Audible Book Review: Machine World, Undying Mercenaries, Book 4, by B. V. Larson

This is another good installment of this military sci-fi series.
Machine World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 05-12-15
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Hard Science Fiction, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell burners, Earth joined a vast empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In the fourth book of the series, James McGill is up for promotion. Not everyone is happy about that, and McGill must prove he's worth his stripes. Deployed to a strange, alien planet outside the boundaries of the Galactic Empire, he's caught up in warfare and political intrigue. Earth expands, the Cephalopod Kingdom launches ships to stop us, and a grand conspiracy emerges among the upper ranks of the Hegemony military.
In Machine World McGill faces an entirely new kind of alien life, Galactic prosecution, and thousands of relentless squid troopers. He lives and dies in the falling ashes of the empire, a man of unique honor at the dawn of humanity's resurgence.
Machine World is a military science fiction novel by best-selling author B. V. Larson. (To find the first book in the series, search for Steel World by B. V. Larson.)
©2015 B. V. Larson (P)2015 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is one of the ‘undying mercenaries’ in the least respected Earth troop, Legion Varus. Earth is a lowly planet on the fringe of the galaxy that is controlled by the Empire. Legion Varus is the lowly of the mercenary troops that are sent out as expendable soldiers. They are known as the ‘undying mercenaries’ because they can be regenerated as they die in the field.

McGill gained rank moving from recruit to regular to specialist all while being known for stumbling into, and remarkably out of, trouble. He has a strange relationship with highly ranked Imperator Turov. She has pulled him into more than one bad situation where they then have to keep each other’s secrets. This leaves James in an awkward situation as she could order his permanent death at any time.

As Legion Varus prepares to go to another world confrontation, McGill faces hazing and testing but gains the rank of Veteran, the highest rank for enlisted soldiers. Now McGill is in charge of troops supporting the officers in battle. Fortunately, even though McGill seems to get into bad situations, he thinks fast under stress and tends to move his troops in the right format and direction.

Once again McGill and his friends and band of superiors face a new alien force of a distant planet. In addition to the indigenous Machine creatures, the Earth mercenaries find an old enemy, the Squids (see book 2). The Earth leaders think that they can win during the initial engagement but then some other alien ships show up and things go from bad to worse.

I enjoyed the creative plotting of these stories. I might have liked a little more development of the Machine aliens but still, they were interesting and the encounter with McGill is engaging. There is power corruption, some little bad language, and female entanglements that tend to follow McGill. All of this makes for an entertaining listen. I recommend the series for fans of military sci-fi.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett is a consistently effective narrator for this series. He helps draw the listener into another realm and provides distinct voices and emotions. I totally enjoy this listening experience.

Source: 5/12/19 Audible April Credits. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goal.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson 4.5
Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron 4.5

Audible Book Review: Tech World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3 by B.V. Laron

I picked this fun series from my Audible TBR. I may have stayed up too late listening. :-)
Tech World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 3
Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 10-21-14
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Space Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spanned the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder. In the third book in the series, James McGill is deployed on another alien world. His third interstellar tour is different in every way. Rather than meeting up with a primitive society, this time he’s headed to an advanced world. Tau Ceti, better known as Tech World, is the central trading capital of Frontier 921. McGill figures he’s lucked out. The assignment looks dull but luxurious. Tau Ceti boasts a planet-wide city with a trillion inhabitants, all of whom are only interested in making a few credits. But all is not well on Tech World. The Empire is crumbling, an invasion is coming, and McGill’s easy ride through life and death has come to an end.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Review:
James McGill is not a handsome, kind, charming hero. He is more a Georgia, ‘good ol’ boy’, skirt chasing, in your face, military character. He is a Tech Specialist with big guns and although he’s known to cause trouble, he usually saves the day. Even if he has to die a time or two to do so.

These military troops are termed ‘undying’ because they can be replicated if they die in battle. This is somewhat painful and particularly alarming the first time around. But some, like McGill, have gotten used to it. The problem is that McGill’s brash, cavalier attitude may get him ‘permed’ (permanently dead) one of these days if he keeps annoying the wrong superiors.

There are those in control on earth who want to unify the independent legion forces under one government control as it looks like events may make the forces more military and less mercenary. McGill and his friends are part of Legion Varus, the toughest group who get the roughest mercenary jobs and who have scored some nice bonuses due to their success at the ‘dirty’ work. McGill creates (or renews) a few enemies when he sends out a mass email telling the legionnaires to vote against the unity push.

The Varus troops are sent on assignment to Tech World which is considered a quiet, easy post. This is not their usual style and they recognize they are been ostracized. Things are supposed to be quiet until they uncover a smuggling ring and set off a rebellion. McGill continues to flaunt authority and pushes a bit more than might be right.

I enjoy the irreverent humor in this book that pokes fun at ineptitude and corrupt leadership and recognizes the ability of seemingly mediocre ‘grunts’ to step up and outsmart the opposition. I also like the interesting world building, the strong danger and action-packed scenes. This is a fun series to pick up for sheer entertainment.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does his usual spot on narration in this series. He pulls in the voices and the nuances of character. I definitely enjoy listening to this series on audio.

I wanted a fun read and picked this from my Audible TBR (2015). This qualifies for Audiobook Challenge and Mount TBR.

Audible Book Review: Swarm: Star Force, Book 1, by B. V. Larson

This is an easy listening, action-packed military sci fi.
Swarm: Star Force, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins
Series: Star Force, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-11
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Military Sci Fi, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet! Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.
A novel of military science fiction by best-selling author B. V. Larson, Swarm is the story of Earth's annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war - and faced with extinction.
Battle stations! Listen to another Star Force novel.
©2010 B.V. Larson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kyle Riggs is a college professor and farmer – until aliens reach into his yard and capture his son. As Kyle scrambles to grab a shotgun and get his daughter into the car for safety, his son’s body is dropped from the sky. Then the alien snake-like arm breaks through the car window to snatch his daughter. A few minutes later his daughter is dropped on his roof. Then they grab him, and Kyle is more than happy to be dragged to the ship so he can shoot the enemy who took his children. Soon Kyle is facing obstacles and passing levels before he realizes he is being tested. Before his anger subsides, and he gets to cope with his grief and guilt, Kyle is caught up in a battle for his life… then a war for his planet. Kyle and other successful fighter/survivors have been recruited by smaller alien ships to be commanders and to help fight against larger ships who plan to strip resources from earth.

Kyle manages to rescue one of the other capture ‘candidates’ so he ends up with a young, curvaceous sidekick which is different than most of the other ships. He hesitates to join the ‘team’ of fighters which makes him one of the rogues. Kyle’s computer science background helps him come up with solutions and tactics which make it clear the other ships need his help as much as he needs them. The Star Force, and especially Kyle and his ship, end up teaming with special earth forces to face the enemy.

Kyle’s character is a little awkward as he goes from a rather normal professor/farmer to a fighter, a strategist and finally a super warrior. He continues being a rogue as he leads by his own initiative despite orders. I liked that he uses his computer thought processes to relate to the ship but his taking over leadership of military forces is a stretch. The female character is a feisty, buxom caricature and it was sort of icky (awkward again) that Kyle was lusting after her shortly after losing his kids. Still, this wasn’t a huge issue and I didn’t let it bother me. The story is fun listening with lots of action. It moves quickly and made me think of a comic super hero scenario (perhaps like Iron Man). I’d be willing to listen to more in the series when I want a fast, fun, military sci fi fix. I recommend this to listeners/readers who are okay with fast-paced, easy action entertainment and are not looking for serious military politics.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a nice job with the voices and energy in the presentation. The story is primary told in first person by Kyle but there are other characters with accents that are done well by Boyett. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

This has been on my Audible shelf since May 2015. It qualifies for Audio Challenge and TBR Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2 by B. V. Larson

This series offers engaging action in a fun listen.

Dust World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Written by: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 12 hrs and 31 mins

Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 2

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-27-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Sci Fi

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The Galactics arrived with their Battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined a vast Empire that spans the Milky Way. Our only worthwhile trade goods are our infamous mercenary legions, elite troops we sell to the highest alien bidder.
In 2122 a lost colony expedition contacts Earth, surprising our government. Colonization is against Galactic Law, and Legion Varus is dispatched to the system to handle the situation. Earth gave them sealed orders, but Earth is 35 lightyears away. The Legion commanders have a secret plan of their own. And then there's James McGill, who was never too good at listening to authority in the first place....
In Dust World, book two of the Undying Mercenaries Series, McGill is promoted to Specialist and sent to a frontier planet outside the Empire. Earth's status within the Empire will never be the same.
©2014 B. V. Larson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Review:
James McGill and the Legion Varus troops are back in action again. Their mission is to seek out a lost earth colony. Many are concerned that they will find primitives but McGill is concerned with what will be done with the colonists. After all, the Galactic law doesn’t permit colonization and his superiors may think they can just hide the whole event.

Before they locate the colony their ship is attacked by a new alien species, dubbed the “squids”. The troops have to make an emergency evacuation to a dust world or a water world. Since the hostile aliens may be on the water world, they head for the other planet. The troops end up separating into groups on the surface of Dust World. While McGill’s superiors debated their landing location all the best spots were taken and they got a valley crevice by default.

They find strange plants and critters on the planet as they do reconnaissance for food and supplies. Then McGill makes human contact! Although the colonists dress as primitives they have weapons that are advanced nano technology. McGill's first attempt at diplomacy ends in his death but he swears he will return. They are shocked when McGill makes good on his threat after being ‘regrown’ by the replication machine.

It looks like Varus troops are going to have to battle the local colonists until another huge ship lands and giant hunters start seeking ‘prey’. Apparently the Squids capture humans for breeding or mutation into slaves. A temporary truce is reached so the troops and the colonists can fight the common foe. But what will happen once the Squids are defeated and the alien ship is captured? And what will happen when the Galactic enforcers arrive and find an Earth colony?

McGill continues, with his brash arrogance, to woe his favorite ladies, even adding a colonist to his conquests. He also continues to anger many of his team and superiors with his refusal to abide by the rules. McGill's tendency to go outside the box and follow his own, sometimes unorthodox, methods gets him into trouble but also provides solutions to problems.

Several of the characters, including McGill at times, are annoying and most of his superiors tend to be callous. McGill really has a caring heart for others even though some don’t recognize it. The story and action are very entertaining and I liked how the political issues were worked out with the Galactic enforcers. I recommend this to action fans and I am definitely looking forward to listening to the next book, Tech World.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a great job narrating this series. He manages to give distinct accents to the characters. He also conveys the action with good pacing and energy. I have enjoyed both book 1 and 2 on audio and will listen to the next on audio too.

I selected this from my Audible library.

Audible Book Review: Steel World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1 by B. V. Larson

This is an engaging, action packed sci fi and a fun listen!
Steel World: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1
Written by: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
Series: Undying Mercenaries, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-03-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In the 20th century Earth sent probes, transmissions, and welcoming messages to the stars. Unfortunately, someone noticed. The Galactics arrived with their battle fleet in 2052. Rather than being exterminated under a barrage of hell-burners, Earth joined their vast Empire. Swearing allegiance to our distant alien overlords wasn't the only requirement for survival. We also had to have something of value to trade, something that neighboring planets would pay their hard-earned credits to buy. As most of the local worlds were too civilized to have a proper army, the only valuable service Earth could provide came in the form of soldiers…someone had to do their dirty work for them, their fighting and dying.
I, James McGill, was born in 2099 on the fringe of the galaxy. When Hegemony Financial denied my loan applications, I was kicked out of the university and I turned to the stars. My first campaign involved the invasion of a mineral-rich planet called Cancri-9, better known as Steel World. The attack didn't go well, and now Earth has entered a grim struggle for survival. Humanity's mercenary legions go to war in Steel World, best-selling author B. V. Larson's latest science fiction novel.
©2013 B. V. Larson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
James McGill, born in 2099, spent his growing years playing virtual reality games instead of concentrating on legitimate studies. When he loses his college loans he turns to the military as no other jobs are available. McGill has reasonable skills and thinks fast on his feet. In spite of the fact that he is able to think through several of the tests he is rejected by the first floor of recruiters due to his “attitude”. The doorman sends him to the basement where he is accepted by the Varus unit. This is a unit that is continually underseige and known to have been completely wiped out on more than one occassion. But what choice does he have?

McGill signs on as a”splat”, the name given the newest recruits who are considered expendable. Although it is expected they will all die, McGill manages to evade death time and time again.

In this future world each planet has come under the thumb of the Galatics. The only way a planet can survive is to trade its resources. The only resource that Earth brings to the market are the protection and fighting skills of its mercenary forces. Now those skills are being challenged by another planet who claims its mercenary units are better skilled. The Varus unit has been sent into Steel World to face the enemy and to determine if Earth can hold enough contracts to keep the planet in the trade system.

McGill and the other raw recruits are thrown into the battle with little training. They have some excellent commanders but also a few leaders who are obsessive “by-the-rules’ types. The battle leaders appreciate McGill’s ability to think outside of the box and to improvise but those skills make him a target for discipline and elimination by the rule-followers.

This is an engaging sci fi story with strange alien beings and good plot twists. There is a cast of rough characters, male and female, heros and villains. There’s a little bit of romance, a little bit of, sometimes macabre, humor, and lots of action. The first person story-telling by McGill keeps the story active and real from the perspective of an often irreverent twenty-two year old. Fortunately the author did not include excessive foul language.

The characters have good development and the bizarre conflict is sufficiently explained. There are some interesting observations on life and death but for the most part this is just fun, engaging entertainment. This is the first book I have ‘read’ by this author but it will not be the last. I have already picked up book two to listen to after some review audios are completed.

Audio Notes: Mark Boyett does a wonderful job of narration. He is able to portray the personalities of the various characters through their voices and attitudes. He also delivers the story with steady pacing and energy. I recommend this as a fun, fast listen.

This title is from my own Audible library.