Release Date: 25/02/16
Publisher: Orbit
SYNOPSIS:
Artefact is book one of The Lazarus War, an explosive new space adventure series from one of the brightest new stars in science fiction - perfect for fans of The Edge of Tomorrow, Alien and James S. A. Corey's Expanse series. Jack Campbell, author of the Lost Fleet novels calls it 'a gripping read that moves at warp speed'.
Mankind has spread to the stars, only to become locked in warfare with an insidious alien race. All that stands against the alien menace are the soldiers of the Simulant Operation Programme, an elite military team remotely operating avatars in the most dangerous theatres of war.
Captain Conrad Harris has died hundreds of times - running suicide missions in simulant bodies. Known as Lazarus, he is a man addicted to death. So when a secret research station deep in alien territory suddenly goes dark, there is no other man who could possibly lead a rescue mission.
But Harris hasn't been trained for what he's about to find. And this time, he may not be coming back . . .
Artefact is an action-drenched tale of elite space marines, deep space exploration and galactic empires. Discover The Lazarus War - the thrilling new space opera series from one of the most exciting new voices in science fiction.
REVIEW:
If you like your Science Fiction Military novels, then this could be the start of a cracking series for you as Jamie brings an almost Dirty Dozenesque unit to the fore in a tale told from the chief protagonist's (Harris) point of view.
The writing is sharp, to the point (as you'd expect iwth a military type of book) with pace that only gives you a breather a good way into the title and then only to allow you to prepare for a kick ass ending. Back this up with solid dialogue and all round its a book that delviers a cracking yarn of daring do. Cracking.
Release Date: 17/04/14
Publisher: Titan
SYNOPSIS:
The rousing military adventure (Locus) continues with a brand new Valor novel.
Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr is a Confederation Marines marine. She's survived more deadly encounters and kept more of her officers and enlistees alive than anyone in the Corps. Unexpectedly pulled from battle, Torin finds herself in an underground POW camp that shouldn't exist, where her fellow marine prisoners seem to have lost all will to escape. Now, Torin must fight her way not only out of the prison but also past the growing compulsion to sit down and give up not realizing that her escape could mean the end of the war.
REVIEW:
The latest outing for Torin Kerr and a title that delivered what I was expecting, hardcore action, top notch dialogue and of course a story arc that keeps on giving for the overall world. It’s a title that as usual with Tanya, is well written, has great prose and of course with Tanya’s identifiable writing style will keep you going from start to finish,. If you’re looking for a new Sci-Fi series with a great characters to keep you going over the Christmas period, then this is definitely the one for you.
Release Date: 30/10/15
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
The Gurus came in peace, bearing gifts.
They were a highly advanced, interstellar species who brought amazingly useful and sophisticated technology to the human race. There was, of course, a catch. The Gurus warned of a far more malevolent life form, beings who have hounded the Gurus from sun to sun, planet to planet, across the cosmos. Pundits have taken to calling them the Antagonists - or Antags - and they have already established a beachhead on Mars. In exchange for all they've done for us, the Gurus would now like our help.
Enter Master Sergeant Michael Venn, a veteran Skyrine (a Marine who is specially trained for off-world combat) who is dropped onto the Red Planet with his band of brothers on a mission to take down as many Antags as possible.
But from the moment they're dropped through the thin Martian atmosphere, their mission goes horribly, terribly wrong. From a group of female special ops Skyrines with secret orders, to mysterious humans who've settled on Mars, to the overwhelming and highly-reinforced Antags themselves, Venn and his brothers will face impossible odds just to survive - let alone make it home alive.
REVIEW:
The first book in a brand new series from Sci-Fi fan favourite Greg Bear. As usual Greg likes to weave a tale that takes readers to the edge of the universe and beyond as events take the lead hero through on hell of an adventure. Yet for all the things I was looking forward to in this title I felt a little let down with this title as it didn’t seem to have the usual umph that I’d expect almost starting out well and then ending on a bit of a damp squib.
All round its an OK book but for me, sadly one that didn’t deliver what I was hoping for. Whilst I will continue to read Greg’s work, I’m not sure that this series will have me returning to any time soon.
Release Date: 13/11/14
Publisher: Gollancz
SYNOPSIS:
This groundbreaking collaboration between two Gollancz authors tells of the invasion of Earth by two different alien races - at the same time. Two men become aware of the threat, and must work to sabotage the invasion plans and see off the aliens. Each book follows one hero, uncovering the threat to humanity and the world from their point of view. Each book can be read on its own, and will give the reader a complete, kinetic, fast-paced military SF story. But read both books and the reader gets something else - another view of (some of) the same events and crossover points, culminating in a bloody battle at Canary Wharf. The two books can be read in any order, but together they tell the story of humanity caught in the crossfire between two deadly alien races, who have made Earth their battleground...
REVIEW:
A tale of two halves as a war against two alien species is told from two separate points of view by the amalgam of two top authors from Gollancz, Gavin Smith and Stephen Deas. Both titles are well written, have some solid twists and when added to an overall arc that is not only massive but really gives the reader a chance to see one established piece from both sides. Its definitely unique, has some great twists and whilst this is solid in itself, it’s the way that the authors bring the individual characters to life that really helps this series step out into its own.
All round a cracking piece of fiction and something that a lot of Science Fiction fans can really get behind especially as the tales not only keep you hooked but leave you wondering throughout if mankind can triumph against such odds. Magic.
Release Date: 22/03/13
Publisher: Titan
SYNOPSIS:
Presumed dead after his troops were massacred, Lt. Wayson Harris has gone AWOL as a bounty hunter. But, thanks to his clone conditioning, Harris finds himself drawn back into the U.A.'s service by his mentor and creator, Admiral Klyber. Now, with separatists rebelling against Klyber throughout the galaxy, Harris must decide whether he should fight against them ...or work for them.
REVIEW:
Whilst the first set the tone for the series, the second book always has to hit back with something a little harder to make sure that the author makes an impact and to be honest that’s exactly what this, the second book in the series has done. Great prose, wonderful descriptive and of course a break neck pace really bring this tale to the fore. Add to the mix top notch political machinations as well as combat that leaves you breathless and all round I was more than satisfied with this title.
Finally add to this an author who clearly knows where he’s going alongside an arc that I really hope will be made into a game at some point and all round I was definitely in Military Sci-Fi heaven by the tales end. A great series.
Release Date: 22/03/13
Publisher: Titan
SYNOPSIS:
Private first-class Wayson Harris was raised among thousands of clones to be the ultimate soldier. But Harris isn't like the other Marines: he has a mind of his own. He figures he's paying for that when his first assignment is the smallest Marine outpost in the whole U.A. When a rogue general surfaces, the remote desert world Harris thought was a dead-end posting becomes anything but.
REVIEW:
Whilst this book is new to the UK market it was originally released in the US in 2006. Whilst written a few years before, the book is definitely one that is in vogue at the moment as clones take the centre stage in brutal bloody combat to reach the objectives that those in power want. Death tally’s matter little and to be honest its this sort of hard core militaria mindset that really brings this book to life.
Told through the point of view of Harris, the lead character has a lot of facets that allow the reader to get hold of this bleak future with relative ease. Its works wonderfully well with cracking prose and were this a game I believe there would be a cult following in a very short time. (Which really isn’t that surprising as the author did start out in the game industry.) All round a solid enough beginning for a series and whilst the ending left you on a cliffhanger, I am lucky enough to be starting book two shortly. I just hope that the momentum built up in the first is matched in the second.
