Steel World

Undying Mercenaries, Book 1

By: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

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.

I would rather play a computer game....

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really... If you've played computer/console games you'll quickly realize this is written like a 1st person shooter. Re-spawns, told in the first person, one person fighting against unbelievable, rinse and repeat, these are all aspects of this book and core components of first person shooters. I think I would rather play it than read it. I'll skip the rest of the series.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Not this book.

What aspect of Mark Boyett’s performance would you have changed?

His performance was pretty good but not sure if I would change anything about his performance.

Do you think Steel World needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope, save your time and money

Smart Series

The written reviews caused me to ignore this book. Statements like it is implausible or the main character acts like a 14 year old turned me away.

Then I watched an interview with Craig Alanson and B. V. Larson. I was very impressed with what B. V. Larson had to say during the interview. I decided to give Steel World a chance. So far, I am very happy with the series.

I am person who likes a little bit of science with science fiction. I have no issue with very create additions to science fiction, But, I am not very forgiving of series that ignore basic science like space is big and mostly empty or that light has a speed limit. To many science fiction series out there you can just replace star ships with fantasy creatures and it would work just fine. Space is just used as a back drop for building up drama.

I really like authors like Craig Alanson. Sure, his series has a lot of space magic, but he does not violate basic science. He often utilizes the fact that light has a speed and that space is very large. Having strategies based on these facts is really cool. It adds so much more to a series when the series does not ignore basic science. As a reader of these type series, it is a joy to listen to such a series.

As far B. V. Larson, I am still new to his work, but I like that he brings up real science. Far example, he brings up that some planets can contain more carbon and other elements than silicon like you see on Earth. It is a real thing in other solar systems that we have discovered in the last few years. I also find his addons very creative and I am really enjoying his work so far. I think his work is very smart and I am looking forward to listening to more of his series. Please ignore those bad reviews.

good book, great performance

an interesting storyline with not to many implausibilities. I liked the tone of voice very much.

Wow! Wow! Just Plain Wow!

I can't believe I waited 6 years to finally listen to this totally unforgettable book. It grabbed me by the ears and absolutely refused to let me go. The characters are well developed. I found myself remembering many of my own military experiences as I listened. Being the new recruit is rough. At least I never died! Mr. Larson did an excellent job of making the reader "feel" McGill's experiences and frustration with the "system". Mark Boyett did an excellent job (as usual) of giving voice to each of the characters. I just ordered Book 2. If you like kick-ass science fiction at its best, then this book should be in your library.

The story continues... Entertaining!

I'll plan on continuing the series even if I need a (new copy - book reference) of myself.

Such a treat

Was a great listen, fast paced and exciting, would recommend to any sci fi fan

FOR MY MONEY IT THERE IS NONE BETTER!!!!

this is my sixth time through this series I love it more every single time B.V. Larson and Mark Boyette are they premier dynamic duo in science fiction today if you haven't listened to this series you must give it a try you will not regret it.

Great book

questioned whether I would like it because of other reviews. Got me into it from the start and didn't want to stop listening. Glad I listened to this one. Narrator was great as well. Already set up to listen to the next one.

Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this audible book. The narration was really good. Storyline, was interesting and fast. I personally did not have any issues with the main character number and I am a 47-year-old woman. I didn’t see him as massage in his dick. I just saw him as a young guy off fighting a war with aliens. I’m going to try to next book now.

Great entertainment

this series is hilarious. Yossarian on steriods!
I listen mostly at night and this series has reduced my anxiety better than therapy.

I like the characters i like the concept the writing is consistently good and the narrator is excellent.
Thank you mr larson. I honestly think you saved my sanity.