Customer Reviews

Battletech 48 Measure Of A Hero

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Generally, I liked this novel and recommend it.

As is often the case in BattleTech universe novels, the story involves poorly supplied underdogs who are forced into battling much stronger forces for a planet, federation, inner sphere, or what have you.

In this case we have two decent men who are set against each other. Archer Christifori is a retired war hero, leading a quiet little military reserve unit. Because of increasing tensions, the empress Katherine Steiner sends a military force to Archer's planet under command of a Col. Felix Blucher. These two men are essentially honorable. They start out on good terms.

However, the proverbial worm in the apple is a scheming and self-centered character named Leutenant Luther Fisk. Fisk is a subordinate officer under Blucher's command. Fisk's father is a real big-shot who is quick to run interference for his son. Col. Blucher soon finds himself unable to discipline Fisk. Fisk defies his commander, gets punished, and just calls his dad to get out of it. This happens several times. Blucher is helpless. As Fisk begins to realize he is beyond his commander's control, his behavior gets more and more reckless and violent. Soon civilians are being gunned down in the streets by Fisk's men.

Fisk's wild-card antics soon set Archer at odds with Blucher. In particular, one rash action of Fisk's results in the death of Archer's only remaining relative, his sister. This cannot be forgiven. Before long the autocannons are chewing up armor, and lasers are blazing.

You guessed it. David goes to war against Goliath. Archer with his little rag-tag military reserve unit goes up against as much larger force of regular troops. Archer's old, worn-out hand-me-down battlemechs take on the pride of the Lyran Alliance. Like a Robin Hood of the future, Archer manages through guile and craft to outsmart Col. Blucher, who comes to look like a "Sheriff of Nottingham" buffoon by the end of the book.

The book is fun, and excellently written. It is well plotted, and Mr. Pardoe is an old hand who has turned several fine BattleTech novels in the past. The story has two sequels, also, for those who enjoy this book. Go on to read the next installment, entitled "Operation Audacity."

Patrick J. Callahan

With the introduction of Archer Christifori, hero created by the clan wars, the battletech universe is given one more character that rises to the top. This book gives great insight into Archer, his friends, and his enemies. The news clippings at the chapter breaks also gives us something to compare with and can see how what happens to Archer is related throughout the Federated Commonwealth. This book is action packed and the ending might not be completely unexpected, but it still had it's own surprises.

This book was amazing!
I made the mistake of reading "Call of Duty" first, so I was a little confused about Christifori (the main character). I was also suprised at the way Christifori treated Colonel Blucher, especialy in the end. And the ending... was AWESOME! What a move!! THIS IS A MUST READ!!!

this is simply one of Pardoes best books. It has a ton of battles, and the plot doesnt just spring up like other books.This is also the start of a civil war folks.i recomend this book to anyone willing to read it.

a great book about a reble Stiner-nice going, it was about time the Stiners got their butt kicked!

Measure of a Hero is possibly one of the best books i've ever read. It starts out with a quick plot and somehow Pardoe manages to spread the action out evenly throughout the book. The ending is spectacular and, sadly, that's when it ended. I'd definately suggest it for Battletech fans.

A nice little piece of how someone could finally be pushed to attack all that he has held dear, a nice point of why people are gradually turning against Evil Incarnate of the Inner Sphere (Katherine). Also, extremely respectful and intelligent maneuvers on each side. It's the best piece of gureilla warfare (or mentioning rebels) since Saga of the Grey Death Legion (that I've read). That's quite a well. The voicing isn't quite realistic, which is what stopped me from a 4 star rating. Still, one of the better non-Stackpole entries into the FedCom section (since we must all realize Coleman has rimward down)

First off, I have read all the books (except The Sword and the Dagger which costs to frickin much) through Test of Vengence, and I must say that this is probobly the best btech book that I've read in a long time. The characters are great, and the plot is a great backdrop to whats happening in the rest of the inner sphere. The news reports are also a good addition which gives a very good feeling of the larger picture without drawing attention away from the story. If you're new to battletech, this is the book for you.

RIP fasa :(

Good book! It needed to be about 5 or 6 chapters longer, it just felt as though it was missing some depth to the charactors and he could have expanded some about the situations of the people that were on Thorin. Overall, it's a good solid book that sets the story for MANY more novels to come covering the FEDCOM civil war.

Blaine Lee Pardoe shows promise as a BattleTech author. However this novel is a small step back in that he does not extend and capture the feeling that makes us believe that Archer Christofori is caught between duty and his honor. Give us emotions, give us good zing in our reading, or give us milk and cookies and let us nod off to sleep...