Starside Blues

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

Great Combat

Seriously some of the best Mecha Combat you will read about. Love this series.

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