Customer Reviews

Heir to the Dragon (Battletech Series)

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Michael Stackpole may have a talent for intrigues and fast action,but Robert Charette is the better author.His novel is very well written and its got atmosphere,depth and realism. "Heir.." describes the life of Theodore Kurita as son of the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine. The novel provides you with an in-depth look at the inner workings,the philosophy and the life in House Kuritas realm and its still the best source for anyone interested in the Draconis Combine, especially for Battletech Game Masters. In addition to that,it covers the time from Theodores birth til the 3040s,and so it gives you an overview of the Inner Sphere history of the whole era too.You should note that this book is also the only source in novel-form for the war of 3039,a very interesting chapter in the history of struggling between the houses Davion and Kurita.

A chance to view the inner workings of House Kurita! Honor, Duty and Courage, this book has it all. This book documents the forging of a great leader, Theodoore Kurita. It really breathes life into this character as well as the Draconis Combine! A must read for any BT reader!

Are you sick and tired of that endless praise on Davion-Steiner holy crusade against the Evil Everybody Else? Do you hate to see the greatest concept in the science fiction history being spoiled by infantile moral preachments? Do you end up asking over and over again: WHY DO THE DAVION BASTARDS ALWAYS WIN??? Why are the authors so panicked about different ways of thinking that they cowardly refuse to give the other side even a slightest chance?

Well, if you feel that way, 'Heir of the Dragon' is the book you need. For the first time, some fairness is brought into the Battletech series. Mr. Charrette shows you the universe from inside of the Draconian empire. The book's written with a deep understanding of Japanese way of life and the Kuritas are actually described as human beings rather than mindless animals that must be exterminated at any price.

Before you read this book, it is absolutely necessary that you read the previous volume - 'Wolves on the Border'. If you haven't read 'Wolves...' (I made that mistake), many things that happen in 'Heir...' will be difficult to understand. In fact, it's a good idea to keep 'Wolves...' at hand while reading 'Heir...' to refresh your memory occasionally. Even if you don't like 'Wolfes...', don't let it keep you from reading 'Heir...' It's much better, I promise!

'Heir of the Dragon' is the book that awoke the fascination about Japan in me. And it helped me hold through the Battletech series until my patience was rewarded by the Clan wars.

A wonderful "insider's" view of the sometime murky and always volatile world that controls the DC. An interesting blend of courage and cowardness, innovation and stagnation, honor and treachery. The first book in the BattleTech World I had ever read that was sympathetic to the Draconis Combine.

This book tells the story of Theodore Kurita's becoming Coordinator of the Draconis Combine. Told before the Clan invasion, it offers a glimpse at the fragmentation of the Inner Sphere, specifically, the War of 3039. Readers get a reprieve from the mostly pro-Davion storyline to see the development of a major player in the Inner Sphere. Theodore is an excellent character who, as the storyline progresses, continues to be well-developed.

I've never bought a book on tape before, but I had some idea of what it was. It's not just someone reading out loud to you but more like an old fashioned radio show with sound effects expressing the story that before you could only conjure in your mind. The "Heir to the Dragon" version contains 2 cassettes with a 3 hour playtime. The story is about Theodore Kurita's rise and the relationship between himself and his father the Coordinator Takashi Kurita. Starting with Theodore's command in the Legion of Vega and continuing through the War of 3039 the audiobook follows the original novel very well. The Narrator Christopher Graybill does a good job representing each of the characters his only fault was in his pronunciations of the various locations. One example that made me cringe everytime he said it was "Dieron". Maybe its just me but I've always pronounced it "Dear-ron". He would say it as "Die-ron". If you know which way is correct let me know.
Very few important scenes were cut out of the audiobook. There's one scene in the paperback where Theodore is meeting with Comstar to broker a deal on gaining some mechs. In that scene he presents Frederick Steiner, who was captured back in the 4th Succession War and who would later become Precentor Martial Focht, to them as a gift. That was the only major scene I thought should have been kept in but if you hadn't read the Warrior books then it would have made no sence. So I understand why it wasn't there. Overall I really enjoyed this audiobook. This would make a perfect companion to any roadtrip or just when you need to keep yourself entertained while painting your miniatures. The complete "Return of Kerensky" trilogy is also available.

its a very good book

the book takes place over a very long time witch makes it very hard yo follow. also there isn't enouigh action, that bothers me alot