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The Bad Company: A Military Space Opera Adventure Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 990 ratings

A private conflict resolution enterprise...

...here comes the Bad Company.

Led by the indomitable Terry Henry Walton, a former Marine, long-lived thanks to the nanocytes coursing through his body. He's known war for a hundred and fifty years, and he's brought a hand-picked group of warriors to space with him.

His wife Charumati fights too although she has more refined and special talents.

Their first test comes on Tissikinnon Four, where massed forces wage an ugly war against a technologically superior foe, one who wants the fighting stopped so they can get back to work.

No plan survives first contact. Terry Henry has lived by this axiom and once again, it has proven true.

Bring the firepower. Attack, move, and attack again.

The Bad Company will bring an end to this conflict or die trying.

Read it today.

--- PLEASE NOTE ---

Inside this book is cursing, amusing cursing, but cursing nonetheless. If bad language offends you, perhaps this book is not for you.

The Bad Company is a stand-alone series in the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. No previous books need to be read. Just buckle your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink and be ready for your socks to be blown off.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

FIVE STARS! "Great book. Fast-moving and plenty of action. Great characters."FIVE STARS! "I think TH is my favorite male character! I love that he tries to stay positive in all of the books even when s*** hits the fan!"FIVE STARS! "Following a fast paced series into space. Well developed characters and excellent descriptions of hardware, scenery and action. A growing cast with amazing characteristics and abilities. Will be reading the future volumes!"FIVE STARS! "This Ain't My Thing - and yet I love it all! No one could have sold me on this sort of story, except the authors who wrote them and kept me coming back for more." FIVE STARS! "I loved reading how TH and his friends have to learn a whole new way to accomplish their goal of keeping life fair for all races. I'm glad they had so many obstacles to overcome. It was great to see how they did that. I don't want to give away anything, but I loved the new alien race they confront. I feel that this book is the perfect extension of the TH chronicles."

From the Inside Flap

CraigMartelle's other books (listed by series) (# - available in audio, too)
Terry Henry Walton Chronicles (# co-written with Michael Anderle) - a post-apocalyptic paranormal adventure
Gateway to the Universe (# co-written with Justin Sloan & Michael Anderle) - this book transitions the characters from the Terry Henry Walton Chronicles to The Bad Company
The Bad Company (# co-written with Michael Anderle) - a military science fiction space opera
End Times Alaska (#) - a Permuted Press publication -a post-apocalyptic survivalist adventure
The Free Trader - a Young Adult Science Fiction Action Adventure
Cygnus Space Opera - # A Young Adult Space Opera (set in the Free Trader universe)
Darklanding (co-written with Scott Moon) - a Space Western
Judge, Jury, & Executioner - # a space opera adventure legal thriller
Rick Banik - # Spy & Terrorism Action Adventure
Become a Successful Indie Author - a non-fiction work
Metamorphosis Alpha - stories from the world's first science fiction RPG
The Expanding Universe - science fiction anthologies
Shadow Vanguard - a Tom Dublin series
Enemy of my Enemy (co-written with Tim Marquitz) - A galactic alien military space opera
Superdreadnought(co-written with Tim Marquitz) - an AI military space opera
Metal Legion(co-written with Caleb Wachter) - a military sci-fi space opera
End Days (co-written with E.E. Isherwood) - a post-apocalyptic adventure
Mystically Engineered (co-written with Valerie Emerson) - dragons in space
Monster Case Files (co-written with Kathryn Hearst) - a young-adult cozy mystery series

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0779D6PM5
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ LMBPN Publishing; 1st edition (November 8, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 8, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 990 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
990 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging with a straightforward plot. They describe the book as an enjoyable read with interesting characters and good writing style. Readers appreciate the family bonding and new friendships. However, opinions differ on the pacing - some find it fast-paced and thrilling, while others find it hard to follow and overcomplicated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

48 customers mention "Action packed story"41 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the book's action-packed story. They find the plot straightforward and interesting. The scenarios are believable, and the book is an exciting continuation of the series.

"...The characters are very interesting, the plot straight forward, and the premise is to stop the fighting on the planet without getting killed...." Read more

"I liked this first book in an evolving story line. There is plenty of shoot-um up action to quell most adrenalin junkies...." Read more

"...read it all through as the stories just keep getting more polished & exciting. If you haven't started this Universe yet, why not?..." Read more

"I liked this book. It had a lot of action, and was well thought out. Now to the main criticism that cost it two stars...." Read more

36 customers mention "Readability"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and enjoyable. They say it's a good start to a great series and appreciate reading about TH and the gang.

"Not bad, but scattershot. Too many characters involved too much. Practically everyone significant in the THW stories is still here...." Read more

"...to expect for the books set in the Kurtherian Gambit universe, this one was excellent...." Read more

"...and determination please read this book, you'll find that its a likable read" Read more

"...Having Christina join the FDG? Brilliant!..." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"18 positive7 negative

Customers find the characters interesting. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is straightforward.

"...The characters are very interesting, the plot straight forward, and the premise is to stop the fighting on the planet without getting killed...." Read more

"...two blew me away with this smooth transition of some of the most unique characters I have enjoyed following! Definitely keep it rolling!👍👍👍👍..." Read more

"Not bad, but scattershot. Too many characters involved too much. Practically everyone significant in the THW stories is still here...." Read more

"...The characters are enjoyable, the mayhem is prolific and there's humor layered throughout every book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style and find the characters well-written.

"...Their cold-bloodedness was unnerving. Good writing. It's great that there is more of this series ready to go...." Read more

"Lots of action and a great story to boot. Its written well. The story is one you can get into. If you love action packed books this ones for you." Read more

"...The author's writing and storytelling ability are incredible. The characters personalities are consistent with what we all fell in love with...." Read more

"...The storylines are really good and all the characters are fun and we'll written. You will not be able to stop after reading the first one." Read more

4 customers mention "Interest"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters and concept interesting. They say it's an interesting foray into the universe, but they don't think they will visit it.

"...While it was kinda an interesting foray into this universe I don’t think I will be visiting it anymore...." Read more

"...The characters are likeable and interesting. I always wondered how Ankh was introduced." Read more

"...A new stage on which the action can commence with much wider variablilty and interest." Read more

"I found the concept interesting, but difficult to perceive the alien personalities via a book." Read more

3 customers mention "Family bonding"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the family bonding and making new friends.

"...It's a page-turning thrill a minute, with love of family to keep it all together. Still Fabulous!" Read more

"...The love of family, respect for life, and teamwork the book showed me. These are his and the teams core values. I recommend this book." Read more

"...Family bonding and making new friends. Action packed and taking the FDG sense to the aliens. If you loved them on Earth then keep reading!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Pacing"11 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed views on the pacing. Some find it fast-paced and thrilling with plenty of action. Others find it hard to follow, repetitive, and predictable.

"...Personally I'm glad for the blistering pace. The Bad Company is a winner. Looking forward to more." Read more

"...are just way too many unnecessary people and it makes it very hard to integrate all of them into the story...." Read more

"...If you haven't started this Universe yet, why not? It's a page-turning thrill a minute, with love of family to keep it all together. Still Fabulous!" Read more

"...Fortunately, the 'learning curve' was pretty good. If you like plenty of action, you should definitely enjoy this book...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2023
    This is a very good story and now I know where Ankh came from. The characters are very interesting, the plot straight forward, and the premise is to stop the fighting on the planet without getting killed. If you don't like violence or bad language, you won't like this book. I highly recommend this book if neither of those things bother you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2017
    Not bad, but scattershot. Too many characters involved too much. Practically everyone significant in the THW stories is still here. TH, Char, Kae, Marcie, and Joseph all have major battle parts, which is much of the book. Christina's here (as we knew) and she gets a big role. Dokken. Almost forgot the weretigers. Kim, Cory, the other weres, and Petricia all come in.

    THEN, there's Ted's story, which IMO could've been handled completely separately...it would've made for a Frank Kurns-like story. And there the ship's crew and situation, and last but NOT least, Nathan and Lance.

    Oh, not last. I didn't mention the various and sundry aliens.

    Got no problem with the battle description; I think it was done well. The Fog of War issues are on point. I like that the intel was a total snafu, and the battle itself exposed numerous tactical issues. The Empire's almost always been far too competent, except when BA goes off in a tizzy. Things go generally too smoothly; humint is rarely *that* good. A little chaos is a Good Thing.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024
    As I've come to expect for the books set in the Kurtherian Gambit universe, this one was excellent.

    While not affecting the rating in any way, this did meet my preferred average chapter length of taking me about 10-15 minutes per chapter, but was on the long side of that.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018
    There are people with active imaginations. We love sci-fi, space operas, all that stuff. We love to watch it, or read it.

    Then there are people with ridiculous imaginations on hyper-drive, drawing endless energy from the Etheric. Craig Martelle is one such. Loved his End Times Alaska series. Michael Anderle is another. You know, the godfather of the Kurtherian Gambit Universe. It's like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but huger. Runaway imaginations, squared.

    And now we're in space with a cast of many dozens. It is a sign of something when a cast of characters is at the BEGINNING of a book. Actually, thinking of some much-loved books that hid the cast road map in some appendix, I greatly appreciated the placement at the beginning. The descriptions did not all make sense at first--why so much attention to "mechs"??--but all was soon clear.

    Here we have an armed force going to war. It's really not a very large army. Every person has a story--and a name. Good. They should. A lot of characters made the jump from Earth to space. I'm glad to see them again. Some fresh characters join the good guys, though most are in supporting roles, something like the Star Trek security guy who just has a first name. Expendable? But war is full of sudden vacancies.

    I particularly liked the convoluted misinformation with the Crenellians. Every truth has two falsehoods plus a third lie of omission. Their cold-bloodedness was unnerving. Good writing.

    It's great that there is more of this series ready to go. In some ways it's pulp fiction--but that never stopped Sam Spade or Conan (the barbarian, not the late night host). And in other ways it's darn good writing, whether one book comes out every month or every year. Personally I'm glad for the blistering pace.

    The Bad Company is a winner. Looking forward to more.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018
    I liked this first book in an evolving story line. There is plenty of shoot-um up action to quell most adrenalin junkies. The use of were creatures such as werewolves, tiger, vampires and enhanced humans is a step outside the box for space opera. Although, there is still the obligatory mech unit I've seen inside other stories it isn't an all powerful weapon. There is also the need to innovate, adapt and overcome as obstacles are placed before our merry band of brothers in a fight for their lives.
    With wry humor, salty language, human emotions and determination please read this book, you'll find that its a likable read
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2019
    I love how TH & the FDG are welcomed into Space & the Etheric Federation! Nathan & Ekaterinas daughter has grown since my last exposure to her in the original series. Having Christina join the FDG? Brilliant!
    I have been completely absorbed in TKGU (The Kurthurian Gambit Universe) & I cannot wait to read it all through as the stories just keep getting more polished & exciting. If you haven't started this Universe yet, why not? It's a page-turning thrill a minute, with love of family to keep it all together. Still Fabulous!
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
    I liked this book. It had a lot of action, and was well thought out.

    Now to the main criticism that cost it two stars. I had to start skipping the sections that dealt with the War Axe. It seems that the author never read any of the other Kutherian Gambit series where they discuss the Emperess's space technology. The weapons drop pod uses rockets, not gravitics. The War Axe EI is vastly underpowered. The War Axes sensors are terrible. The transit times do not line up to the other books. Why doesn't the War Axe use it's gravitic shields to stop the mines like the other books?

    Also, Christina seems like a pale imitation of herself and her abilities from the main series.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
    I was a bit hesitant in seeing this become a full blown space opera! I have been a sci-fi
    nut since a young boy but got away from reading it as it seemed mosy stories were too similar to hold interest. But you two blew me away with this smooth transition of some of the most unique characters I have enjoyed following! Definitely keep it rolling!👍👍👍👍

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • UDAYAN CHATTERJEE
    1.0 out of 5 stars Very Avoidable
    Reviewed in India on April 2, 2024
    Man is a genius. You can not escape boredom from start to finish. Ingeniously slow but meticulously planned execution of the mind and spirit of the unfortunate reader.
  • Kindle-Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars 👍
    Reviewed in Germany on June 27, 2021
    Diese Buchreihe ist echt gut für ein Weltraumabenteuer! 👍

    Die Geschichte ist gut geschrieben und durchdacht und die Charaktere sind toll ausgearbeitet. Außerdem endet nicht alles sofort nach ein paar Büchern, 📚 sondern gehört zu einem großen Universum. 🌌 Ideal also für jeden Bücherwurm, 📚🐛 dem schon mal der Lesestoff ausgegangen ist.

    LMBPN hat unter lmbpn.com/universe-timelines eine gute Übersicht von diesem Universum erstellt und auch die Reihenfolge aufgezeigt, wenn man in chronologischer Reihenfolge alle Buchreihen parallel lesen möchte. 🕰 Ich lese mich grade durch alle Bücher 📚, da mich die Charaktere interessieren, auch wenn mich Weltraumgeschichten sonst nicht wirklich begeistern.
    Genial und absolut empfehlenswert fand ich die ersten beiden Handlungsbögen des Kutherianischen Gambits. Das komplette Zeitalter des Wahnsinns (Age of Madness) ist auch gut, relativ kurz und es ist nicht verkehrt es dann vor dem kompletten Zeitalter der Magie (Age of Magic) 🔮 zu lesen. Das Zeitalter der Magie ist allerdings der Teil des Universums, der mir persönlich am allerbesten gefällt! 😍 📚🐛 6⭐ 👍
    Report
  • Gazzmann
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2017
    Loved this book. There are a few mistakes at the very beginning (introduction of characters pages) but are easily dismissed as you get into the story. I'm still in love with the characters and cannot wait for the next book. I do think the author has missed a trick to distinguish these books by not finishing all in the series with a proper after action report in a meeting with all (in the mess room or the hangar?) And funerals of any who pass during the book. It would, in my humble opinion, be a class act to thank the heroes who gave their lives. Just an idea. Cheers!
  • Amba Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Non-Stop Action💞
    Reviewed in Japan on November 10, 2017
    I devoured this top notch excitement. It's entertaining with an interesting plot and a good story, great action scenes that rolled right on and made it very hard to put it down. Can't wait for the rest to come out.
  • Petert
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great start to the 3rd cycle for Terry Henry Walton
    Reviewed in Australia on November 11, 2017
    To me, probably the best of Terry Henry's tales I have read to date. I do have to confess that although I have purchased them all on release day life and less than optimal prioritisation has meant that I have yet to read them all. I guess I'll just to get to and read them.
    Anyway, this one was a GREAT read and I highly recommend it.

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