Author Topic: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy  (Read 11963 times)

Neufeld

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Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« on: 09 August 2011, 04:50:21 »
I finally got around to read the Blood of Kerensky trilogy, and thought that I might as well post my thoughts as I read it.
It is a bit backwards that I read ER:3052 before it, but since I what happens is common knowledge it does not matter all that much.

Lethal Heritage - Book 1: Shadow of the Beast (Chapters 1-8)

Overall it serves a good intro, and manages to build up tension nicely in the last chapter. It also strengthen my impression that Stackpole is better at making the world come alive and writing supporting cast, than creating good protagonists.

Looking at the specific characters:

Phelan - I disliked him in his introduction chapter, he just seems annoying. Still, the fight on the asteroid was way better and a good read. Could have done without the stackpoling of the engine.

Victor - His chapters where fine. Note Ciro, that show up in the cartoon. I am also wondering if Renard shows up later?

Kai - Now here is the second character that is annoying. Still, I prefer him over Phelan. The chapter when he take YLW for a ride is more pleasant to read. Does Wendy show up later?

Tyra - She seems OK. Still I does note that we do not get into her character as deeply as the rest.

Shin - The most interesting of the five protagonists so far. I also note that Stackpole is good at selling the Combine.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
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We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #1 on: 09 August 2011, 09:48:49 »
Lethal Heritage - Book 2: Claws of the Beast (Chapters 9-18)

Myndo, part 1 - Aliens more likely than Kerensky's heirs?  :o ::) I think Focht has read too many conspiracy theories.

Phelan - His chapters where the most interesting, but does nothing to makes his character more interesting.

Victor - Nothing wrong with his chapters, but not all that exciting. The story would have benefited a bit from including their first contact with the Clan mechs.

Kai - I am not reading this for Kai's love troubles. Worst chapter in this part.

Tyra - I want a Battletech flight simulator. By the way, has someone figured out which Clan fighter type they where facing.

Shin - This chapter displays clearly and well the danger with elementals. The stackpoling was annoying however.

Myndo, part II - Looks like we are near the end of wave one here. The reporting is good, the harebrained schemes, not so much.  ::)

« Last Edit: 09 August 2011, 13:28:52 by Neufeld »

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #2 on: 09 August 2011, 13:28:36 »
Lethal Heritage - Book 3: Heart of the Beast (Chapters 19-29)

Shin (2chapters) - The Shin parts are as always the best of this book. Still, I missed a chapter about reactions about the orbital bombardment from him.

Hanse - This chapter suffer from tech retcons.

Phelan (4 chapters) - While the Shin parts are the best, the Phelan parts are the most interesting. I still do not like Phelan, and think that Kenny is right, and I also do not like the romance. I especially liked the way these chapters really explained the bidding process clearly.

Kai (2 chapters) - Kai's issues does not interest me.

Victor - Poor guy does not get to do anything interesting yet.

Tyra - Another nice action chapter.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #3 on: 09 August 2011, 17:52:14 »
Lethal Heritage - Book 4: Head of the Beast (Chapters 30 -44)

Once again I find that I enjoy the Shin and Phelan parts better than the Victor & Kai parts.

Phelan has started to warm up a bit to me, I can not say that I like him, but I no longer dislike him.

Shin does still have the some of best parts of the book, but the ending Conclave was the best.

Victor has started to earn his keep but he is not as interesting.

Kai has got his opportunity to show that he lives up to his reputation but he is still annoying. He just does not feel like a realistic person, low self-esteem and success does no go together.

I am also relieved that Jamie did not drop the bomb about the origin of the Dragoons in this book.

Overall it has been an entertaining read, and a book I would recommend to others, even if some of the Kai chapters were annoying.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #4 on: 10 August 2011, 13:49:20 »

Moving on to book 2, I have lower expectations, because of some issues I have the the overall story arc. I do not exclude the possibilities that those issues are handled well, but I do not count on it.

Blood Legacy - Prologue, Chapters 1-6

I liked the prologue very much, especially since Aldo is one of my favorite bad guys. Lyrans: "Our bad guys are better!"
Also: Focht : "I now serve Comstar and the Word of Blake." Good fodder for conspiracy theories that sentence.   :)

We also gets two Phelan chapters here. As it has been so far, they are very interesting. We also sees that the rivalry is not just Vlad, Phelan does his best to keep it alive. While that does not make me like Phelan better, it makes the story work better.

Moving on to Outreach, the Hanse chapter does not have all that much to comment on. I also note that the Dragoons did not figure out a way to sell cooperation to the Capellans. Still that is hard to do, since Capellans benefit from the Clans, but they should have seen it and at least had an argument.

Hohiro has totally managed to make a fool of himself, he will be easily controllable if he does not shape up in the future. Oh wait, that does happen.

I am also a bit surprised that people have not noticed how skilled Sun-Tzu is at manipulating people. There is no retcon folks, he was a schemer right from the start.

Lastly, Isis - what is her game? She did come across as a total bitch, trying a start a fight between Kai and Sun-Tzu. No wonder Sun-Tzu threw her under the buss.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

FedSunsBorn

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #5 on: 11 August 2011, 00:02:39 »
Having gotten into Battletech in between this series and the FedComCivil War, I really liked how many of the characters are portrayed in the book. Sun Tzu plays the fool and fools everyone else which lays the groundwork for his rise in power. Victor is still somewhat narrow minded but still focused and good friends with Kai. Hohiro and Omi stay the same...

Isis though is probably my favorite of the young nobles since she starts out as insecure, somewhat petty and lacking in judgement but then grows alot more mature as time goes on. Also, Victor's comment about her is priceless since we all know what happens later on... ;)
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Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #6 on: 11 August 2011, 16:20:21 »
Also, Victor's comment about her is priceless since we all know what happens later on... ;)

Yes, exactly.

Blood Legacy - Chapters 7-14

Reading on I notice that hearsay from non-observant people has given me a wrong picture of what really happened. Here we see some subtle stuff that have been dismissed even if in-book characters acknowledge it.  ::)

Let us start with Focht, one chapter. Not really all that interesting, except the fact that the Comstar PoW have switched from Myndo to Focht. Probably because Focht was intended to be a mystery character in book one.

Going on to Phelan we see two council sessions and his first omni-mech ride. It is a bit disappointing we does not get to see how he performed in the Kit Fox. I also notice that the Clans are better at politics than the Inner Sphere, which makes sense when you think about it, but is still a bit ironical. Also the characters miss one thing about Conal supporting Ulric as Khan - he did make Ulric look like a good crusader, which will seed some doubt in the Warden camp.  }:) And speaking about the Warden cause, like someone it does not make sense. I suspect that only the Wolves believe in the nonsense about protecting the Inner Sphere, and the rest of the Warden Clans just was not really all that interested in invading the Inner Sphere.

As for Outreach, Victor starts to bore me by now, he needs to evolve beyond a cardboard cutout. Also he sounded a bit like a cartoon villain when he criticized Sun-Tzu: "And I would have gotten you too, if not for the medding Kai!" Sorry Victor, but focusing on one factor and rationalizing away everything else reveal blind spots.
Kai was more interesting in these chapters. First the interrogation by Romano, is something that some people have misunderstood. It was never really about Kai and any crimes he might have committed, no, it was a political move against the FedCom. Second, we get some character growth from Hohiro-Kai interaction. Third, Kai is observant regarding Sun-Tzu, still resolving that situation is beyond him and Victor is unwilling to try.
Cassandra comes across a someone from a Jaguar sibko.
Lastly the Shin and Christian Kell discussion was interesting, but its relevance to the overall story was unclear.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

HikageMaru

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #7 on: 11 August 2011, 17:45:08 »
Isis though is probably my favorite of the young nobles since she starts out as insecure, somewhat petty and lacking in judgement but then grows alot more mature as time goes on. Also, Victor's comment about her is priceless since we all know what happens later on... ;)

Can you remind me what he said?

EricJ

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #8 on: 13 August 2011, 11:52:27 »

Going on to Phelan we see two council sessions and his first omni-mech ride. It is a bit disappointing we does not get to see how he performed in the Kit Fox. I also notice that the Clans are better at politics than the Inner Sphere, which makes sense when you think about it, but is still a bit ironical. Also the characters miss one thing about Conal supporting Ulric as Khan - he did make Ulric look like a good crusader, which will seed some doubt in the Warden camp.  }:) And speaking about the Warden cause, like someone it does not make sense. I suspect that only the Wolves believe in the nonsense about protecting the Inner Sphere, and the rest of the Warden Clans just was not really all that interested in invading the Inner Sphere.



The way I understood it was that the Crusaders wanted to invade the Inner Sphere and "Bring Light to the Barbarians" while the Wardens yes, did not want to invade, but defend the Inner Sphere from an "external threat" other than the Clans themselves

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #9 on: 13 August 2011, 17:04:02 »
Can you remind me what he said?

"Though she's pretty, I'll do my best to stay away from her.", first chapter Blood Legacy.


Now, thinking about the title of the book I realize that "Blood Legacy" does not only refer to the clans, the past does also haunt the Inner Sphere leaders on Outreach.

Blood Legacy - Chapters 15-20

Now I have reached a point where I am becoming more critical of this book. While the Phelan parts are still interesting with the ilKhan election, the Outreach parts starts to drag a little. Fortunately the tests did come up in the last chapters. Speaking about the ilKhan election, that was really some quick counters by both sides at the council, which shows good planning.

Now reaching the testing chapters, while it was good to see some action, both tests have some issues that makes them facepalm worthy:
The Wolves - Disregarding the issue of doing live-fire trials of position and not running out of warriors, using assault mechs for these trials is even more wasteful. Second, this attacking each others opponents is something that should turn the whole outcome of the trial in doubt. Well, at least having Vlad defeat Phelan was a good call, a novice authors might have let Phelan win instead.

On Outreach - While my criticism of this is shorter, this test seems even more stupid. Like others have said before, why have them play as Clanners attacking Inner Sphere units? The reverse seems much more useful when training to defeat the Clans.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #10 on: 14 August 2011, 17:31:31 »
Blood Legacy - Chapters 21-30

We get to see the aftermaths of the trials, and nearly everyone gets new or upgraded mechs. It is worth noting that development of Laser AMS is discussed in the Phelan chapter. I also note that some of my concerns about the trial of position is discussed.

In other news the invasion has started again and it looks like three different hot-spots are coming up: Gunzburg, Alyina and Luthien.

Overall there was not really much action, but the story feels like it is moving again and the pieces are getting moved up for the main events.

Speaking about characters, in the first book I liked Kai the least, now he has gotten more tolerable and most of his chapters are more tolerable. Victor on the other hand is more annoying, he is too clueless about politics, and feels like cardboard otherwise.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

EricJ

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #11 on: 15 August 2011, 03:05:20 »
I think for Luthien you can't go story by story... from the canon it was like 800 Clan 'Mechs versus like 1300 IS forces.

Honestly in my opinion when you have so much to deal with (sub-plots) you can't get as in-depth if you were just focusing on one particular unit/action.

abou

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #12 on: 16 August 2011, 07:28:03 »
Characterization in a lot of BattleTech books is incredibly frustrating.  I feel the most apt comparison is like any children's show (or Neon Genesis: Evangelion).  A character makes some important discovery of himself, what he is capable of, and how that should change him for the better... and it's all forgotten immediately by the next episode.  Get used to Kai's constant and annoying self-doubt.  It lasts well beyond this trilogy.

For me, I knew Victor from the latter novels and didn't read Blood of Kerensky until a few years ago.  I found some differences between authors that made me groan at how exasperating it was to read Stackpole's writing -- even though Victor is in a sense Stackpole's character.  There are several Victors presented to us in the novels and the only one I like is the one I feel akin to the 1930s Superman.  We see this at -- I think -- Twycross when Victor is trying to call down an artillery strike and gets pissed off at the officer on the comm.

Avoiding all discussion on the Socialist 30s v. Yuppie 80s Superman, the point is that despite being a "Big Blue Boy Scout" he could certainly get pissed off.  He's always trying to do the right thing, but has no qualms about wrapping a Tommy Gun around some guy's neck and throwing him out the window.  There is always some restraint, he does make mistakes, and he is always trying to do the right thing, but he doesn't constantly fall into the ridiculous diatribes that he does when Stackpole is writing him.  That's the character I wanted to see Victor evolve into over time, not the character we see glimpses of now and then when it suits the writers.  The Victor that realizes his whole command is in trouble, that he is the heir-designate to the FedCom throne, action needs to be taken now, and that it is actually okay to use your title sometimes because there is a greater point to it all; things need to be done and this is how it is -- that's the Victor I wanted to see.

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #13 on: 16 August 2011, 15:39:32 »
For me, I knew Victor from the latter novels and didn't read Blood of Kerensky until a few years ago.  I found some differences between authors that made me groan at how exasperating it was to read Stackpole's writing -- even though Victor is in a sense Stackpole's character.  There are several Victors presented to us in the novels and the only one I like is the one I feel akin to the 1930s Superman.  We see this at -- I think -- Twycross when Victor is trying to call down an artillery strike and gets pissed off at the officer on the comm.

Avoiding all discussion on the Socialist 30s v. Yuppie 80s Superman, the point is that despite being a "Big Blue Boy Scout" he could certainly get pissed off.  He's always trying to do the right thing, but has no qualms about wrapping a Tommy Gun around some guy's neck and throwing him out the window.  There is always some restraint, he does make mistakes, and he is always trying to do the right thing, but he doesn't constantly fall into the ridiculous diatribes that he does when Stackpole is writing him.  That's the character I wanted to see Victor evolve into over time, not the character we see glimpses of now and then when it suits the writers.  The Victor that realizes his whole command is in trouble, that he is the heir-designate to the FedCom throne, action needs to be taken now, and that it is actually okay to use your title sometimes because there is a greater point to it all; things need to be done and this is how it is -- that's the Victor I wanted to see.

Good points about Victor, and yes it is a pity we do not see more of real character. BTW, it was on Alyina, not Twycross.


Blood Legacy - Chapters 31-End

I had intended to split this in two parts, but the reading got easier once I got beyond Outreach, so I did it in one go.

The pacing picks up, and it focus mostly on Luthien, naturally. However, the two smaller actions are finished first, so I cover them first.

First we have Gunzburg, where the bidding really surprised me. It is one thing if Phelan had simple volunteered for it, but to have Natasha bid him without consulting first it really taking a big risk. The chapter where Phelan met Miraborg was one of the best ones, and was a rare one that really gives character growth.

Then we have Alyina, which is one of the better Victor chapters. However, I fear that his experiences there is really to blame for his blind focus on Clans later on. Especially when you take a look at the chapter later when Galen has to talk him straight after it looked like Kai died.

The battle of Luthien was an a mixed bag, I liked the early part with the scouting. However, later on there was two issues that annoyed me Morgan 'Jesus' Kell the unhittable, and that holding back Takashi was done it such a hamfisted and unrealistic way it gets a little better again once they enter action.

Going back to Phelan, we have him capture Ragnar in one of the better one vs one mech actions I have read.

Finally we have Justin's death. I knew it was coming, but I did not expect it yet. It was also interesting to see the Sun-Tzu chapter, which was a real surprise. I did not expect it because of some comments about him being a devious schemer is a retcon, which does not measure up at all after that chapter.  ??? It is also interesting to see that Sun-Tzu learned  from studying Justin, which makes him way more dangerous than just studying Hanse.

Overall, the book was readable, but with some minor annoyances, mostly involving Outreach and Luthien. I would also say that it is a bit better than the first one, even if the first had a stronger ending with its Phelan chapters. It wins mostly due to being more even in quality and making the Kai parts more readable.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #14 on: 17 August 2011, 18:05:17 »
Before I move on to the next book I will take up something I forgot to mention about the first book. Regarding Turtle Bay and the orbital bombardment I way too jaded to really react to it, having seen the Jihad and Wars of Reaving the Jaguars come across as boy scouts.

Going on the the last book in the trilogy I have low expectations about what I know will be in it, but I hope that there will be some positive surprises. What pulls my expectations low are that I do not like the Comguards and that I feel that Phelan was force-promoted too fast. I hope that I will be able to enjoy the read even with these issues.

Lost Destiny - Prologue - Chapter 10

First we have the prologue with Sun-Tzu. Now we really get to see Romano's madness. It was disputable before, but the story recitation really drove it home.

Second, three chapters Kai. A bit boring until they went to send a message and got captured by Comstar.

As for Phelan, the bloodname trials starts. I no longer has much issues with him, but it is a bit annoying how hard the Wardens are pushing him for leadership. Are they that desperate to find leaders? Still, I can tolerate him getting the bloodname.

Focht's chapters and Hanses's chapter was not all that noteworthy, but I agree with Hanse about Comstar - I also wants to see them roasted alive.

Shin's chapter covers dealing with conservatives, and getting attacked by headhunters. It also shows the seeds of the future Black Dragon problems. They are pushing way too hard, and are stepping on too many toes.

Finally we have the Victor chapter, where he is being a childish idiot, and gets told off by Morgan. Now I have seen people say that Victor is more Lyran than Katherine, and count Tharkad and the 10th LG for that. However, in this chapter he is not a Lyran. He does not behave like a Lyran. He act like a Davion. So there is no wonder that Katherine will be able to tar him a such. Still, I like it better having a flawed personality than being the cardboard cutout he was earlier.





"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Caesar Steiner for Archon

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #15 on: 18 August 2011, 01:57:48 »
Now I have seen people say that Victor is more Lyran than Katherine, and count Tharkad and the 10th LG for that.

People who say that are generally incapable of looking past superficial trappings, I might add...


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Doug Glendower

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #16 on: 18 August 2011, 02:34:09 »
Niether struck me as Lyran. In all honesty, the only one who did ended up on the wrong throne, Yvonne.

Caesar Steiner for Archon

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #17 on: 18 August 2011, 04:00:40 »
For Yvonne to strike me as anything, I think the novels would have to have painted her as something other than "Victor's goofy, awkward, screw-up sister who can't be trusted to do anything important."


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Doug Glendower

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #18 on: 18 August 2011, 11:43:24 »
For Yvonne to strike me as anything, I think the novels would have to have painted her as something other than "Victor's goofy, awkward, screw-up sister who can't be trusted to do anything important."
Well, coupled with her portrayals in the Jihad blurbs, that's still closer than anything we've seen from Katherine, Victor, Peter, or the deady.

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #19 on: 18 August 2011, 12:00:54 »

As for Phelan, the bloodname trials starts. I no longer has much issues with him, but it is a bit annoying how hard the Wardens are pushing him for leadership. Are they that desperate to find leaders? Still, I can tolerate him getting the bloodname.


 ;D
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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #20 on: 18 August 2011, 14:41:05 »
Well, coupled with her portrayals in the Jihad blurbs, that's still closer than anything we've seen from Katherine, Victor, Peter, or the deady.

Peter, at least, has Katrina's talent for picking the right people to put around him.


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Doug Glendower

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #21 on: 18 August 2011, 15:14:18 »
I didn't think Yvonne did too bad in that department post-Civil-War, considering all she had to pick from then was Davvies.

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #22 on: 18 August 2011, 16:57:43 »
Lost Destiny - Chapters 11 - 20

So far the book has been a good read, no real annoying parts to read, even if I have some issues.

First we have a Candace chapter and a Myndo chapter. The are mostly status updates, so not much to comment on.

Second, the Kai chapters have had high quality now, with them being taken prisoners by Comstar, escaping and getting hunted. Some of the best action in this segment of chapters. I really like Taman Malthus, even if we have only had two briefs appearances by him. Also, we get to see that the FedCom alliance is not universally liked, and the complaints are sure valid. I think I will reject the theory that Stackpole is always writing FedCom propaganda, it might have been true in the Warrior Trilogy but it not true here.

The Phelan chapters were mostly good, and I liked his initial strategy go deal with the ASF, however the rockslide tactic has become becoming old and annoying by now. I would have strongly preferred to see him win due to his initial plan. Also, the discussion about individual bloodname heritages was enlightening, and something that does not really come up usually.

Finally we have the Shin and Victor chapters. Looks like the rescue Hohiro plot will be the thing that will occupy them this book. First the whining conservative officers was dealt with. I suspect that Takashi sent them to the garden due to their excessive whining, rather than their military failings. Second, regarding Omi's plan, I suspect that Theodore forbade her to contact Victor again to test her character. Third I am glad we see Sanderlin again, it seemed a little odd to have such a well defined character for only one chapter. However, my biggest issue about this story line is that I am not convinced that Victor is fit to lead. Shin's and Galen's arguments did nothing for me. Better leader than Hanse already?  [wildandcrazy] No, not yet. Show a convincing win and I might start to believe it.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

DechanFraser

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #23 on: 20 August 2011, 10:06:30 »
Victor - His chapters where fine. Note Ciro, that show up in the cartoon. I am also wondering if Renard shows up later?

Renny Sanderlin shows up again in Grave Covenent pages 297-302.  He is fighting alongside Victor in the Tenth Lyran Guards against the Smoke Jaguars in 3059.

Kai - Now here is the second character that is annoying. Still, I prefer him over Phelan. The chapter when he take YLW for a ride is more pleasant to read. Does Wendy show up later?

Wendy Sylvester/Karner also shows up again in Grave Covenent.  She is mentioned on page 245 and the entire Chapter 31 (pages 248-256) is written from her point of view.  She is fighting as a Kommandant in the Davion Heavy Guards against the Smoke Jaguars in 3059.

I like seeing minor characters get updates, so I notice and remember these things.

StoneGiant

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #24 on: 21 August 2011, 03:17:00 »
Yeah I remember Wendy popping up for a bit in the Twilight Of The Clans, totally an oh yeah I remember her[/]i moment.

I loved the BOK Trilogy because along with the Saga Of The Gray Death it was one of the mini series that hooked me, but reading it again as an adult certainly brings certain literary criticisms to the forefront. Not the best writing by any means but it's not terrible and I'e got a soft spot for it.

I seem to remember really liking Impetus Of War, but it's been about 12 years, should I cringe before re reading it?

OK back on topic, do you plan on reading the rest of the series in order, like picking up with Wolf Pack and Natural Selection?
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Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #25 on: 21 August 2011, 15:21:10 »
It is nice to see that those minor characters shows up again, thanks for the info.

OK back on topic, do you plan on reading the rest of the series in order, like picking up with Wolf Pack and Natural Selection?

I will base my further reading on what it available on DriveThruRPG in e-book form. Too bad there is no real natural point for me to continue from. Assumption of Risk and Bred for War are available, but not Natural Selection. Neither is the Jade Phoenix trilogy, nor Close Quarters.
To me it looks like I am forced to pick Main Event or Ideal War, both which I understand are less than stellar, so I am reluctant to buy them.
As for what I want to read in the Caballero trilogy, the main books up to and including Malicious Intent and the Jade Phoenix trilogy.
After those I am interested in Coleman's Capellan books and the Mechwarrior series.

Lost Destiny - Chapters 21-28

I was planning to read up to chapter 30, but when I reached chapter 29, I saw Day 1 of Operation Scorpion. So, I decided this was a good point to post.

Victor had one chapter, in which he was a bit annoying. You know, earlier I would have preferred that the houses beat the Clans, and no Comguards, but now due to the way the younger generation annoys me, I no longer mind the Comguard as much as I did. Especially since they are getting disbanded after the Jihad.

We have Candace meet Ion Rush, which helps set him up as a character.

For the Kai storyline we finally find out the truth about Lear, have him defeat one elemental and have them go looking for faxes. These chapters were weaker than those before, since his annoying lack of confidence is back.

Phelan continues with his bloodname trial, now having only the last battle left. Here he did annoy me due to the way he did resolve the third battle. I would also have cried foul. The fourth battle however, was more interesting. Now, did the elemental create that trap on his own, or was he pressured to do it? At least there is no suspicion about the latter. I have to wonder how he planned to survive the trap. Just jump out when Phelan went in? We also see Phelan figure out the identity of Focht. This is an event we should not think too closely about, since having that much info available from remote planets seems not plausible in this universe. I am also very surprised that he will have his final bloodline trial after Tukayiid, that seem to be making things happen too fast afterwards.

Finally we have Myndo revealing Scorpion and Focht bidding for Tukayiid. Both important setup events. I am also interested to see the Kells receiving that message where it is revealed that Phelan is alive.


"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

Neufeld

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #26 on: 21 August 2011, 19:58:42 »

Lost Destiny - Chapter 29-End

So, I finished the book. I just hope I am not too tired to review.

The Kai chapters did mostly hold high quality, except the end, where we as see them being idiots. I especially liked the attack on the Comstar compound.

The Sun-Tzu chapter was good a revealed a bit on how the characters thought.

Tukayiid was fine, and I especially liked the battle against the tanks.

The rescue of Hohiro was handled well, and I had no issues at all.

Nor did I have any issues with the Bloodname trial nor the way Myndo was offed. It did surprise me that Focht did know that Mori was a spy, I thought that was Blakist propaganda.

So far so good, but the last three chapters is where issues starts to turn up.

First we have the death of Hanse, which got a "that's it?!" reaction from me. I sure expected something more shocking the Sun-Tzu's message.

Second, we has the reformation of Comstar. Focht was doing so well, and then he did have to start eating stupid pills. Letting Aziz go was big mistake. Also, he did condemn his faction to blandness, and worst of all got turned into a moralizing mouthpiece of the author.

Last, saKhan election and the grand council. I think I mentioned it before, but electing Phelan as saKhan, on the same day he was awarded his bloodname shows desperation in the Warden camp. Also, to use blackmail makes the title hollow. I can still respect Phelan, but Ulric and Natasha for doing that, no way. They can play political games, but they lack the ability to make their cause popular, which is why the crusaders won over the Wolves in the end. Lastly, while some of Phelan's arguments in the Grand Council makes sense, the issue is that he makes the same mistake that he accuses his opponents for - selective picking. Special people are everywhere, and you are winning as long as your score is higher than the opponents. Still I agree that the Clans did benefit more from the truce, except the Cats and Jaguars.

Overall the book was OK, except for the issues at the end.

"Real men and women do not need Terra"
-- Grendel Roberts
"
We will be used to subdue the Capellan Confederation. We will be used to bring the Free Worlds League to heel. We will be used to
hunt bandits and support corrupt rulers and to reinforce the evils of the Inner Sphere that drove our ancestors from it so long ago."
-- Elias Crichell

StoneGiant

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #27 on: 22 August 2011, 02:05:39 »
I remember Idea War and Main Event being okay, but it's been a long time.

Weird that Natural Selection is unavailable while Assumption and Bred are...., maybe it has something to do with the sporadic art in the book? I don't recall any Stackpole books having art before or after that one.  ??? I'd caution against reading Assumption and Bred before Natural, it would ruin it.

There was as Jade Phoenix Trilogy Omnibus put out under the "Classic" Battletech brand name right in the middle of the MW Dark Age books, picking that up may be cheaper than tracking down older individual copies, not sure if Wizkids or Fanpro made it, probably Wizkids.

The Capellan books are pretty damn good from what I remember, when it comes to MW I remember the few that came out during the BT run being hit or miss, some were OK some were not. They all seemed to be one offs, having really nothing to do with the timeline. If you'r referring to the Wizkids MW series I'm afraid I cannot offer any input, I never made it past The Ruins Of Power.

IF you're going to read up to Malicious Intent don't forget I Am Jade Falcon, it's like the other side of the coin of that story if I remember correctly.
555th Prawn Grenadiers, Tempura Galaxy, Scampi Cluster, Gumbo Super Nova, Risotto Trinary, Creole Star.

A. Lurker

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #28 on: 22 August 2011, 02:06:54 »
First we have the death of Hanse, which got a "that's it?!" reaction from me. I sure expected something more shocking the Sun-Tzu's message.

Well, Hanse's health problems were foreshadowed. The timing of his heart attack is a bit suggestive, but since we only see the aftermath through Victor's eyes and not the incident itself we'll never know for certain whether Sun-Tzu's message really was what triggered it or whether that was just dramatic coincidence.

StoneGiant

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Re: Reading the Blood of Kerensky trilogy
« Reply #29 on: 22 August 2011, 02:19:59 »
Well, Hanse's health problems were foreshadowed. The timing of his heart attack is a bit suggestive, but since we only see the aftermath through Victor's eyes and not the incident itself we'll never know for certain whether Sun-Tzu's message really was what triggered it or whether that was just dramatic coincidence.
Yeah you're right, the last few chapters did have him always reaching for antacids and rubbing a sore left shoulder or something like that.
555th Prawn Grenadiers, Tempura Galaxy, Scampi Cluster, Gumbo Super Nova, Risotto Trinary, Creole Star.