Anyone who's read many of my reviews knows that I enjoy good military science fiction and science fantasy. Sadly I find that it's far easier to find mediocre to poor books of those genres than it is to find good examples. I have as of the time of this review 4 series that I'm following which I thoroughly enjoy.
This one is a bit....far fetched(?) that may be the word. But then I've read books that were even more far fetched. I enjoy it, I mean I figure that actually our protagonist would have been (on the language of the novel) "permed" long ago but as of this book he's still trucking...
Or at least the current version of him is.
These books are built upon an interesting premise. Earth has established it's continued existence withing the "Galatic Empire" through it's primary trade good, mercenaries. These are the "Undying Mercenaries".
But are they? See they are undying because they have this/these wonderful alien machines that using DNA printing produce adult bodies (clones ?)of the troops that are killed. The troops have embedded electronics that keep track of the "up to date" memories of the said trooper. These are used to update the new body at it's "birth" and voila the dead trooper is back...or is he/she?
Is this James McGill the same James McGill or is he another person who has the same name and memories? Most of the troops don't spend much time thinking on that.
Here is the 5th book in the series with the mercenaries responding to an attack on Earth and ending up on a supposedly uninhabited planet where an new an unknown enemy (as always right?) threatens them and all humanity. I mean at least 3 species are out there who seem to have the capacity to step on us like bugs.
Well anyway see hoe James screws up and manages to survive...sort of. I mean it's James but it's a different James and...Oh well you get the idea.
Pretty good book pretty geed series. Recommended, enjoy.
Another really good entry into this series. I'm super curious if B. V. Larson is going to be able to finish everything up in one more book. I have no idea if he plans on writing more for this series or not, but after finishing this book I fell like it would be hard to wrap everything up in just one more novel.
I can give you plot points, but really I've tooted this series horn enough. I want people to read it. And I hope they do. So what are you waiting for? Go out and get Steel World and get started on this series! Please?
First Lizard people, then Squid people, then Machine people, now . I wonder what's next?
Why is Claver allowed to live?
Whatever it was that rubbed me the wrong way in the previous book is absent in this one. Maybe it was because I read more novels in between the series sequence, maybe it was because the Author read what his readers were saying and addressed it?
I just know with the exception of a few logical plot holes I enjoyed it.
These books keep getting stupider, but I guess I am still entertained enough to keep going. I bought 10 of them on sale and figure I'll get at least that far. It's a shame because I sort of like the character. The writing is pulpy but good enough to carry you through without much complaint. But damn there are some ridiculous plot holes, and I hate the main protagonist at least 40% of the time. Just figuring out how I feel about these books is a rollercoaster.
This really does need to be marathoned as a series; you'd never know what was going on otherwise. I think the whole "conspiracy" thing is too light to be taken seriously. I kind of wish McGill would appear in a more somber light at times. He's not a cocky kid anymore.
And of course Mark Boyett is why I keep listening. He's fabulous.
McGill does it again. only in stupidity can one have so much ingenuity. clearly he has no super powers but that doesn't stop others from believing he does. only McGill can get into so much trouble without even trying. one of the best of the series
Most people haven't made it this far. Killing me with same plot over and over again. Still no character development or strong supporting characters in sight.
I recently listened to Death World written by B. V. Larson and narrated by Mark Boyett.
Before I begin this review I need to mention that this book is part of the Undying Mercenaries series. As it's almost impossible to review a book in a series without a few spoilers as to what came before. This is the obligatory warning. If you are averse to any spoilers, stop reading.
For those who haven't read a B. V. Larson book, I should provide some context. Almost all of his series tend to be military sci-fi combined with a heavy dose of teenage boy wish fulfillment. This generally is resolved by the tactics of our unlikely hero both on the battlefield and in the bedroom. I generally wouldn't look too closely at his plots, because the wish fulfillment side of the equation creates huge plot holes.
The start of this finds James McGill, our hero, unusually introspective. His parents find out he has a daughter on Dust World and want to see their grandchild. They are then treated to a bit of culture shock when Della, his erstwhile daughter's mother, stops by to shack up with him while on leave.
Della was raised in a wholly different culture on her perspective on some things create some friction, however, McGill's parents are determined to play nice. This includes going to see a military ceremony welcoming in the first freighter bearing minerals from Machine World.
Unbeknownst to all at the ceremony, the freighter comes under attack as it enters orbit. The result of this is basically a kamikaze run smack into the ceremony killing the troops, thousands of onlookers, and wiping out multiple city blocks.
McGill is revived, along with the rest of Legion Varus, during their pursuit of their attackers. Driven by his grief for his dead parents, McGill is at last determined to be the kind of Veteran that legion Varus needs.
Mark Boyett is an amazing narrator and, as usual, hits the ball out of the park. He really captures the essence of the characters to an extent that's immersive in a truly enjoyable way.
Conclusion: This is the fifth book in the Undying Mercanaries series. While this book doesn't forego the usual James McGill shenanigans, oft resulting in amorous play, it does have a bit more than usual.
The plot brings a lot to the table and leaves you wanting more of this universe and, wonder of wonders, McGill shows the first hints of maturity and responsibility. To be honest, I'm not wholly certain why I like this series as the writing oft leaves something to be desired. I'm still listening though, and this book was definitely one of the better ones in series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Powieść rozpoczyna się dość idyllicznie. Rodzice głównego bohatera dowiadują się, że są dziadkami. Szybko planują podróż na inną planetę, aby poznać wnuczkę. Pełnię rodzinnego szczęścia ma dopełnić honorowe powitanie pierwszego transportowca przewożącego minerały ze Świata Maszyn, dzięki którym Ziemia stanie się bardziej niezależna. Nikt nie spodziewał się, że ten „wspaniały dzień” zamieni się w istny koszmar, który pochłonie tysiące istnień. Nasza planeta zostaje bowiem zaatakowana przez nieznanego wroga. Po tej tragedii członkowie Legionu Varus skupieni są tylko na chęci dokonania krwawej zemsty. Planeta, na którą trafią, skrywać będzie nie tylko zaskakujących przeciwników, ale również wiele sekretów mogących mieć wpływ na całą galaktykę. W środku tych wydarzeń oczywiście znajdzie się McGill, który kolejny raz udowodni, że potrafi walczyć jak nikt inny i w ma niesamowity dar wnerwiania wszystkich dookoła.
Kolejny raz „śmierć” wypełnia sporą liczbę stron książki. Nie jest to jednak czynnik znacząco wpływający na widowiskowość tytułu. Bohaterowie umierają, zostają ożywieni, aby po pewnym czasie ponownie dopadła ich kostucha. Autor z uśmiercania stworzonych przez siebie postaci zrobił coś zupełnie naturalnego, na co nie zwraca się już większej uwagi. Dużo większy wpływ na widowiskowość akcji ma tutaj nie sam „zgon”, ale sposób, w jaki dana osoba została uśmiercona. Twórca z każdą kolejną częścią pokazuje swoją „makabryczną kreatywność”, szykując dla czytelnika nowe szalone pomysły zabicia postaci.
Obok tego wszystkiego nie zapomina on jednak o odpowiednim urozmaiceniu historii. Rozdziały piątej części serii wypełnia więc treść, w której jeszcze mocniej zostaje rozwinięta wielka galaktyczna intryga w której „żołnierze” są jedynie malutkimi pionkami na wielkiej szachownicy. Nie zabrakło tutaj również charakterystycznego dla cyklu lekkiego i bardzo przyjemnego humoru, czy nieźle rozwijających się bohaterów i zachodzących pomiędzy nimi relacji. Ewolucję najlepiej widać w przypadku McGilla, który odkąd został ojcem, troszkę inaczej postrzega świat (chociaż nadal potrafi być uroczo irytujący).
“Death World” is the 5th installment 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 in the Legion Varus, a mercenary unit that serves the Galactic Empire in exchange for Earth's survival. McGill is a rebellious and cunning character, who often finds himself in trouble with his superiors, his enemies, and his lovers. He is also one of the few humans who can revive after death, thanks to the alien revival machine that the Legion possesses.
In this book, McGill faces his most personal and dangerous mission yet. After a surprise attack on Earth kills his parents and thousands of others, he vows to avenge them and stop the mysterious raiders who are plaguing the human territory. Along the way, he discovers a new threat from the Cephalopod Kingdom, a race of squid-like aliens who have been hiding in the shadows for centuries. McGill must use his wits, his skills, and his luck to survive and save his planet from destruction.
The audiobook is narrated by Mark Boyett, who does a superb job of bringing the characters and the action to life. Boyett has a clear and expressive voice, and he uses different accents and tones to distinguish the various characters. He also captures the emotions and the humor of the story, making it a fun and engaging listen. Boyett has narrated all the books in the series, and he has become the voice of McGill and his comrades.
“Death World” is a fast-paced and thrilling book, full of twists and turns, battles and betrayals, and humor and romance. It is a book that will appeal to fans of military science fiction, space opera, and action-adventure. It is also a book that shows some growth and development in McGill's character, as he faces the consequences of his actions and the realities of war. Death World is a book that will keep you hooked until the end, and leave you wanting more of the Undying Mercenaries series.
Probably 3.5 stars if I could give out half a star. The next instalment in the Undying Mercenaries series finds James McGill once more up to his neck in trouble, insubordination and blood. Following the crash of a freighter on Earth that McGill was in honour guard for and being watch by thousands it was supposed to be bringing the first shipment of titanium from Machine World, instead it crashes killing thousands (including McGill's parents). Revived on board the Minotaur he discovers they are tracking the enemy vessel believed to be responsible. Just as they find a planet that should be devoid of life, but instead is teeming with it, their ship is attacked by acid bleeding aliens and they are forced to abandon the Minotaur in orbit. Can McGill use his unique combination, of military skill, bravado and rank insubordination to keep himself and his team mates alive (or at least in position to be revived) whilst battle against what appear at first glance to simply be plants that can move. Hi Tech fast paced story that has one wondering how is the McGill is still permitted to serve in the legion hasn't been convicted or simply left un-revived.
This seems like a transitional book, setting up the series for a change in direction. It is good nevertheless.
The story: The Earth Legions have been attacked. Thousands are killed, so the mercenaries are on the trail of the perpetrators, hoping to find and kill them except that they are tougher customers than anticipated.
Any problems? The title of the book "Death World" is not very descriptive of the new world the mercenaries visit. In this series, every world is a death world. Also sadism is introduced into the story. Although it is not detailed, it happens to more than one character. A strong prohibitive message is conveyed: do violence if one must, but never for fun.
Any modesty issues? If you have been reading along in the series, nothing has changed. Casual sex. Vulgar language on occasion. I noticed that they author is now using the word "fart" on occasion. That seems silly, and I wish it would stop.
Another six stars ! (But five is all I get.) Larson does not disappoint once again. I will say that the plots are getting more complex than his first book and there is more political intrigue than book one. For those who like lots of action that could be a negative, but for those who like personal relationships and intrigue, both sinister and not, it is a positive. I suppose it's a wash in the end. The one element that ties all of these tales together , the tie that binds, is the regeneration machine. Without thislrganism,/being/machine this would be a much shorter series and perhaps only one book. Larson begins to realize the power held be the ones who control who comes back from death and when, which is just as powerful. McGill rises in rank, responsibility, secrets, intrigue, and power as we go along. In some ways I like the simplicity of the earlier novels, but life is like that I suppose.
James wants revenge. A freighter just crash landed on top of him. That's fine for him. It's not the first or last time he'll die, but his parents were there. For them, death is permanent. Now he's at the end of known space, fighting an enemy unlike any other: plants.
Things go from bad to worse when they're forced to abandon ship. He's stuck on a planet where every tree, flower, and grass wants him dead. They are more than able to do it too. James will have to use all his wits to survive.
BV Larson serves up another salad of death and destruction in this wonderful sci fi series. From beginning to end, he'll keep you guessing. Are the plants the real enemy, or is someone pulling their vines. It will all come down to a desperate gamble to survive: a Kale Mary pass to win or lose it all.
Imagine Starship Troopers without the political satire. Add in the idea you can die and come back as a clone as a soldier. Go into space and shoot things whilst having lots of sex. Add a hero that is a natural soldier and a bit of a rebel that does not over intellectualize anything ever.
Add beer and space guns
This one is him going for revenge after an attack on Earth and fighting the giant tree monsters on tree monster planet. The Legion is nearly destroyed again and all sorts of things happen.
There is also political machinations aplenty and our hero bumbles through by shooting things and appearing to know more than he does.
He does not sleep with a tree monster beast - which is kind of disappointing really. He is lucky in lust but not in love (or with plants)
For the last several books I have been balancing on the edge of dropping the whole series. I can see that B. V. Larson has some overreaching story in mind and he is slowly building towards it, but ohh man it is an agonising buildup. Characters in Death Word are starting to behaving like a parody of themself. Compared to the Stell World - they do not change or grow, they act more like cartoon copy-pasted clauns. James is just a big brat without any conscious, Gallina is just pain in the ass (with nice ass), and whats-his-name betrayer is betraying everybody again. I think I have reached my limit and I'm dropping this series. Not even fantastic narration can convince me to continue with this suffering.
This is one of the books that I look forward to reading or listening to. I recently moved from one end of the country to another and that was a long drive. I downloaded the audio book and it made the trip go by a lot faster. Listening to McGill kill giant plants and giant squids makes for an exciting read. Keep it up Larson! I love the series. One day I want to get some signed copies of it!
James encounters a new species called the Wur, which are a problem to the celophods, the alien species that are about to attack Earth. Claver has been talking with them about possible trade deals. Claver tries to tell James's legion that the Wur are not enemies, and that they should trade with them, but James's legion doesn't listen, and they destroy the Wur. But now, the celophods can attack Earth. This book has a lot of small problems that turn into big ones, and is definetly worth reading
This is a great series to read between my other larger series. The character development and world-building are great. It's usually a quick easy read, or if you have audible a nice listen. Doesn't involve any thinking. I was drawn in since book 1 and binged the series.
Definitely recommend it if you are looking for some space combat, mixed with good character development and a decent storyline.
The other reviewers who think the characters are shallow really are missing the point. McGill is slowly unravelling before our eyes as he sees his comrades die again and again. Brilliant read thank you Mr larson
The series isn’t just Sci-if, it’s political thriller without the headache of a thousand minute details. Some of the tech is far fetched in its use, but nothing that makes the series an unbelievable read.
This was the fifth book in the series. I like it more and more. Each book gives your more knowledge about the world and galaxy. This one said more about James McGill's family. Looking forward to the next one.
Still growing strong. At this point I am most interested in how the main character is developing. He is definitely not the same person that he was in book one but the transition has been natural. So that's a good sign.
Nothing sophisticated, just an interesting, imaginative space adventure with intriguing characters. Escapist Sci-fi that doesn't strain the brain but also doesn't insult your intelligence. I'm reading all of his series of books.
This was another exciting book in this series. I liked the ending better in this one than some of the other previous book though. I think it also has more heart in it too.