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The Malcontents #1
Into the Storm
A knight of Cygnar follows a strict moral code. His integrity is beyond reproach. He holds himself to the highest standards whether dealing with friend or foe. And he values honor above all.
The year is 606 AR, and Cygnar has been sorely pressed by its enemies both at home and abroad. In Caspia, the conflict with the Protectorate is about to erupt into full war with the looming invasion of Sul. The Cygnaran military is desperate for soldiers with the skill, strength, and bravery to take up the devastating galvanic weaponry of the new Storm Division. In this climate, every soldier is valuable, even those fallen from the honor expected of a Storm Knight. A group of such men—thieves, drunkards, and worse—comprise the Sixth Platoon. All they need is someone to lead them.
Lieutenant Hugh Madigan, a peerless warrior knighted during the reign of deposed King Vinter IV, has spent years in obscurity, punished for his loyalty to the former king. Now he has been ordered back to the front and given command of the Sixth, his task to turn a platoon of miscreants into elite soldiers fit to be called Storm Knights. Time is short, and war is coming. One way or another, Lieutenant Madigan must lead his men into the storm . . .
The year is 606 AR, and Cygnar has been sorely pressed by its enemies both at home and abroad. In Caspia, the conflict with the Protectorate is about to erupt into full war with the looming invasion of Sul. The Cygnaran military is desperate for soldiers with the skill, strength, and bravery to take up the devastating galvanic weaponry of the new Storm Division. In this climate, every soldier is valuable, even those fallen from the honor expected of a Storm Knight. A group of such men—thieves, drunkards, and worse—comprise the Sixth Platoon. All they need is someone to lead them.
Lieutenant Hugh Madigan, a peerless warrior knighted during the reign of deposed King Vinter IV, has spent years in obscurity, punished for his loyalty to the former king. Now he has been ordered back to the front and given command of the Sixth, his task to turn a platoon of miscreants into elite soldiers fit to be called Storm Knights. Time is short, and war is coming. One way or another, Lieutenant Madigan must lead his men into the storm . . .
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2013
87 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Larry Correia
124 books4,422 followersLarry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 8, 2016
As always, I fully enjoyed Larry Correia's writing and story telling.
This is a book in the "Iron Kingdoms" universe. This is from the Warmachine RPG system. I really don't know what I'm talking about right now. I'm only repeating what I've been told. I have never played an RPG, so I definitely wasn't familiar with this world.
But that didn't matter. I'd been told by others it didn't matter, but I was still hesitant to read the book. Believe me -- it does not matter. It's a world. It's steampunk and there are armies and battles. It's all introduced without resorting to info-dumps and anyone who reads any kind of fantasy will get the gist right away.
It's also lucky that this is one of my favorite tropes. A ragtag bunch of misfits, miscreants and malcontents are forced together and, against all odds, create a cohesive unit in order to achieve extraordinary things. Most extraordinary: redemption. It's actually quite moving by the end.
My one complaint is with the last quarter or so of the book (my Kindle has decided to stop giving me my reading percentages, so that's an estimation). This part of the book is good, but it seems a bit rushed. Stories that were set up were quickly dispensed with and I felt like we were jumping around a bit. Some things were dropped that I wanted to see play out. Spoiler warning: I felt robbed of some good retribution with that one.
This is a war story. A fantasy version of Band of Brothers, so there's no romance or individual developments outside of the war context. That's not to say there aren't profound character arcs, they are just very much part of the soldiers' stories. That doesn't take anything away from it, I didn't miss romance at all. Just a heads up to those who prefer that. There's plenty of angst without it, believe me.
I'm already reading the second installment (that's how long I took to read this), "Into the Wild", and I'm enjoying it as well. I always highly recommend this author if you like action, adventure, guns, thrilling heroics, with some humor thrown in for good measure.
This is a book in the "Iron Kingdoms" universe. This is from the Warmachine RPG system. I really don't know what I'm talking about right now. I'm only repeating what I've been told. I have never played an RPG, so I definitely wasn't familiar with this world.
But that didn't matter. I'd been told by others it didn't matter, but I was still hesitant to read the book. Believe me -- it does not matter. It's a world. It's steampunk and there are armies and battles. It's all introduced without resorting to info-dumps and anyone who reads any kind of fantasy will get the gist right away.
It's also lucky that this is one of my favorite tropes. A ragtag bunch of misfits, miscreants and malcontents are forced together and, against all odds, create a cohesive unit in order to achieve extraordinary things. Most extraordinary: redemption. It's actually quite moving by the end.
My one complaint is with the last quarter or so of the book (my Kindle has decided to stop giving me my reading percentages, so that's an estimation). This part of the book is good, but it seems a bit rushed. Stories that were set up were quickly dispensed with and I felt like we were jumping around a bit. Some things were dropped that I wanted to see play out. Spoiler warning: I felt robbed of some good retribution with that one.
This is a war story. A fantasy version of Band of Brothers, so there's no romance or individual developments outside of the war context. That's not to say there aren't profound character arcs, they are just very much part of the soldiers' stories. That doesn't take anything away from it, I didn't miss romance at all. Just a heads up to those who prefer that. There's plenty of angst without it, believe me.
I'm already reading the second installment (that's how long I took to read this), "Into the Wild", and I'm enjoying it as well. I always highly recommend this author if you like action, adventure, guns, thrilling heroics, with some humor thrown in for good measure.
June 4, 2015
The dirty dozen with a whopping dose of battle tech. I love the dirty dozen, so while this offering lacks lee marvin's colorful personality it does gift us with a whole new cast of characters to adore. it's girly to get so excited, i know.
This being my first book read in the iron kingdoms series I was concerned about being lost in a new world with no direction. Carry on wayward son, this was done with proper form, giving the newbie information throughout without being overwhelming.
With a brilliant writer at the helm and this unique band of misfits it's never a dull moment. Highly recommend everyone with a love of adventure give this one a go. Fingers crossed for more stories involving these amazing characters.
This being my first book read in the iron kingdoms series I was concerned about being lost in a new world with no direction. Carry on wayward son, this was done with proper form, giving the newbie information throughout without being overwhelming.
With a brilliant writer at the helm and this unique band of misfits it's never a dull moment. Highly recommend everyone with a love of adventure give this one a go. Fingers crossed for more stories involving these amazing characters.
February 5, 2014
Its through this book that I found out that Correia is a member of the war-gaming fraternity. We all know at least one person with an army of little painted warriors or monsters that come out to do battle on tables around exquisitely designed model scenery, my father-in-law has a shed full of the little buggers. Even though I've never really been tempted to give it a go I have always admired the paining and skill of the players when creating their model scenery and the like, there is also a whole range of complicated back stories for different games which are usually quite interesting Into the Storm seems to resemble those back stories quite closely.
Lieutenant Maddigan is an out-cast, a knight that chose the wrong side of a coup and is therefore disgraced. Maddigan however is far too good a soldier to be discarded altogether so when his kingdom prepares for war he is called home to command a platoon of the worse the army have to offer. Most readers will recognise that a man like Maddigan is exactly the one for the job and the book has the traditional crack at inept and inexperience commanding officers and the influence on societal rank and the assumption of competence and command.
Maddigan, to the disgust of his commanding officer, builds his men up into a hardened fighting unit. For me the most enjoyable part of the book was the recruitment and training process of the men, the bringing together of difficult characters and Maddigan's ability to keep them inline and focused. One would think that there were many 'Maddigans' in the armed forced around the world, tough, no-nonsense men that get things done and make no excuses.
As this is only a short novel and I'd rather not include spoilers i'd recommend that fans of the fantasy (or wargaming) genre give Into the Storm a read. I can guarantee you wont be disappointed.
Lieutenant Maddigan is an out-cast, a knight that chose the wrong side of a coup and is therefore disgraced. Maddigan however is far too good a soldier to be discarded altogether so when his kingdom prepares for war he is called home to command a platoon of the worse the army have to offer. Most readers will recognise that a man like Maddigan is exactly the one for the job and the book has the traditional crack at inept and inexperience commanding officers and the influence on societal rank and the assumption of competence and command.
Maddigan, to the disgust of his commanding officer, builds his men up into a hardened fighting unit. For me the most enjoyable part of the book was the recruitment and training process of the men, the bringing together of difficult characters and Maddigan's ability to keep them inline and focused. One would think that there were many 'Maddigans' in the armed forced around the world, tough, no-nonsense men that get things done and make no excuses.
As this is only a short novel and I'd rather not include spoilers i'd recommend that fans of the fantasy (or wargaming) genre give Into the Storm a read. I can guarantee you wont be disappointed.
December 17, 2019
Am I ever going to get tired of Larry Correia? That is a rhetorical question as the answer is, "Of course not!" He writes gritty, funny, suspenseful combat with the best of them and manages a fresh take every time. In this first book of what may be an ongoing series, Larry sets us on a planet that appears caught between medieval times and a Steam punk era. The action focuses on a group of Storm Knights, who start out as the dregs of the military, only to be crafted into a devastating group by the hard assed Lieutenant Hugh Madigan.
Madigan is a knight of the realm who does not subscribe to any notions of chivalry, rather is a man who will get the job done, no matter what the cost. And cost it does as he has to live with past decisions and deal with an unwavering focus on the mission. He is shunned by the military, but is still the best man for a very dirty job. He surrounds himself with a unique group of outcasts and gives them focus, even if that focus is to kill the enemy, at all costs. Thrust into a war with an opposing force that is almost cult-like by a hierarchy that avoids using these malcontents to their full potential leads to strife within the ranks as well as on the battlefield.
It is interesting to see a morality play in a book like this, but it is well done and does not turn out the way you may expect. The fights are riveting, the weapons are unusual, and in the case of a Storm Jack, unremitting, if not a little bit scary. There is a conscience to this book, in the name of Sergeant Cleasby, who keeps a perspective on things, but whose journey shows the rights and wrongs on both sides of a war. This is a story that succeeds on many levels and shows an evolution in the already terrific story telling ability of Mr. Correia.
Madigan is a knight of the realm who does not subscribe to any notions of chivalry, rather is a man who will get the job done, no matter what the cost. And cost it does as he has to live with past decisions and deal with an unwavering focus on the mission. He is shunned by the military, but is still the best man for a very dirty job. He surrounds himself with a unique group of outcasts and gives them focus, even if that focus is to kill the enemy, at all costs. Thrust into a war with an opposing force that is almost cult-like by a hierarchy that avoids using these malcontents to their full potential leads to strife within the ranks as well as on the battlefield.
It is interesting to see a morality play in a book like this, but it is well done and does not turn out the way you may expect. The fights are riveting, the weapons are unusual, and in the case of a Storm Jack, unremitting, if not a little bit scary. There is a conscience to this book, in the name of Sergeant Cleasby, who keeps a perspective on things, but whose journey shows the rights and wrongs on both sides of a war. This is a story that succeeds on many levels and shows an evolution in the already terrific story telling ability of Mr. Correia.
May 24, 2020
This book came out a couple of days before my monthly Audible credit and though I was going to get something else I immediately choose this instead.
His others series mixed urban fantasy and military SF and that aspect is here also but in a more traditional fantasy setting of kingdoms and magic.
There is also a "Dirty Dozen" aspect to this book with a commander in disgrace given the worst of jobs is to train men in similar condition to be supposed fodder in the war. You know that isn't going to happen and there is a lot of fun along the way in how the unit progresses. Once again he brings his characters alive along with their struggles. You know your emotions are getting manipulated along the way, but that is because you care for the characters.
A fitting ending and I must admit to being addicted to the book so much that I went through it in one day.
His others series mixed urban fantasy and military SF and that aspect is here also but in a more traditional fantasy setting of kingdoms and magic.
There is also a "Dirty Dozen" aspect to this book with a commander in disgrace given the worst of jobs is to train men in similar condition to be supposed fodder in the war. You know that isn't going to happen and there is a lot of fun along the way in how the unit progresses. Once again he brings his characters alive along with their struggles. You know your emotions are getting manipulated along the way, but that is because you care for the characters.
A fitting ending and I must admit to being addicted to the book so much that I went through it in one day.
October 10, 2013
Big fan of the author... didn't know anything about the source material (Warmachine)...
This is not up to Correia's other books... felt a little rushed at times, but still a pretty good read when it's all said and done. Loved the beginning and the interactions of the small military unit throughout.
This is not up to Correia's other books... felt a little rushed at times, but still a pretty good read when it's all said and done. Loved the beginning and the interactions of the small military unit throughout.
November 27, 2016
A nice fix of Larry Correia while waiting on some more Monster Hunter or Forgotten Warrior to be released. Nothing really outstanding, but nothing bad either. Solid effort, enjoyable read, not to taxing on the brain.
September 14, 2013
This is the second book that I have purchased from Skull Island Expeditions and I almost did'ny buy it because my first purchase was so unbelievably bad.The only reason I bought this book is because it was written by Larry Correia. Imagine my surprise when I began reading it and discovered that it was really really good. The story of Madigan's Malcontents leaves the realm of fiction based on a game and enters into the realm of great high fantasy. Its a wonderful story of a fallen knight's journey to redemption. The characters are unforgettable and you will find yourself cheering everytime Lt Madigan and his motley band triumph. This book is an awesome read that demands to be re-read again and again.
March 5, 2018
If you're a fan of Larry Correia; you owe it to yourself to read these Malcontents books. They are fantastic! Larry has mentioned that there should be a third book in the series, but that it's on the back burner because these books don't sell as well as his other stuff. Buy these and read them. You'll love them and maybe your purchase will get the next book written. These are great stories and 100% Larry.
June 14, 2024
I enjoyed it. A band of troublemakers turned into an effective fighting unit. Unusual in the way this war came to a close. There’s enough interest to get me to read the sequel but I’ll hold off for now… well, Audible had a big sale going on so I guess I’m going right into the second book while it’s hot.
August 21, 2015
Great read if you're into it's very specific niche!
It's based in the Iron Kingdom world, which is an IP with a lot of other media surrounding it in the form of computer games, RPGs, card games, and the table top game Warmachine. If you like any of those, then this is a great book.
For those unaware, it's a steampunk world, with an edge towards fantasy, magic etc.
Ignoring the setting, it's a take on the Dirty Dozen, done a thousand times before. But damn it, I really enjoyed it!
I liked all of the characters, and I like what was done with them. Every character arc was nicely tied up, and I'd love to read more about all of the characters. Not something I usually say.
If the idea of a fantasy steampunk combat book sounds like you're kind of thing, then look no further!
If you have any interest at all in the Iron Kingdom then this is a great read.
If you can handle pistols and steam powered robots alongside your lightning shooting swords and magic, then this will suit you just fine.
It's based in the Iron Kingdom world, which is an IP with a lot of other media surrounding it in the form of computer games, RPGs, card games, and the table top game Warmachine. If you like any of those, then this is a great book.
For those unaware, it's a steampunk world, with an edge towards fantasy, magic etc.
Ignoring the setting, it's a take on the Dirty Dozen, done a thousand times before. But damn it, I really enjoyed it!
I liked all of the characters, and I like what was done with them. Every character arc was nicely tied up, and I'd love to read more about all of the characters. Not something I usually say.
If the idea of a fantasy steampunk combat book sounds like you're kind of thing, then look no further!
If you have any interest at all in the Iron Kingdom then this is a great read.
If you can handle pistols and steam powered robots alongside your lightning shooting swords and magic, then this will suit you just fine.
June 10, 2015
4.5 stars. truly loved it. I wish the rest of these iron kingdom books were on audio. i'd check out the other writers too.
August 12, 2017
I can't wait to read every one his books.
Larry's writings are fantastic. I am down to the remaining malcontents . Keep at it Larry and thank you for your works.
Larry's writings are fantastic. I am down to the remaining malcontents . Keep at it Larry and thank you for your works.
March 24, 2023
Larry Correia one of my absolute favorite authors. He is easily on my top five list of authors. Not only is he a great author but he doesn’t pander to or take any shit from the woke screamers or CISGs (Common Internet Shit Gibbons) as he calls them when they start to throw their shit on his Facebook page. The latter usually ends up with said CISG being utterly trashed and Larry banned for 30 days since Facebook, or Facecrap as I prefer to call it, are part of the woke mob, cancel culture and fake news.
Anyway, about the book, it is a really good book. For me it does have a bit of uphill battle to fight since the genre of this book is not on the top of my favorite genres list. This book is essentially fantasy with a dose of steampunk. War is fought with swords, magic and steam powered battle mechs.
Still, fantasy and steampunk is not exactly at the bottom of my list either so…
What I personally liked most with this book was the characters though. These “thieves, drunkards, and worse” are absolutely great. The best character of them all is, not surprisingly, Madigan. He is bad-ass, competent and he does not take shit from anyone.
The book has a good solid story and there are plenty of action. This is essentially military fantasy so of course there are battles, plenty of battles. Actually, in the second half of the book it started to feel a bit overwhelming. In the first part of the book there was all the character introduction, team building and all that and I have to say that I liked that part of the book the most.
The second half of the book is actually quite gloomy and a bit sad. I really did not like some of the things that happened towards the end, especially when it comes to Madigan’s fate. It felt like the book hade both built up the Malcontents and torn them down again in the same book.
I wonder what the next book will be like? Given the rather gloomy ending with a lot of things simply shattered there are not really any clear and visible thread to pick up, at least not that I can see.
Bottom line is that this is a very good book though. For those more into the fantasy and steampunk genres than me when it comes to books it is probably a great book.
Anyway, about the book, it is a really good book. For me it does have a bit of uphill battle to fight since the genre of this book is not on the top of my favorite genres list. This book is essentially fantasy with a dose of steampunk. War is fought with swords, magic and steam powered battle mechs.
Still, fantasy and steampunk is not exactly at the bottom of my list either so…
What I personally liked most with this book was the characters though. These “thieves, drunkards, and worse” are absolutely great. The best character of them all is, not surprisingly, Madigan. He is bad-ass, competent and he does not take shit from anyone.
The book has a good solid story and there are plenty of action. This is essentially military fantasy so of course there are battles, plenty of battles. Actually, in the second half of the book it started to feel a bit overwhelming. In the first part of the book there was all the character introduction, team building and all that and I have to say that I liked that part of the book the most.
The second half of the book is actually quite gloomy and a bit sad. I really did not like some of the things that happened towards the end, especially when it comes to Madigan’s fate. It felt like the book hade both built up the Malcontents and torn them down again in the same book.
I wonder what the next book will be like? Given the rather gloomy ending with a lot of things simply shattered there are not really any clear and visible thread to pick up, at least not that I can see.
Bottom line is that this is a very good book though. For those more into the fantasy and steampunk genres than me when it comes to books it is probably a great book.
January 16, 2020
Lieutenant Hugh Madigan is a Knight of Cygnar, and was loyal to his king to a fault, which is a problem once his king was over thrown, and the new king has to decide what to do with the loyalists. Wishing to end the conflict and move on in the process of rebuilding, Madigan is demoted, only, and sent to the furthest reaches of the kingdom to serve his new King.
But war is coming, and every Knight is needed in the battle to come. The Army sends young Sergeant Kelvan Cleasby, an idealistic Storm Knight, with an love of knowledge to fetch the disgraced Knight. Sergeant Cleasby, knows this man's reputation and fears his skill, but also despises his loose morals, and "Win at any cost" mentality.
Expecting to return to the capital and be assigned to a staff position, Cleasby is shocked to find out he has been assigned to Lieutenant Madigan, and will be helping him to build the Sixth Platoon of Storm Knights, out of the dregs of the military.
As the platoon comes together Cleasby learns much about Madigan isn't what he has heard, and likewise his view of knighthood itself is called into question. But, there's little time, and the war is getting underway and the men of the 6th will have to come together, train, and become a well tuned machine if they want to survive, and only Madigan seems able to do it.
This story is built off the gaming system, War Machine, a table top steam punk/ fantasy cross over. Normally these novels rate 3 stars or less for me, typically less, but Correia didn't look at it like a game, but a world he could manipulate and craft a story around.
For literature It wouldn't be rated as high, but for a novel based on a game system this is one of the better ones. Excellent over all.
But war is coming, and every Knight is needed in the battle to come. The Army sends young Sergeant Kelvan Cleasby, an idealistic Storm Knight, with an love of knowledge to fetch the disgraced Knight. Sergeant Cleasby, knows this man's reputation and fears his skill, but also despises his loose morals, and "Win at any cost" mentality.
Expecting to return to the capital and be assigned to a staff position, Cleasby is shocked to find out he has been assigned to Lieutenant Madigan, and will be helping him to build the Sixth Platoon of Storm Knights, out of the dregs of the military.
As the platoon comes together Cleasby learns much about Madigan isn't what he has heard, and likewise his view of knighthood itself is called into question. But, there's little time, and the war is getting underway and the men of the 6th will have to come together, train, and become a well tuned machine if they want to survive, and only Madigan seems able to do it.
This story is built off the gaming system, War Machine, a table top steam punk/ fantasy cross over. Normally these novels rate 3 stars or less for me, typically less, but Correia didn't look at it like a game, but a world he could manipulate and craft a story around.
For literature It wouldn't be rated as high, but for a novel based on a game system this is one of the better ones. Excellent over all.
Read
November 3, 2020I've been reading Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series from the beginning, and have really loved it. I tried his Grimnoir series, and wasn't thrilled, but I thought his new fantasy series might be fun. And for a brief shining chapter or two, it was. After that, not so much.
The opening scene of the book is simply brilliant. Lieutenant Hugh Madigan, Knight of Cygnar, is working undercover to arrest a bandit leader in a tawdry tavern in an obscure village. Just as he is about to be brought into the inner circle, a clueless Cygnarian sergeant, Cleasby, stumbles into the taproom with an urgent message from the capitol for Madigan, and refuses to take a hint, blowing Madigan's cover, and triggering a bloody but short barroom brawl.
Madigan has been laboring in exile and disgrace after being on the wrong side of the most recent coup in the city of Sul, and being found guilty of war crimes - although that may just have been excessive enthusiasm about fulfilling his mission. But Cygnar is now at war with a neighboring kingdom, The Protectorate, and they need all of the skills Madigan can bring to bear to turn a platoon of the sorriest bunch of misfits the army has ever seen into elite Storm Knights and lead them into battle.
Up to the point where Madigan and his merry men head off to fight the Protectorate, things are pretty interesting, but after that point, nothing truly novel or amusing happens, in my opinion. I pushed on through to the end, because Correia at his worst is still pretty good. I think the book has a game tie-in of some sort, too, and this may be a chronicle of some RPG adventure set to paper. If you insist on owning the Compleat Correia, go for it.
The opening scene of the book is simply brilliant. Lieutenant Hugh Madigan, Knight of Cygnar, is working undercover to arrest a bandit leader in a tawdry tavern in an obscure village. Just as he is about to be brought into the inner circle, a clueless Cygnarian sergeant, Cleasby, stumbles into the taproom with an urgent message from the capitol for Madigan, and refuses to take a hint, blowing Madigan's cover, and triggering a bloody but short barroom brawl.
Madigan has been laboring in exile and disgrace after being on the wrong side of the most recent coup in the city of Sul, and being found guilty of war crimes - although that may just have been excessive enthusiasm about fulfilling his mission. But Cygnar is now at war with a neighboring kingdom, The Protectorate, and they need all of the skills Madigan can bring to bear to turn a platoon of the sorriest bunch of misfits the army has ever seen into elite Storm Knights and lead them into battle.
Up to the point where Madigan and his merry men head off to fight the Protectorate, things are pretty interesting, but after that point, nothing truly novel or amusing happens, in my opinion. I pushed on through to the end, because Correia at his worst is still pretty good. I think the book has a game tie-in of some sort, too, and this may be a chronicle of some RPG adventure set to paper. If you insist on owning the Compleat Correia, go for it.
March 5, 2024
I've been curious about the Iron Kingdoms for awhile and this is the account of how first foiré went.
A very by-the-book tale, that doesnt steer far from proven war tales' formula, but what it does, it does very well. The characters start out as archetypes but move beyond that mold enough to let them enjoy some depth and nuance. The war narrative is visceral and not glorified, its grimey and dirty, which I appreciate. The emotional beats, while expected, land well and deliver; and the final messages of the main plot and some subplots aren't highbrow but are satisfying. I feel there is quite a lot of exposition that isn't too concealed, and feels shoehorned in - in some cases, they're good glimpses into the characters' personalities and history, but the most frequent reason seems to act as bait to get people into the Iron Kingdoms/Warmachine franchise (worked with me), and work that learning curve early. I think the glossary could have been more packed with terms to help counter this. Huge kudos to that and the map also present - speculative fiction books should have this all the time.
Now, where can I find more novels from this series?
8/10
A very by-the-book tale, that doesnt steer far from proven war tales' formula, but what it does, it does very well. The characters start out as archetypes but move beyond that mold enough to let them enjoy some depth and nuance. The war narrative is visceral and not glorified, its grimey and dirty, which I appreciate. The emotional beats, while expected, land well and deliver; and the final messages of the main plot and some subplots aren't highbrow but are satisfying. I feel there is quite a lot of exposition that isn't too concealed, and feels shoehorned in - in some cases, they're good glimpses into the characters' personalities and history, but the most frequent reason seems to act as bait to get people into the Iron Kingdoms/Warmachine franchise (worked with me), and work that learning curve early. I think the glossary could have been more packed with terms to help counter this. Huge kudos to that and the map also present - speculative fiction books should have this all the time.
Now, where can I find more novels from this series?
8/10
August 27, 2019
I love roleplaying games, but novels based on roleplaying games are not good. This makes sense, since they’re basically glorified marketing materials with a lot of creative restrictions. Further, I was only familiar with Larry Correia by reputation, and I wasn’t particularly impressed with what I heard. As a result, I went into this book with a very, very low bar. Honestly, I expected to pan this book, if I finished at all.
The good news: this book genuinely surprised me. It is the single best RPG novel I’ve ever read (again, the bar is embarrassingly low). It’s a fun story set in a fun game world.
That said, this isn’t all praise and free passes. The writing is mediocre at best and it took me three and a half months of stopping and starting before I finally finished, so it’s not exactly a powerhouse of gripping storytelling. It’s hackneyed, derivative, and often trite, but it also does a lot with very little. I’m impressed, and I had a really good time. Guilty pleasure reading.
Story: 5/10
Characters: 5/10
Writing: 5/10
Entertainment value: 7.5/10
The good news: this book genuinely surprised me. It is the single best RPG novel I’ve ever read (again, the bar is embarrassingly low). It’s a fun story set in a fun game world.
That said, this isn’t all praise and free passes. The writing is mediocre at best and it took me three and a half months of stopping and starting before I finally finished, so it’s not exactly a powerhouse of gripping storytelling. It’s hackneyed, derivative, and often trite, but it also does a lot with very little. I’m impressed, and I had a really good time. Guilty pleasure reading.
Story: 5/10
Characters: 5/10
Writing: 5/10
Entertainment value: 7.5/10
June 28, 2021
Update
This was my third time listening to this and just as good as ever. Each time I listen to it I discover something new. Every character has become my friend (don't judge, it is my happy place...lol)
I usually don't re-listen to books, but for whatever reason, I missed the world of the Malcontents and had to go back. No regrets. I absolutely love this duology and Larry Correia. I wish these were available in print, but unfortunately, they are not.
I see that people compare this to some video game and I am old and don't play any video games. Lieutenant Hugh Madigan was exiled after a military coup gone wrong, but he is brought back to lead a group of soldiers in the Cygnarien Army into the war. His "sixth platoon" is a mixed bag of miscreants that are not wanted in any other platoon. With a lot of wits and experience, he makes them into a band of brothers.
This book is amazing, I love everything about it. It is funny, it is exciting, and at times heartbreaking. You know a book is good when you miss it years after you read/listened to it for the first time.
This was my third time listening to this and just as good as ever. Each time I listen to it I discover something new. Every character has become my friend (don't judge, it is my happy place...lol)
I usually don't re-listen to books, but for whatever reason, I missed the world of the Malcontents and had to go back. No regrets. I absolutely love this duology and Larry Correia. I wish these were available in print, but unfortunately, they are not.
I see that people compare this to some video game and I am old and don't play any video games. Lieutenant Hugh Madigan was exiled after a military coup gone wrong, but he is brought back to lead a group of soldiers in the Cygnarien Army into the war. His "sixth platoon" is a mixed bag of miscreants that are not wanted in any other platoon. With a lot of wits and experience, he makes them into a band of brothers.
This book is amazing, I love everything about it. It is funny, it is exciting, and at times heartbreaking. You know a book is good when you miss it years after you read/listened to it for the first time.
March 16, 2016
A strong genre novel by the ever-fun Correia, Into the Storm has a bit of a learning curve for those not familiar with the universe of Warmachine (though the helpful glossary in the book is a godsend.) the juxtaposition of the two main POVs is the highlight of the work, which is somewhat constrained in its story (limited by the current state of the world in the game setting.) Madigan and Cleasby (whose names I hated, but came to respect) offer us divergent views of the war, proper conduct, and how to lead, twinning together wonderfully as they learn and grow from each other in a time of loss, violence, and megalomanical evil plans. Supporting cast (Rains, Pangborn, Wilkins, and Savio) all make for compelling and interesting additions to the story, their struggles or quirks meaningful and not at all cluttering up of the narrative.
August 11, 2016
Ok..
I thought I could easily stomach testosterone-filled manly stories of manly men doing manly stuff in manly ways; this book taught me that I was wrong.
Constant overload of heroism soon becomes awkward and I found myself hoping that either something actually surprising happens that wipes out everyone and everything, or everyone would stop with the pretense and get a room where they could oil up each others bodies instead of the barrage of overly ridiculous scenes of simultaneous salutes, bulging muscles, courage, last second dodges and oozing military porn in general.
However, Larry Correia is a very good writer and the action is good despite my personal distaste for the overall tone that I was unable to ignore and enjoy the action to its fullest. Everything is just overly sugary with all the hero-stuff for my taste.
I thought I could easily stomach testosterone-filled manly stories of manly men doing manly stuff in manly ways; this book taught me that I was wrong.
Constant overload of heroism soon becomes awkward and I found myself hoping that either something actually surprising happens that wipes out everyone and everything, or everyone would stop with the pretense and get a room where they could oil up each others bodies instead of the barrage of overly ridiculous scenes of simultaneous salutes, bulging muscles, courage, last second dodges and oozing military porn in general.
However, Larry Correia is a very good writer and the action is good despite my personal distaste for the overall tone that I was unable to ignore and enjoy the action to its fullest. Everything is just overly sugary with all the hero-stuff for my taste.
January 22, 2019
I decided to read this story, because I have liked all the other books I've read by Larry Correia. After finishing the book, I see it's part of a RPG Warmachine system, the Iron Kingdoms. Truthfully, I'm not familiar with either, but thoroughly enjoyed the book. Guess I'm saying that no background is necessary. I loved the movie from years ago,"The Dirty Dozen"starring Lee Marvin. This book reminded me of that movie,with it's troupe of misfits and convicts thrown together with the intention of creating an expendable unit, by a very annoying conniving commander with a grudge. "Into the Storm", is a fast paced story full of steampunk guns, action, humor, military battles and a dose of sad reality, all brought together with a great cast of characters each trying for their own personal redemption.
December 11, 2020
A classic tale of a discredited leader taking a band of miscreants and forming them into an elite fighting unit. Think Dirty Dozen set in a typical fantasy kingdom that is discovering its own version of technology as well as magic. All the elements are there, the tough but tainted leader, the older passed over mechanic, the oxen farmboy with more savvy than expected, the superb warrior there only for the art, and so on told from the perspective of the naïve second in command. The story is entirely about assembling and training the team and the battles they fight. We've seen it all before in many other stories.
But Correia proves better in this book over almost anything else what a great writer of genre he is precisely as he breathes life into what could easily have been a tired story.
But Correia proves better in this book over almost anything else what a great writer of genre he is precisely as he breathes life into what could easily have been a tired story.
August 5, 2018
I listened to this with my daughter on a long drive. My rating 4.5.
It is a good military, action fantasy with lots of swordplay and a story of redemption. There are massive battle robots, lightening swords and religious proponents. The characters are vulnerable and likeable. The plot, centered around a platoon of misfit soldiers, is engaging. It is fun to watch the personalities grow and opinions change as they experience the savagery of war. I was pleased and impressed that there was no vulgar language even though this is a war setting.
Ray Porter does a remarkable job portraying a mixed band of characters. His narration brought the characters alive and made it fun entertainment.
It is a good military, action fantasy with lots of swordplay and a story of redemption. There are massive battle robots, lightening swords and religious proponents. The characters are vulnerable and likeable. The plot, centered around a platoon of misfit soldiers, is engaging. It is fun to watch the personalities grow and opinions change as they experience the savagery of war. I was pleased and impressed that there was no vulgar language even though this is a war setting.
Ray Porter does a remarkable job portraying a mixed band of characters. His narration brought the characters alive and made it fun entertainment.
March 18, 2019
I really didn't know what to expect from this series ... turns out ... it was wonderful!
I absolutely loved the cast of characters ... what a wonderful story of a plattoon of misfits & malcontents coming together in a kickass group.
I absolutely loved the cast of characters ... what a wonderful story of a plattoon of misfits & malcontents coming together in a kickass group.
October 18, 2021
It started off strong, but about half way through I completely lost interest. I mean, it’s a short book, and I seriously struggled through the last third.
It just… never developed or evolved. The characters stayed flat and I didn’t get to really care for them. The war and politics remained kind of a side note and who knows why there was a war to begin with. The battles were kinda bulky and monotonous.
It has some solid foundations, but it just didn’t rise to the occasion.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just overly critical.
Ray Porter the audiobook narrator was excellent.
It just… never developed or evolved. The characters stayed flat and I didn’t get to really care for them. The war and politics remained kind of a side note and who knows why there was a war to begin with. The battles were kinda bulky and monotonous.
It has some solid foundations, but it just didn’t rise to the occasion.
I don’t know, maybe I’m just overly critical.
Ray Porter the audiobook narrator was excellent.
April 28, 2018
Great novel in the Warmachine universe. Steampunk Victorian medieval action. A story about soldiers, duty, and what keeps them motivated. Characters are great, especially LT Madrigan, Acosta, and the sergeants of 6th platoon. He psychotic warjack and it’s controller are also good. First book in a series by Larry Correia, an author who has never failed me. Ray Porter again does a great narration for the audible version.
December 18, 2019
My first novel set in the Warmachine universe was not sure what to expect. The fact that it was written by Larry Correia was a no brainer.
Redemption. Life of a soldier follows orders, live with the consequence and conscience. This is a good read, nice characters development and story is different from what I'm used to. I issue though, while the pacing was ok, I could not keep up with how time flies.
Madigan and Cleasby's interaction is just the best their first meeting was hilarious.
Redemption. Life of a soldier follows orders, live with the consequence and conscience. This is a good read, nice characters development and story is different from what I'm used to. I issue though, while the pacing was ok, I could not keep up with how time flies.
Madigan and Cleasby's interaction is just the best their first meeting was hilarious.
March 4, 2020
Enjoyable but unsurprising.
Many of the story beats are troperiffic, and nothing stood out as surprising or unexpected (except possibly Madigan actually dying, because NOBODY dies in the iron kingdoms), but tropes are tropes for a reason, and the writing was good enough to make it work. I don't expect much out of my wargame fiction, and while this wasn't up to snuff with the best of Black Library, it was definitely good enough.
Many of the story beats are troperiffic, and nothing stood out as surprising or unexpected (except possibly Madigan actually dying, because NOBODY dies in the iron kingdoms), but tropes are tropes for a reason, and the writing was good enough to make it work. I don't expect much out of my wargame fiction, and while this wasn't up to snuff with the best of Black Library, it was definitely good enough.
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