Customer Reviews

Mech 1: The Parent (Imperium Series)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

A human-colonized planet is attacked when the original inhabitants return and decide to take it back by force. The humans don't initially realize that they are under attack by aliens due to their own bloody power struggles. When the various human factions finally realize that the continued existence of the race is very much in doubt, there is a real question of whether or not they are capable of putting aside their own power struggles to come together to save the race.

Of course, I started out rooting for the humans, but by the end, the book raised the very real question as to whether humanity deserved to survive. Don't get me wrong; this is not a philosophical book. It is about aliens and battles and human weakness. The characters are diverse, interesting, and consistent. The plot moved along better than most books I've read recently.

As a shoot-em up, this was a fun book. However, the Mechs were introduced at nearly the mid-point of the book and had a rather limited and wimpy role. This was disappointing to me as the first line of the product description claimed, "Bio-tech aliens battle Mechs built by humans!" While technically true, I was lead to believe that the role of the Mechs would be vastly greater.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book.

No tedious backstory, no lengthy discourses on quantum mechanics - Larson launches you straight into his universe and lays it on thick and fast. The pacing is great, and the story is captivating and is sure to please all sci-fi / space warfare / aliens type buffs (think of a cross between starcraft, aliens, warhammer 40k).

My only gripe is that it is over quickly and leaves you wanting for more! There is so much potential to expand upon - I hope Larson follows up with a sequel.

The marks of a good novel are character development, plot construction, and the creation of a believable reality. Nitpickers like me would also add prose, punctuation, and grammar. To me, all of the above is important, and it's a bonus if the writing is good enough to evoke stark and realistic imagery. A good novel can be so much more vivid than a movie.

Those unfamiliar with science fiction (like my mother) think that books of the genre are nothing more than comic book stories about comic book heroes. They think that fantastical devices or situations that are outrageous in their utter lack of credibility are the driving forces of the narratives, but we fans know better.

A good story is a good story, whether it's set in nineteenth century Europe or in another galaxy in the twenty-fifth century. The setting provides the motives for the growth and development of the characters as the story progresses. A unique setting, like a galaxy far, far away, provides more opportunity for development as the protagonists face new situations and insurmountable odds.

I have to honestly admit that I've been away from science fiction for a long time, as in decades, so it was with some bemusement that I turned on my Kindle and purchased BV Larson's Mech. I was blown away. The story fit all of my nitpicking requirements. I literally could not put it down.

A race of aliens so extremely alien that it would be difficult for humans to even imagine, invades a human colony and planet-wide war ensues. Larson has invented an entire and complete alien biological system, highly sophisticated in the very primitiveness of its physiology and structure, superb in its single-minded aggression, exquisitely violent, and technologically advanced. The human survival drive juxtaposed against these unstoppable beasts becomes the centerpiece of the story.

I was disappointed when the book ended, because there was no more to read, but then became elated when I found that there was a sequel! Now, three weeks later, I've read that sequel (Mech 2; the two books are the first two installments of the Imperium series) and also Larson's first two books of the Swarm series (Swarm and Extinction. The third, Rebellion, is due out within the year [I hope]).

When you purchase Mech, make sure you don't have too many other pressing obligations, because you'll be glued to the book.

The aliens are not too ridiculous. Most of the people act badly most of the time. It's a good piece of literature. Well worth $9.99, although it is currently priced at $0.99

John Beyerlein

Reading this e-book was like munching on a good bag of movie popcorn - I just kept wanting more and was enjoying the thrill of the story as it unfolded. I had a hard time putting it down and read it in two nights. There are lots of familiar things in this novel - BSMs (Big Scary Monsters) from outer space, battlebots, space smugglers, genetically engineered super humans, symbiotic aliens, etc. What was great about this story is that Larson didn't get too hung up on the minutiae; instead he focused on the story by introducing new elements and plot scenarios which intertwined and eventually all come together for the climax. This book was a lot of fun to read. It was fun because what was to happen next in the story wasn't obvious; I kept being delightfully surprised. There were some things that were easy to anticipate, like the actions of the self-serving, self-preservation oriented characters, but what they did and what their outcomes were was still entertaining. There was a definite subtext of dark humor in the story when the scales of fate and forces of karma were balanced. I also can't help but think that Larson is an old school SNL fan due to the fact that one of the indigenous animals to the planet in this story is called a landshark. And it lives up to its name. :-)

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a fun, action-packed, page-turner story.

They are all around you. Closing in slowly, skillfully, just around the edges your vision. This is the world Mech drags you into kicking and screaming. I can not begin to convey the pure evil feel of this book. Garm is real, from scheming corrupt governments to the vast estates of the over privileged you can feel the despair heavy in the air. If you like hostile negotiations, planetary war, and a good bit of mech mayhem, If you stood up and cheered when the ewoks got stompped by AT ST (chicken walkers) then this is the book for you. YET BE WARNED! If you rather have yet another cookie cutter story about some hobbits with questionable desires caring objects around yet another world full of happiness that just so happens to be suppress by evil, Then please cover your ears and hum loudly until this big scary book of reality leaves you alone.

Zogothrak approves with all the possible approval Zogothrak can give.

I can't agreed with the person who gave this 1 star.

I loved this book and it's originality.

Couldn't put this one down.

Take the chance and spend a dollar

Great read! Great series so far! Just waiting for the third book to be released...if you have any doubts about making the purchase don't, you will be well rewarded.

I was five pages in and knew I was going to enjoy it. Good character development considering the pace of the story. It works because the story is good and you quickly get involved with the characters. I read it in just a couple days of casual reading.