Book Description
THE LATEST ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE...
As Clan Wolf launches a daring campaign of reprisal against The Republic, three warriors will find their destinies intertwined on the field of battle, and in the fight for their futures.
Alaric is a legend among the Wolves. But his lust for victory may mean his undoing-unless he learns to see beyond himself. Anastasia is a former Wolf Clan warrior, now leading a band of mercs against her ex-comrades. Now she must prove not only her ability, but her complete separation from the Wolves-in combat.
Verena is the new commander of a ragtag merc force. Her desire for greatness will uncover her own superior abilities, and draw her into a final confrontation in which mercy is unheard of-and only death awaits the unworthy.
Customer Reviews:
Back to Form.......2007-06-25
Stackpole is back with another novel in the Mechwarrior Dark Age series from the first intallment 'Ghost War'. I found the story lines intriguing but lacking some depth. Back are the large scale battles and Clan versus Inner Sphere conflicts which can hopefully be expanded in subsequent novels.
The series is back to form (over Ilsa Bick's trash) if not quite the author's.
Like the previous series...and not in a great way........2007-04-05
I was really hoping for something more with this book. This was Stackpole's return to the Dark Age novel line for the first time since Ghost War, the first novel; and it came at a time when the books have been generally getting better, with a story going on that's interesting (Fortress Republic). But I don't really know why I expected Stackpole to write about *that*.
Masters of War is about the Wolves. It has Katrina S-D in it, somehow, and her son is the main character. It has Galaxies of 'Mechs, but the conflicts are fairly small. And, well, while there are some ideas in it that are interesting and large-scale, the fundamental ideas just seem small and personal.
This wasn't what I was looking for. It was still Stackpole, so it was competently done and interesting, but... I was hoping for Surrender Your Dreams again (the best Battletech book since the Warrior series), but this time from the writer that made this universe something worth reading for the last couple of decades.
If you like the MW:DA universe, you'll still want to read this, but you probably won't be overwhelmed.
previous reviews for WRONG book.......2007-04-04
The first two reviews for this book (which was only released yesterday) refer to book #24, not #25, and are not appropriate. I give 3-stars as the closest to a "neutral" review since I haven't picked up my copy yet as it was only in the stores as of yesterday.
Book Description
Jade Falcon Galaxy Commander Malvina Hazen and her warriors on the planet Skye receive a visit from a Hell's Horses ship, whose commander issues a Trial of Possession for the wartime doctrine he claims Malvina stole from his Clan. Although she bests her opponent in single BattleTech combat, Malvina's actions may herald the beginnings of a civil war that could unmake the Clan-and the galaxy.
Customer Reviews:
Another train wreck from Ilsa J. Bick .......2007-08-11
Every time I see an upcoming Mechwarrior book by Ms. Bick, I wince. I really want to know who at Wizkids this woman is related to, as there is no way she was hired based on talent!
Not for Your Average BattleTech/MechWarrior Fan.......2007-06-09
This is Ilsa Bick's third attempt to successfully write a BattleTech/MechWarrior novel, and I use the word attempt intentionally. Her first attempt was barely BattleTech/MechWarrior, and her second might as well not have been at all. This story at least ties back into the BattleTech/MechWarrior universe and main story somewhat, but carries on a tradition of a very different kind of novel than we are used to. Not much battle, and not much tech, not many mechs, and the warriors that are featured are overly concerned with murder, intrigue, and homoeroticism. I didn't have much hope going into this novel, but I bought it to keep the set going, and I was pretty unsurprised at the result.
1 1/2 stars.......2007-04-26
I wanted to like this book. I read the other reviews, and hoped they'd be wrong. Well, I was disappointed. I hate to criticize a writer because I have zero talent for writing myself, but this book was hard to finish. Other than advancing the universe storyline slightly, it wasn't worth reading. Save yourself some money. *SPOILER* All you need to know is that the ruling branch of the Kurita family is all but exterminated. Yori is now Cooridinator. Tormak did "take" Dierion, but basically b/c the Republic abandoned it. They also left a trap for her forces that destroyed a large portion of them. The serial killer, who was the Bounty Hunter, is now part of Tormak's inner circle. There you go. That sums things up. I hope her next book is better.
Mixed Jumble of Plots.......2007-02-20
Where to begin?
Where I did like Daughter of the Dragon, this book is confusing and just takes off in too many directions, not unlike Wolf Hunters. When We last left Katana Tormark, she was given the task of retaking the Dieron District...well...it sort of happens in the last 20 pages, and she disappears for at least a third of the book. This novel should have been sent back to the editors for rewrites and trimming, long before it reached us.
Hopefully the next installment will be better.
Serial killers in the Inner Sphere, again. *sigh*.......2007-02-08
I didn't like Bick's previous work with these characters - Daughter of the Dragon - so I'm not sure what I expected out of this one. The story is convoluted, pointlessly bloody (why, oh why, do we have to go into graphic detail for every death?), and ultimately boring; and while plenty of things happened that were important for the overall Battletech universe, by the time they happened, I didn't care about them. Perhaps by some definitions it was well-written, but that doesn't forgive the story. This is as bad a Battletech story as we've had in years. Read Surrender Your Dreams instead.
Book Description
The Fidelis fight on...
They are the Fidelis, a brotherhood of warriors whose devotion to honor and courage on the battlefield is unmatched. Their existence known only to a former exarch, they are a fighting force to be reckoned with-a force three knights must consider as they undertake missions that could save the Republic...or cripple it.
Customer Reviews:
Probably one of the best in the series.......2007-06-15
I really enjoyed this book, after I realived the back and forth nature of the stories. Teasers in the beginnng pull you into the different sub plots. Pardoe is one of the few authors dealing with the Mechwarrior Series where the battle scenes were intense, and had less non Mech drama. Some of the Mechwarrior series deal too much with "BS" and government than just Mech combat. He had some of the best Battletech novels involving the Clans which reflects on his current Mechwarrior novels. I hope to see more of his work in the future.
A MechWarrior book worthy of academic review.......2007-01-25
Yes, you read the title right, and I'm reviewing MechWarrior: Dark Age #23: Surrender Your Dreams.
I'll get to why this book is actually worthy of an academic review in a bit, but first more on the book itself.
For those who are interested in picking up the MechWarrior books because they've played the collectible figure game or one of the video games out now -- do not start with this book. Go back at least as far as Fortress Republic or before to start, if you want this book to make any sense.
For those who have been with the MechWarrior universe for a while, this is a fantastic book. It is quite different from most MechWarrior books in a variety of ways. Most striking is the use of the postmodernist literary tool of breaking up and re-arranging time, so the author can jump back and forth between the characters and their lives to better tell the story of the character themselves. Chapter titles give a good clue to this and had the author been a literary snob or simply evil, he may have left it at that. Fortunately, he also placed locations and dates (including a reference to the start of Fortress Republic) that allow the reader to keep temporal orientation with the story. Also different from most MechWarrior stories is the focus on politics and strategy more than the tactics of a single battle or set of battles. This allows for the final major difference of plunging the entire MechWarrior universe into one large moral state of grey, as opposed to the usual more black and white outlook prevalent in most of the books in the series. What makes someone a "good guy" or "bad guy" in the MechWarrior usually has been clearer, but this book has turned many prior notions about the MechWarrior universe on its ear. "Morally squishy" is about as good as one gets in this book and to good effect, although redemption is still possible.
If you are at all interested in the MechWarrior universe, you'll want to read this book. Lots of plot lines aren't neatly completed by the end of the book, but there are a few shocking plotlines from the Battletech universe that predated Dark Age that have important new developments. I'd love to tell you more, but it would ruin the surprise....
All of this brings me back to the title with which I started this review. While the plot and writing style are interesting, nothing there breaks new ground. What is interesting is how the series takes plot strands from the Battletech universe (both books and games) that seemed resolved or inconsequential and brings them back to focus in the current series. Thomas Marik is one example of this -- long dead in the universe, one would have expected him to be little more than a footnote in MechWarrior history, a nod for readers that have been with the series for years. Yet, in this book, he becomes a pivotal figure in a new interstellar war. Couple this use of "pop canon," for lack of a better phrase, and note the use of different forms of media (in this case, other books, pencil-and-paper game references, the collectable figures game references, multiple video games on different platforms, the internet, and I've even heard a cartoon was made), you have the basis for an interesting academic review of how stories and mythology are made and told today. One could compare and contrast other similar examples, such as various aspects of the Joss Weadon universe(s).
Overall, and excellent book, but not for newcomers to the Mechwarrior universe and probably a book better suited for adults than other books in the series. 5 stars, with the understanding that it is essentially a pulp sci-fi novel at heart.
Surrender Your Dreams.......2007-01-16
One of the greatest battletech books since the 90's, It brings back the depth and intrigue of the origional series while pushing the series in a new direction. This has got to be the best book of the Dark Age series that I've read yet, I'd Reccomend this to any Battletech or Mechwarrior fan, and even to plain Sci-Fi Fans interested in checking out the Battletech Universe
Another fine Pardoe entry.......2006-12-15
Blaine Lee Pardoe has been a contributor to the BattleTech universe for many years, first working on sourcebooks and then on novels. SURRENDER YOUR DREAMS is his second MECHWARRIOR: DARK AGE novel, and in my opinion, an improvement on the first.
Where TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY seemed to be divided into two halves, the first plot, the second combat, there was none of that here; SURRENDER was well-paced throughout, doing a good job of interspersing character moments with action. While the chapter organization was... unusual, in the end I think that it was to the book's benefit. Rather than simply being three novellas, it let the reader compare and contrast the different stories, see how each person was affected by similar events.
I liked that we got a deeper look at Damien Redburn; even though he's the former Exarch of the Republic, no longer in power, I've always thought that he needed some fleshing out. Here, after his "retirement", we get that. We also get something that was missing at the end of FORTRESS REPUBLIC: hope that things might just turn out okay after all. Even though we aren't privy to it, there's definitely the feeling that there's a plan at work here. It's not just the Fortress that will be working to save the Republic, but those outside it (as we see over the course of the novel).
SURRENDER YOUR DREAMS is the first book to really deal with the consequences of the declaration of Fortress Republic. Blaine really hammered home just what the declaration meant for the other nine Prefectures now without a nation. With luck, this won't be the last we'll see of the efforts to save the Republic from itself...
Brilliant and innovative (for Battletech).......2006-12-06
I should start by noting that I really, really appreciate the Fortress Republic concept, and I've been thirsty for more of it ever since the last Loren Coleman books last year. So it may not be entirely surprising that I really took to this book, since it is all about the implementation of that plan from the outside.
This book consists of three separate storylines regarding different military missions, connected by a single thread - the Fidelis, an ultra-elite fighting cadre split between the three different forces. Each of the storylines starts in media res, with the Chapters interweaved throughout the book. A framing device, explaining how all of these missions were put together by Damien Redburn, the ex-Exarch, ties them together and gives them a sense of connection that wasn't there in Wolf Hunters.
The writing style is very effective for the first 2/3rds or so, with information revealed early, and the context given later. Sure, it was a bit cheesy, but it helped make the framing device that much stronger - better to see first what the Republic is willing to do to preserve itself, before seeing *why*.
This isn't where I'd start, certainly; I wouldn't recommend this to newcomers to the Battletech/Mechwarrior universe. But for those of us that have been reading for decades now, this is the best book that has come out in a long time.
Book Description
Newly elected Exarch Jonah Levin is facing censure from the senators of The Republic. Wary even of his own Paladins, Levin agrees to a summit of Inner Sphere leaders on Terra-praying his enemies won't use the gathering for an assassination attempt.
Customer Reviews:
High-level political mayhem.......2007-07-09
I was happy to see the Mechwarrior series get back to its roots. Although the focus is, obviously, on the Republic, when the series started, it alsmost seemed as if the great houses of the Inner Sphere didn't even exist. After some ups and downs in the new Dark Age saga, I've been pleasantly surprised by the last few books and was excited to learn that this was a continuation of "The Scorpion Jar". It's been quite a while since Battletech/Mechwarrior found its focus back on Earth and I'm glad to see a return to the roots of the series. Predictable? Yeah, somewhat. Wrapped up too quickly in the end again? Yep (does every novel have to climax in the last 10-15 pages?), but a fun read that opened the doors for a lot more.
Not predictable, but a return to form!.......2005-07-27
Anyone who says this book was predictable didn't read the last chapter. It is a return to what I expect from the Battletech/Mechwarrior name. It's good to see the Houses acting somewhat like you'd expect, and seeing thing you recognize. It this wasn't the case, you'd have change for change sake, chaos, and you wouldn't know what was going on, or why. Coleman is masterful, even better than Stackpole, and whenever I see a new MW novel written by him, I know I'm going to enjoy it.
Predictable, but fun!.......2005-04-27
This book is the 15th in the MechWarrior: Dark Age series of books. As noted by other reviewers, it centers around various factions of the inner sphere going to the funeral of one of the great leaders, and while getting to a slow start, it picks up in the last third. It is not a masterpiece of English literature.
However, it was a great deal of fun to read. While slow at first, it kept interest with showing at least a little bit of most of the major factions and introducing some new players. The political intrigue is also pretty well written for a book that is trying to attract and keep a base of readers that include at least two divergent groups -- those interested in the WizKids toys that have come out in the past few years, and those interested in the Battletech universe that has been around for decades. Some of the themes in this book (and the series) may seem to be...recycled, but that's part of what makes most pop culture fiction so fun -- the hero is good and noble, struggles with some issue, and wins in the end. Bad guys have their reasons for being bad, and might be ahead in the game for a while, but eventually "get what's coming to them." Everyone is beautiful (except the evil ones, of course), the good eventually triumph, a lesson is learned, and we all live happily ever after. More or less, at least. And in this series, more often than not, that's what you get.
So, if you're looking for something original, thought provoking, profound, etc....look somewhere else. If you like stories about heroes, giant robots, interstellar travel, spies, and the like, and want something to take your mind off school, work, or other things going on in the world, this series might just be what you're looking for! I've had fun reading the past 15 books, and looking forward already to the next one in the series.
Becoming Predictable.......2005-04-27
I really wanted to give this book a higher rating. I've been a fan of the Battletech/Mechwarrior universe for some time, now, and really enjoy Loren Coleman's contributions to the Mechwarrior Universe. First off, the good. ROC seems to be providing an editor (finally) who catches typos and grammatical mistakes. I think I only caught one in this book. Style-wise, Sword of Sedition is done well, like most Coleman Mechwarrior novels. The book centers around the leaders of the Inner Sphere trekking to Terra for the funeral of Victor Steiner-Davion. The story seems to be used primarily to set up the new characters who will (hopefully) carry the story arc into the future. Action is minimal until the latter third of the book, but the set-up is nice. The story arc, such as it is, continues to advance.
*minor spoilers ahead*
Unfortunately, this novel seems to be almost a rehash of the previous Battletech world. And while I miss the good ol' days of Victor, Kai, and the crazy Capellans, I was hoping that Mechwarrior would try to branch out and diversify itself from its predecessor. Instead, I find that I am reading about the noble Federated Suns led by their prince, Harrison aka the Bear (Hanse, the fox, Harrison, the Bear...original) who stand firm with the Republic that Victor died to protect. Yawn. Harrison, of course, has a Prince's Champion named Julian who seems to be the spiritual reincarnation of Victor. The token "wild girl," 'Calamity' Kell is introduced as well as Yori Kurita. The Kuritans, of course, manage to be rude to the Davions who graciously overlook the insults given them because they are Davions and that's what Davions do best. I won't spoil the ending, but for people familiar with the story of Victor from the previous series, Sword of Sedition seems to read like same story, different characters.
I hope that the future brings some surprises for the MechWarrior universe. I would greatly like to see Katana Tormak and the Dragon's Fury written about and the Kuritans given more print. Ditto with the Capellan Confederation. Please, WizKids, give us fans something new and different to enjoy. While I'll continue to support the series, I find that I don't pay as much attention to the stories as I used to....maybe because I read them all 10 years ago.
Book Description
MechWarrior Tara Campbell faces two ruthless enemies. Should she be defeated,Terra is sure to follow...
Customer Reviews:
Not enough depth.......2003-11-19
Overall, I loved the trilogy by Delrio. There were some impressive twists included in the books and I enjoyed seeing a trio of books devoted to the new Mechwarrior string.
My main concern, however, is that the depth of each plotline as well as each battle is not nearly sufficient. It could just be that this is the first Battletech-genre writing for Delrio. The fight sequences were over way too quick and had some unrealistic results that would be hard to duplicate in the actual gaming scenario.
I remember speaking with Stackpole about eight years back at a book signing and asked him why his battles were so accurate. He explained that he actually gamed them out and would rarely change the results of a battle. If a secondary character died, he wrote it into the story. The only time he would alter the results is if a main character integral to a plotline he was trying to write died.
Also, while Delrio has some seriously wicked twists in his plotlines, the amount of development to each twist just doesn't seem sufficient. The chase scenes in the book could have been drawn out and the possible swerves could have been built up for an even more impactful result.
Regardless, I am happy to see the franchise is back up and running. I understand that these books are the seeds for the depth and breadth of the upcoming epic books that will continue the new story.
Good conclusion for a good trilogy.......2003-11-10
Martin Delrio's Proving Ground trilogy does an excellent job at advancing the Mechwarrior Dark Age storyline. Not only does the story bring together some of the Unique and Limited Edition figures from the game, but it is interesting to boot. This novel, the conclusion of the trilogy finds Tara Campbell, Countess of Northwind and leader of the Northwind Highlanders, fighting to save Terra from the Steel Wolves, led by Anastasia Kerensky. Tara must deal with the rogue Paladin, Ezekiel Crow, an unbelieving Exarch, and the wily Kerensky. Paladin Jonah Levin of the Limited Edition Atlas figure fame is introduced as well.
I appreciated the fact that Delrio included some character depth in the form of some of the Higlanders infantry; the three seargents, Will, Jock, and Lexa, are a nice reprieve from the "powers that be" residing on high and making decisions that could affect the entire Republic. Ezekiel Crow's character also is well-developed, and his fate within the Republic seems to have taken a turn for the worse, but makes for a much more interesting read than a Paladin whose loyalty belongs solely to the Republic.
One thing that I would like to see is more development of One Eyed Jack and his mercenaries. We're getting hints of Bannson's game, but I'd like to see more direct focus on Jacob and his megalomanical schemes.
Overall, though, this is a very satisfying conclusion to Dark Age's first trilogy. Hopefully, the success of this trilogy will induce WizKids to allow more of them as storyline development seems to proceed better when the same author has a chance to really go into the details without other authors slipping in books between with sometimes unrelated material.
Looking forward to the next novel.
Average customer rating:
- Mechwarrior 3: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
- A truly magnificant guide
- Not as funny as the MW 2 guide but still worthwhile
- What is a good Mech-warrior without a good guide?
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MechWarrior 3: Prima's Official Strategy Guide
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MechWarrior 3
ASIN: 0761503900 |
Amazon.com
It's been several years since PC gamers have been able to climb back into the cockpits of their favorite 30-foot-tall robotic war machines, but Microprose, Zipper Interactive, FASA, and Microsoft have finally unveiled MechWarrior 3. This sequel is one of the best 'mech games ever, with spectacular graphics and excellent gameplay. The BattleTech universe can be a confusing one, however, which is why Prima's guide to the game is so valuable. Not only does it offer some background on the fine art of piloting a 'mech, it also gives you a detailed explanation of each piece of weaponry and equipment available to you in the 'mech bay. Of course, this information would be incomplete if not for the descriptions of each and every 'mech chassis in the game (18 'mechs in all). With this book's help, you'll learn how to customize and outfit your 'mech for optimum firepower and survivability in both single- and multiplayer combat. You'll also get walkthroughs for each mission in the single-player campaign, along with maps and enemy lists for each combat area. This book is the perfect survival guide for any aspiring MechWarrior--don't board your dropship without it. --Mike Fehlauer
Book Description
The Clan is only good for one thing . . . salvaged parts.
• The skills to succeed in 'Mech® combat
• Walkthroughs for all campaign missions
• Customizing your 'Mechs for general use or specific goals
• Strategic information on all weapons and 'Mechs
• Detailed maps
Customer Reviews:
Mechwarrior 3: Prima's Official Strategy Guide.......2000-10-22
The MW3 strategy guide has a lot of info, but there are a number of obvious flaws. The vehicle descriptions are all messed up when it comes to vehicle weapons (donar choppers don't have ER medium lasers!), and guide's suggested 'mech configurations don't have a lot of ammo and heat management is nearly non-existent. However, the battle-maps and run-throughs are exceptional, as are the combat and 'mech customization tips. Besides the minor glitches, this Prima is one worth using.
A truly magnificant guide.......1999-12-08
Wow pretty much sums this guide up. You think it's got a lot of info in it? It's 279 pages! You bet it does! They crammed so much info in this book it's easy to see why it has a listing price of 20 bucks. This book lists every 'Mech along with their cruising and top speeds, normal and max tonnage, primary weapon configurations, as well as a full page description of each of the 'Mechs pros and cons along with suggested weapons and equipment grouping. It lists every weapon, the heat it generates, their damage potential, and range. The walkthrough is very well done with suggested routes to take and what 'Mech to pilot as well as what 'Mechs to have your lancemates control. Before every mission, there is a page which states everything you'll find there, as in missle placements as well as the number and identities of every enemy 'Mech out there. It explains excellent customizing of 'Mechs, giving you awesome firepower for any range, the heat sinks to allow repeated fire, and the armor and speed to live through any battle. The book also explains all the controls and gives you ideas on how to get adjusted to any combat situation. I really haven't even begun to scratch the surface of this book, but this should be enough to help you with your decision to buy it. So....what are you waiting for? buy it!
Not as funny as the MW 2 guide but still worthwhile.......1999-07-31
As with the MechWarrior 2 Guide; this one helps you thru the rough spots AND helps you figure out which weapons make the best combo for you. Don't want to give away the whole book but...a couple of "dogs" in MW 2 are my favorites now.
BTW, D/L the vers 1.1 patch for the game itself from microprose
What is a good Mech-warrior without a good guide?.......1999-07-06
Simply put, this book is a must have. It gives you guidelines to go by, to suite your individual piloting and fighting styles. You get detailed info on mech stats, equipment and weapons, along with specifics on how to equip and use them. Even with what is all availible in this book... it is up to YOU to decide the final outcome in each battle. For once there is a book you can use without worrying if it's linear and will it give away the game. I recommend this book to everyone who purchased the game.
Book Description
The MechWarrior saga continues!
LONE WOLVES DIE ALONE.
BUT THE PACK LIVES FOREVER.
Anastasia Kerensky has declared the Steel Wolf Clan to be mercenaries, re-christening them Wolf Hunters. The combination of autonomy and wealth will make them more than a match for any MechWarrior battalion suicidal enough to challenge them.
But the real challenge comes from within the Clan. Star Colonel Varnoff believes Kerensky has betrayed them all-and with a loyal faction of Steel Wolves at his side vows to destroy all the Wolf Hunters.
Customer Reviews:
Killiany's debut impresses.......2006-12-15
WOLF HUNTERS is Kevin Killiany's first novel, but you wouldn't know it from reading it. (Admittedly, he's not new to fiction writing, or even to the BATTLETECH universe; he's been writing short fiction set in this universe for the past two years, released through BattleCorps.) In the novel, he does an excellent job of recapturing the characters developed by others (including Loren L. Coleman and Martin Delrio), even as he rebuilds them to fit the changing miniatures game.
Anastasia Kerensky has been perhaps the most maddeningly inconsistent character in the universe, with only Katie S-D giving her a run for her money. But in WOLF HUNTERS, Kevin Killiany embraced that inconsistency; his Anastasia runs the gamut, from hardline Clanner to indulgent Spheroid. And yet, she really doesn't; she puts on whatever face will get her what she needs: the survival of her Wolves.
The book details the evolution of the Steel Wolves of prior novels into the Wolf Hunters of the future. As is to be expected whenever a Clan unit undergoes change, there are objectors, which results in fights. Most of these are well-depicted; the very last one being the exception, in that it feels like significant parts of it were skipped over. The reader's still able to follow the plot; it just felt like the battle happened almost entirely offscreen, for whatever reason.
But the multitude of battles, ranging from infantry to 'Mechs to aerospace, aren't the point of the book. That would be Anastasia's journey--nay, the Steel Wolves' journey--as they transform themselves into the Wolf Hunters who will be appearing in future novels. And (leaving the process obscured) it's an enjoyable, believable ride. Characters old and new are presented sympathetically, leaving the reader wanting to root for all sides--and managing to satisfy the reader no matter which they pick, I think.
Kevin Killiany's book continues the trend of good novels the series has managed to keep for the past several years. WOLF HUNTERS left me looking forward both to the return of the Wolf Hunters, and to Killiany's return to the line.
Book Description
As Prince's Champion of the Federated Suns, Julian Davion struggles amidst political turmoil and the changing fortunes of war, and ex-Knight and now-Senator Conner Rhys-Monroe still leads the fight to destroy the Republic from within. But he is expertly opposed by Countess Tara Campbell, leader of the Highlanders-and the Republic's best hope in a situation that is shifting like blood-drenched quicksand.
Download Description
As Prince's Champion of the Federated Suns, Julian Davion struggles amidst political turmoil and the changing fortunes of war, and ex-Knight and now-Senator Conner Rhys-Monroe still leads the fight to destroy the Republic from within. But he is expertly opposed by Countess Tara Campbell, leader of the Highlanders-and the Republic's best hope in a situation that is shifting like blood-drenched quicksand.
Customer Reviews:
Damn fine.......2006-06-16
As always, Loren Coleman brings us back to the things that matter in this universe. This one picks up directly after Sword of Sedition (the ending of which left us thirsting for more) and successfully advances the metaplot (or macroplot?) of the BattleTech universe by detailing startling new developments in the Republic and the Federated Suns. In addition, he's weaving the threads that tie the Dark Age back to the original series (in case you thought they forgot about that time period). Coleman's prose is crisp and always exciting. The ending, once again, leaves us in agony, but I fear we'll have to wait another year to see how this one resolves.
Depth and detail. An excellent book!.......2006-01-04
I refuse to go into detail and spoil any of this book for you, but I am on my second read, and it is excellent reading, even as it was the first time. A book that draws you into the grand schemes and petty details of the Inner Sphere even further, an excellent link in the series, providing a delicious mix of intrique, character and action.
As varied, dense and full of different flavors as a three-inch-deep pizza!
Book Description
Katana Tormark's family was disgraced by a traitor. To regain her clan's honor, she challenges House Kurita's right to rule the Combine. Undermining their authority, Katana is pushing them into a conflict with the Republic they don't want. But Warlord Mitsura Sakamoto has his own desire to rule, and and he's not going to let Katana stand in his way.
Customer Reviews:
Robert Jordan?.......2007-06-25
I thought I was reading a Robert Jordan novel the way the story line jumps around. Too bad it wasn't as well written as Robert's novels.
Not bad, not good.......2007-04-03
Some decent story advancement, but overall was far too concerned with side stories, and Ms. Bick seems overly indulgent with blood, gore, and sex, not necessarily in that order. More convoluted than the average Mechwarrior - Dark Age novel, and not in a good way.
Slow action.......2006-08-29
Is missing a lot ao actiom. But the drama and plots are running hot.
Good story, more adult themes.......2006-02-26
A good book to add to the BattleTech/Mechwarrior book collection. Sometimes the book introduces too many characters but has a good amount of action, drama, and politics. Not recommended for young readers (gore/ light sexual themes), but it was nice to see the more "adult" themes in the series, that we all know is there, but isn't always written about. Id say the second best book of the new Dark Age novels only behind "Ghost War".
So how does this book stack up for this long-time BattleTech fan?.......2006-01-27
Alright... You've read the reviews so you know the pros and cons of this novel. You've also read some plot pointers, so there's no need to reiterate that. So how does this book really stack up in the BattleTech universe? Is it the greatest thing since Stackpole, or is it festering dog vomit?
Neither.
This book isn't fluff and it isn't a fast-food happy meal tie in. Nor is it a J-Pop ADHD Anime super-robo-girly-boy commercial. This is fiction set in the far future dealing with the darker side of geo-politics, assassination, humanity, and all the black, white, and gray territory that lies between. And as a franchise, the BattleTech universe has always concentrated on that side of human struggle. (Unless you count alien talking birds who use axes, but we won't go into that today...)
This book deals with a microcosm of that struggle and it details it in a graphic, adult manner. Punches are not pulled---and they shouldn't be. If fan-boys want to embrace a world in which death and destruction is the norm, then they must also be prepared to visit the not-so-pleasant aspects of warfare. This is what this novel is all about: Gritty, messy, complicated---all on street level. (I will mention the cries of censorship or an M rating is ridiculous, as there have been much more graphic depictions of violence and death written in the pages of past 'Tech novels.)
So what's the bottom line?
The bottom line is a solid B. This fiction isn't high brow mind food, nor will anyone be knocking on the author's door nominating her for the next Poet Laureate. But then again, that was never what the BattleTech universe was about. In the context of which it was written, _Daughter of the Dragon_ manages to successfully convey and carry the overall theme of the BattleTech/MechWarrior universe, and more importantly, it helps to expand it. It's not perfect, but it's entertaining. And really, that's all that matters. If you're a BattleTech fan, it's worth your time to check out.
Book Description
For more than a year, "divine leader" Daoshen Liao has relentlessly pushed his Capellan Confederation forces in their invasion of The Republic. Now the time comes for the next stage of his conquest-which will begin not with an enemy, but within his own family.
Customer Reviews:
Very good author.......2006-09-08
I picked up a Jason M. Hardy book once on impulse and have never regretted it. I may not be a good reviewer but I can say that I have now enjoyed three books by this author and find his writing style to be excellent. This fellow can really tell a story. I recommend the book very highly.
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