Steel Walls and Dirt Drops

by Alan Black

The new commander of the 1392nd Allied Protective Expeditionary Services is Hamisha Ann McPherson and this is her first command of anything larger than a squad. She is a larger-than-life combat veteran and a bonafide war hero. She knows combat. She also knows that combat is one thing and that command is a warthog of a different and dubious color. Misha wonders if she has the necessary skills to turn this group of slackers, petty criminals and losers into an effective fighting unit in the short time she has left before being tossed out the back end of a spacecraft to fight in ground chewing warfare.APES are supposed to be an armored infantry fighting force. However, this unit’s last commander retired in the saddle leaving his unit to unravel and fend for themselves. Their assigned space forces transport captain is less than no help at all. The war with the Binders is heating up and there are secrets swirling around mixed with gossip about the last big battle against the aliens. Some secrets could mean life or death for the ground pounders who wear metal armor in dirt side warfare.Combat is on the horizon and even the veteran APES doubt they will be ready for what is coming. All Misha can do is crack a few heads, kick some backsides and see what happens. Her APES might live through the next battle if she is successful. If not…

Genres: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction, Space Opera

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2009

About the author

Author of
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western

Reviews

[Dianne]

Alan Black is Back with a Mega Giveaway Celebrating his Metal Boxes Series! Prizes Galore! November 16 - December 6, 2015

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[Sarah]

I liked the main character in this story and hope there is at least one more book to come. I hope that the character grows in strength and ability...I can't help it, I like a steadfast hero/heroine. I cannot comment more on the story without giving it away but this book was a good start to an exciting military science fiction story. I hope that readers actually get to see that story and the war unfold.

[Mike Goodman]

A Good Book

This is the first time I found that this Author didn’t complete a story. This story was of a marine contingent on a spaceship with a very unlikable Captain and a newly promoted female Marine Commander.

[Dave Markel]

Steel walls and dirt drops.

My third read by Alan Black. This was an excellent story, with a bevy of characters. Black's writing is so like Heinlein's, it's almost eerie. Very in step with someone who knows military life well. Or really does his research either way a good read. My only reason for not giving five-star ratings this time is I felt through the whole book that I was waiting for the main story to start, then it was over. I assume it's part of a series and this was the introduction of the characters and their world. I loved the main character of Misha McPherson a tough girl from a heavy gravity world on only her second command, she doesn't have good luck but an interesting life and good fortunes don't often walk hand in hand. I will definitely get book two,if there is one.

[David]

As advertised!

As promised in the Author's comments, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this well thought out, addictive sci-fi adventure. Misha, the main character, takes over a screwed up group of soldiers in the future, a world of powered combat suits, colonized planets, and hostile aliens. She has to overcome poor training, a hostile starship commander, and her own self-perceivef inadequacies in order to save the ship and her people. Well written, thoroughly fleshed out characters, and a great storyline. Highly recommended.

[Mark Zodda]

Another very good read by Alan Black, though this one sometimes gets a bit confusing and stays that way. The ending is abrupt and unsatisfying that leaves things hanging without resolution, but not as though the book was unfinished. Still it is a quick read with an interesting lead character that practically screams for a sequel.

[Burt Md]

Great Space Opera from a great writer

I could not put this scifi novel down as it led thru twists and turns. The author has a fantastic imagination and intricately puts together the workings of a military unit in space. I can't wait to read more. Strong work Mr Black!!!!

[Mark]

I'd like to see a sequel for this one.

[Ove]

Likable female protagonist but a bit slow for me

[Barry]

Good military science fiction space opera with a strong female main character.

[Teresa Carrigan]

Giving up on this one. The captain of the ship is just too despicable.