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Tier 1000
Ragnar Beck only wanted one thing out of a life - the chance to soldier. In a war for the survival of the last continent untouched by the invader, Beck finally gets his shot to prove he's a combat warrior. As the battle unfolds and the only choice is to fight to the bitter end, he performs like the soldier he was raised to be, leaving no enemy standing on the last battleground he'll ever see. Or is it? Resurrected into an afterlife where he must prove his worth to join the ranks of an ultra-elite tasked with becoming the greatest warriors to ever exist, he asks himself the only question a real soldier can - who's going to stop me? Beck's struggle to make the grade is as important as his quest to discover who he fights for and why. Part mystery, part alternate history, all action thriller, Tier 1000 is the story of a determined warfighter and the battlefields from the past to the far-flung future that forge him into the ultimate soldier.
Audio CD
First published October 5, 2021
About the author
Jason Anspach
157 books882 followersJASON ANSPACH is the author of Galaxy's Edge, Wayward Galaxy, Forgotten Ruin. and more.
He lives in Puyallup, WA with his wife and their seven (not a typo) children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 5, 2021
Sometimes, there are just writers that write stories that hook you every time. The kind of writer that can cross genres and series and still write stories that will enthrall you every time. Jason Anspach is one of those writers for me. His work on the Galaxy's Edge series of sci-fi books with Nick Cole are modern masterpieces. His work on various other series, whether solo, with Nick or with other co-writers has never let me down and it's always been top notch work. And that brings us to Tier 1000, the newest work by Jason, this time with Doc Spears, another collaborator from the Galaxy's Edge series. It is not a play on any of their other work, but a whole new universe to explore.
This universe has some fantastic world building. Taking some fairly standard tropes from sci-fi, it turns them on their head by crossing them with a whole new look at various cosmologies from Earth's mythology. You can tell a lot of research was involved to set the ground work, but then imagination went wild to help create their own universe out of the ground they started with. This isn't some well trodden path, but blazes it's own trail across a genre mashup of ancient cosmologies, creating a story setting you just immerse yourself in throughout.
This brings us to the characters. Since the premise is soldiers from throughout time brought together to form an elite military unit, the authors had a lot of latitude in crafting an interesting mashup of characters. We start with the main character, Ragnar Beck, a soldier from the NorthAm Army, the successor to the US Army about 25 years from now. A young man from a family of soldiers, he has grown up with stories from his father and grandfather about what the Army used to be about, not the hollow, social experiment mess that it currently is. Warfighting is not seen as something to train for, which, when the Lotus Empire, basically China and its conquered Asian vassals, invade the Western Hemisphere in Panama, soldier's like Beck, who have finally trained as the threat loomed, end up fighting to the bitter end, and this hard core determination is what defines Beck. He is honorable and determined in a time those are not considered important traits. Joining the Ultimates requires just these attributes, that never say die attitude, and Beck is a prime example of what makes them the best.
The supporting cast is such an excellent mix of characters. There are soldiers like Will, a WW1 era soldier who helps Ragnar adjust to his new life, and Magnus, a viking warrior who adapts well to modern tech and is a friend and mentor to Beck as well. The rest of Beck's Ultimates companions are soldiers from various eras, and are a mixed bag of histories and attitudes. These secondary characters fit so well, creating an excellent support structure to Beck, and discovering their backstories just adds more layers to the story.
The antagonists are interesting. They range from beings of cosmic power levels to turncoats in the ranks of the Ultimates, with a much more personal effect on Beck and his companions. They all get decent character arcs, and have some really interesting effects on the story arcs of the other characters. They really make effective foils for the more heroic characters like Beck and his fellow Ultimates, and you really can't stop turning pages to see what damage they cause and how they will be stopped.
While the idea of soldiers from various eras fighting together is not new, Tier 1000 takes it into some new directions. The scope of the story was much larger than I expected, and the characters were just such a good fit. You really become invested in the story and the characters, and there are some character deaths that are just a gut punch, because like in real world combat, sometimes the most careful planning and execution still can't keep bad things from happening to good soldiers. This is easily one of my top ten favorite reads of 2021, and I heartily recommend it
This universe has some fantastic world building. Taking some fairly standard tropes from sci-fi, it turns them on their head by crossing them with a whole new look at various cosmologies from Earth's mythology. You can tell a lot of research was involved to set the ground work, but then imagination went wild to help create their own universe out of the ground they started with. This isn't some well trodden path, but blazes it's own trail across a genre mashup of ancient cosmologies, creating a story setting you just immerse yourself in throughout.
This brings us to the characters. Since the premise is soldiers from throughout time brought together to form an elite military unit, the authors had a lot of latitude in crafting an interesting mashup of characters. We start with the main character, Ragnar Beck, a soldier from the NorthAm Army, the successor to the US Army about 25 years from now. A young man from a family of soldiers, he has grown up with stories from his father and grandfather about what the Army used to be about, not the hollow, social experiment mess that it currently is. Warfighting is not seen as something to train for, which, when the Lotus Empire, basically China and its conquered Asian vassals, invade the Western Hemisphere in Panama, soldier's like Beck, who have finally trained as the threat loomed, end up fighting to the bitter end, and this hard core determination is what defines Beck. He is honorable and determined in a time those are not considered important traits. Joining the Ultimates requires just these attributes, that never say die attitude, and Beck is a prime example of what makes them the best.
The supporting cast is such an excellent mix of characters. There are soldiers like Will, a WW1 era soldier who helps Ragnar adjust to his new life, and Magnus, a viking warrior who adapts well to modern tech and is a friend and mentor to Beck as well. The rest of Beck's Ultimates companions are soldiers from various eras, and are a mixed bag of histories and attitudes. These secondary characters fit so well, creating an excellent support structure to Beck, and discovering their backstories just adds more layers to the story.
The antagonists are interesting. They range from beings of cosmic power levels to turncoats in the ranks of the Ultimates, with a much more personal effect on Beck and his companions. They all get decent character arcs, and have some really interesting effects on the story arcs of the other characters. They really make effective foils for the more heroic characters like Beck and his fellow Ultimates, and you really can't stop turning pages to see what damage they cause and how they will be stopped.
While the idea of soldiers from various eras fighting together is not new, Tier 1000 takes it into some new directions. The scope of the story was much larger than I expected, and the characters were just such a good fit. You really become invested in the story and the characters, and there are some character deaths that are just a gut punch, because like in real world combat, sometimes the most careful planning and execution still can't keep bad things from happening to good soldiers. This is easily one of my top ten favorite reads of 2021, and I heartily recommend it
October 16, 2021
Wow!
What an amazing, imaginative story! Heavy on battle scenes, weapons, and tactics, yet taking place in an altered reality where gods exist. Egyptian, Greek, Aztecan, Norse, and other gods of our various past cultures exist here, creating an elite battle group with combat training grounds that are real, yet not. Do people die or not? What the heck is real? And through it all, our protagonist is trying to find out what his existence really is while he is fighting for real, meeting soldiers from all over Earth’s history, and being forged into a superlative soldier. Excellent book.
What an amazing, imaginative story! Heavy on battle scenes, weapons, and tactics, yet taking place in an altered reality where gods exist. Egyptian, Greek, Aztecan, Norse, and other gods of our various past cultures exist here, creating an elite battle group with combat training grounds that are real, yet not. Do people die or not? What the heck is real? And through it all, our protagonist is trying to find out what his existence really is while he is fighting for real, meeting soldiers from all over Earth’s history, and being forged into a superlative soldier. Excellent book.
August 21, 2018
Tier one thousand is a really fun read. The story is totally out of this world and geeks everywhere will absolutely love it!
Full of daring do and gung ho action...its a gamers dream come true. The main characters are all teens and are given a once in a lifetime offer that they simply dont believe. What does their country exlect from them...only their very best...nothing else will do.
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a really great read. I think this author is one to watch.
Full of daring do and gung ho action...its a gamers dream come true. The main characters are all teens and are given a once in a lifetime offer that they simply dont believe. What does their country exlect from them...only their very best...nothing else will do.
This is my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a really great read. I think this author is one to watch.
October 27, 2018
It's a fun light read. The whole short story is a collection of various 'nerdy' references more or less, but quite enjoyable.
March 16, 2022
Slowed down and dried out in a few spots but other than that, a rather entertaining military fic.
October 17, 2021
Interesting take on an alternate history-like timeline
I wanted badly to really enjoy the story because I love Doc Spears and Jason Anspach's work. I enjoy MilSci, fantasy, and AltHis stories. While Beck was a fantastic character, the issue I had trying to get through the book was this, "Why accept that fate?" With the addition of "gods" or "demigods" or even "angels", things kept jumping off the rails for me. The story IS interesting. Its well-written and highly original. It just didn't satisfy my desire to just have Ragnar Beck be the baddest soldier across multiple planes of existence that I'd have liked. I'd love to see more Beck before the events in Tier 1000 took place, and that's why I gave it 3 stars.
I wanted badly to really enjoy the story because I love Doc Spears and Jason Anspach's work. I enjoy MilSci, fantasy, and AltHis stories. While Beck was a fantastic character, the issue I had trying to get through the book was this, "Why accept that fate?" With the addition of "gods" or "demigods" or even "angels", things kept jumping off the rails for me. The story IS interesting. Its well-written and highly original. It just didn't satisfy my desire to just have Ragnar Beck be the baddest soldier across multiple planes of existence that I'd have liked. I'd love to see more Beck before the events in Tier 1000 took place, and that's why I gave it 3 stars.
November 17, 2021
Amazing read. A solid original story that stands on its own
The end isn’t the end…apparently. Warriors who die a death in battle against impossible odds shine brighter when their souls leave their bodies. These are the ones chosen to become part of the ranks of Mars, god of war. But they’ll have to prove themselves and that’s what this book is about. Ragnar Beck checks off the boxes, but does he have what it takes to become one of Mars’ Ultimates? I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
The end isn’t the end…apparently. Warriors who die a death in battle against impossible odds shine brighter when their souls leave their bodies. These are the ones chosen to become part of the ranks of Mars, god of war. But they’ll have to prove themselves and that’s what this book is about. Ragnar Beck checks off the boxes, but does he have what it takes to become one of Mars’ Ultimates? I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
February 13, 2022
This was another great effort from Jason Anspach and Doc Spears. This book follows an American soldier who gets enlisted to fight for the god Mars in the afterlife.
The story is unique and original as our hero strives to become an “Ultimate” amongst other fallen soldiers reborn in the afterlife.
The only mark against the book is it lacked the typical grittiness found in Anspach’s book. However , the premise and story were great and I recommend it to anyone interested in the military fantasy genre .
The story is unique and original as our hero strives to become an “Ultimate” amongst other fallen soldiers reborn in the afterlife.
The only mark against the book is it lacked the typical grittiness found in Anspach’s book. However , the premise and story were great and I recommend it to anyone interested in the military fantasy genre .
October 22, 2021
A Warriors Tale, told for warriors
This book was quite the read, the duo of Anspach and Doc weave s tale about the eternal nature of conflict and humanities relationship with it. They paint a picture of how things could be in the future, and an engaging idea of what could come after this life ends. If you're a fan of milfic, sci fi, mythology, or plain butt kicking then this one is for you.
This book was quite the read, the duo of Anspach and Doc weave s tale about the eternal nature of conflict and humanities relationship with it. They paint a picture of how things could be in the future, and an engaging idea of what could come after this life ends. If you're a fan of milfic, sci fi, mythology, or plain butt kicking then this one is for you.
March 24, 2022
Men fight, The gods squable
Beck deserves better I truly hope you ghelp him break his chains in a future novel or sequel. Has I really like the idea has I can honestly say you did idea in away that can’t remember any other authors every do it in such a unique way to bend mythology and mordern technology to make a story ground in logic that read could understand, this was was the key point in my mind hope you go deep into the SYSTEM rules and the history behind the gods more.
Beck deserves better I truly hope you ghelp him break his chains in a future novel or sequel. Has I really like the idea has I can honestly say you did idea in away that can’t remember any other authors every do it in such a unique way to bend mythology and mordern technology to make a story ground in logic that read could understand, this was was the key point in my mind hope you go deep into the SYSTEM rules and the history behind the gods more.
June 3, 2022
something different from Anspach and Spears
I really enjoy Jason Anspach’s military sci fi , went fro this to another of his, and this was fun. What happens when the best warriors on earth are recruited by Mars, the god of war, aided and abetted by the archangels Gabriel and Michael?
Oh and the catch is the soldiers have to be dead, killed in battle. And what happens when the gods go to war?
Read this to find out….
I really enjoy Jason Anspach’s military sci fi , went fro this to another of his, and this was fun. What happens when the best warriors on earth are recruited by Mars, the god of war, aided and abetted by the archangels Gabriel and Michael?
Oh and the catch is the soldiers have to be dead, killed in battle. And what happens when the gods go to war?
Read this to find out….
February 11, 2023
Entertaining!!!
The new War Gate genre is really interesting, and this author wrote a rather good book. If you like action, and Sci-Fi, then this book is for you. The one thing that didn't make sense to me though, is how come the staff protected Beck, and not Gabriel, because he was holding the staff, the same as Beck, when blasted with the same type of weapon. Other than that, it was a real page turner, and I would recommend it to anyone.
The new War Gate genre is really interesting, and this author wrote a rather good book. If you like action, and Sci-Fi, then this book is for you. The one thing that didn't make sense to me though, is how come the staff protected Beck, and not Gabriel, because he was holding the staff, the same as Beck, when blasted with the same type of weapon. Other than that, it was a real page turner, and I would recommend it to anyone.
October 30, 2021
Extraordinary military science fiction novel
I'm a fan of the genre and I am delighted with this book. Excellent story, outstanding characters and action that does not stop. It is a very interesting take on the "assembly of the ultimate army" trope (pun not intended). A pleasure to read. Highly recommend.
I'm a fan of the genre and I am delighted with this book. Excellent story, outstanding characters and action that does not stop. It is a very interesting take on the "assembly of the ultimate army" trope (pun not intended). A pleasure to read. Highly recommend.
March 18, 2022
This story is well written and travels nicely across the story arc. However the underlying messages are pretty abhorrent, glorifying murder and coming from a highly propaganda-fueled US position with some jaw-dropping self-delusioned "we are the good guys" tripe that blithely disregards the entire history situations. A highly toxic military-above-all else story.
April 29, 2024
for the audio book, really good beginning - enjoyed the first 5 hours.
The Little Big Horn chapter was excellent, along with the Iran hostage rescue - but once they moved past training and engaging the actual enemies, it went off the rails and got boring.
Good effort, but I won't continue the series.
The Little Big Horn chapter was excellent, along with the Iran hostage rescue - but once they moved past training and engaging the actual enemies, it went off the rails and got boring.
Good effort, but I won't continue the series.
November 19, 2021
Fantastic military fantasy
I’m not sure where to begin. I loved it, plain and simple. Part military fantasy, part military sci-fi, part alternative military history portal story. The characters are fantastic and it stands alone but opens the way for future addition. Buy it.
I’m not sure where to begin. I loved it, plain and simple. Part military fantasy, part military sci-fi, part alternative military history portal story. The characters are fantastic and it stands alone but opens the way for future addition. Buy it.
August 14, 2022
A story worthy of the telling.
I was not expecting what the story of Ragnar Beck turned out to be, but it was fantastically told and well constructed. The characters are lifelike and easy to attach to. Great novel!
I was not expecting what the story of Ragnar Beck turned out to be, but it was fantastically told and well constructed. The characters are lifelike and easy to attach to. Great novel!
December 11, 2023
Starts with a pretentious guy nattering on about how great his troops are and it had me wondering "Who the heck would want to work for this guy?" Real tough guys don't talk like that. They don't have to.
January 8, 2026
Not to my taste. It sounded like an insecure blustering "hard man" vs. the kind of engaging character development where you gradually realise they are warriors.
Druss the Legend would eat them alive.
Not criticising the book, just not to my taste
Druss the Legend would eat them alive.
Not criticising the book, just not to my taste
October 23, 2021
This is military fiction.
I loved it. I've never read a book like this before. It is nonstop action.
I am a fan both authors and this is an excellent example of why.
I loved it. I've never read a book like this before. It is nonstop action.
I am a fan both authors and this is an excellent example of why.
November 11, 2021
War, die and repeat.
A warrior always finds a war.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to more from this author.
A warrior always finds a war.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to more from this author.
November 14, 2021
4.5 stars. Well written, good pacing overall and an interesting take on the afterlife. Not GE as far as I can tell, but worth your time if you like the authors' works.
January 6, 2022
Good premise and had its parts, but overall just didn't grab me like some others he's written. But give it a shot
December 7, 2022
Cultivate yourself
A sort of travelogue through war to Valhalla. A soldier named beck fights in America's last war. He is recruited to fight in a war between god like beings.
A sort of travelogue through war to Valhalla. A soldier named beck fights in America's last war. He is recruited to fight in a war between god like beings.
February 3, 2023
The narrator was good. I listened to the first 13 chapters before I started speeding and skipping. All action that went nowhere.
July 8, 2018
What a fun trip down memory lane. As I was reading, I'd think 'hey this sounds like...' and then the author would reference the movie/game I was thinking of in the next sentence or two.
I never played D&D so those references went over my head, but it didn't matter because the story didn't rely on me knowing anything about any of the things referenced.
This is a quick read that is well worth the time spent on it.
I never played D&D so those references went over my head, but it didn't matter because the story didn't rely on me knowing anything about any of the things referenced.
This is a quick read that is well worth the time spent on it.
June 27, 2018
Nice short story, like the premise of a group of gamers using VERY early stage high tech to fight unusual situations. Interested in reading more. Received the story free in a promotion from Sci-fi Bridge.
October 16, 2021
Very interesting short story
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews