Starside Blues

By: William K. Shepherd

Narrated by: Randy McCarten

Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Dieter Webber, a former Jump Armor pilot, lost his war. Years later as a broken ex-pat, half a galaxy away, the former combat pilot is haunted by the ghosts of the war and looming debts to organized crime. An encounter with an Android, Reis, serves as an invitation from his former commander to a reluctant escape: Mercenary work in her company, Valkyrie LLC.

Their first contract, a high-profile Letter of Marque, a combat drop on a breakaway world of The Reach. Piloting walking Mechanical Armored Vehicles, 'Mobile Armors', capable of rapid deployment from the air, Webber will once again be plummeting feet first into harm's way in the same model of Jump Armor that carried him through the last war: the venerable, aging Hammerhead MK. II. This time, with an android as his Weapon Systems Officer. With old mentors evaluating his commitment to his return, and new comrades rightfully fearing his years of rust getting them killed, his android "Wizzo" may be the least of his worries.

If he can learn to overcome a past that doesn't want to let go of him, he might earn a chance to risk life and limb in the gritty, high-stakes world of blood-for-money military contracts. So, sit back, light up a SynthStick, and pour your choice of poison as you get set for a combat drop with Webber, Reis, and the rest of Valkyrie LLC. Practice the life or death business of war-for-profit in this Mecha-Noir, where skill and grit will be tested by earning a living, turning the ledger red with blood. Just remember—it's going to take more than a sardonic wit and a few simulated combat jumps to shake those Starside Blues.

©2021 William K. Shepherd (P)2022 William K. Shepherd

Truly a phenomenal start

a tale of overcoming one's demons neatly caressed In a brilliant war setting. bravo

One hell of a ride

This ol' boy really knows how to get you invested in a good story.

A good solid story.

A great story overall, with a full understanding of what makes a mech a Mech. Can't wait for the second one.

The narrator is good, but it can be hard to tell who's talking sometimes. Usually remedied by the book mentioning who's talking pretty often. I really don't want to s*** on the narrator, but I know that is a sticking point for some people.

Great listen

When the ending came up I wanted more. Can't wait for the follow ups to come

Out of This World

This author is exciting, knowledgeable and pulls unexpected sayings out of the woodwork. Truly a treat to have such talent and imagination to be able to write this kind of book(s), see Tin Man, the second book he has released. Keep reaching for the stars William K. Sheppard!

It’s just fun

That is really all there is to say. It doesn’t try to be the best thing you have ever read or do something truly profound. It is just fun and enjoyable and that simplicity is the charm. The combat is brutal and inspiring in the armored combat. Can’t wait for the second installment to be given the narration treatment and I hope it will be Randy again.

New author.. first book

Bravo! Look forward to the next installment! Highly recommend. Narration was excellent. No he said she said after every sentence.

A hidden sci-fi gem

A mix of expertly crafted characters and extreme (almost nauseating, at times) detail come together to make a story that holds you start to finish. The mechs are the core of the story, and they are described in loving detail that paints a complete picture in your mind. Even if a story about Mechs doesn't appeal to you, the character drama is equally, if not more enthralling than the mechs. The story is chalk full of memorable characters with unique personalities that breathe life into the world, and that's in part thanks to the excellent narration. Overall, well worth the listen, and a very impressive debut release from the author.

a new mecha series for those that are looking.

William came out swinging. starside is a new mecha series for those that are looking for something other than battletech. I really enjoyed the first book and can wait for the second. the characters are strong and well constructed. story is a little by the numbers. old ran down mech jock that has lived through a traumatic experience and crawls into a bottle to coup, only to be dragged back in to a world of violence.

Randy does an amazing job with all the Characters. he is and will forever be how I see webber, the main protagonist.

what makes it is how well its told and how you as a reader or listener connect with the characters. the battle scenes are tight and described well in excellent detail. starside is a love letter to many scifi novels, shows, and movies. highly recommend it and can't wait for the rest to come.