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Metal Legion #1
Scorpion’s Fury
Mechanized Warfare on a Galactic Scale
An 80-ton scorpion’s deadly sting. Firepower and mobility have been the Armor Corps’ key to success for over two-hundred years.
An 80-ton scorpion’s deadly sting. Firepower and mobility have been the Armor Corps’ key to success for over two-hundred years.
The crew. Criminals freed from prison. Cannon fodder. Metal heads, thieves, and murderers.
When the museum relic is called back to service, the crew gives Elvira all the love she needs. Taking the beast underground, they find the enemy, in numbers far greater than what they were told. Knee deep in the war, the crew gives the old mech new vigor for one last chance at glory.
Victory or death! More ammo! Fire faster! The battle rages.
Metal Legion – climb the ramp and come along for the ride. It’ll be bumpy and hot, but the sound of the 15kg mains is worth it. Read Metal Legion today.
316 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 23, 2018
A brilliant start to a new series by a favourite author
Many books seem to get mired down in spending many words interspiced throughout the story in an effort to create a clear a s vivid picture of a scene, a person or add in back story, right where just wish they would just get on with it.
This book is not one of those. The action scenes just flow on from one to the next in a continuous cascade of guts (both in bravery and literally) and mayhem creating their own picture without wasting words or time.
This was a one session read that drew me in from start to finish. Would have given six stars if that were possible.
Many books seem to get mired down in spending many words interspiced throughout the story in an effort to create a clear a s vivid picture of a scene, a person or add in back story, right where just wish they would just get on with it.
This book is not one of those. The action scenes just flow on from one to the next in a continuous cascade of guts (both in bravery and literally) and mayhem creating their own picture without wasting words or time.
This was a one session read that drew me in from start to finish. Would have given six stars if that were possible.
January 13, 2019
Scorpion's Fury - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Episode one of CH Gideon and Caleb Wachter's collaboration series Metal Legion series is Scorpion's Fury - a fast-moving all action Space Marines' adventure story, with Terran/Arh'Kel intergalactic conflict like never before.
The eponymous 80-ton mechanical Scorpion has been revived from its rusting deathbed and upgraded to meet the needs of Captain Xi Bao and her crew - all ex-offenders to save Earth from an antagonistic alien holocaust!
Who will win the war and what will happen to the Space Marines Armor Corps afterwards?
Why were Xi Bao and the others imprisoned in the beginning? How were they freed to form the Corps - and who was responsible?
Exciting battle scenes, believable well-developed characters and a great story make Scorpion's Fury a sure winner for this literary duo without compare!
Episode one of CH Gideon and Caleb Wachter's collaboration series Metal Legion series is Scorpion's Fury - a fast-moving all action Space Marines' adventure story, with Terran/Arh'Kel intergalactic conflict like never before.
The eponymous 80-ton mechanical Scorpion has been revived from its rusting deathbed and upgraded to meet the needs of Captain Xi Bao and her crew - all ex-offenders to save Earth from an antagonistic alien holocaust!
Who will win the war and what will happen to the Space Marines Armor Corps afterwards?
Why were Xi Bao and the others imprisoned in the beginning? How were they freed to form the Corps - and who was responsible?
Exciting battle scenes, believable well-developed characters and a great story make Scorpion's Fury a sure winner for this literary duo without compare!
January 2, 2019
Good book, interesting characters.
A good story of old museum piece mechs crewed by interesting characters, including Xi Bao, the MC. She, like every member of the battalion, was released from prison to join. Lots of battle scenes with an evolving plot plenty of suspense.
A good story of old museum piece mechs crewed by interesting characters, including Xi Bao, the MC. She, like every member of the battalion, was released from prison to join. Lots of battle scenes with an evolving plot plenty of suspense.
January 13, 2019
Had a little slog through this first book in a series, but I give it a pass because it is the first book in a series.
I enjoyed the mechanized robots in the series, the battlefield scenes work excellent, not too keen on the characters so far. Maybe it’s because I do not appreciate or like the main protagonist name. I think it needs to be changed but that’s my opinion. Xi it’s not a good name especially for those who use screen reading programs. I am still trying to figure out who she is, and what her personality is. The only thing I have gathered in the first book is that she has loyalty to her crewmate. I am not sure about their commander as well his character needs to be flushed out more. I will read the next book to see how it progresses. Like I say in a lot of my reviews first books are slow because they are world building so give this book a chance.
I enjoyed the mechanized robots in the series, the battlefield scenes work excellent, not too keen on the characters so far. Maybe it’s because I do not appreciate or like the main protagonist name. I think it needs to be changed but that’s my opinion. Xi it’s not a good name especially for those who use screen reading programs. I am still trying to figure out who she is, and what her personality is. The only thing I have gathered in the first book is that she has loyalty to her crewmate. I am not sure about their commander as well his character needs to be flushed out more. I will read the next book to see how it progresses. Like I say in a lot of my reviews first books are slow because they are world building so give this book a chance.
August 14, 2019
No wasting time. Our heroine leaps into battle in the prologue itself, and then continues for the rest of the book, winning a field promotion while saving the day and dissing the inept officers around. So far, fairly standard expectations
Bad language used by soldiers (who are supposedly the dregs anyway)? Check. Sassy and fearless heroine? Check. At least one decent senior officer? Check. Comrade under fire? Check. Bureaucratic own-ass savers? Check. Hand to hand fighting with own side? Uhh..., check. Mystery man? Check.
Flashes of humour, believable battles, almost invincible aliens, all check. Political twists and turns, yup, a few. The characters come to life and you care about them. Hence, 'I like it' rating. No way to give a partial star, so let me say: this sits at the top of 3 stars.
I can imagine a movie can be made of this.
Bad language used by soldiers (who are supposedly the dregs anyway)? Check. Sassy and fearless heroine? Check. At least one decent senior officer? Check. Comrade under fire? Check. Bureaucratic own-ass savers? Check. Hand to hand fighting with own side? Uhh..., check. Mystery man? Check.
Flashes of humour, believable battles, almost invincible aliens, all check. Political twists and turns, yup, a few. The characters come to life and you care about them. Hence, 'I like it' rating. No way to give a partial star, so let me say: this sits at the top of 3 stars.
I can imagine a movie can be made of this.
February 13, 2019
A fun fast read
I started this series because I have read through three series from Mr. Martelle. I enjoyed the stories (the Kurtherian universe) and have been finishing them off before getting into yet another story line. I found this book to start a little slowly, but by the end, I was enjoying both the story and the characters. It is fast paced space opera. I finished this book in three sittings, staying up way too late last night to finish it. If you liked other titles (Bad Company, JHW Chronicles, Judge, Jury and Executioner) by the author, you should enjoy this book.
I started this series because I have read through three series from Mr. Martelle. I enjoyed the stories (the Kurtherian universe) and have been finishing them off before getting into yet another story line. I found this book to start a little slowly, but by the end, I was enjoying both the story and the characters. It is fast paced space opera. I finished this book in three sittings, staying up way too late last night to finish it. If you liked other titles (Bad Company, JHW Chronicles, Judge, Jury and Executioner) by the author, you should enjoy this book.
July 17, 2019
So does Elvira have a sister.
I have not been a huge fan of military sci -fi , I have read some and I had my doubts about this one but I like to keep an open mind. I'm glad I did this is a great story with very likeable characters and a great plot line. I do not like to give away to much about the story line, which is great but this book has a lot going for it. Great drama, a lot of very good humor and being a veteran I can relate to all that the characters and what they put up with in all the situations that are FOBAR. So enjoy and thanks for letting me have the chance to read this great story.
I have not been a huge fan of military sci -fi , I have read some and I had my doubts about this one but I like to keep an open mind. I'm glad I did this is a great story with very likeable characters and a great plot line. I do not like to give away to much about the story line, which is great but this book has a lot going for it. Great drama, a lot of very good humor and being a veteran I can relate to all that the characters and what they put up with in all the situations that are FOBAR. So enjoy and thanks for letting me have the chance to read this great story.
November 12, 2021
A fun take on the Mech/Space Marine trope. I ripped through this book, cringed in some places due to the nature of some of the 'crimes' of these ex-cons, but then enjoyed the suspense and guesswork around whether they did what they were charged with or not. I enjoyed the novelty of the museum-piece armor and how their various strengths and weaknesses were forged together into an effective fighting force. To be honest, I can't put my finger on exactly why I was drawn so ravenously from page to page, but I was, so there it is. I'm way more excited about reading this series than most in the genre.
February 15, 2019
Yay new brain candy!
I hadn’t realized this was Craig til the author notes, I loved his Anderle works so pleasant surprise finding this as i was searching for new books! I love xi and podsy. Still confused a bit on the background of the world and it’s dynamics still but hopefully it fleshes in the next installment. Which I’m not starting at 3am since I powered through this when I should be sleeping😜 try the book lots of battles great characters and interesting worlds and aliens!
I hadn’t realized this was Craig til the author notes, I loved his Anderle works so pleasant surprise finding this as i was searching for new books! I love xi and podsy. Still confused a bit on the background of the world and it’s dynamics still but hopefully it fleshes in the next installment. Which I’m not starting at 3am since I powered through this when I should be sleeping😜 try the book lots of battles great characters and interesting worlds and aliens!
November 8, 2025
It’s been a minute since I’ve read a true science fiction book; this one did not let me down either. Aliens, guns, missiles, mechs, death and destruction. I enjoyed the story line and the characters. I didn’t see a ton of character development though. They were pretty much the same the whole way through; with the quick read I wouldn’t expect there to be super detailed development. The world building was enough to keep me entertained while instilling a small flicker of desire to learn about the rest of the world. I wont hesitate to pick up the next book in the series.
April 21, 2026
I Love Battle Mechs
Retired Army 23 years. Always wanted a better way to fight. Wrapped in Tungsten is a good one. I’ve read all the “Battle Mech” books and even toyed with writing a book myself on the subject. Unfortunately, the my time in the military got in the way. Got deployed and had no time to write. Flew in EH-60 helicopter, collected intelligence on enemy, electronically located them and called for fire. Loved these guys’ writing, great story, kept it together and very detailed on the Mechanized maniacs. Can’t wait to read the rest!!
Retired Army 23 years. Always wanted a better way to fight. Wrapped in Tungsten is a good one. I’ve read all the “Battle Mech” books and even toyed with writing a book myself on the subject. Unfortunately, the my time in the military got in the way. Got deployed and had no time to write. Flew in EH-60 helicopter, collected intelligence on enemy, electronically located them and called for fire. Loved these guys’ writing, great story, kept it together and very detailed on the Mechanized maniacs. Can’t wait to read the rest!!
February 14, 2019
Stellar Book!
Character driven and full of action. It does not get better than this! I am on to book two in the series and cannot wait to see what happens! I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes to fight the good fight. Okay, well, read about it anyway. You will be pulled in from page one.
Character driven and full of action. It does not get better than this! I am on to book two in the series and cannot wait to see what happens! I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes to fight the good fight. Okay, well, read about it anyway. You will be pulled in from page one.
November 21, 2025
very good read
A few against many but with gritty determination the Metal Legion defied the odds. With old outdated equipment and a collection of misfits they able to pull victory from a lost situation. With human intuition and luck they overcame the odds. I look forward to the next chapter
A few against many but with gritty determination the Metal Legion defied the odds. With old outdated equipment and a collection of misfits they able to pull victory from a lost situation. With human intuition and luck they overcame the odds. I look forward to the next chapter
May 16, 2026
Well worth reading again.
I read this book (and series) when it was first published and enjoyed it very much. So much that I am starting a reread of the whole series. First book read, and it was easily as good as I remembered, actually my memory must have dimmed with time, it was better!
I read this book (and series) when it was first published and enjoyed it very much. So much that I am starting a reread of the whole series. First book read, and it was easily as good as I remembered, actually my memory must have dimmed with time, it was better!
December 23, 2018
Armor, Mechs, and aliens
This series reminds me of the best of the BOLOS. No AI, but heart, courage, and impossible odds. I look forward to what this legion of misfits with courage and sass to spare will do nexr
This series reminds me of the best of the BOLOS. No AI, but heart, courage, and impossible odds. I look forward to what this legion of misfits with courage and sass to spare will do nexr
December 25, 2018
Couldn't put it down
Heavy action, just enough insubordination , and great character interaction. Can't wait for the next one!
Keep it up! I can't wait and have pre ordered the next.
Heavy action, just enough insubordination , and great character interaction. Can't wait for the next one!
Keep it up! I can't wait and have pre ordered the next.
December 30, 2018
Full of well thought out action
Loved the start of this new series and I look forward to more.
The characters are relatable and you care whether they survive or die.the action gets your heart racing and is easily imagined.
I'm off to read the next one😃
Loved the start of this new series and I look forward to more.
The characters are relatable and you care whether they survive or die.the action gets your heart racing and is easily imagined.
I'm off to read the next one😃
January 2, 2019
My first mech - and I liked it!
I’ve read military sci-fi but this was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good characters, plenty of action, conflicts in the group dynamic and political backbiting. Well worth the time and money spent.
I’ve read military sci-fi but this was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good characters, plenty of action, conflicts in the group dynamic and political backbiting. Well worth the time and money spent.
January 4, 2019
Carbon and silica, rogues and politics.
Good blend of conjectural evolution, possible cultures and a Mech Black Sheep force. Not as well done as David Drake, but pretty solid in presentation and execution. I plan to keep following these authors as the series grows.
Good blend of conjectural evolution, possible cultures and a Mech Black Sheep force. Not as well done as David Drake, but pretty solid in presentation and execution. I plan to keep following these authors as the series grows.
February 8, 2019
Just found this book and suggest you read it to.
Just found this book and suggest you read it to. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book and it's characters and look forward to the next book.
Just found this book and suggest you read it to. I am surprised how much I enjoyed this book and it's characters and look forward to the next book.
April 24, 2019
Start of a new series
If you are partial to intense action, this first-class beginning to a new series should suit you t a "T". Its packed with adventure and peopled with a great cast. Try it you'll like it
Try it , you'll like it!
If you are partial to intense action, this first-class beginning to a new series should suit you t a "T". Its packed with adventure and peopled with a great cast. Try it you'll like it
Try it , you'll like it!
July 14, 2019
Draws you in from page 1
The characters are rich and relatable and you find yourself immediately caring for their well-being. The story is compelling and has you rooting for the good guys non-stop. I’m gonna start the next one right now.
The characters are rich and relatable and you find yourself immediately caring for their well-being. The story is compelling and has you rooting for the good guys non-stop. I’m gonna start the next one right now.
July 15, 2019
Awesome book with a bunch of ExCon’s winning a large battle!
They were recruited from prisons and put into battle. They fought hard and ver a million aliens off to save humanity and were tossed aside. They fought bravely and with honor.
They were recruited from prisons and put into battle. They fought hard and ver a million aliens off to save humanity and were tossed aside. They fought bravely and with honor.
July 18, 2019
Great story, action in each paragraph
Terrific writing. Fast moving story. Each character fits well in the story. Lieutenant Xi Bao, a teenage pilot, rescued from prison along with many others form a fighting battalion of mechanized a ground soldiers.
Terrific writing. Fast moving story. Each character fits well in the story. Lieutenant Xi Bao, a teenage pilot, rescued from prison along with many others form a fighting battalion of mechanized a ground soldiers.
August 22, 2019
Great Storyline
Well what a great storyline action from the very start. Updated version of the magnificent seven only more that seven. All prisoners for one crime or other and fighting for their lives
Well what a great storyline action from the very start. Updated version of the magnificent seven only more that seven. All prisoners for one crime or other and fighting for their lives
October 6, 2019
Great story about planet warfare with mechanical machines that are piloted by soldiers. Exciting battle scenarios and the good triumph against great odds. Interesting world-building and sympathetic characters. My favourite kind of book.
February 23, 2020
World war 2 in the future
This was so reminiscent of tank battles in world war 2. The realism, the in your face, in the trenches storytelling is visceral and right in your face. Having a strong female character in a war story is edgy as hell. Great job.
This was so reminiscent of tank battles in world war 2. The realism, the in your face, in the trenches storytelling is visceral and right in your face. Having a strong female character in a war story is edgy as hell. Great job.
October 5, 2020
When funds and resources are tight and the wolf is at the door, sweep out your prisons and pull mothballed or museum tech out and send into battle. Just getting ready to start the second book. Worth your time.
March 31, 2022
Very impressive!
Picked this up on a whim and very glad I did. Very well written. I never lost interest throughout. Enjoyed both the plot and the characters. Strongly
recommend this book.
Picked this up on a whim and very glad I did. Very well written. I never lost interest throughout. Enjoyed both the plot and the characters. Strongly
recommend this book.
December 20, 2018
A good start
A fun read with some interesting characters and a good story. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Well worth a read.
A fun read with some interesting characters and a good story. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews