Mercenary (Bio of a Space Tyrant) [Hardcover]

Piers Anthony (Author)

Book Description

Series: Bio of a Space Tyrant | Publication Date: December 1985

This is the second in the series BIO OF A SPACE TYRANT, featuring the stages in the life of Hope Hubris, the Tyrant of Jupiter, and his beloved sister Spirit.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Gregg Pr (December 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0839829019
• ISBN-13: 978-0839829010
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,779,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Second Novel in a Fantastic Series, October 25, 2003

By 

Atomicwasteland (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Mercenary (Paperback)

This is a great sequel to Piers Anthony's first book in his Bio of a Space Tyrant Series (Refugee). Though out of print in the mass market paperback edition, it is well worth purchasing in Trade Paperback or Hardback, or even better, in used condition.

This second book deals with the Tyrant's adventures in the military after he survives his perilous journey as a refugee in the previous book. It explores his rise as a miliary figure, and the beginning of his many relationships and alliances, and it sets the stage for his entrance into politics in the next book in the series: Politician. Don't be fooled, though, this book stands alone, on its own.

Anyone who doubts that Piers Anthony can write Sci-Fi as proficiently as he writes Fantasy should give this series a try. It is one of the best Sci-Fi series I have ever read. It is enjoyable from the first pick-up to the last put-down; it doesn't take any investment of effort to get involved, and you are never bored.

For new-found fans of Piers Anthony Sci-Fi I would also recommend the following Piers Anthony Novels: The Split Infinity Series (fantastic half sci-fi/ half fantasy storyline), the Cluster Series (fantasic imaginative exploration of alien cultures), the Omnivore/Orn/Ox series (which explores alien worlds with human explorers).

Other books that seem to relate to the ideals in the Bio of A Space Tyrant Series: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress (by Robert Heinlein) and Citizen of the Galaxy (by Robert Heinlein).

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book., July 4, 2011

By 

Luis - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mercenary (Bio of a Space Tyrant, Vol. 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

I read for the first time in high school, and after so many years I still loved it. It brought back some old character friends. I think the best part of the book for me back in high school was that it showed me that sometimes there are choices in life that can make big differences in the future. Hope (main character) has to make several choices as grows, but thanks to understanding that those around him can help him he makes the right ones. I don't want to spoil the book, enjoy!

3.0 out of 5 stars Other Books, September 3, 2007

By 

Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mercenary (Bio of a Space Tyrant, Vol. 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

The big smoke is not all it is cracked up to be, either is the army.


The kid from the first book survives long enough to grow up and work on Jupiter, which just happens to not be amazingly better than a moon. He also gets drafted into the army, and starts what turns out to be a promising military career, with a big of help and sneakiness.