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BattleTech Universe #83
Trial by Chaos
The Raging Bears have begun their occupation of the planet Vega with the hope of restoring order on a planet beset by violence and civil ruin. But their bold move to stabilize Prefecture I for The Republic of the Sphere may prove to be the chance their enemies have waited for...
While the military takeover of Vega was no great challenge, setting up a new planetary government and restoring the infrastructure of civilization have proven to be far more difficult for the peacekeeping forces of the Rasalhague Dominion. There remains an underground resistance that refuses to cease fire, and the Bears suspect that the Draconis Combine is secretly supporting the rebellion. As the Combine threatens them from without, the Bears also find themselves plagued by betrayal and deception from within. Unless they can expose the rival elements in their clan, they may end up as fodder for destruction...
While the military takeover of Vega was no great challenge, setting up a new planetary government and restoring the infrastructure of civilization have proven to be far more difficult for the peacekeeping forces of the Rasalhague Dominion. There remains an underground resistance that refuses to cease fire, and the Bears suspect that the Draconis Combine is secretly supporting the rebellion. As the Combine threatens them from without, the Bears also find themselves plagued by betrayal and deception from within. Unless they can expose the rival elements in their clan, they may end up as fodder for destruction...
- GenresScience FictionFiction
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2006
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
J. Steven York
56 books36 followersOriginally hailing from the piney woods along the Alabama/Florida border, J. Steven York has wandered between many genres (science fiction, fantasy, mystery) and points on the map.
Though he now lives on the Pacific shore in Oregon, his current mystery series "Panorama Beach," is set in the sunny Florida panhandle during the 1960s, and its fictional environs are inspired by his real-life ancestral roots there, and his happy visits to the gulf coast when he was a child.
Though he now lives on the Pacific shore in Oregon, his current mystery series "Panorama Beach," is set in the sunny Florida panhandle during the 1960s, and its fictional environs are inspired by his real-life ancestral roots there, and his happy visits to the gulf coast when he was a child.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 21, 2019
This is the twentieth book in the Mech Warrior Dark Age series. This series is a continuation of the Battletech series. The books in this series, like the books in the original Battletech series, are by various authors. This one is by J. Steven York. The Republic of the Sphere has known a long period of peace and prosperity. Then the interstellar communications network a.k.a. the HPG net is destroyed by terrorists and many planets in the Republic find themselves cut off from the rest of the galaxy with communications taking weeks or even months. Unrest leads to several factions on several planets trying to overthrow the local governments and seize power for themselves.
In this one the Ghost Bear Clan has come to the planet Vega, the capitol of Prefecture One. Since the fall of the HPG network and the closing of Prefecture Ten a battle among several warlords for the control of Vega has been raging. The Ghost Bears have been on planet for almost a year trying to restore order and reinstate the legitimate government. It is becoming evident however that an outside influence is taking part in the continued resistance. The Draconis Combine has long claimed Vega as their territory and now see a chance to take it back by clandestinely supplying men and weapons to the resistance fighters. Also factions within the Ghost Bears themselves want change in the traditional Clan structure. Galaxy Commander Isis Bekker will need to make several grave decisions which will either free Vega or be the end of the Ghost Bears.
Another great read in this series.
In this one the Ghost Bear Clan has come to the planet Vega, the capitol of Prefecture One. Since the fall of the HPG network and the closing of Prefecture Ten a battle among several warlords for the control of Vega has been raging. The Ghost Bears have been on planet for almost a year trying to restore order and reinstate the legitimate government. It is becoming evident however that an outside influence is taking part in the continued resistance. The Draconis Combine has long claimed Vega as their territory and now see a chance to take it back by clandestinely supplying men and weapons to the resistance fighters. Also factions within the Ghost Bears themselves want change in the traditional Clan structure. Galaxy Commander Isis Bekker will need to make several grave decisions which will either free Vega or be the end of the Ghost Bears.
Another great read in this series.
February 12, 2025
I like the Ghost Bears. So it was interesting in one regard to see what is going on with them n the DA. But this doesn’t even take place in the Dominion.
If there’s one theme, it is that the Ghost Bears are slow to action, and so is this book. There is barely any. Just a slog of a read for me. None of the characters were really intriguing either. You could pass on this one and not miss anything.
If there’s one theme, it is that the Ghost Bears are slow to action, and so is this book. There is barely any. Just a slog of a read for me. None of the characters were really intriguing either. You could pass on this one and not miss anything.
November 27, 2024
"So You've Decided to Read Battletech: Dark Age" - Review 20
There's not a Ghost of a chance you won't enjoy this un-Bear-lievably good Battletech book!
DA Callbacks:
Bannson is referenced.
Review:
Unlike most other books I've read in the DA series, this one offers up some big themes and challenges the characters' beliefs rather than just challenging their grit and combat skills. The only other book I remember attempting something like this was Flight of the Falcon.
Both "Flight" and now "Trial By Chaos" focus on Clanners wrestling with the purpose and direction of their clans. In "Flight", the Jade Falcons wrestled with whether to be "noble" warriors or ruthless conquerors (Knights vs Mongols is the metaphor the book presents). "Trial" examines ideas of liberation vs occupation and split loyalties. But unlike Flight, this book dives into interesting inner conflict.
The Falcon book presented two characters as the pure embodiment of the two conflicting ideals, each committed to their own path with little doubt. This book gives us characters where the conflict is internal, each character feels split and is trying to find a way to navigate forward. Some double down on their ideals, rejecting outside influence, while others seek to find a way to reconcile their conflicting beliefs and emotions.
The characters and their struggles are the most three-dimensional and relatable of any I've come across in the DA line of books. I'm more invested in them than I've been in any other set of DA characters. Also, unlike most DA books, this one feels driven by the characters, not the plot, which is hugely refreshing. Shame the author didn't write any more Battletech after this.
I would also add, this book can easily be read as a standalone. Anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the current state of Clan Ghost Bear could jump in here and have a great time and gain some solid insight into what the clan is currently about.
Assessment:
I've read the first 20 books in the DA series and this is by far my favorite read. It has political intrigue, sympathetic characters, a clash of ideals, and mech combat that feels consequential while not outstaying its welcome. And the story concludes with a feeling of lasting consequence and a change to the status quo. It would make an excellent standalone read and requires NO previous DA experience to be fully enjoyed! "Trial by Chaos" has my highest recommendation.
Lasting Impressions
In this section, I return long after reading to give my remembered impressions. Did this book stand the test of time?
N/A
DarkAge Tier List
from favorite to least favorite
Trial by Chaos
Scorpion Jar
Service For the Dead
A Silence in the Heavens
Fortress Republic
Flight of the Falcon
Sword of Sedition
Target of Opportunity
Blood of the Isle
Fortress of Lies
By Temptations and By War
A Call to Arms
Truth and Shadows
Ghost War
Heretic's Faith
The Ruins of Power
Daughter of the Dragon
Blood Avatar
In a special list all its own for being the absolute worst:
Hunters of the Deep
Completely Skipped:
Patriots Stand
There's not a Ghost of a chance you won't enjoy this un-Bear-lievably good Battletech book!
DA Callbacks:
Bannson is referenced.
Review:
Unlike most other books I've read in the DA series, this one offers up some big themes and challenges the characters' beliefs rather than just challenging their grit and combat skills. The only other book I remember attempting something like this was Flight of the Falcon.
Both "Flight" and now "Trial By Chaos" focus on Clanners wrestling with the purpose and direction of their clans. In "Flight", the Jade Falcons wrestled with whether to be "noble" warriors or ruthless conquerors (Knights vs Mongols is the metaphor the book presents). "Trial" examines ideas of liberation vs occupation and split loyalties. But unlike Flight, this book dives into interesting inner conflict.
The Falcon book presented two characters as the pure embodiment of the two conflicting ideals, each committed to their own path with little doubt. This book gives us characters where the conflict is internal, each character feels split and is trying to find a way to navigate forward. Some double down on their ideals, rejecting outside influence, while others seek to find a way to reconcile their conflicting beliefs and emotions.
The characters and their struggles are the most three-dimensional and relatable of any I've come across in the DA line of books. I'm more invested in them than I've been in any other set of DA characters. Also, unlike most DA books, this one feels driven by the characters, not the plot, which is hugely refreshing. Shame the author didn't write any more Battletech after this.
I would also add, this book can easily be read as a standalone. Anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the current state of Clan Ghost Bear could jump in here and have a great time and gain some solid insight into what the clan is currently about.
Assessment:
I've read the first 20 books in the DA series and this is by far my favorite read. It has political intrigue, sympathetic characters, a clash of ideals, and mech combat that feels consequential while not outstaying its welcome. And the story concludes with a feeling of lasting consequence and a change to the status quo. It would make an excellent standalone read and requires NO previous DA experience to be fully enjoyed! "Trial by Chaos" has my highest recommendation.
Lasting Impressions
In this section, I return long after reading to give my remembered impressions. Did this book stand the test of time?
N/A
DarkAge Tier List
from favorite to least favorite
Trial by Chaos
Scorpion Jar
Service For the Dead
A Silence in the Heavens
Fortress Republic
Flight of the Falcon
Sword of Sedition
Target of Opportunity
Blood of the Isle
Fortress of Lies
By Temptations and By War
A Call to Arms
Truth and Shadows
Ghost War
Heretic's Faith
The Ruins of Power
Daughter of the Dragon
Blood Avatar
In a special list all its own for being the absolute worst:
Hunters of the Deep
Completely Skipped:
Patriots Stand
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews