I know its been a while since I’ve posted & you’ve all missed me greatly! However, I think its time to dust off the keyboard again and get back to this site, so I figured where better to start than with one of my favourites! The Battletech Universe is all-encompassing, from tabletop board games, to books, to PC games, to comic books and even a (cartoon) TV show. The Price of Glory, the third book in the Gray Death Legion series by William H. Keith Jr., is a good return to the fold for me and I have to say, it was a wild ride! This book takes us deeper into the adventures of Grayson Carlyle and his band of mercenaries as they navigate the treacherous landscape of the Inner Sphere. If you’re a fan of giant robots, political intrigue, and desperate struggles for survival, then buckle up, because this one’s for you.
Before I dive into the nitty-gritty, let me give you a quick rundown of what the book’s about. The Price of Glory picks up after the events of Mercenary’s Star, with Grayson and the Legion having established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They accept a contract from the Free Worlds League to help secure a planet called Helm. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong.
Things go sideways faster than a Jenner with a blown gyro. The Legion finds itself caught in a web of deceit, framed for crimes they didn’t commit, and hunted by both the Free Worlds League and the Capellan Confederation. To make matters worse, they stumble upon a hidden Star League base with advanced technology that everyone wants to get their hands on. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time!
What follows is a desperate fight for survival as the Legion battles against overwhelming odds, trying to clear their name and escape with their lives. Keith doesn’t pull any punches, and the action sequences are intense and visceral. You can practically feel the ground shake as the BattleMechs clash, lasers blazing and missiles flying.
One of the things I really enjoyed about The Price of Glory is the way Keith develops the characters. Grayson continues to grow as a leader, facing tough choices and learning the true cost of command. We also get to see more of the supporting cast, like the ever-reliable Kai Allard-Liao and the enigmatic Lori Kalmar. Each member of the Legion has their own distinct personality and motivations, making them feel like real people rather than just cardboard cutouts.
The book also delves into the political machinations of the Inner Sphere, showcasing the backstabbing and power struggles that drive the conflict between the Great Houses. Keith does a great job of weaving these political threads into the narrative, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
Of course, no BattleTech novel would be complete without some awesome mech action, and The Price of Glory delivers in spades. From the nimble Wasps and Jenners to the lumbering Atlases (Atlasi ???) and Victorys, the mechs are as much characters in the story as the humans. Keith clearly knows his BattleTech lore, and he describes the battles with a level of detail that will satisfy even the most hardcore mech enthusiast.
Now, I’m not going to lie, The Price of Glory is a bit of a slow burn at times. The middle section, where the Legion is on the run, can feel a little repetitive. But trust me, it’s worth sticking with it. The final act is a satisfying climax that brings all the plot threads together in a explosive confrontation.
Overall, I’d give The Price of Glory a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a worthy successor to Decision at Thunder Rift and Mercenary’s Star, and a must-read for any BattleTech fan. If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with giant robots, political intrigue, and a healthy dose of military sci-fi goodness, then look no further.
If you’re interested in exploring more of the BattleTech universe, be sure to check out my reviews of Decision at Thunder Rift and Mercenary’s Star. You might also enjoy some of the other science fiction content on Zone-Six, like my review of the Star Trek: Excelsior series or my thoughts on The Slaver Wars: Alien Contact. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think of The Price of Glory!