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Conscript
He Chose the Marines Over Jail
Desperate to free his younger siblings from debt slavery, Po Abbato turns to crime. He's caught, and offered a spend 25 years in a digital prison while his body rots...
...or join the Marines.
War has returned to the solar system, sooner than anyone expected. Po must learn fast what it truly means to fight alongside others.
That is, if he’s going to make it.
Because humanity's enemy has returned at last...
"If you like military sci fi, then you really should check out this." - Amazon Reviewer
Desperate to free his younger siblings from debt slavery, Po Abbato turns to crime. He's caught, and offered a spend 25 years in a digital prison while his body rots...
...or join the Marines.
War has returned to the solar system, sooner than anyone expected. Po must learn fast what it truly means to fight alongside others.
That is, if he’s going to make it.
Because humanity's enemy has returned at last...
"If you like military sci fi, then you really should check out this." - Amazon Reviewer
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2024
693 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
111 books290 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 10, 2024
TL/DR: Good action, no snark/humor. Solid sci-fi military toys. Impressive interpersonal relationship development of teen-adults from screw-up conscripts to a military unit. Pro-Christian, Pro-Male.
Longer review: DNF at 66% mark
At one AM realized I need to work tomorrow, so I set the book down. I won't be picking it up again.
Overall, as a military sci-fi, it is great. Something I would expect from the 90's to 2010's. Unfortunately it is 2024, and it falls flat in one area that I am demanding better from my authors.
As a military sci-fi, the toys are great - from how the ships work, to the implants, to the all-important Rifle. The training is the grinding dehumanization and building up of strength, while creating unity for the squad long-term. I would have liked humor to break things up, but not everyone is good at humor or snark. Grading just on the military sci-fi aspect - solid middle-of the road product. A good read.
The integration of Christianity-Jesus-as-a-martyr lessons to help the main character adjust to being picked on may not be everyone's cuppa-tea, but definitely acceptable within the framework of the established worldbuilding provided in this sort-of-near future story.
The huge downmark is lack of women and the few roles they are shown to have. I understand the main character is male, but ... I would guess - based on visibility and mention - this universe is about 90% male and 10% female. We meet four females and only six females total are mentioned so far. Everyone else - entire battalions - are male.
The females: POV's sister (sick and unable to do anything but take medicine and write letters, and unable to get proper healthcare), POV's mother (abused wife, latches on to the most aggressive men in her orbit, useless as far as the MC thinks - no mention of her needing therapy, a lot of therapy - but the MC is 17 and from the same household, so doesn't have the worldview to seek help for her - though he does accurately breakdown her trauma and need response, so there is that - but that could just be, again, living in the toxic life with her), another character's harpy wife (off screen), another character's wife who he married to get her healthcare because she is sick (off screen), one "spearholder" - a woman in a nearby cell who has green hair, and one military recruiter who may or may not have done something caring.
Problems: none of the women from the "homeworld" have occupations or even schooling. All the older women are harpies or broken and/or attack their men instead of helping them. The younger women are all sick. Fixes: Coworkers at the dock could have been female, especially with the mechs used for moving stuff.
Problems: But I rather concentrate on the green hair woman and the female recruiter. All the arrests were about conscription into the military. Having green-hair means the marines were trying for women. And the military recruiter indicates they actually had women in the military. Fixes: Now, even if the author didn't want mixed units going through bootcamp together (and all the interpersonal relationships related to that), saying "there are five battalions training on base right now" could have had the addition of "one of which was female" (indicating less women are conscripted into the marines) or something similar. But, nope, this world is very female EMPTY.
It's 2024 (when this book was released), I expect better from my military science fiction. About 9% of US Marines are female (2020 statistic) and 17.5% overall US military (2022 statistic). Unless the story includes worldbuilding where females aren't allowed to be drafted because someone has to stay home and fill in the holes in the workforce (and again, we have an example of one military recruiter indicating otherwise), then I am going to be miffed no matter how banging a military sci-fi is written.
Oh, and using "ladies" and "sissies" to break up "maggots" and "insects" as part of the dehumanization aspect is an absolute NO. Female aspects does not make you less a man, and using female identifiers as insults to dehumanize the Marines needs to STOP yesterday.
Longer review: DNF at 66% mark
At one AM realized I need to work tomorrow, so I set the book down. I won't be picking it up again.
Overall, as a military sci-fi, it is great. Something I would expect from the 90's to 2010's. Unfortunately it is 2024, and it falls flat in one area that I am demanding better from my authors.
As a military sci-fi, the toys are great - from how the ships work, to the implants, to the all-important Rifle. The training is the grinding dehumanization and building up of strength, while creating unity for the squad long-term. I would have liked humor to break things up, but not everyone is good at humor or snark. Grading just on the military sci-fi aspect - solid middle-of the road product. A good read.
The integration of Christianity-Jesus-as-a-martyr lessons to help the main character adjust to being picked on may not be everyone's cuppa-tea, but definitely acceptable within the framework of the established worldbuilding provided in this sort-of-near future story.
The huge downmark is lack of women and the few roles they are shown to have. I understand the main character is male, but ... I would guess - based on visibility and mention - this universe is about 90% male and 10% female. We meet four females and only six females total are mentioned so far. Everyone else - entire battalions - are male.
The females: POV's sister (sick and unable to do anything but take medicine and write letters, and unable to get proper healthcare), POV's mother (abused wife, latches on to the most aggressive men in her orbit, useless as far as the MC thinks - no mention of her needing therapy, a lot of therapy - but the MC is 17 and from the same household, so doesn't have the worldview to seek help for her - though he does accurately breakdown her trauma and need response, so there is that - but that could just be, again, living in the toxic life with her), another character's harpy wife (off screen), another character's wife who he married to get her healthcare because she is sick (off screen), one "spearholder" - a woman in a nearby cell who has green hair, and one military recruiter who may or may not have done something caring.
Problems: none of the women from the "homeworld" have occupations or even schooling. All the older women are harpies or broken and/or attack their men instead of helping them. The younger women are all sick. Fixes: Coworkers at the dock could have been female, especially with the mechs used for moving stuff.
Problems: But I rather concentrate on the green hair woman and the female recruiter. All the arrests were about conscription into the military. Having green-hair means the marines were trying for women. And the military recruiter indicates they actually had women in the military. Fixes: Now, even if the author didn't want mixed units going through bootcamp together (and all the interpersonal relationships related to that), saying "there are five battalions training on base right now" could have had the addition of "one of which was female" (indicating less women are conscripted into the marines) or something similar. But, nope, this world is very female EMPTY.
It's 2024 (when this book was released), I expect better from my military science fiction. About 9% of US Marines are female (2020 statistic) and 17.5% overall US military (2022 statistic). Unless the story includes worldbuilding where females aren't allowed to be drafted because someone has to stay home and fill in the holes in the workforce (and again, we have an example of one military recruiter indicating otherwise), then I am going to be miffed no matter how banging a military sci-fi is written.
Oh, and using "ladies" and "sissies" to break up "maggots" and "insects" as part of the dehumanization aspect is an absolute NO. Female aspects does not make you less a man, and using female identifiers as insults to dehumanize the Marines needs to STOP yesterday.
December 2, 2024
This is a book chock full of young men conscripted into what seems to be a carbon copy of the US Marine Corps, down to the motto, the ranks, the specialties, the emblems, and the IWO JIMA MEMORIAL somehow now on a space station long after the US has ceased to exist.
These are healthy young men who have been conscripted in lieu of prison. But no one curses. Not the boys - not the drill sergeants!
And these young worldly men are all so innocent. Sex is never mentioned. There are six women in the entire book. There is one woman in the military - in the entire book.
Then there’s the heavy-handed Catholic preaching from a priest who celebrates Tridentine Mass 300 after it was replaced.
It just doesn’t hang together despite a good narrative arc and competent writing because of the author’s worldview, which looks a lot more like the 1950s than 2250.
These are healthy young men who have been conscripted in lieu of prison. But no one curses. Not the boys - not the drill sergeants!
And these young worldly men are all so innocent. Sex is never mentioned. There are six women in the entire book. There is one woman in the military - in the entire book.
Then there’s the heavy-handed Catholic preaching from a priest who celebrates Tridentine Mass 300 after it was replaced.
It just doesn’t hang together despite a good narrative arc and competent writing because of the author’s worldview, which looks a lot more like the 1950s than 2250.
May 26, 2024
This book takes place in the far distant future where Earth no longer resembles what it is today. In fact, most of the story involves a young man that lives on a mining rig built into an asteroid far from Earth. Po Abbato is our young man of about 17 and he’s a warehouse worker that store stuff sent to the mining rig. He uses a W-200 mech that takes some learning to use. He’s experienced in what he does having done it for a while.
Po is not a happy camper with his current existence. He lives in a box on the mining rig attached to the asteroid (at least that’s what I think is the situation). He lives with his Mother, older Brother, a younger Sister and a still younger Brother. His Sister is ill and has been for quite some time. His Father is in simjail and will be for the remainder of his life. Po’s not all that upset about the loss of his Father since the guy wasn’t much of a “bread-winner” for the family. No, just the opposite. Po’s Father put the family further in debt to the Equipoise Metals corporation. These corporations have become defacto government entities ruling the lives of their workers by providing everything for them…at a price. Po’s Father gambled and drank his family heavily into debt and Po was burdened with paying that off. His older Brother didn’t seem to think it was any of his responsibility to have a job or contribute to the families debt payments. In fact, his Mother also didn’t understand how much debt they owed and didn’t seem to care. She was always buying more stuff usually to make the older Brother happy while doing the opposite for Po.
So Po had to find some way to make a lot of money quickly. The dream of everyone that has debts they can’t pay. Po knew that there were a lot of illegal drug traffic going on and some of it had to do with the shipments of stuff he received and sent to various warehouses. He managed to identify one shipment that was going to a specific warehouse that contained a good amount of Joy, the current illicit drug going around for a good price. Po figured that if he could get his hands on this shipment, he could make enough to get out from under this debt and go live some where else. He’d definitely be able to get some better medical help for his young Sister and that’s what worried him most. So he made his plans.
Needless to say, his plans didn’t work. He found himself caught, arrested and convicted in court of having illegal drugs with the intent to sell. A long, long simjail sentence awaited Po. Except, the judge gave him an alternative. He could do his time with the GEA (Global Equity Accord) Marines which were desperately trying to recruits due to the pending was with the Nibirans, an alien race that was just discovered by humanity. Po knew what simjail was like due to his Fathers sentence and infrequent visits Po made to the sterile ward that housed his Father’s body. He wanted nothing to do with that, but he also wasn’t sure he could even become a Marine. Still, he chose that route.
The problem with this is that the drugs he stole or tried to steal belonged to the Obsidian Angels, a notorious group of criminals that worked through a meshmind. Most people out in the colonies and mining rigs had implanted “Circuits” done at an early age. This gave them instant access to the local network and was supposed to make things easier for the population. Po felt that it only allowed the government to control everyone because the GEA always said they had the right to explore anyone’s Circuit anytime that wanted to stop criminal activity. Po had sworn he wouldn’t submit to getting a Circuit installed in his brain. That is until he couldn’t refuse the Marine Corps. It was a requirement for every recruit. So Po got his Circuit immediately upon getting to Marine Corps Recruiting Cycle 3. Unfortunately for Po, the Obsidian Angels were out to make Po pay for stealing their drugs. They were also infiltrating the Marine Corps and did so as soon as Po joined up. He was soon to find out that not only was he going to have to fight through his rugged training, but his life was also in danger from an unknown Angel. Someone in his new platoon was out to kill him.
Ok, of course I left a lot out that you’re just going to have to read about. This is a very detailed story about a young man going through a very rigorous training regime because the Marines haven’t changed even in this future setting. They will still strip you down to nothing and then build you into the Marine they want. Po might not live through any of this, but he knows that if he fails in Marine basic training, he goes directly to simjail for a very, very long time.
I like this story and will continue to follow the series. Book 2, “Rifleman”, is available on Amazon right now and I’m adding it to my reading list.
Po is not a happy camper with his current existence. He lives in a box on the mining rig attached to the asteroid (at least that’s what I think is the situation). He lives with his Mother, older Brother, a younger Sister and a still younger Brother. His Sister is ill and has been for quite some time. His Father is in simjail and will be for the remainder of his life. Po’s not all that upset about the loss of his Father since the guy wasn’t much of a “bread-winner” for the family. No, just the opposite. Po’s Father put the family further in debt to the Equipoise Metals corporation. These corporations have become defacto government entities ruling the lives of their workers by providing everything for them…at a price. Po’s Father gambled and drank his family heavily into debt and Po was burdened with paying that off. His older Brother didn’t seem to think it was any of his responsibility to have a job or contribute to the families debt payments. In fact, his Mother also didn’t understand how much debt they owed and didn’t seem to care. She was always buying more stuff usually to make the older Brother happy while doing the opposite for Po.
So Po had to find some way to make a lot of money quickly. The dream of everyone that has debts they can’t pay. Po knew that there were a lot of illegal drug traffic going on and some of it had to do with the shipments of stuff he received and sent to various warehouses. He managed to identify one shipment that was going to a specific warehouse that contained a good amount of Joy, the current illicit drug going around for a good price. Po figured that if he could get his hands on this shipment, he could make enough to get out from under this debt and go live some where else. He’d definitely be able to get some better medical help for his young Sister and that’s what worried him most. So he made his plans.
Needless to say, his plans didn’t work. He found himself caught, arrested and convicted in court of having illegal drugs with the intent to sell. A long, long simjail sentence awaited Po. Except, the judge gave him an alternative. He could do his time with the GEA (Global Equity Accord) Marines which were desperately trying to recruits due to the pending was with the Nibirans, an alien race that was just discovered by humanity. Po knew what simjail was like due to his Fathers sentence and infrequent visits Po made to the sterile ward that housed his Father’s body. He wanted nothing to do with that, but he also wasn’t sure he could even become a Marine. Still, he chose that route.
The problem with this is that the drugs he stole or tried to steal belonged to the Obsidian Angels, a notorious group of criminals that worked through a meshmind. Most people out in the colonies and mining rigs had implanted “Circuits” done at an early age. This gave them instant access to the local network and was supposed to make things easier for the population. Po felt that it only allowed the government to control everyone because the GEA always said they had the right to explore anyone’s Circuit anytime that wanted to stop criminal activity. Po had sworn he wouldn’t submit to getting a Circuit installed in his brain. That is until he couldn’t refuse the Marine Corps. It was a requirement for every recruit. So Po got his Circuit immediately upon getting to Marine Corps Recruiting Cycle 3. Unfortunately for Po, the Obsidian Angels were out to make Po pay for stealing their drugs. They were also infiltrating the Marine Corps and did so as soon as Po joined up. He was soon to find out that not only was he going to have to fight through his rugged training, but his life was also in danger from an unknown Angel. Someone in his new platoon was out to kill him.
Ok, of course I left a lot out that you’re just going to have to read about. This is a very detailed story about a young man going through a very rigorous training regime because the Marines haven’t changed even in this future setting. They will still strip you down to nothing and then build you into the Marine they want. Po might not live through any of this, but he knows that if he fails in Marine basic training, he goes directly to simjail for a very, very long time.
I like this story and will continue to follow the series. Book 2, “Rifleman”, is available on Amazon right now and I’m adding it to my reading list.
March 29, 2025
I have relied on the reviews of this site for a long time but never felt compelled to join. I like the recommendations that provide and am hoping it can help provide more compelling reads.
I do not have much skill with taking complex thoughts and producing concise summary.
There are lot of things that I like about this book. I vacillated for 30 minutes trying to decide whether to rate another star.
This is a good read with a gripping story arc. The protagonist is in a situation of their own making, but you can easily understand their rational for those choices.
The cast of character possess nuance and rally against the main character in way that organically forms attachment outside the underdog. You want Po to survive not because his family needs him, but to force all the other members of the story to suck an egg.
Maybe not all that, but I definitely found myself continuing the story to see when the tide would finally shift. There is hard won growth from the main character and a satisfying story.
The problems I have may be because of the target demo or particular reasons of the author, but elements fall flat.
The characters on the story are lacking in certain areas. While I could care less if character are hetero normative or not, there is no sexual angst within the story.
Conscripts, mind you, of all ages and little of the behaviors witness from the petty criminal. Violence and retaliation are the only devices that were engaged within the story.
There is no sexual frustrations or daydreams, no reminiscing about the lady / man left behind.
The protagonist may get a love interest in a later installment amd the character may find more depth later. The author writes well.
It's a personal preference. I do lean to more gritty dark narratives, and found this to be enjoyable.
However, the subsequent books are moved a bit lower on the priority list.
I do not have much skill with taking complex thoughts and producing concise summary.
There are lot of things that I like about this book. I vacillated for 30 minutes trying to decide whether to rate another star.
This is a good read with a gripping story arc. The protagonist is in a situation of their own making, but you can easily understand their rational for those choices.
The cast of character possess nuance and rally against the main character in way that organically forms attachment outside the underdog. You want Po to survive not because his family needs him, but to force all the other members of the story to suck an egg.
Maybe not all that, but I definitely found myself continuing the story to see when the tide would finally shift. There is hard won growth from the main character and a satisfying story.
The problems I have may be because of the target demo or particular reasons of the author, but elements fall flat.
The characters on the story are lacking in certain areas. While I could care less if character are hetero normative or not, there is no sexual angst within the story.
Conscripts, mind you, of all ages and little of the behaviors witness from the petty criminal. Violence and retaliation are the only devices that were engaged within the story.
There is no sexual frustrations or daydreams, no reminiscing about the lady / man left behind.
The protagonist may get a love interest in a later installment amd the character may find more depth later. The author writes well.
It's a personal preference. I do lean to more gritty dark narratives, and found this to be enjoyable.
However, the subsequent books are moved a bit lower on the priority list.
March 22, 2024
Po Abbato is no Saint. Not when he was willing to steal and sell drugs and then got caught in the act. But, then, he did act in the misguided idea of helping out his very ill sister, trying to keep her alive.And his father is already in jail.
Reasons aplenty, actually. Except he transgressed the law and he got caught.
So, why would he be given an "out" by the authorities. Become a marine for three years...or become a jailbird for a lot longer.
So, opting to become a marine is what Po chose. And perhaps not so wisely. For the marines needed fighters. Urgently. For reasons they are not disclosing.
Author Scott Bartlett in Conscript started an amazing tale in an almost alternate universe by inducting the Niburan planet as accomplished tenth planet. The plot is clear and filled with action and suspense as Jo Abbato learns how to become a marine...despite the hostility he gets to experience most of the time. And having the odds heavily stacked against him.
My only regret is the fact that I now have to patiently await book 2 in this series
Enjoy
Reasons aplenty, actually. Except he transgressed the law and he got caught.
So, why would he be given an "out" by the authorities. Become a marine for three years...or become a jailbird for a lot longer.
So, opting to become a marine is what Po chose. And perhaps not so wisely. For the marines needed fighters. Urgently. For reasons they are not disclosing.
Author Scott Bartlett in Conscript started an amazing tale in an almost alternate universe by inducting the Niburan planet as accomplished tenth planet. The plot is clear and filled with action and suspense as Jo Abbato learns how to become a marine...despite the hostility he gets to experience most of the time. And having the odds heavily stacked against him.
My only regret is the fact that I now have to patiently await book 2 in this series
Enjoy
December 22, 2024
Po Abbato runs a power loader at a station in the asteroid belt to work off his family’s debt to Equipoise Metals, the company that employs them. When the Obsidian Angels gang gets him in trouble with the law, he finds himself conscripted into the Marines of the Global Equity Accord. What follows is a standard basic training adventure with a couple of sci-fi twists. Po’s father is in a virtual prison while his body is in stasis. Basic training takes place on a large space habitat with variable gravity. Three independent alien species have invaded the solar system—so there are plenty of occasions for battle and plenty of opportunities for humans to get up to no good.
I like the way Scott Bartlett solves a common world-building problem: how do you do military sci-fi against aliens without FTL? Solution: bring some of the aliens in on a rogue planet. I haven’t seen that one before. 3.5
I like the way Scott Bartlett solves a common world-building problem: how do you do military sci-fi against aliens without FTL? Solution: bring some of the aliens in on a rogue planet. I haven’t seen that one before. 3.5
March 23, 2024
A slow start...but:
I almost gave up on this read in the beginning as it was a little bit slow in pulling me in to its world. For some unknown reason I persevered which is unusual for me.
Typically, if I'm not invested in the story line pretty quickly I find something else to read as there is just so much good reading available these days in the eWorld.
Anyway, I hung in there and am so glad I did, by midway I was fully entangled in the world of thus space marine eagerly devouring each page and twist in
the story of Po's growth into becoming a marine.
Bottom line, after finishing it under my kindle unlimited 'free' read I immediately went and paid for it to make it a permanent part of my eLibrary.
Now comes the wait for the next edition in the saga to be released.
I almost gave up on this read in the beginning as it was a little bit slow in pulling me in to its world. For some unknown reason I persevered which is unusual for me.
Typically, if I'm not invested in the story line pretty quickly I find something else to read as there is just so much good reading available these days in the eWorld.
Anyway, I hung in there and am so glad I did, by midway I was fully entangled in the world of thus space marine eagerly devouring each page and twist in
the story of Po's growth into becoming a marine.
Bottom line, after finishing it under my kindle unlimited 'free' read I immediately went and paid for it to make it a permanent part of my eLibrary.
Now comes the wait for the next edition in the saga to be released.
March 15, 2024
Supercali-- you get the idea. Just stupendous. Back in the day, I was a member of the Canadian military and as I'm reading about the recruit training these guys were going through, I could emphasize over a number of things, even if my training wasn't up to the level of a Marine in the time of this novel. But it was all so realistic. Scott Bartlett has written such an authentic feeling book that it was quite hard to put down. For anyone who reads this story, and never served in your country's military, be prepared to be surprised and amazed. Thank you, Scott, for all your research and caring to bring us another great book. Looking forward to the sequel.
April 20, 2024
Conscript It begins as your typical military scifi story, go to jail, or join the military. No points for guessing which option was chosen. On the whole, though, since the story took place in space, it had options most planetary based stories of this type don't have. It turns out there's assistance being provided, though the type of assistance is surprising. It's a fairly good start, and I'm likely to read more in this series.
March 26, 2024
a walk down memory lane
As a usmc veteran this book brought back lots of memories. From being lost emotionally in the first phases not to mention being physically exhausted past what you thought you could endure to finally entering the phase of knowing who and what you were that follows throughout your life. It will make you realize that no-one is all bad just as no-one is all good. It’s the decisions we make that makes us who we are. An intriguing look at a possible future of our military.
As a usmc veteran this book brought back lots of memories. From being lost emotionally in the first phases not to mention being physically exhausted past what you thought you could endure to finally entering the phase of knowing who and what you were that follows throughout your life. It will make you realize that no-one is all bad just as no-one is all good. It’s the decisions we make that makes us who we are. An intriguing look at a possible future of our military.
March 31, 2024
What a series starter, This was a gripping read from the start. , the storyline is excellent and the characters great. So we are now in a situation we're you do the crime ( it doesn't matter how big apparently) and you will do the time not in prison but in a med sleep for 25 years or volunteer for the marines training were no one seems to bothered if you die.
I won't say more other wise spoilers may appear.
What I will say is I absolutely recommend you grab a copy and hope you get the same enjoyment reading it as I have.
I won't say more other wise spoilers may appear.
What I will say is I absolutely recommend you grab a copy and hope you get the same enjoyment reading it as I have.
December 6, 2024
slow start and average characters that I didn’t care enough about
The author tried hard to initiate the main characters and pull you into the story, but unfortunately he failed for me. I was not invested in the main character or his situation, I found him and his strange interloper easy to dismiss even though I made it through the book. I kept hoping the story would pull me in, as the excitement near the end of the book, but it was too little too late and not enough for me to want to read more. Sorry.
The author tried hard to initiate the main characters and pull you into the story, but unfortunately he failed for me. I was not invested in the main character or his situation, I found him and his strange interloper easy to dismiss even though I made it through the book. I kept hoping the story would pull me in, as the excitement near the end of the book, but it was too little too late and not enough for me to want to read more. Sorry.
March 20, 2024
I’m a big fan of Scott’s work. This is another very good story which draws you in right from the beginning. The overview of the book tells you where he is going, but he really fleshes out the story at the beginning by giving us a detailed and interesting look at how the main character got to this point. The author has built a very good universe and given us interesting and relatable characters. His space opera has always been good and this book is no exception. I enjoyed it immensely
April 19, 2024
Very readable
A very good read that drags you in from the start. Usual story line of "good boy does wrong, is punished and decides on military service, then comes good". I know what will come in the next books..........
But, that being said, this book is a very good read and had me reading every opportunity I got until finished. I have also already pre-ordered the next 2 books in the series.
Definitely recommended
A very good read that drags you in from the start. Usual story line of "good boy does wrong, is punished and decides on military service, then comes good". I know what will come in the next books..........
But, that being said, this book is a very good read and had me reading every opportunity I got until finished. I have also already pre-ordered the next 2 books in the series.
Definitely recommended
April 24, 2024
I'm sure the sequel has a lot more potential, but this book did not grasp me in that way that most origin criminal to soldier stories have in the past. Mostly because the majority of the book is about boot camp and the last 10% is perhaps where the story expands. Sure, there's world building and relationship building to be done, but if you're ok with just getting the summary I'd start on the second book in this series.
March 8, 2025
Pretty good. Well written. Good world building. Refreshing to see religion given some credibility for a change (and I say that as an atheist). Good use of advanced technology, which is strange to say for an SF book, but too many military SF use technology suited to the 1950s instead of the future.
It also avoids the typical nonsense feminist wish fulfilment cliche typical in modern SF of women combat soldiers fighting along side men.
It also avoids the typical nonsense feminist wish fulfilment cliche typical in modern SF of women combat soldiers fighting along side men.
April 5, 2024
This book was very difficult to put down once I started reading it. The story is put together in a way that The main character who is the first person in book is very well designed to fulfill his role. The other characters in the book are just as well constructed.
But best of all it’s a total hoot to read. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
But best of all it’s a total hoot to read. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
April 26, 2024
Space Opera🚀💫💥 Extraordinare!
I really enjoyed this unusual book About a young man Who is conscripted into the army.
The book is well thought out, has detailed character building and well written with great world building 🌏throughout.
Cliffhanger included of course! On to book 2.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
I really enjoyed this unusual book About a young man Who is conscripted into the army.
The book is well thought out, has detailed character building and well written with great world building 🌏throughout.
Cliffhanger included of course! On to book 2.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
June 2, 2024
interesting ambiguity
The protagonist is —deservedly— whiny in a way that makes it hard at times to empathize. But what makes the book interesting is not so much characters as the hackable virtual reality brain implants that make reality somewhat ambiguous. Essentially untrustworthy narrator because he can’t always trust his own perceptions.
The protagonist is —deservedly— whiny in a way that makes it hard at times to empathize. But what makes the book interesting is not so much characters as the hackable virtual reality brain implants that make reality somewhat ambiguous. Essentially untrustworthy narrator because he can’t always trust his own perceptions.
April 11, 2024
good space marine fiction
This is a well written story with a good main character and lots of action. It’s space marine fiction so military based and the action is space combat. It’s a good start to a series.
This is a well written story with a good main character and lots of action. It’s space marine fiction so military based and the action is space combat. It’s a good start to a series.
May 13, 2024
Good first of a series.
Slow build up to the last couple of chapters. Although the action was not very much but well written. Hope the second book is even better than the first book!
Slow build up to the last couple of chapters. Although the action was not very much but well written. Hope the second book is even better than the first book!
June 6, 2024
Po Abatto works hard to.pay off his father's debt,but his mum and older brother waste money.
When he sees an opportunity to make some extra money he takes it and ends up in prison. Offered the choice of a prison sentence of joining g the marines he chooses the latter.
When he sees an opportunity to make some extra money he takes it and ends up in prison. Offered the choice of a prison sentence of joining g the marines he chooses the latter.
July 30, 2024
Mostly good
It was good to begin with, but I lost interest a little towards the end. Too much boot camp and fearsome drill instructors treating new recruits like dirt, just like every army movie you’ve ever seen.
It was good to begin with, but I lost interest a little towards the end. Too much boot camp and fearsome drill instructors treating new recruits like dirt, just like every army movie you’ve ever seen.
August 15, 2024
Good start
Pace is a bit slow at first but jumps out much faster further into the story line. Hints of Alien involvement trickle in which keeps you invested looking for progression. Hope next in series develops this much further.
Pace is a bit slow at first but jumps out much faster further into the story line. Hints of Alien involvement trickle in which keeps you invested looking for progression. Hope next in series develops this much further.
September 8, 2024
Awesome!
Well written story with many plots and twists while giving insights into future possible story development. I especially love the spiritual component that is being subtly used by the author. Can’t wait to continue Po Abbato’s journey with him.
Well written story with many plots and twists while giving insights into future possible story development. I especially love the spiritual component that is being subtly used by the author. Can’t wait to continue Po Abbato’s journey with him.
October 6, 2024
Started a little slow....but it got interesting and filled with action
Strong characters throughout the book. Some that only Po can see. Marines no matter what centruy, remain Marines....SEMPER FI....GOOD NIGHT CHESTY....WHEREVER YOU ARE....
Strong characters throughout the book. Some that only Po can see. Marines no matter what centruy, remain Marines....SEMPER FI....GOOD NIGHT CHESTY....WHEREVER YOU ARE....
December 2, 2024
Wow a new space epic to read 😁
Okay did not start as I expected but it soon got going, I do like the main character (Po)he has depth, and it was fun following him through basic training with I must say a number of unexpected twist 😀 And now he is off to war. So roll on book two.
Okay did not start as I expected but it soon got going, I do like the main character (Po)he has depth, and it was fun following him through basic training with I must say a number of unexpected twist 😀 And now he is off to war. So roll on book two.
March 17, 2025
It took about 75% of the book to actually get interesting. Before that none of the characters or factions seemed in any way sympathetic. It was very difficult to root for anyone and no real hook. Almost dropped the series, but the last 25% redeemed it enough to give the next book a try.
March 20, 2024
Excellent opening chapter in this series of novels. Read and thoroughly enjoyed this book , Characters and story line combine well to give a good entertaining read, I would highly recommend it
April 1, 2024
A great story
I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. Being a veteran myself I enjoyed the boot camp in the story it was so real. You will love it.
I enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down. Being a veteran myself I enjoyed the boot camp in the story it was so real. You will love it.
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