Pros
- Fun, military science fiction with great space battles
- Interesting and engaging plot regarding aliens
- Set in a universe where humans are starting to explore what’s beyond their solar system and making new, dangerous, discoveries
Cons
- Teenager as a hero and a savior seems a bit unlikely
- Some parts of the story feel like they drag on a bit too long
The Terran Menace Review
The Terran Menace by J. R. Robertson begins a seemingly epic space opera that appears to span the entire galaxy and lights the fuse for a grand showdown between a xenophobic alien species intent on ensuring its own survival and a burgeoning space-faring humanity.
Military science fiction novels are commonplace in the genre, but their ubiquity only illustrates how popular and fun they are to read. This book is no exception. Humans are the underdog in a battle against the giants that are aliens who have mastered technologies far beyond human capability.
Stories that involve asymmetric wars are generally exciting by their very nature: usually a loss for one side means widespread devastation or extinction while a loss for the other may only mean some concessions. It’s a twist on the biblical David and Goliath story that is sure to capture the reader’s interest and engagement.
The result is that The Terran Menace is filled with suspense, tension and excitement as humans attempt to survive against an enemy that is far superior. Adding to the suspense is the mystery surrounding the aliens. Their stealth technologies and infrequent appearance in the book adds to the mystery that surrounds humanity’s greatest enemy.
What does set the story apart is its teenage protagonist, Ben. While it’s a bit difficult to accept how someone so young can save humanity, the story does bolster Ben’s ability through a technological implant designed to increase human abilities. This technological implant becomes pervasive among humans, bestowing upon them computer-like processing power, among other benefits.
One drawback is that the story does have parts that feel a bit slow dispersed between moments of intense action. These lulls in action have a mundane feel to them that can interrupt the faster pacing established by the action scenes.
What’s interesting is the title of the book—The Terran Menace. The title portrays humans as a threat, and it reveals one of the motivations for the antagonist’s schemes to remain in power. Of course, the word menace promises an aggressive and threatening humanity. What this suggests is a sequel that may not bode well for the villains.
The Terran Menace by J. R. Robertson is an engaging military science fiction story that gives fans of the genre what they want: space battles that are stacked against humans, strange technologies, and an interesting plot.
Read reviews of other military science fiction books.
