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Land & Sea #1
Splashdown
An unknown enemy waits for war.
From the bottom of the oceans of the world a hidden threat stalks mankind - probing, testing our weapons and defenses, biding time to strike. In the summer of 2039 this aquatic foe unleashes surprise attacks against coastal cities around the globe. Mankind faces a sophisticated new enemy, arrived from the depths of space and lurking in the dark blackness of the seas.
The United States and the rest of the world are ill prepared for such an attack.
Humanity’s only hope are ASHURs, powerful armored combat suits named after the Assyrian god of war. The fight for survival will require ingenuity, cunning, and a furious application of destructive violence against the most unrelenting enemy mankind has ever known!
Tom Clancy and the Expanse meets Mecha-charged combat in this thrilling series that pits humanity, world governments, and deadly alien invaders against each other.
The fight for tomorrow begins with the initial SPLASHDOWN...
From the bottom of the oceans of the world a hidden threat stalks mankind - probing, testing our weapons and defenses, biding time to strike. In the summer of 2039 this aquatic foe unleashes surprise attacks against coastal cities around the globe. Mankind faces a sophisticated new enemy, arrived from the depths of space and lurking in the dark blackness of the seas.
The United States and the rest of the world are ill prepared for such an attack.
Humanity’s only hope are ASHURs, powerful armored combat suits named after the Assyrian god of war. The fight for survival will require ingenuity, cunning, and a furious application of destructive violence against the most unrelenting enemy mankind has ever known!
Tom Clancy and the Expanse meets Mecha-charged combat in this thrilling series that pits humanity, world governments, and deadly alien invaders against each other.
The fight for tomorrow begins with the initial SPLASHDOWN...
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2023
213 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 4, 2024
Nice SiFi story. if you are into Aliens invasions and giant robots stomping on things then this is a great read for you. Recommended
January 14, 2023
A strong first entry to a new sci-fi universe.
I'll start this review by saying that not only have I enjoyed various sci-fi and fantasy universes over the years, I've been heavily invested in the fiction of the Battletech universe since 1987 and have followed Blaine's work since the early 90s.
That being said, I have to say that this novel is, by far, Blaine's best fiction work to date.
The technology is advanced, but not overly so. The setting is familiar, yet just different enough to not be mundane. The enemies, while not explored in detail yet, are obviously varied enough to give a feeling of variety yet cohesive design. The protagonists are incredibly human and diverse, with those differences being integral parts of their characters and not just boxes to check for corporate HR guidelines. What's more, no one is safe in this story, there doesn't seem to be any plot armor being utilized at all by the characters you read about.
Major characters die, sometimes horribly, but thats a reflection of life and I love that about this book. No one is safe, just like in real life, and no one is guaranteed to win the fights they find themselves thrust into, again just like in real life.
We were told that this universe is going to propel itself on the value of it's story-telling and the power of the setting itself. To that, I wholeheartedly agree and say that not only does it appear that goal was met, but it was exceeded by leaps and bounds.
If you're looking for a gritty, realistic, near-future sci-fi universe to explore and are tired of the routine of "Game of Thrones in Space" or the "Dark Grimdark of dark endless dark War", I think you're going to enjoy Land & Sea. No edgy teen dark angst and no Dancing Jokers, just solid military sci-fi.
I'll start this review by saying that not only have I enjoyed various sci-fi and fantasy universes over the years, I've been heavily invested in the fiction of the Battletech universe since 1987 and have followed Blaine's work since the early 90s.
That being said, I have to say that this novel is, by far, Blaine's best fiction work to date.
The technology is advanced, but not overly so. The setting is familiar, yet just different enough to not be mundane. The enemies, while not explored in detail yet, are obviously varied enough to give a feeling of variety yet cohesive design. The protagonists are incredibly human and diverse, with those differences being integral parts of their characters and not just boxes to check for corporate HR guidelines. What's more, no one is safe in this story, there doesn't seem to be any plot armor being utilized at all by the characters you read about.
Major characters die, sometimes horribly, but thats a reflection of life and I love that about this book. No one is safe, just like in real life, and no one is guaranteed to win the fights they find themselves thrust into, again just like in real life.
We were told that this universe is going to propel itself on the value of it's story-telling and the power of the setting itself. To that, I wholeheartedly agree and say that not only does it appear that goal was met, but it was exceeded by leaps and bounds.
If you're looking for a gritty, realistic, near-future sci-fi universe to explore and are tired of the routine of "Game of Thrones in Space" or the "Dark Grimdark of dark endless dark War", I think you're going to enjoy Land & Sea. No edgy teen dark angst and no Dancing Jokers, just solid military sci-fi.
May 18, 2025
Pretty crappy hackjob writing. I am liking the military SF x catastrophe survival movie vibe though. XCOM Terror from the Deep vibes from childhood. I don't know the survival genre very well, but remember a similar perspective-changing-every-chapter-frantically trick from World War Z. The worldbuilding is occasionally interesting, but mostly comforting and familiar: there was a big war against Russians, there is synthetic food including "simbacon". But lots of time is spent on character development; however that is a disappointingly generic TV drama of distant fathers and strong career women. I read up to 72% when the fighting starts, then realized I don't even like how its written. Pity. I really want to read a Battletech book of his to see if I like it more.
January 17, 2023
Tom Clancy plus Sci-Fi
Exciting and fast moving. If you enjoy Tom Clancy then you are in for a treat. Blaine uses his extensive past as both a historical, and sc-fi, author to craft a unique twist to the alien invasion theme. Step aside John Ringo, you have some serious competion!
Exciting and fast moving. If you enjoy Tom Clancy then you are in for a treat. Blaine uses his extensive past as both a historical, and sc-fi, author to craft a unique twist to the alien invasion theme. Step aside John Ringo, you have some serious competion!
November 1, 2024
Multiple POVs is a double edged blade. On one hand, it could prove a lot of interesting perspectives. On the other, if the writing isn't top notch, it will disengage the readers. While this book is very well written (from technical perspective), it has A LOT of characters. For example, the first 9 chapters feature 9 different characters POV on each chapter. Each with their own backstories, subplots and struggles. Good luck remembering that. I've read a number of books with multiple POVs and to be honest, it's my least favorite form of writing, because I'm forced to read about the characters that I don't care. I just skipped most of them, TL;DR style and I didn't miss a thing. (My biggest pet peeves in books: huge number of POVs, purple prose, and forced lore drop in dialogue)
And this book has a slow build up. And by slow, I mean, SLOW. The narrative was setup like a TV series. Nothing action-wise really happens until chapter 24 (out of 30). So prior to that, we get to learn these characters' motivations, etc (yes, all of them. There were like 9 or 12 characters). One's a war vet turned drug dealer, one is a decorated soldier unhappy with his post, one is a hotshot reporter, etc and we get to see their everyday struggles. You can skip all these and jump to the action, btw, and felt that you missed nothing. I just don't care about these characters. Oh, and we get to learn tidbits about these alien invaders (like reports, scan results and sightings) but nothing significant.
That being said; I'm a lover of sci-fi, especially in the vein of alien war, or mankind vs monsters war trope, etc, and this book has all the cool elements when it comes to extraterrestrial war. Also mechs, which I also like.
3.5/5 Very cool, but would do with fewer POVs and more gratuitous action scenes.
And this book has a slow build up. And by slow, I mean, SLOW. The narrative was setup like a TV series. Nothing action-wise really happens until chapter 24 (out of 30). So prior to that, we get to learn these characters' motivations, etc (yes, all of them. There were like 9 or 12 characters). One's a war vet turned drug dealer, one is a decorated soldier unhappy with his post, one is a hotshot reporter, etc and we get to see their everyday struggles. You can skip all these and jump to the action, btw, and felt that you missed nothing. I just don't care about these characters. Oh, and we get to learn tidbits about these alien invaders (like reports, scan results and sightings) but nothing significant.
That being said; I'm a lover of sci-fi, especially in the vein of alien war, or mankind vs monsters war trope, etc, and this book has all the cool elements when it comes to extraterrestrial war. Also mechs, which I also like.
3.5/5 Very cool, but would do with fewer POVs and more gratuitous action scenes.
April 4, 2023
I liked this book at first, but stopped reading it at about 1/3rd in.
What i did read was well done, but the many many character intros bogged down the story for me and i decided to move on
What i did read was well done, but the many many character intros bogged down the story for me and i decided to move on
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2023
Fast and intriguing
I love it started slow but really got good as action heated up ! Looking forward to next book!
Go usa!
I love it started slow but really got good as action heated up ! Looking forward to next book!
Go usa!
January 15, 2023
With a pedigree like Blaine’s I should have expected this would be nothing short of greatness.
Blaine brings his 37 years writing Battletech books to bear on this first entry in the Land & Sea series which plays out like the first act of an alien invasion action movie. The cast of characters is a diverse group of military personnel, war veterans, and unique civilians to show every front of the conflict.
By the time the battle start, you care about the characters and what happens to them. Battles are brutal and impactful, the blow-by-blow driving action packed fights with horrific sea aliens.
This book was fantastic and I can’t wait for the sequel
Blaine brings his 37 years writing Battletech books to bear on this first entry in the Land & Sea series which plays out like the first act of an alien invasion action movie. The cast of characters is a diverse group of military personnel, war veterans, and unique civilians to show every front of the conflict.
By the time the battle start, you care about the characters and what happens to them. Battles are brutal and impactful, the blow-by-blow driving action packed fights with horrific sea aliens.
This book was fantastic and I can’t wait for the sequel
March 5, 2023
Fast paced
This story has elements of Pacific Rim, Halo, Independence Day, Gears of War, Starship Troopers to mention a few.
The story takes a long while to build to the action, flits between different characters in each chapter which does a good job of building the world. This for me was quite time consuming and one character by far is excruciatingly unlikeable - that is the reporter. She doesn't seem to have any role to play besides just being someone readers will dislike.
Book one signals the beginning of the war between humans and our undersea invaders, it has plenty of brutality, suspense, whirlwind action towards the end and the storytelling is very good.
This story has elements of Pacific Rim, Halo, Independence Day, Gears of War, Starship Troopers to mention a few.
The story takes a long while to build to the action, flits between different characters in each chapter which does a good job of building the world. This for me was quite time consuming and one character by far is excruciatingly unlikeable - that is the reporter. She doesn't seem to have any role to play besides just being someone readers will dislike.
Book one signals the beginning of the war between humans and our undersea invaders, it has plenty of brutality, suspense, whirlwind action towards the end and the storytelling is very good.
February 18, 2025
Decent military sci fi showing the early days of a slow alien invasion. The setting is near modern America. With the exception of the mech suits one can imagine this world being 30 years in the future. The technology descriptions fall into soft sci fi tropes. The characters feel solid and real, and relatable for the most part. The battles too, are well described. Unfortunately we get a great deal of everyday life without much in the way of interesting action. It feels like an entire back half of the novel is missing. While I know there is a sequel, it does not prevent this book from feeling incomplete. Will be reading the next one.
July 29, 2023
Slow buildup and lots of characters
So I’m marking down to 4 stars as I am very intrigued but this was a very slow build up and a ton of characters. I was bored a few times. But that same buildup make the rest more interesting too. Hopefully the rest of the series is more exciting. The aliens are different from what you are used to and so is their way of war. That gets a lot of credit in my mind. Snails as delivery bombs 😁. Nice one lol. The crab species was very interesting and I was sad that some of the characters already passed.
So I’m marking down to 4 stars as I am very intrigued but this was a very slow build up and a ton of characters. I was bored a few times. But that same buildup make the rest more interesting too. Hopefully the rest of the series is more exciting. The aliens are different from what you are used to and so is their way of war. That gets a lot of credit in my mind. Snails as delivery bombs 😁. Nice one lol. The crab species was very interesting and I was sad that some of the characters already passed.
January 21, 2023
Two if by sea
This is the first book in a new series and game world, showing a quite realistic view of how we would react to an alien invasion from the oceans. I was reminded of blockbuster movies like Independence Day and Pacific Rim, alongside Starship Troopers, all together with a slightly sci-fi story that still feels true to the real world.
Highly recommended! I've already preordered Book 2!
This is the first book in a new series and game world, showing a quite realistic view of how we would react to an alien invasion from the oceans. I was reminded of blockbuster movies like Independence Day and Pacific Rim, alongside Starship Troopers, all together with a slightly sci-fi story that still feels true to the real world.
Highly recommended! I've already preordered Book 2!
February 13, 2023
Invasion!
The author has a good grip on how the military works and how the senior leadership is always ready to fight the last war and needs to be replaced with younger members with new ideas and tactics. Also it shows the greed and short-term goals of our super rich that only cares about them selves and the he'll with everyone else, good book with action that is able to impact the total stroy.
The author has a good grip on how the military works and how the senior leadership is always ready to fight the last war and needs to be replaced with younger members with new ideas and tactics. Also it shows the greed and short-term goals of our super rich that only cares about them selves and the he'll with everyone else, good book with action that is able to impact the total stroy.
February 15, 2023
Bold start for a new universe
The book starts on a slow burn, World building an earth that suffered a wipe of the internet, a war, and a peace. We the readers know that there's conflict coming but the poor people don't.
The aliens seem, well, alien when we do finally see them, and their motivation is yet to be seen. The tech of the humies is near future, no magic fusion reactors nor matter/antimatter here.
Finished just in time for book two tomorrow.
The book starts on a slow burn, World building an earth that suffered a wipe of the internet, a war, and a peace. We the readers know that there's conflict coming but the poor people don't.
The aliens seem, well, alien when we do finally see them, and their motivation is yet to be seen. The tech of the humies is near future, no magic fusion reactors nor matter/antimatter here.
Finished just in time for book two tomorrow.
May 2, 2023
starts slow and comes on like a freight train
This book does kinda of start off slow and disjointed, but before I knew it , i was reading faster and faster , not wanting to be disturbed as the story unfolds in my hands , this is a rocking kick butt book and I cant wait until the next one .. cause this book was not long enough I wanted more .
This book does kinda of start off slow and disjointed, but before I knew it , i was reading faster and faster , not wanting to be disturbed as the story unfolds in my hands , this is a rocking kick butt book and I cant wait until the next one .. cause this book was not long enough I wanted more .
July 28, 2023
Loved the book
I think it was a great read the background with the characters was an nice build up.I am looking forward to the next book. Thanks for the hard work. Also thanks for your battle teck work.I have played for over 30 years were I found it at a convention in Louisville ky. At River con. In the late 80s
I think it was a great read the background with the characters was an nice build up.I am looking forward to the next book. Thanks for the hard work. Also thanks for your battle teck work.I have played for over 30 years were I found it at a convention in Louisville ky. At River con. In the late 80s
February 15, 2023
great world building
As the first book in a series this is mostly world building, but the author does a great job keeping the reader engaged with interesting characters and situations.
As the first book in a series this is mostly world building, but the author does a great job keeping the reader engaged with interesting characters and situations.
March 1, 2023
Make it a movie.
Fun read. Combination Battle Lost Angeles meet War of Worlds with the combat suits from Edge of Tomorrow thrown in for good measure. Make it a movie and put Tom Cruise in it. It would be a blast.
Fun read. Combination Battle Lost Angeles meet War of Worlds with the combat suits from Edge of Tomorrow thrown in for good measure. Make it a movie and put Tom Cruise in it. It would be a blast.
March 5, 2023
Excellent Read
Very good, I always enjoy Blaine Pardoe's novels, my only criticism is there's too many characters. It's hard to keep track of who is who and where they are in the story.
Very good, I always enjoy Blaine Pardoe's novels, my only criticism is there's too many characters. It's hard to keep track of who is who and where they are in the story.
March 13, 2024
Slow start but the end is good. This is a bit of a slog with lots of world building. Overall it's an interesting setting with good character development and good world building. Jay Drake is nightmare fuel, and Dana Blaze is the worst.
October 4, 2024
praise be Pardoe xeno-sea
Whaaaaaat is this ground breaking series I found of sea warfare set in an alien invasion this is the kind of stuff that becomes the foundation future writers use in there world building for what’s possible.
Whaaaaaat is this ground breaking series I found of sea warfare set in an alien invasion this is the kind of stuff that becomes the foundation future writers use in there world building for what’s possible.
November 18, 2024
Excellent setup for a series.
Great premise. Interesting concept about aquatic aliens, really a fresh take. Reminds me a bit of The Abyss, on these aliens are militant. Enjoyable characters but a lot of different plot threads to follow, clearly a book one thing.
Great premise. Interesting concept about aquatic aliens, really a fresh take. Reminds me a bit of The Abyss, on these aliens are militant. Enjoyable characters but a lot of different plot threads to follow, clearly a book one thing.
January 20, 2025
A slow burn, then flashpoint
For the first book in the series, it draws you in slowly to the point of losing interest. Then BANG!!!! Buckle up buttercup the human race in the fight for it's very survival and the worst is still to come from the enemy. Good read.
For the first book in the series, it draws you in slowly to the point of losing interest. Then BANG!!!! Buckle up buttercup the human race in the fight for it's very survival and the worst is still to come from the enemy. Good read.
April 6, 2025
Excellent book from one of the best sci-fi authors in our times.
I couldn’t put the book down, read the whole thing in a day. The way the increasing tension is building up, until the actual invasion happens is superbly well done!! Can’t wait to read this series!!
I couldn’t put the book down, read the whole thing in a day. The way the increasing tension is building up, until the actual invasion happens is superbly well done!! Can’t wait to read this series!!
May 31, 2025
Great military sci fi. Blended the real world of today with the technology of Battletech. The aliens were truly alien and the battle at Guam was epic. It got a little jargon heavy, but I was never lost.
September 24, 2025
It's a five star stiry, but the annoying female soldiers and the forced diversity took it diwn a star. It felt very unnatural and labored and it made me cringe.
Great overall concept thiugh and I will read the rest of series as long as the story quality remains this high.
Great overall concept thiugh and I will read the rest of series as long as the story quality remains this high.
January 20, 2023
Sci-fi at its best
This book is in my opinion a great read, it takes you to the core of a battle and it's people involved. Nice story to.
This book is in my opinion a great read, it takes you to the core of a battle and it's people involved. Nice story to.
March 18, 2023
Review forthcoming at UpstreamReviews.com
April 21, 2023
Highly recommend
It took a few chapters to really draw me in, but once the action takes off, it doesn't let you down.
It took a few chapters to really draw me in, but once the action takes off, it doesn't let you down.
July 28, 2023
Really liked this. Great action. A large cast of characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews