A new threat arrives from the rim of the galaxy. From the colorless depths of space, unknown invaders strike worlds across the Frontier Zone. Rigel is a thousand lightyears farther from the Core Worlds than Earth, so they suffer the first attacks.
The mood at Central is jubilant. Our greatest rival is falling—now is the time to strike while they’re weak! Legion Varus is deployed to Jungle World, a vital planet deep in Rigellian territory. Our foes, fighting on two fronts, are driven back with ease.
But one man questions the wisdom of this move. Should Earth expand with greed, aiding new monsters from the Galactic Rim? That lone voice of reason comes from James McGill.
Find out what happens next in Jungle WORLD, the thrilling 19th book of the Undying Mercenaries series. With millions of copies sold, USA Today Bestselling author B. V. Larson is the king of modern military science fiction.
Obviously Larson's latest is fantastic. I did have an issue with the way the Drusus situation was handled—yes he's a boy scout, but he really didn't suspect Turov to turn on him immediately? Especially after they tried to pressure him to step down before? Narratively the same outcome could have been reached if the Nine brought up the fulfillment of the charge, completing the mandate, rather than Drusus idiotically doing so. Anyway, this new enemy is intriguing and maybe we'll end up on Silicon World in the next few installments. I'm curious to see any reactions from the Galactics after the death if big daddy Skay!
After 19 books it's becoming quite obvious that nothing of note is really happening. There is absolutely ZERO character development on part of beloved buffoon. I think I'm just gonna leave this series alone. If you have read 3 books, you have read them all. Every God damn book is exactly the same.
Mr. Larson keeps pumping these books out and the most amazing thing is they are all great books. Lots of humorous activity by none other than Centurion James McGill. As you will recall, McGill is a member of Legion Varus which currently in stand-down mode which means McGill is back home in Georgia basking in a little free-time and lots of booze. Everything was going just fine until Primus Graves showed up. Now Graves isn't a bad guy when you look at the problem he has managing McGill and his unit. He pretty much knows what McGill is all about and that doesn't cut McGill any slack what-so-ever. And for the most part, when Primus Graves tells Centurion McGill to get some mission done, McGill does it in pretty good order. Those times he doesn't are usually due to extenuating circumstances like Tribune Winslade or even Imperator Turov getting involved.
This time, though, Graves wanted to check on something that had been buried in a bunker bad in the depths of the swamp lands owned by McGill's parents. This bunker had been off-limits to everyone for a long, long time until Etta, McGills daughter, happened to find it during the last book. Now McGill wishes he had never heard of that bunker nor had he ever gone down into it. But, Graves knew McGill had been inside the bunker and now he wanted McGill to accompany him to check on the conditions of the bunker once again.
Apparently this bunker had held the "brains" of several Earth revolutionaries who had caused a lot of trouble a long time before McGill was ever born. Graves had either been part of that trouble or he knew a lot about it so much so that anyone speaking of those rebellious times were instantly suspected of treason. McGill, himself, had been killed a few times just for doing some innocent research on what the rebellion was all about. So, for Graves to want to go stomping around in that bunker didn't set well with McGill.
But, nothing happened. Graves found out what he wanted to know, then he took McGill back to the capital and Central HQ. There McGill found out that something was about to happen that involved the Rigellians. Earth and the Rigellians were at war, sort of. Both had suffered some attacks but things had died down for awhile. Even Earth had fought two battles near Rigel without much of an effort from the Rigellians. Come to find out, there was something beyond the edge of the know universe, way beyond Rigel that was attacking frontier worlds by slinging huge rocks at various planets. These rocks were big enough to actually split and destroy smaller planets and moons. Any planet hit by these rocks would subsequently see all organic life die on the entire planet.
The mission given to Legion Varus was to close with 31 Orionis (Jungle World), capture the planet for Earth and find out what was going on with the Rigellians. The only legion going on this mission was Legion Varus so that was kind of different. Additionally, the mystery got even mysterious when Abigale Cleaver secretly shows on their transport ship and tells Galina and McGill that they must not go to 31 Orionis or it would be the end of their Legion! So, what's going on in this book? You'll have to read the entire story to find out.
As usual, there's no mention of another book, but I strongly expect to see another book in the Undying Mercenaries series soon.
“Jungle World” is the 19th book in the Undying Mercenaries series by B V Larson, a prolific and popular author of military science fiction. The series follows the adventures of James McGill, a soldier of Legion Varus, an elite unit of Earth's army that uses alien technology to resurrect its members after death. In this book, McGill and his comrades face a new threat from the rim of the galaxy, unknown invaders that strike worlds across the Frontier Zone. Rigel, Earth's greatest rival, is the first to suffer the attacks, and Central, the Earth's government, sees this as an opportunity to strike while they are weak. Legion Varus is deployed to Jungle World, a vital planet deep in Rigellian territory, where they encounter fierce resistance from both the Rigellians and the mysterious invaders. McGill, as usual, questions the wisdom of this move, and wonders if Earth is expanding with greed, aiding new monsters from the Galactic Rim.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, who has voiced all the previous books in the series. Boyett does a great job of bringing the characters to life, especially McGill, who is the narrator and protagonist of the story. Boyett captures McGill's sarcastic, witty, and rebellious personality, as well as his distinctive accent and dialect. Boyett also gives distinct voices to the other characters, such as Graves, the gruff and loyal sergeant, Natasha, the seductive and manipulative spy, and Galina, the cold and ruthless general. Boyett also conveys the emotions and tones of the scenes, whether they are humorous, tense, or action-packed.
The book is a fast-paced and entertaining read, full of twists and turns, battles and betrayals, and humor and horror. Larson has a knack for creating imaginative and diverse alien worlds and creatures, and Jungle World is no exception. The planet is a lush and dangerous environment, populated by exotic and deadly flora and fauna. The invaders are also intriguing and mysterious, with a sinister and surprising agenda. The book also explores the themes of loyalty, morality, and politics, as McGill and his friends have to deal with the consequences of their actions, the conflicts between Earth and its rivals, and the ethical dilemmas of war and diplomacy.
Overall, “Jungle World” is a fun and thrilling addition to the Undying Mercenaries series, and a satisfying listen for the fans of the genre and the narrator. The book delivers what it promises: action, adventure, humor, and intrigue, with a dash of romance and horror. The book is not perfect, but it is enjoyable and engaging, and leaves the reader eager for the next installment.
POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK: Legion Nieśmiertelnych tom 19 ponownie uderza w mocne i widowiskowe tony. Akcja powieści rozpoczyna się w momencie, gdy z mrocznych zakątków Galaktyki wyłania się nowe zagrożenie. Tajemniczy najeźdźcy atakują planety na rubieżach znanego wszechświata. W tym samym czasie, w Centrali panują nastroje niemalże triumfalne. Osłabienie największego rywala Ziemi staje się pretekstem do ataku. Legion Varus ląduje na porośniętej dżunglą planecie, zmuszając oponenta do walki na dwóch frontach.
Utrzymanie pewnej świeżości fabuły w tej serii nie jest łatwe, szczególnie kiedy cały cykl opiera się na pewnych twardych i powtarzalnych fundamentach (militarnego akcyjnego sci-fi). Larsonowi ponownie się to jednak udaje poprzez wprowadzenie do fabuły nowego tajemniczego i bardzo groźnego przeciwnika. Nowy oponent nie tylko podbija widowiskowość tej części, ale przede wszystkim stawia przed czytelnikiem nowe pytania i obiecuje uczynić kolejne odsłony ciekawymi i wartymi sprawdzenia.
W przypadku 19 odsłony warto również podkreślić, że autor, zgrabnie łączy tu wątki militarne z elementami politycznymi. Obserwujemy nie tylko zmagania na polu bitwy, ale również zakulisowe rozgrywki, ambicje i dążenia poszczególnych frakcji. W Świecie Dżungli na pierwszy plan wysuwa się kwestia chciwości Ziemi i jej potencjalnie zgubnych konsekwencji. Pojawia się jednak głos rozsądku, uosabiany przez postać Jamesa McGilla, który kwestionuje bezwzględne dążenie do dominacji....
Jeez you'd think I be tired of James McGill getting himself international near permed situations again, but I don't. To be truthful there are times where I need to stop reading this series for a while and get another book from KU. After all these years of basically the same plot line and central characters I've developed a strategy of just reading them in small doses. Such as when I'm having something to eat or evacuating my bowels. This makes it so much easier when nearing the 80% read mark to finally finish the book. This series is just like an old friend that no matter whatever problems come between you it be can forgiving and get then get back together like nothing has ever happened. So it is this vain that I await the next book in this series.
A great beginning and a great ending was otherwise held back by a middling campaign.
I can't believe there are 19 of these. Craziness. And with the ending of this one there are certainly going to be more. And after a certain revelation I'm super excited to see where we go next.
As someone who gets easily distracted and gets worn out on stuff seemingly faster than others, I cannot believe that I am still enjoying this series. It is incredibly fun. My one major complaint is that I still feel like there should be more Della. Why am I the only one that seems to enjoy her!? We get constant Galeena ( I like her too, she's interesting also) but we never get any Della.
McGill is a diminished figure in this story; his promotion prospects have dissipated, respect for him seems less, his friends seem remote in the story, and even his "daring do" is of a lesser caliber. This trajectory could be seen from the previous couple of books and a natural character progression as a consequence of his antics, however its a lot less fun to read. There's less laugh-out-loud humor in it. I do hope this is a low point and we will see him rise up out of this hole.
What's great is that this episode delivers new story arcs that should see further books in the series. For me, Undying Mercenaries has entered the exceptional company of SF series that have remained entertaining across tens of books, next to my other favourite, EC Tubb's Dumarest Saga.
Never fails to mix familiar intriguing fiction with facts
I always enjoy catching up on the characters. Like old friends, to see what progress BVL has made in using SF mixed with shards of current events, sightings (Bigfoot & Dogmen?) and politics to pen another of his unique McGill episodes. If Space Opera is your thing, jump on and enjoy some earthy combat mixed with a touch of bawdy humor, military and political intrigue from a notably creative mind/ author.
Sky World, while not the most entertaining book in the series, teased a new story arc that I could tell had real potential to take things to the next level.
Jungle World delivers. Sure, you get some of antics of James McGill and friends that we know and love - but now the intrigue is back in spades, things aren't what they seem, and McGill of course finds himself in the middle of it.
I can’t wait anymore for the Audible versions to come out, I have to dive right into the new book to see what trouble McGillis in now! I hope BV gets going on this next book I can’t wait to see what happens with the new wrinkles that were added in the end of the story. I love this series and I am excited for the next book in the undying mercenaries series.
yet another installment of McGill, with a hint of a longer term plot.
McGill is McGill. The ultimate lazy genius. Forever 12 years old and maintaining a well deserved reputation for stupidity. Yet rousing himself from his booze induced hibernation to save the world again.
Maybe he’ll grow up some over the next twenty or thirty books as a long term lot arc emerges?
This can stay mindless. Or the series, like McGill, can grow up some.
(Spoiler) after all this time, I have been expecting McGill to mature, to grow beyond his narcissism. He hasn’t though here and there are signs. Galina showed more moral courage than he has and she caused a whole colony to be destroyed. The antihero, hero, has been a disappointment so far because he doesn’t ever grow up. Maybe the revival machines are faulty somehow after all.
The worst part of this series is always the waiting involved after finishing the newest book and waiting on the next one! 😂 Seriously, it's an interesting series that may have you having to read a page over like wth did he say?! I'm definitely a fan and looking forward to future installments!
19 Books and I still keep reading... Duhhh, cuz they're entertaining.
I don't think I've had a series hold me like this one...and they keep getting better. McGill keeps getting dare I say dumber?.. Which is not my favorite, but the plot twists and insane battles make it all worth the read. What's next? These crystals need resolving.
BV Larson has more talent in his left little finger than most authors. Mr Larson has written more than nineteen books with not one being like any other. He entertains with every word he writes. If you are just finding him, do yourself a great favor and start from the beginning. Not only will you be able to to see where everyone has come from but you will enjoy the journey. My biggest hope is Mr Larson take great care of himself so he can continue to amaze me with where he is taking me.
B.V. Larson has done a great job keeping this series interesting. This book was much better than the last one but to be fair the last book was more of a setup for things to come in this book and the next.
If you are reading the series, I think we may have turned the proverbial corner in the story line. How do they manage the changing dynamics of leadership? I hope we don’t have to wait a year for the next one
I really enjoyed reading jungle world and the new threats to Earth from inside the government and the galaxy. I have a feeling that at the end of the series that they will both end up marrying each other.
Wow, now we are getting some really juicy intrigue. I can't wait to see what happens next. Still my favorite series. As a matter of fact, it's only getting better.
I love each and every one of the books in this series. I love the cast of flawed characters, the dark humor, the storytelling, and the “sci-fi concepts” imagined by Larson. They are a real pleasure to read.
I have read all 19 books in the series. These are terrific science fiction books the main character is alive, and there’s a Continuity growth for his character. I would absolutely read any other books in the series.
Great supporting characters. Main character "James" is a down home idiot savant in a well constructed Earthcentric sci-fi thriller with just the correct amount of humor and ever changing otherworldly futuristic action.
Always a great read when it comes to James. I love when a new book comes out it's always guaranteed to make be smile, laugh and not be able to put it down. Really enjoying the story and twists.
I have enjoyed all 19 of these novels. They are easy reading and a nice break from the woke world we live in. I think it is time for our hero to travel back in time to find out what happened during the rebellion.
Another exciting and intriguing storyline that keeps you guessing. McGill is in the thick of things stumbling along clueless at times, but when the action hits, his brain kicks in. Some nice plot twists to keep us on our toes!
No spoilers. Sub plots abound. Mostly promising more books. I can't quite figure out why(channeling JM) but I think Jungle World might be in my top 5. Going to need more time to figure out the 'why'.
Amazing that I’ve read nineteen of this series, which makes the author somewhat special! Really well written, easy to read, captures the imagination with great storylines which are fun and and engaging.