I Am Jade Falcon (Battletech 17)

Generally you'll find the readers that dislike him of the younger teen persuasion. I think these same people fawn over Loren Coleman whose writing style can be summarized by "ruby beams seared out against the ferrofibrous as metal melted into the ground" Don't let the lower reviews fool you, this is easily the best Battletech novel there is followed closely by his undeservedly reviled FreeBirth and Falcon Rising... Generally battletech books don't make me laugh or strike me as humorous but these have some comic gems in it. Their actions are subtle and the humor may be a bit too dry for the average hack sci-fi novel reader. No, I know. Battletech novels fall into 1) The uber political by Stackpole which I love. 2) the tediously agonizing battle descriptions and predictable plots twists Thurston offers none really. Sure there is some intrigue and battle but the focus is the characters, their quirks and interesting details in day to day Clan life. Star Commander Joanna has about 100x more personality than Natasha Kerensky ever did. No doubt Stackpole is tops at creating a universe and factions but sometimes made HIS characters into fluffy jr. high youth group do gooders. Not Clan Jade Falcon warriors though. Sarcastic, existential and brash all in one. IMHO the least interesting Thurston character easily trumps the cookie cutters heroes that Coleman and Gressman push out.

I thihnk the battle between Star Commander Johanna and the infamous Khan of the Wolves Natasha Kerensky was excellent. I loved the book, although I wish the battle ended the the opposite person as its victor. My best friend would love to read the book, for I've told her how great I think it was. And I think the people who read this and really liked this book should bring it back through petitions and popular demand!

Star Commander Joanna is back! That "loveable" character from the Jade Phoenix Trilogy again graces the Battletech universe with her disdain for authority and bitter cynicism. This time, she has to become a spy in order to unravel a puzzle that could threaten the Clans breeding system. Top that off with a one on one fight with the legendary Natasha Kerensky of the Wolves, and you've got a great book.

Well I remember in my Highschool not that very long ago, and I picked up this book. I had been very into reading Robert Thurston works on Battletech. For some reason I liked his reading even though the master of Battletech writing according to my friend is Stackpole. But to me the true master of Battletech is Thurston. His writing touched me and it was very honest about feelings and he develop the characters deeply and he made it obvious what the characters would be like but they always had a flaw of some sort. Well if Mr. Thurston you are reading keep it up.

This Story is one of the finest stories ever told of the power of the Human spirit. Sometimes the power to hold on or to achieve is not always in our best interest. The story unfolds the struggle of one warrior who wants to die in battle, brave and honorable. With the character hardened in youth and made bitter with age. The want to crush your enemy can consume even your thoughts and dreams. With the last of the book unfolds the tale of treachery and deceit. A must read for all BattleTech Fans.