", so I just wanted it to end. I can't recommend this book even to die-hard fans of the first, because I'd rather remember Sven as the lovable badass jerk of the fun first novel, rather than whatever unlikable thing he is in this pointless second story. Sadly, I will be dropping this series. Goodbye Sven, I'll miss you.
December 25, 2023
DNF @ ~40%
So there's some sort of literary device (not sure what it's called) where the author just sort of dumps you into the story and doesn't do much to explain what's going on. Neal Stephenson does this in many of his writings and, when done well, it's a fantastic plot device since it sucks you in and makes you want to figure out what's happening.
This author attempts that here, but the execution is terrible. There were so many elements to the plot that I didn't understand or flat out missed completely. Maybe that's a "me" problem more than an author problem, but either way, it significantly degraded the experience for me and caused me not to finish the book.
So there's some sort of literary device (not sure what it's called) where the author just sort of dumps you into the story and doesn't do much to explain what's going on. Neal Stephenson does this in many of his writings and, when done well, it's a fantastic plot device since it sucks you in and makes you want to figure out what's happening.
This author attempts that here, but the execution is terrible. There were so many elements to the plot that I didn't understand or flat out missed completely. Maybe that's a "me" problem more than an author problem, but either way, it significantly degraded the experience for me and caused me not to finish the book.
June 5, 2010
Good, fast moving story. You really need to read the first installment in the series in order to appreciate this second book. Sven and his crew kick ass once again and his talking, wise cracking, all knowing SIG gun keep your interest throughout. Good, rough edged, sexy sci-fi. Recommended.
February 16, 2013
Still think this series is one of the most intriguing ones I've read. Loved the characters and their interactions. There were some faults as there always will be because no one is quite perfect. But Gunn definitely comes close. Wonderful read. Enthralling from the first sentence to the last!
July 1, 2023
Encore une mission suicide pour les fauchards de Sven : Retrouver un citoyen disparu de la confédération de l'Union libre. Mais Sven n'est humain qu'à 98,2 % et possède des capacités de régénération surprenantes. Ses ennemis n'ont qu'à bien se tenir.
Un roman d'histoire militaire où l'on a privilégié la forme au fond. L'histoire est incohérente et confuse, ce qui a nui à mon plaisir. On a, par contre, des personnages assez marquants dont Sven, le chef, un géant batailleur invincible et quasi invulnérable, Rachel la tireuse d'élite, Franc, la combattante aux couteaux, masochiste sur les bords, etc. En plus, on a une intelligence artificielle dans un gigantesque habitat artificiel, des vaisseaux spatiaux, des combats spatiaux, des combats à l'arme blanche et même une fusil intelligent qui parle. Donc, quelques épisodes intéressants dans une histoire qui nous laisse plutôt de glace.
J'ai aimé, mais sans plus. Est-ce que je vais essayer de lire le prochain ? Peut-être, mais beaucoup plus tard.
Un roman d'histoire militaire où l'on a privilégié la forme au fond. L'histoire est incohérente et confuse, ce qui a nui à mon plaisir. On a, par contre, des personnages assez marquants dont Sven, le chef, un géant batailleur invincible et quasi invulnérable, Rachel la tireuse d'élite, Franc, la combattante aux couteaux, masochiste sur les bords, etc. En plus, on a une intelligence artificielle dans un gigantesque habitat artificiel, des vaisseaux spatiaux, des combats spatiaux, des combats à l'arme blanche et même une fusil intelligent qui parle. Donc, quelques épisodes intéressants dans une histoire qui nous laisse plutôt de glace.
J'ai aimé, mais sans plus. Est-ce que je vais essayer de lire le prochain ? Peut-être, mais beaucoup plus tard.
December 27, 2020
This was the Third Time Reading this volume. It has been many years since I read it the last time. It was amazing how much of the Book, I didn't remember from the previous readings.
It's a great read, lots of Action, great characters. First Sven is Still Sven, which means he's going to get the job done, how he is capable of doing it. The Poor Death Head Aux, who he drags along with him. Thought they do get paid by the end of the book.
There is also a better look at the U/free and the upper part of Society In Octo V's empire. So there is Nice world Building.
Though who dislike lots of violence or gore might shy away from this volume. But Sven makes it seems reasonable.
It's a great read, lots of Action, great characters. First Sven is Still Sven, which means he's going to get the job done, how he is capable of doing it. The Poor Death Head Aux, who he drags along with him. Thought they do get paid by the end of the book.
There is also a better look at the U/free and the upper part of Society In Octo V's empire. So there is Nice world Building.
Though who dislike lots of violence or gore might shy away from this volume. But Sven makes it seems reasonable.
November 15, 2021
Mr. Gunn is a ‘different’ sort of read. Yes, it is in your face action living in a intensely clever “sci-fi” world. Yes, there are personalities galore. And yes, this is A LOT of fun.
But…Mr. Gunn likes to do a fair amount of story building off-scene. He will tell you the Aux will meet to discuss a plan, but the reader is left out and not included in the convo. I don’t necessarily dislike this, it’s just a process I’ve notice the author using. Please don’t take this for a disparaging review; I loved it. I just, feel like there could be more inclusion at times. Otherwise, this is an extremely irreverent fun filled kick-ass scene after another.
Thank you, David
But…Mr. Gunn likes to do a fair amount of story building off-scene. He will tell you the Aux will meet to discuss a plan, but the reader is left out and not included in the convo. I don’t necessarily dislike this, it’s just a process I’ve notice the author using. Please don’t take this for a disparaging review; I loved it. I just, feel like there could be more inclusion at times. Otherwise, this is an extremely irreverent fun filled kick-ass scene after another.
Thank you, David
December 6, 2020
I constantly joke about only watching movies where there are explosions and high tech gadgets. Well this is a book full of them, plus lots of gore and action. I like one like this every so often and plan to read the others in this series.
July 30, 2019
Raw. Vey intriguing writer.
July 23, 2024
Not as good as the first one, tries too much to flesh out characters already established in the first book. The overall mission wasn't really necessary, total time waster to read!
March 25, 2025
A fun pulpy space adventure.
February 10, 2019
Not great
While the world is interesting, the uter lack of exposition meant that you couldn't generally figure out where the characters are.
Such a pity as the rest is a joyride of senseless violence, one of those guilty pleasures...
While the world is interesting, the uter lack of exposition meant that you couldn't generally figure out where the characters are.
Such a pity as the rest is a joyride of senseless violence, one of those guilty pleasures...
July 23, 2014
Mini review on first read in June 2008:
After the unexpectedly good Death's Head 1 that I loved, this one was a let down to some extent. Sure, it's the same Sven bedding or killing anything in sight depending on circumstances, but it gets somewhat tiresome after a while. There were some excellent scenes, notably an arena duel to be remembered, but I hope the series will evolve from here rather than get stuck in a rut;
I considered it a 3 star book then
Second take on re-read in 2009 before getting to book 3:
Maximum Offense was much, mush better on re-read and I really enjoyed it greatly this time; maybe the first time I read it I was not in the mood for it and did not truly appreciate its quirky humor, but this time I loved it and upped my rating to 5 stars for this
After the unexpectedly good Death's Head 1 that I loved, this one was a let down to some extent. Sure, it's the same Sven bedding or killing anything in sight depending on circumstances, but it gets somewhat tiresome after a while. There were some excellent scenes, notably an arena duel to be remembered, but I hope the series will evolve from here rather than get stuck in a rut;
I considered it a 3 star book then
Second take on re-read in 2009 before getting to book 3:
Maximum Offense was much, mush better on re-read and I really enjoyed it greatly this time; maybe the first time I read it I was not in the mood for it and did not truly appreciate its quirky humor, but this time I loved it and upped my rating to 5 stars for this
December 5, 2009
While I consider myself a science fiction/fantasy fan, I must admit that, realistically, I’m more of a fan of fantasy. My taste in science fiction reading is fairly limited. I am not nearly as enamored of “hard” sci-fi: pages of realistic and scientifically feasible explanations of how the featured Mechawidget actually works. I’m really just into good futuristic yarns. This may be why I tend to watch more science fiction movies and TV than read science fiction books. That and it has been far too long since a good fantasy movie has been made. For good, old-fashioned, pulpy, space adventure, you can’t get much better than David Gunn’s Death’s Head series.
Read the full review on my blog: http://tinyurl.com/yh5mk8p
Read the full review on my blog: http://tinyurl.com/yh5mk8p
March 24, 2016
Just as violent and action packed as previous novel.
Like a Yorkie this is aimed at men (who are still teenage boys), plenty of action, explosions, gory death, sex and explosions again, cool tech eg a bad-ass sentient gun, who will f#@k you over if looked at funny, and did I mention sex?
There are over 60 Chapters but they are all pretty short and are ploughed through rather quickly, if hooked enough you can polish this book off in one sitting even allowing for tea & toilet breaks.
Leave your brains at the door and just enjoy, otherwise Sven and his gun will splatter them all over the nearest wall/bulkhead or ceiling.
Any book recommended by Neal Asher is good enough for me to give it a go.
Like a Yorkie this is aimed at men (who are still teenage boys), plenty of action, explosions, gory death, sex and explosions again, cool tech eg a bad-ass sentient gun, who will f#@k you over if looked at funny, and did I mention sex?
There are over 60 Chapters but they are all pretty short and are ploughed through rather quickly, if hooked enough you can polish this book off in one sitting even allowing for tea & toilet breaks.
Leave your brains at the door and just enjoy, otherwise Sven and his gun will splatter them all over the nearest wall/bulkhead or ceiling.
Any book recommended by Neal Asher is good enough for me to give it a go.
July 11, 2016
Second in a series by David Gunn, Maximum Offense will stand alone, if you're willing to make a guess as to some of the previous action (which isn't too tough to do). Populated by interesting characters, well-fleshed out with intriguing personalities and unique physical attributes. I think those who understand the deep camaraderie among troopers and military types will identify with a lot of the activity and motivation here. A take-no-prisoners space war romp, this book should really appeal to those who like their action non-stop!
May 18, 2009
A victim of my enjoyment of its prequel. The protagonist continues to kill or screw his way through the book, which actually does get wearisome. The author also makes the mistake of trying for a more cohesive plot and set of characters. I could sit back and enjoy the overblown action when it didn't really make sense -- just a patchwork quilt of sex and violence in varied places -- but making it part of something purposeful turns on my "oh really? I mean, really?" sniffer, and this failed.
Read
December 8, 2013Exciting action, convoluted plot
This was another good entry in the series. The story was too convoluted for my taste. The description of the space habitat was difficult to follow, but all in all the action made up for the book's shortcomings. I really like the personal code in and her thoughts of the hero. He lives a simple life by a simple code, and his actions stay true to this in any situation.
This was another good entry in the series. The story was too convoluted for my taste. The description of the space habitat was difficult to follow, but all in all the action made up for the book's shortcomings. I really like the personal code in and her thoughts of the hero. He lives a simple life by a simple code, and his actions stay true to this in any situation.
April 6, 2010
Impressive followup to Death Head. However the plot meanders a little as Sven and his team of auxilaries Death Heads are on a secret mission ( so secret it appears the author doesnt even know whats going on although it sort of ties together in the end). Naturally there is a huge body count and Sven and his team get to kill many of the enemy.
I liked it a lot.
I liked it a lot.
November 20, 2009
Death’s Head: Maximum Offense was entertaining, if lacking in thought-provoking material. The narrative was action packed, gory, thrilling, and somewhat disturbing. In this book I learnt more about Sven and about the events that took place in the first book. The plot was exciting, had a number of surprises and plot twists. A fun, if superficial read.
October 4, 2011
Was a big fan of the first Death's Head, but this on did not measure. Plot seemed to ramble and at times was simply incoherent. A number of pieces of the plot seemed randomly inserted just to create situations for Sven to pull yet another ridiculous feat. It simply wasn't that great of a read.
May 4, 2012
There's nothing whatsoever cultured or tasteful about this trilogy. Its 100% macho escapist bullshit and totally politically incorrect. In the same way that the movie Machete is - not that I liked the movie all that much. But I do love the trilogy.
July 6, 2012
Pretty typical sci fi military, advanced weapon type, but fun to read as it doesn't take itself too seriously. Guess you can't when you have to kill everyone, including your friends, on a regular basis.
September 16, 2012
I enjoyed this continuation of the deaths head series. Was an action packed read that was tough to put down. I liked revisiting with the characters from the first book especially Sven. The storyline was entertaining and the SIG was snappy and hilarious as ever. Looking forward to the third one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews