Customer Reviews

Battletech 05: Natural Selection (Bk. 5)

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4 star:		(1)
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This book was a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. You learn a lot about the politics of the Clans and Inner Sphere (Colonized parts of space) in the 3050's. Mr. Stackpole will amaze you with how he wrote the characters, especially the assassin.

I was excited to see thisbook, since Catalyst Games came out with a campaign book along the same story. Truth be told, I found out about the Catalyst Games PDF first and then bought this. I'm reading it now and can't put it down. I had forgotten how much fun a battletech book could be. I do hope that Michael Stackpole will return to write more Classic Battletech Fiction.

This book holds a real nostalgic place in my heart, being the first BattleTech novel I ever read, so long ago. What a piece to start with! This is a real page-turner, full of all the political intrigue the BattleTech novels have always delivered. Stackpole (one of the best authors in the BattleTech series) keeps the reader interested through the entire novel just as he always does. Along with the "Blood of Kerensky" series (also by Stackpole), this is one of the best BattleTech novels, and remains one of my favorites.

Michael Stackpole, a well-established science fiction author, began writing Battletech novels in the late 80's and soon became one of the "cannon" writers, helping to guide the univere's storyline. While I think Keith and Charette are slightly better writers, Stackpole has an epic sweep and a "bigger picture" eye that makes him the go-to writer for Battletech.

Natural Selection is his follow up to the Blood of Kerensky trilogy. Natural Selection follows attempts by crusader elements within the clans to repudiate the Tukayyid truce through the use of the "Red Corsair". The story, like all of Stackpole's, does not take place in a vacuum, and some knowledge of the characters is assumed. That said, it reads very quickly and is very enjoyable.

I would be remiss if I didn't make some character commentary. I like Kai Allard, but detest Phelan Kell Wolf Ward (ugh with his name changes). He is a ridiculous and unbelievable character. Captured freebirth warrior adopted into the Wolf clan and becomes a Khan? Hope I didn't spoil anything here, but, to whoever runs Phelan as their player character in the game (and I know for a fact someone does), get over your munchkin ego and give it up!

Still, I can suffer through the interminable Kell for the story development. Worth picking up for the continuing universe history, and for Stackpole's vision.

Anyone who wants to know the origins of the clan war or add flavor to their Battletech game HAS to read this book.

If you can find this book,BUY IT!.Michael Stackpole is one of the best writers that produce sci-fi stories that I like to read. He is one of three sci-fi writers that I like. The other two are Steven King and Dean R. Coonts. If you can not find this book borrow it from someone who will let you and read it you won't regreat it.