Do YOU Want to Know More?

I recently treated myself to THIS little gem again, and, as always, thoroughly enjoyed the vibe Paul Verhoeven managed to capture in his offering of what is, one of the greatest Sci-Fi classics ever produced: Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers.

Yes, it is almost B-Movie-ish in places. Tacky. Slapstick, even.
But the overtones Verhoeven manages to convey encapsulates what Heinlein was trying to convey in his original story perfectly. What do I mean?

Well, let's remind ourselves of the original book plot.

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Set approximately 700 years in the future, the book depicts an Earth ruled by a world government run by military veterans The society is depicted as affluent, and futuristic technology shown as coexisting with educational methods from the 20th century. The rights of a full citizen, to vote and hold public office, are not universally guaranteed, and rather must be earned through Federal Service. Those who do not perform this service (of which only military service has been described) retain the rights of free speech and assembly, but can neither vote nor hold public office. Those of either sex, above the age of 18, are permitted to enlist; only those who complete their service receive the right to vote. Important government jobs are reserved for federal service veterans. This structure arose ad hoc after the collapse of the "20th century Western democracies", driven in part by an inability to control crime and juvenile delinquency, particularly in North America, and a war between an alliance of the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia, against the "Chinese Hegemony".

Two extraterrestrial civilizations are depicted, respectively, as the "Pseudo-Arachnids" (or "Bugs"), and the "Skinnies". The "Bugs" are described as communal beings originating from the planet of Klendathu, and consist of multiple castes; workers, warriors, brains, and queens, similar to those of ants and termites on Earth. The warriors are the only ones who fight, and are unable to surrender in battle. It also is implied that the Bugs are technologically advanced, possessing such technologies as spaceships. The "Skinnies" are depicted as less communal than the Arachnids, yet more so than humans. The events of the novel take place during an interstellar war between the Terran Federation and the Arachnids. At the opening of the story, Earth is not at war, yet such a declaration has come when Rico has completed his training. The "Skinnies" are initially allies of the Pseudo-Arachnids, but switch to alliance with humans, midway through the novel. Faster-than-light travel exists in this future: spacecraft use the "Cherenkov drive", and can travel "Sol to Capella, forty-six lightyears, in under six weeks".

Starship Troopers is narrated by the main protagonist Juan "Johnny" Rico, a member of the "Mobile Infantry". It is one of the few Heinlein novels which intersperses his typical linear narrative structure with a series of flashbacks. These flashbacks are frequently to Rico's "History and Moral Philosophy" course in school, in which the teacher discusses the history of the structure of their society. Rico is depicted as a man of Filipino ancestry. He is from a wealthy family, whose members had never served in the military. Rico's ancestry is depicted as inconsequential, society having finally abandoned racial and gender-based prejudice. 

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You see? The subject matter is quite deep. Provocative, even. Buuut, by presenting it the way he did, Heinlein was able to treat a controversial set of circumstances in a matter-of-fact way. A way that people could relate to and accept. And Verhoeven adopted a similar, nationalistic, almost propaganda-led, social media guided approach. So much so that, despite the initial critical backlash after its release, Starship Troopers (the film) has gone on to become a cult classic. One to be enjoyed again and again.

But that's just my opinion.

What do you think?

 You Just Can't Miss This!

"In a dystopian future where a community exists in a giant silo that extends 144 stories underground, 10,000 people live in a society bound by regulations they believe are meant to protect them."

Having never read the books, I went into this series blind. (A bit like the characters caught living in the silo, really, eh). And I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed season 1.

Lots of cliffhangers. Plenty of action and intrigue. Just enough sprinkling of clues to keep you as glued as it kept you guessing. And through it all, that underlying thread that you were being lied to 

. . . or at the very least, misdirected. As the blurb to the series highlights, the citizens of the silo believe the regulations that so restrict their everyday lives were placed there to protect them. But they have no records about humanity - or indeed, their society - dating back more than 120 years. Begging the question . . . WHY?

The end of season 1 seemed to suggest that the truth was the polar opposite to what the citizens of the silo have been told, and season two reinforces that belief by granting you a peek into what might be the reality of the situation.

"The Silo" is in fact, one of 50 other silos, all governed by a mysterious entity that brokers no rivals. And if people step out of line?

Ah, you'll have to find out yourselves by delving into one of the best sci-fi series to come along since The Expanse (in my opinion).

Check it out and let me know what you think.

 Something for the Weekend?

Or indeed, to start 2025 off on the right note. . .

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If you’re stuck for ideas as to what to read now we’re into 2025, then I can’t recommend a bit of Taylor Whitesides enough. And in particular, his Kingdom of Grit series.

Not only do you get a huge tome of a book each time (in excess of 700 pages) – a proper read, in my humble opinion – but those pages are filled to the brim with action, adventure, romance, intrigue, and non-stop fun.
Better still, you get a magic system built on . . . Dragon poo!

(Yes, that’s right. Excess essence of Dragon)

I honestly can’t think of a series I’ve enjoyed as much, especially as his concept ‘works’ so well in the world he’s built.

But don’t take my word for it. Take a gander at the blurbs, and then go & read the reviews I left. (And, if you’re still interested, keep an eye-out for a forthcoming write-up in Amazing Stories, where I delve into this series in depth).

You won’t regret it.

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The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn

Ardor Benn is no ordinary thief - a master of wildly complex heists, he styles himself a Ruse Artist Extraordinaire.

When he gets hired for his most daring ruse yet, Ardor knows he'll need more than quick wit and sleight of hand. Assembling a dream team of forgers, disguisers, schemers and thieves, he sets out to steal from the most powerful king the realm has ever known.

But it soon becomes clear there's more at stake than fame and glory - Ard and his team might just be the last hope for human civilization.

See my review here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/RNR0VHWYX2MW4/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0763NWX6M

The Shattered Realm of Ardor Benn

Ardor Benn saved civilisation from imminent destruction, but his efforts brought war to the kingdom. It is believed that the rightful rulers have all been assassinated. However, a young heir might have survived.

An ancient organisation known as The Realm is behind the chaos, working from the shadows. Under the anonymity of masks, information is distributed sparingly. Ard's been hired to infiltrate them, but he's got competition from an old friend. One who's set to prove she's better than the self-proclaimed 'Ruse Artist Extraordinaire.'

If Ard can't find the heir, then his world may again approach ruin. Stopping the complete and utter collapse of civilization is quickly becoming Ard's specialty.

See my review here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R2O4FEGWTE45CT/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B07MDXCMZD

The Last Lies of Ardor Benn

Ardor Benn has takes his lies to a new level, infiltrating high society so he can steal a priceless resource. But now that he's on the inside, he finds himself poring over ancient texts, searching for answers to his deepest questions. He discovers something is coming. Something world-ending.

Now, an old enemy is extorting him for one last job. Steal a live dragon. He doesn't know how, and he doesn't know why. But he's got a feeling that it's a job he has to take. Only problem is, Ard's running short on time and shorter on lies. And his personal ambitions are alienating all of his allies.

With no one else to rely on, he'll have to trust the one person nobody else does: himself.

See my review here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R15E4LRNYZPQM4/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B089NH3G68

 The Battle of Port-en-Bessin
A WWII Commando Adventure

The early hours of 6 June, 1944, saw Sergeant Richard—Lion—Hart of 47 (Royal Marine) Commando, leading his men ashore at JIG Green Sector, on the beaches of Normandy.

Their objective: To establish a foothold on enemy territory, and then march west, across country, to the strategically placed and heavily fortified harbor town of Port-en-Bessin. A location that would serve the Allies as a temporary marshalling area for fuel, weapons and supplies until Cherbourg had fallen.

On paper, a straightforward—if hazardous—endeavor. Yet war is seldom straightforward. The Germans had been preparing for this moment for four years. And, as history has shown time and again; “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” An idiom that Sergeant Hart and members of 47 Commando subsequently learned to their cost.

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Don’t forget. . .

What you are about to read in this and subsequent World War II Commando Adventures is a work of fiction. Nonetheless, its foundations are built upon the exploits of those men whose heroic efforts helped liberate Europe from the threat of Nazi domination.

But for their sacrifice, the world about us would have been very different.

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If YOU would like to join 47 on their advance through Normandy

just follow the link

Amazon Buy Link

 Now Live

Red Right Hand

Red Right Hand

They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That’s what friends and family were quick to tell Connor MacGregor following the death of his wife and only child at the hands of a terrorist bomber in the heart of London.

Yet they were in the very place they wanted to be, celebrating Connor’s retirement from the Royal Marines after more than twenty years of distinguished service. A time that should have seen them starting a new chapter in life together, searching for a forever home and settling down in one place, at last, with their eyes fixed firmly on the future.

A future that now lies in ruins, forcing Connor MacGregor down a path that can only end in bloodshed and death. For while the police and security services are quick to respond and launch a huge, nationwide investigation in the hunt for those responsible for the bombing, MacGregor has his own way of doing things. A way that isn’t hampered by lawful procedures and judicial protocols.

Yes, the race is on to see who will reach the bomber first. And if it’s Connor MacGregor, God help them, for the red right hand of vengeance is poised to strike, and he won’t allow anything to stand in its way.

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Now available from . . .

Red Right Hand

 Nona the Ninth

Nona the Ninth

From the outset, I must emphasize:
1). All opinions are my own, and,
2), I really would advise that you read the first two books in the series - Gideon the Ninth & Harrow the Ninth – before you even think of trying this story. You’ll appreciate what I mean if you are daring enough to try and jump straight into Nona the Ninth from the outset. . . though I’d be surprised if you made it all the way through without reverting to plan B, a strong shot of napalm-laced coffee, and coming back later.

But hey, that’s the way Tamsyn Muir writes.

I’ll let the blurb speak for itself, and then highlight my thoughts in the review.

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Her city is under siege.
The zombies are coming back.
And all Nona wants is a birthday party.

In many ways, Nona is like other people. She lives with her family, has a job at her local school, and loves walks on the beach and meeting new dogs. But Nona's not like other people. Six months ago she woke up in a stranger's body, and she's afraid she might have to give it back.

The whole city is falling to pieces. A monstrous blue sphere hangs on the horizon, ready to tear the planet apart. Blood of Eden forces have surrounded the last Cohort facility and wait for the Emperor Undying to come calling. Their leaders want Nona to be the weapon that will save them from the Nine Houses. Nona would prefer to live an ordinary life with the people she loves, with Pyrrha and Camilla and Palamedes, but she also knows that nothing lasts forever.

And each night, Nona dreams of a woman with a skull-painted face...

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Sounds intriguing doesn’t it?

And if the story arc played out the way it begins, you’d no doubt agree;

Nona is a young woman with a close circle of friend and ‘family’ (introduced at the conclusion of Harrow the Ninth) who live under near-siege conditions where different factions run riot. Who those factions are, is never made quite clear enough for you to grasp, unless you have an understanding of the Nine Houses and their overall place in the greater scheme of things (as mentioned in Gideon/Harrow the Ninth).

Regardless, Nona herself has no memories of her life beyond the previous six months. And though she’s nineteen years of age, she’s more naïve, in many ways, than someone half her age, suggesting she’s either lost her memory, had it tampered with, or other metaphysical things are going on.

What that ‘something’ is, slowly unravels as the story progresses.

At first, you’ll find it easy to follow, as the narrative creates an ‘everyday life connection’ you can relate to, while the background tension is allowed to build with the skillful addition of little snippets of information, here and there, that begins to build a rather absorbing.

However, we then get to the part of the book where – and please forgive me if this comes across as a little insensitive – it won’t make any sense, UNLESS you’ve read the previous books. And even then, you’ll have to have been paying attention.

Why?

Because what has been a rather involved, yet straightforward journey becomes so complex, so multifaceted and ethereal, that it’s easy to lose track of what’s going on.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Muir lays the seeds of what’s to come from the outset. You’re introduced to certain characters/personalities, all of whom share the same living tissue/dead bodies and are more than what they seem. (A great concept, brought out fully in the preceding books where you get a deeper flavor of what necromancers/cavaliers/Lyctors can do).  And yes, you’re led along a path whereby you can work out that the milieu in which the story is set relates to something far grander. A galaxy spanning war that seems – in part – to involve Nona, or the body/soul she’s inhabiting. Therefore, she’s essential to the future, and her protectors must get her away from the planet for her to fulfill her destiny.

Nonetheless, when we get to that part, the story arc seems to flip so drastically, that it’s in danger of losing the reader . . . unless you play close attention.

I mean . . . mystery and intrigue is one thing. But to make it so obscure that you need a degree in quantum thalergy just to follow along? Well, I’m not so sure.

Which is a crying shame, as Muir can write a cracking story. She’s inventive. Groundbreaking. Sharp as a tooth and brave enough to take risks to establish a truly unique voice. As I’ve mention before, the Locked Tomb Series has a wonderful neo-noir, gothic vibe to it, reminiscent of The Chronicles of Riddick (Necromingers) and Dark City. For all that, I can’t help but feel she’ll be losing readers by making the narrative toward the end of her novels so nebulous, that even the most ardent fan is in danger of losing their way in an occluding cloud of multiple personalities/myriad temporal references/and a legion of head-hopping extras that will scramble your brains.

In conclusion, Nona the Ninth is as subtly appealing and deceptively powerful as all the books in this series. And while it might be far too quirky or ‘out there’ for some tastes, I hope that doesn’t put you off giving it a try. But be warned. This is a story that can’t be rushed. You need to take your time, to immerse yourself in the river and digest all its nuances to get the most from it.

I’d love to know what YOU think?

 Red Right Hand

Red Right Hand

They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

That’s what friends and family were quick to tell Connor MacGregor following the death of his wife and only child at the hands of a terrorist bomber in the heart of London.

Yet they were in the very place they wanted to be, celebrating Connor’s retirement from the Royal Marines after more than twenty years of distinguished service. A time that should have seen them starting a new chapter in life together, searching for a forever home and settling down in one place, at last, with their eyes fixed firmly on the future.

A future that now lies in ruins, forcing Connor MacGregor down a path that can only end in bloodshed and death. For while the police and security services are quick to respond and launch a huge, nationwide investigation in the hunt for those responsible for the bombing, MacGregor has his own way of doing things. A way that isn’t hampered by lawful procedures and judicial protocols.

Yes, the race is on to see who will reach the bomber first. And if it’s Connor MacGregor, God help them, for the red right hand of vengeance is poised to strike, and he won’t allow anything to stand in its way.

An all new action-thriller by
Andrew P. Weston

Coming soon. . .

from DSP