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The Misfit Soldier
Ocean’s Eleven meets John Scalzi in this funny, action-filled, stand-alone sci-fi adventure from the author of Planetside, in which a small team of misfit soldiers takes on a mission that could change the entire galaxy. Sergeant Gastovsky—Gas to everyone but his superior officers—never wanted to be a soldier. Far from it. But when a con goes wrong and he needs a place to lay low for a while, he finds himself wearing the power armor of the augmented infantry. After three years on a six-year contract, Gas has found his groove running low-level cons and various illegal activities that make him good money on the side. He’s the guy who can get you what you need. But he’s always had his eye out for a big score—the one that might set him up for life after the military. When one of his soldiers is left behind after a seemingly pointless battle, Gas sees his chance. He assembles a team of misfit soldiers that would push the term “ragtag” to its limits for a big con that leads them on a daring behind-the-lines mission, pitting him not only against enemy soldiers but against the top brass of his own organization. If he pulls this off, not only will he save his squadmate, he might just become the legend he’s always considered himself. He might also change the way the entire galaxy looks at this war. But for any of that to happen, he has to live through this insane plan. And charm rarely stops bullets.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
About the author
Michael Mammay
7 books520 followersMichael Mammay is a retired army officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy. He has a masters degree in military history, and he is a veteran of more wars than he cares to remember. His first novel, PLANETSIDE, was a Library Journal 'Best books of 2018' pick and the sequels, SPACESIDE and COLONYSIDE, received starred reviews. GENERATION SHIP is his first foray out of the military SF sub-genre and comes out in October of 2023. He lives with his family in Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
February 24, 2022
Check out my Booktube channel at: The Obsessive Bookseller
[4.5/5 stars!] Yep, it’s official: Mammay is my favorite scifi author.
I find myself genuinely excited for each new book, and that giddy anticipation for a new book is something I haven’t experience a lot of lately. These are my feel-good scifi reads – make way, Becky Chambers.
One of my favorite things about Misfit Soldier was the humor. The characters find themselves in a few awkward situations, but the overall tone of the narration and cheeky perspective of the main character is what makes this book so charming. Gas is such a fun character – equal parts resourceful and able to bullshit his way through the rest. Even the cover tag line, “One Man. No plan. What could go wrong?” Practically drips with that sardonic humor that I love so much about Mammay’s books. All of his works so far have been quick-witted and filled with that dry situational humor I love so much, and this was no exception. One scene in particular had me busting a gut… so good.
I also really enjoyed the structure of this book. Essentially, it was a science fiction high-stakes heist novel! There’s a grand scheme which required the gathering of a highly skilled (and quirky) team, but instead of breaking into a bank for some loot, they were figuring out how to get planetside behind enemy lines to retrieve a soldier. I love reading about people with special skills in any field, so it was especially fun to see these people work together to make things happen. All with a great payoff to boot. It’s one of those stories where you have to let go a bit and trust the process that there’s more going on than what’s on the surface.
Overall this was an absolute delight – I can’t wait to read what he comes out with next.
Recommendations: if you love cheeky scifi like Scalzi’s Old Man’s War and Wells’ Murderbot, this book is right up your alley. Great characters, fun plot, and excellent dry humor – what’s not to love?
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
[4.5/5 stars!] Yep, it’s official: Mammay is my favorite scifi author.
I find myself genuinely excited for each new book, and that giddy anticipation for a new book is something I haven’t experience a lot of lately. These are my feel-good scifi reads – make way, Becky Chambers.
One of my favorite things about Misfit Soldier was the humor. The characters find themselves in a few awkward situations, but the overall tone of the narration and cheeky perspective of the main character is what makes this book so charming. Gas is such a fun character – equal parts resourceful and able to bullshit his way through the rest. Even the cover tag line, “One Man. No plan. What could go wrong?” Practically drips with that sardonic humor that I love so much about Mammay’s books. All of his works so far have been quick-witted and filled with that dry situational humor I love so much, and this was no exception. One scene in particular had me busting a gut… so good.
I also really enjoyed the structure of this book. Essentially, it was a science fiction high-stakes heist novel! There’s a grand scheme which required the gathering of a highly skilled (and quirky) team, but instead of breaking into a bank for some loot, they were figuring out how to get planetside behind enemy lines to retrieve a soldier. I love reading about people with special skills in any field, so it was especially fun to see these people work together to make things happen. All with a great payoff to boot. It’s one of those stories where you have to let go a bit and trust the process that there’s more going on than what’s on the surface.
Overall this was an absolute delight – I can’t wait to read what he comes out with next.
Recommendations: if you love cheeky scifi like Scalzi’s Old Man’s War and Wells’ Murderbot, this book is right up your alley. Great characters, fun plot, and excellent dry humor – what’s not to love?
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
February 28, 2024
Sergeant Gastovsky (Gas) is a con man who joined the army to escape his enemies. In the army, he is not much of a soldier, and has continued with his hustles. However, when he is forced to leave one of his team behind on the planet while engaged in an endless war, he puts together a new team to recover his comrade.
I am not generally a fan of military sci fi, and my eyes glaze over at the descriptions of battles. Fortunately for me, this book had a light touch that held my interest. I enjoyed the scheming and double dealing of the characters and the gradual revelations of hidden motives. Gas was a likable character, and the dialogue is often amusing, but this book is more action-driven than character-driven. I also appreciated the book’s fast pace.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I am not generally a fan of military sci fi, and my eyes glaze over at the descriptions of battles. Fortunately for me, this book had a light touch that held my interest. I enjoyed the scheming and double dealing of the characters and the gradual revelations of hidden motives. Gas was a likable character, and the dialogue is often amusing, but this book is more action-driven than character-driven. I also appreciated the book’s fast pace.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 3, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining military sci fi filled with action and plenty of witty banter. This hit a lot of the tropes of a heist novel with some cliche characters. While not the most innovative story, it was still an enjoyable read. Most of the story was light hearted but I was impressed that it became more serious by the end. I would recommend the audiobook format because the narrator did a good job bringing the main character to life.
This was an entertaining military sci fi filled with action and plenty of witty banter. This hit a lot of the tropes of a heist novel with some cliche characters. While not the most innovative story, it was still an enjoyable read. Most of the story was light hearted but I was impressed that it became more serious by the end. I would recommend the audiobook format because the narrator did a good job bringing the main character to life.
Read
February 12, 2022Got a chance to listen to the audio of this, done by Macleod Andrews. He did a fantastic job narrating.
March 20, 2024
The summary says "Oceans Eleven in space" which is more accurate then the "saving Private Ryan in space" that I've been telling people. But I stand by my impression that it's a heist story led by Moist Von Lipwig from the Discworld novels. (The highest praise I can bestow)
I've been on a scifi kick and this scratched that itch perfectly. It's got all the things I look for in a scifi story; power armor, space ships, and techno mumbo jumbo. I'm not super sure it can be called a heist really but it's a team of people with a charismatic; leader flying by the seat of his pants most of the time, who cares deeply for his people even if he insists he's out only for himself.
The only bad thing I can say about it is that the narrator flat out lies to the reader twice and I do not appreciate lies. Unreliable narrators are funny, but since the narrator is the only window into the narrative we get, it feels cheap when they lie about what's happening. But it only happened twice so I'm not too bothered by it.
Also, I got a cute little romance out of it which I appreciate in a story.
I've been on a scifi kick and this scratched that itch perfectly. It's got all the things I look for in a scifi story; power armor, space ships, and techno mumbo jumbo. I'm not super sure it can be called a heist really but it's a team of people with a charismatic; leader flying by the seat of his pants most of the time, who cares deeply for his people even if he insists he's out only for himself.
The only bad thing I can say about it is that the narrator flat out lies to the reader twice and I do not appreciate lies. Unreliable narrators are funny, but since the narrator is the only window into the narrative we get, it feels cheap when they lie about what's happening. But it only happened twice so I'm not too bothered by it.
Also, I got a cute little romance out of it which I appreciate in a story.
March 26, 2022
This was very entertaining and enjoyable! My first book by this author and I am definitely going to put him on my watch list for future works.
The story is about a reluctant sergeant, who enlisted in the military during war time in order to hide from some trouble he got himself in with some scary civilians... He is a conman, a guy who thinks quickly on his feet and always has an angle, a man who knows how to talk to others in order for them to do his bidding, even while they don't realize it. But despite all of that, he is a loyal friend and if he thinks of you as one of his, he will go to any length to stand up for you. And his company has left a man behind enemy lines, which is unacceptable, so the sergeant is going back to get him... One way or another, even if he has to sneak on a ship going back to the front... Against the wishes of the brass, and even might get himself thrown in the brig... But, he has contingency upon contingency in case things don't go his way, which is a strong possibility, or actually a very real probability. But he is not going to give up! 😎
This is a stand-alone novel, military Science Fiction, but not really concentrated on the war, as much as the relationship between the army buddies, who fight shoulder to shoulder, and the lengths they would go to for one of their own. The story is complete, told with humor and levity, but still quite serious in nature. I sincerely hope that the author decides to give us more in this universe and even some of the background of the main characters. Yes, I didn't want to say goodbye to any of them 👍🙂!
The story is about a reluctant sergeant, who enlisted in the military during war time in order to hide from some trouble he got himself in with some scary civilians... He is a conman, a guy who thinks quickly on his feet and always has an angle, a man who knows how to talk to others in order for them to do his bidding, even while they don't realize it. But despite all of that, he is a loyal friend and if he thinks of you as one of his, he will go to any length to stand up for you. And his company has left a man behind enemy lines, which is unacceptable, so the sergeant is going back to get him... One way or another, even if he has to sneak on a ship going back to the front... Against the wishes of the brass, and even might get himself thrown in the brig... But, he has contingency upon contingency in case things don't go his way, which is a strong possibility, or actually a very real probability. But he is not going to give up! 😎
This is a stand-alone novel, military Science Fiction, but not really concentrated on the war, as much as the relationship between the army buddies, who fight shoulder to shoulder, and the lengths they would go to for one of their own. The story is complete, told with humor and levity, but still quite serious in nature. I sincerely hope that the author decides to give us more in this universe and even some of the background of the main characters. Yes, I didn't want to say goodbye to any of them 👍🙂!
October 4, 2021
So fun! It's like the author took Starbuck from Battlestar Galactica (one of my all-time favorite characters) and Danny from Ocean's Eleven and put them together into a realistic military science fiction in this excellent character-driven story with a generous helping of political intrigue.
What felt like a small stakes operation to find a missing platoon mate soon turned into something that would change the universe.
Although I received this as a free advanced copy, I really enjoyed the read and am happy to add it to my bookshelf of favorites!
What felt like a small stakes operation to find a missing platoon mate soon turned into something that would change the universe.
Although I received this as a free advanced copy, I really enjoyed the read and am happy to add it to my bookshelf of favorites!
September 20, 2022
This was a lot of fun action with very little gore & sex, just a con man who tries to do the 'right' thing while lining his own pockets. Of course, the course is a tough one to navigate, so Gas has to scramble to keep a step ahead. There are some leaps in the plot, but it's all in fun so didn't bother me.
It was nice reading another book with power armor, too. Future infantry in power armor is a theme that has interested me since I read Starship Troopers & The Forever War. Followed by Armor & Old Man's War in that order shows a progression of the idea. This is a good, if not great, addition.
Mammay really showed the feel of an infantry unit with the macho guy interplay & all. Excellent narration helped the story, too. Definitely recommended.
It was nice reading another book with power armor, too. Future infantry in power armor is a theme that has interested me since I read Starship Troopers & The Forever War. Followed by Armor & Old Man's War in that order shows a progression of the idea. This is a good, if not great, addition.
Mammay really showed the feel of an infantry unit with the macho guy interplay & all. Excellent narration helped the story, too. Definitely recommended.
January 22, 2024
I'm telling you, honestly from the bottom of my heart, that this book is the, I mean THE BEST of Michael Mammay's works! Well, for me that is. If it was a movie I would have wanted to watch it over and over again. Though the plot is serious but the dialogue between the characters is so well written, and so hilarious I find myself laughing along the way.
Go ahead, read the preview if you want, you'll get what I mean once you delve into the first page itself!
Michael, please do not stop writing!
Go ahead, read the preview if you want, you'll get what I mean once you delve into the first page itself!
Michael, please do not stop writing!
March 3, 2022
Mammay is my favorite military scifi author writing today. This book has all the signature traits and writing of the PLANETSIDE series, but expands into a larger cast of characters in a combat search and rescue story. Mammay is so good at the social dynamic between soldiers and that shines here again but takes on some new faces with the larger cast. I really enjoyed the way we experience a "team" at work through a single POV. The character-focused view into a problem and how it is navigated by decisions gives the book's military and combat aspects such great layers.
Like his other books, a mystery and need to solve a problem through investigation, recon, and good old fashioned battle of wits as well as political strategy in a military setting plays out with entertaining success and constant intrigue. There are several spokes to the story's wheel that include relationships between fellow soldiers as well as the way morality and honor butt up against policy and procedure. There were some combat scenes in the book that hit me hard and with powerful effect, more so than anything I have read recently. A lot of that comes from the relationships of the cast that we follow as they negotiate the struggle to achieve a near impossible rogue mission.
I am a sucker for a great last line. This book has a gem.
Like his other books, a mystery and need to solve a problem through investigation, recon, and good old fashioned battle of wits as well as political strategy in a military setting plays out with entertaining success and constant intrigue. There are several spokes to the story's wheel that include relationships between fellow soldiers as well as the way morality and honor butt up against policy and procedure. There were some combat scenes in the book that hit me hard and with powerful effect, more so than anything I have read recently. A lot of that comes from the relationships of the cast that we follow as they negotiate the struggle to achieve a near impossible rogue mission.
I am a sucker for a great last line. This book has a gem.
February 28, 2022
Michael Mammay likes to write stories about corruption in the military usually in the form of the military industrial complex making money off war. For me, that is the heart of his newest novel, The Misfit Soldier—not the Ocean’s Eleven style heist that the blurb talks about. The Misfit Soldier is about a sergeant who is in the military to avoid the ramifications of a con gone wrong deciding to put it all on the line to recover one of the soldiers lost from his platoon after an apparently pointless battle.
So he pulls a Kelly’s Heroes and assembles a team to illegally drop from their ship, get behind enemy lines, and rescue their man. In doing so, they get stuck in a high-level power struggle between different officer factions who have different ideas about how and why the war should be prosecuted—causing a second unexpected problem that needs to be resolved by the end of the novel.
This is a fast moving, fun, book, but I don’t think it achieves the heights of Mammay’s Planetside series. Sergeant Gas is a pretty good guy despite apparently not wanting to be, but I just didn’t find his unabashed “I have no real plan” attitude to be believable. Naturally, plans go wrong and improvisation would then be needed, but Gas’ entire plan is to improvise from point A to point Z and in the end, I think that hurt the story.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
So he pulls a Kelly’s Heroes and assembles a team to illegally drop from their ship, get behind enemy lines, and rescue their man. In doing so, they get stuck in a high-level power struggle between different officer factions who have different ideas about how and why the war should be prosecuted—causing a second unexpected problem that needs to be resolved by the end of the novel.
This is a fast moving, fun, book, but I don’t think it achieves the heights of Mammay’s Planetside series. Sergeant Gas is a pretty good guy despite apparently not wanting to be, but I just didn’t find his unabashed “I have no real plan” attitude to be believable. Naturally, plans go wrong and improvisation would then be needed, but Gas’ entire plan is to improvise from point A to point Z and in the end, I think that hurt the story.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
September 28, 2022
Right off the bat I've got to say that I enjoyed the heck out of this book! Engaging characters, good plot, and a sense of humor throughout that gave me a serious case of the giggles many times.
Sergeant Gastovsky is a terrific narrator. He's a little on the shady side, (well, maybe a lot!), but he has some surprisingly virtuous ways, too. Without delving into the synopsis, the MC gathers up a crew of also-on-the-questionable-side characters for a specific job. They whole gang and their interactions was a great source of fun.
I wish that there were other books with these characters; I would certainly read them! This is a stand-alone, and what a rarity those are nowadays. I'm going to look into his other books. Hopefully I have found a new favorite author if his series is anywhere as likeable as this one. If you go for military sci-fi by authors such as Elliott Kay or Marko Kloos, you might want to consider this story.
Sergeant Gastovsky is a terrific narrator. He's a little on the shady side, (well, maybe a lot!), but he has some surprisingly virtuous ways, too. Without delving into the synopsis, the MC gathers up a crew of also-on-the-questionable-side characters for a specific job. They whole gang and their interactions was a great source of fun.
I wish that there were other books with these characters; I would certainly read them! This is a stand-alone, and what a rarity those are nowadays. I'm going to look into his other books. Hopefully I have found a new favorite author if his series is anywhere as likeable as this one. If you go for military sci-fi by authors such as Elliott Kay or Marko Kloos, you might want to consider this story.
November 13, 2022
Good story, space related. A different kind of con.
March 12, 2022
4.5. Hidden gem
July 16, 2022
Nice read, could of done with a bit more action, but very nice read
September 4, 2022
3.5 stars - nothing terribly original, but entertaining enough military SF / con-man caper book.
March 2, 2022
4.5 stars
This book was a blast. I'm a fan of the Carl Butler novels (and I really hope he keeps writing them), so I was already primed to enjoy this novel.
While it isn't stated, I assume this book takes place in the same world. It follows a new soldier "Gas" and his mission to rescue one of his squadmates who was left behind planetside. The thing is, this mission isn't sanctioned and Gas is equal part con artist and soldier.
What follows is essentially a heist story told within a military sci-fi framework.
It's really good and I highly recommend it.
This book was a blast. I'm a fan of the Carl Butler novels (and I really hope he keeps writing them), so I was already primed to enjoy this novel.
While it isn't stated, I assume this book takes place in the same world. It follows a new soldier "Gas" and his mission to rescue one of his squadmates who was left behind planetside. The thing is, this mission isn't sanctioned and Gas is equal part con artist and soldier.
What follows is essentially a heist story told within a military sci-fi framework.
It's really good and I highly recommend it.
March 25, 2022
"The Misfit Soldier" is a standalone miltary science fiction novel, lighter in tone than Mammay's earlier trilogy (first book: "Planetside"). It's easy to underrate the importance of fun in fiction, and this was a very fun read. It has a great main character in Sergeant Gastovsky, better known as Gas, a man who never wanted to be a soldier and who runs a variety of illicit operations, while still being absolutely committed to his squad. There's plenty of humor, military action, a heist, a smidge of romance, and maybe even a message. It reminds me a bit of Tanya Huff's Confederation of Valor series, though Sergeant Gastovsky (the main character) has looser principles than Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the lighter side of military SF.
Four out of five somewhat shady stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Four out of five somewhat shady stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
August 31, 2022
Not quite what I expected. Action is good, but there's not a whole lot of it. Lots of talk of cons and illegal activity, but not much of that either. Lots of talk of bad guys and gangsters, but they hardly have a presence. There is a lot of military officer politics which feel realistic and well thought out (little surprise considering the author's background). The banter between characters is what you'd expect, but the main character makes it come together, he has wit and charm and a 'courageous scoundrel' archetype. However, it felt like the main character was never in any real danger, everything that comes to pass was more or less to his plan and liking. The enemies and futuristic universe felt pretty generic, with very little big scope world building done. It's hard to hate, because it's competently written and interesting most of the time, but it just doesn't stand out or leave much of a lasting impression. The big uncovered secret at the end felt laughably naive, given the veteran status of the characters involved. Overall, it's fine and I'd like to give it 3 stars, but the more I think about it, the less I like it.
September 26, 2021
Fans of military sci fi and capers are going to love this fast-paced, witty novel. I don't read much military sci fi, and so when I first started it my best comparison was The Murderbot Diaries. It definitely ticks the box of a clever, snarky narrator, but it's no copycat. Gas, the protagonist, is a unique voice, charming and bullshitting his way through a plot that ends up having serious stakes and great commentary on the nature of war. With a stellar supporting cast and awesome action sequences, it had me hooked!
June 22, 2022
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
Military science fiction has been a staple of the genre dating all the way back to Joe Haldeman with The Forever War. At least as far back as my reading experiences have taken me. What do you get when you combine a war story with Ocean’s Eleven? A comic adventure staring a POV with the name Gas! You heard that right, with his ragtag crew of misfits no soldier will be left behind.
Sergent Gastovsky or Gas to his superior officers has returned from a mission when me committed the one sin you never do in the military, leave a soldier behind. The problem is that no one seems to care for Gas and his problem. When he tries to stow away on a cargo ship intended to go planetside, Gas is court martialed and brought before Colonel Gwan where things take a turn. Gwan knows the predicament that Gas is in but due to the red tape of command he can’t send a battlion to rescue the lost soldier until he has the “numbers” to back up such a mission. Gas is tasked with “finding” the numbers for the mission to be a go. By any means necessary.
This book is very much an adventure with a comic relief. Gas may be a thick headed clown with an attitude but loyal to a fault. No one will ever question the devotion Gas holds to his crew and no stone will be left unturned to get the job done. I laughed out loud several times with the banter between Gas and his crew but that I will leave foe the adventurous minds to discover. The chapters will fly by as you wait in anticipation for the next laugh.
This was a fun journey to dive into. This standalone book will bring fans old and new to the scene and open up the playbook to what the genre can bring. This was my first book by Michael Mammay and it certainly will not be my last. Very much looking forward with whatever thhis author has to offer.
Cheers!
Military science fiction has been a staple of the genre dating all the way back to Joe Haldeman with The Forever War. At least as far back as my reading experiences have taken me. What do you get when you combine a war story with Ocean’s Eleven? A comic adventure staring a POV with the name Gas! You heard that right, with his ragtag crew of misfits no soldier will be left behind.
Sergent Gastovsky or Gas to his superior officers has returned from a mission when me committed the one sin you never do in the military, leave a soldier behind. The problem is that no one seems to care for Gas and his problem. When he tries to stow away on a cargo ship intended to go planetside, Gas is court martialed and brought before Colonel Gwan where things take a turn. Gwan knows the predicament that Gas is in but due to the red tape of command he can’t send a battlion to rescue the lost soldier until he has the “numbers” to back up such a mission. Gas is tasked with “finding” the numbers for the mission to be a go. By any means necessary.
This book is very much an adventure with a comic relief. Gas may be a thick headed clown with an attitude but loyal to a fault. No one will ever question the devotion Gas holds to his crew and no stone will be left unturned to get the job done. I laughed out loud several times with the banter between Gas and his crew but that I will leave foe the adventurous minds to discover. The chapters will fly by as you wait in anticipation for the next laugh.
This was a fun journey to dive into. This standalone book will bring fans old and new to the scene and open up the playbook to what the genre can bring. This was my first book by Michael Mammay and it certainly will not be my last. Very much looking forward with whatever thhis author has to offer.
Cheers!
July 23, 2023
2.5* (english version below)
Das Buch war nicht per se schlecht, jedoch war die Story voller Klischees und ziemlich vorhersehbar. Auch die einzelnen Squad-Mitglieder waren nur Stereotype: Gary Stu Hauptcharakter, der geniale Hacker, die durchgeknallte Piloten, der schweigsame Killer, der Familientyp, die vermeintlich fiese Verräterin, die natürlich früher oder später mit dem Hauptcharakter anbandelt..
Am Anfang fand ich die Geschichte noch ganz unterhaltsam aber irgendwann langweilte sie mich nur noch, leider.
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The book was not bad per se, but the story was full of clichés and quite predictable. Even the individual squad members were just stereotypes: Gary Stu as the main character, the ingenious hacker, the crazy pilot, the silent killer, the family guy, the supposedly nasty traitor, who of course sooner or later gets hooked up with the main character....
At the beginning I found the story quite entertaining but at some point it just bored me, sadly.
Das Buch war nicht per se schlecht, jedoch war die Story voller Klischees und ziemlich vorhersehbar. Auch die einzelnen Squad-Mitglieder waren nur Stereotype: Gary Stu Hauptcharakter, der geniale Hacker, die durchgeknallte Piloten, der schweigsame Killer, der Familientyp, die vermeintlich fiese Verräterin, die natürlich früher oder später mit dem Hauptcharakter anbandelt..
Am Anfang fand ich die Geschichte noch ganz unterhaltsam aber irgendwann langweilte sie mich nur noch, leider.
-----------------
The book was not bad per se, but the story was full of clichés and quite predictable. Even the individual squad members were just stereotypes: Gary Stu as the main character, the ingenious hacker, the crazy pilot, the silent killer, the family guy, the supposedly nasty traitor, who of course sooner or later gets hooked up with the main character....
At the beginning I found the story quite entertaining but at some point it just bored me, sadly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2022
I checked this out from my library!
If you avoid science fiction for fear of it containing misogyny, you can read this one. I'm impressed. It is a little slow right up until it isn't; I was entertained, and then VERY entertained, and I grinned at the end.
If you avoid science fiction for fear of it containing misogyny, you can read this one. I'm impressed. It is a little slow right up until it isn't; I was entertained, and then VERY entertained, and I grinned at the end.
March 1, 2022
A new protagonist, a new crew, and the same riot of fun and action. Mammay really nails military scifi for me.
April 9, 2022
I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. I enjoy fantasy so much! So, I really wanted to love this book.
Michael Mammay's writing is so good too! I had difficulty relating to the main character. I can best relate this futuristic space fantasy to Guardians of the Galaxy with the same reading pace of Lord of The Rings.
I do hope to read another book by Mammay. He writes beautifully.
While this book wasn't my type, I feel that others will find enjoyment in Mammay's writing.
Side note: The audiobook is amazingly narrated! The narrator held my attention throughout.
Thank you to William and Morrow, Goodreads, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Michael Mammay's writing is so good too! I had difficulty relating to the main character. I can best relate this futuristic space fantasy to Guardians of the Galaxy with the same reading pace of Lord of The Rings.
I do hope to read another book by Mammay. He writes beautifully.
While this book wasn't my type, I feel that others will find enjoyment in Mammay's writing.
Side note: The audiobook is amazingly narrated! The narrator held my attention throughout.
Thank you to William and Morrow, Goodreads, and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
February 22, 2022
It was the cover that initially caught my attention. It’s awesome and total props to the designer. That cover is what eventually caused me to read the blurb. I have not previously read author Michael Mammay works but between that cover and the blurb, I had high hopes. Very high hopes.
The story started off great. That beginning lured me in and I thought this is going to be good. And then… That’s just it. It was only good. I know the story was supposed to be funny and action filled, I just didn’t find it all that funny. I just found after that great initial start, it was a bit repetitive as Gas was stone-walled by top brass of his own organization. By the time the story finally started getting somewhere, it had lost my interest and I just couldn’t get it back. My problem was I just never found a reason to like the main character, Gas. His actions just seemed too scattered and not very well planned out. I also didn’t get a very space vibe to the location.
The story had potential and it really had a premise I could have gotten lost in. Sadly, it just wasn’t in the cards for me to like it. Ocean’s Eleven this definitely was not.
Stars: 2.5 rounded up to 3 for that cover
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story started off great. That beginning lured me in and I thought this is going to be good. And then… That’s just it. It was only good. I know the story was supposed to be funny and action filled, I just didn’t find it all that funny. I just found after that great initial start, it was a bit repetitive as Gas was stone-walled by top brass of his own organization. By the time the story finally started getting somewhere, it had lost my interest and I just couldn’t get it back. My problem was I just never found a reason to like the main character, Gas. His actions just seemed too scattered and not very well planned out. I also didn’t get a very space vibe to the location.
The story had potential and it really had a premise I could have gotten lost in. Sadly, it just wasn’t in the cards for me to like it. Ocean’s Eleven this definitely was not.
Stars: 2.5 rounded up to 3 for that cover
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2021
The Misfit Soldier by Michael Mammay
Gas is a reincarnated Sgt. Bilko but with more skill and courage. Google Bilko when you don’t recognize the reference. Gas tries hard to portray a hard, uncaring character but fails. Inadvertently one of his schemes turns out to be both philanthropic and noble.
The characters in his squad are willing to follow Gas anywhere because he supports them and looks out for them. He does not see them as mere cannon fodder. His squad is a power armored squad which gives them more protection and greater firepower.
Gas looks beyond combat to conflictual roots and takes action.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Gas is a reincarnated Sgt. Bilko but with more skill and courage. Google Bilko when you don’t recognize the reference. Gas tries hard to portray a hard, uncaring character but fails. Inadvertently one of his schemes turns out to be both philanthropic and noble.
The characters in his squad are willing to follow Gas anywhere because he supports them and looks out for them. He does not see them as mere cannon fodder. His squad is a power armored squad which gives them more protection and greater firepower.
Gas looks beyond combat to conflictual roots and takes action.
I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
November 28, 2021
This was such a fun read. Michael Mammay's Sergeant Gas is funny and clever, and the action is fast-paced and exciting. One of the (many) things I loved about this book is that the story begins with a no-one-left-behind rescue adventure but ends up digging much deeper...without any self-indulgent histrionics. Mammay is top-notch.
March 26, 2022
I'm a sucker for military SF, and this was a different spin that I wasn't used to seeing. I really enjoyed the POV, and way the plot unfurled. The main character is the sort of Sergeant with his fingers in every pie, but the hows and whys of his information is all very mysterious and keeps me hooked.
I liked all the little tidbits dropped all over, of how the Sergeant seems to know everything about everybody (and was probably involved in nudging events in the right directions for "his" people). He kind of reminds me of a little of Eithan from Cradle that way, and also Harkness from the Honor Harrington series, but is also very clearly his own character.
I can see how it is compared to Ocean's Eleven. It really was a lot like an Ocean's movie, more than I thought at the beginning. There's a heist-like goal that needs pulling off, the set-up and team-gathering, an execution with all the fun military SF bits, and plenty of time spent wondering what the MC is hiding, and what the big twist at the end is going to be, much like an Ocean's movie. And I've enjoyed all the Ocean's movies.
I really appreciate the fact that the book is set in a queernormative world. It's not dwelled upon, but a supporting character is in a gay relationship and a minor character is non-binary. Even if the main-main character isn't LGBT, world representation is important.
I also enjoyed the double epilogues at the end (again like an Ocean's movie), getting to see everyone for one last slice. I would not be unhappy leaving them there. But I also would enjoy a next installment.
I liked all the little tidbits dropped all over, of how the Sergeant seems to know everything about everybody (and was probably involved in nudging events in the right directions for "his" people). He kind of reminds me of a little of Eithan from Cradle that way, and also Harkness from the Honor Harrington series, but is also very clearly his own character.
I can see how it is compared to Ocean's Eleven. It really was a lot like an Ocean's movie, more than I thought at the beginning. There's a heist-like goal that needs pulling off, the set-up and team-gathering, an execution with all the fun military SF bits, and plenty of time spent wondering what the MC is hiding, and what the big twist at the end is going to be, much like an Ocean's movie. And I've enjoyed all the Ocean's movies.
I really appreciate the fact that the book is set in a queernormative world. It's not dwelled upon, but a supporting character is in a gay relationship and a minor character is non-binary. Even if the main-main character isn't LGBT, world representation is important.
I also enjoyed the double epilogues at the end (again like an Ocean's movie), getting to see everyone for one last slice. I would not be unhappy leaving them there. But I also would enjoy a next installment.
February 26, 2022
I was given a free advanced reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you ever wanted there to be an episode of Leverage set in space, then this is the book for you. It's a fun con story told from the point-of-view of a con artist with a heart of tarnished gold, mixed with military sci-fi to give it a new twist. The author kept the story moving at a good pace and kept the focus right where I wanted it to be - on the con. The military sci-fi parts were thought-out and believable, which was much appreciated. I also thought he hit a good balancing point with the main character, Gas, not too unrepentant and not too selfless.
My favorite parts were the interactions between Gas and Putty, they were funny and immature, and you could tell the two cared about each other. I want a buddy movie with these two, maybe one of them is getting married and they're trying to get to the venue but it's half-way across the galaxy, through disputed territory.
Overall, this book was fun and enjoyable, and I'm glad to have discovered a new author with books waiting for me to read them!
If you ever wanted there to be an episode of Leverage set in space, then this is the book for you. It's a fun con story told from the point-of-view of a con artist with a heart of tarnished gold, mixed with military sci-fi to give it a new twist. The author kept the story moving at a good pace and kept the focus right where I wanted it to be - on the con. The military sci-fi parts were thought-out and believable, which was much appreciated. I also thought he hit a good balancing point with the main character, Gas, not too unrepentant and not too selfless.
My favorite parts were the interactions between Gas and Putty, they were funny and immature, and you could tell the two cared about each other. I want a buddy movie with these two, maybe one of them is getting married and they're trying to get to the venue but it's half-way across the galaxy, through disputed territory.
Overall, this book was fun and enjoyable, and I'm glad to have discovered a new author with books waiting for me to read them!
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