Lord of Janissaries (1) (BAEN)

This is not the first , second or third time I have listened to this author . Each time I have always regretted interruptions . His books are always fascinating .

I owned these books as paperbacks for years. The first story of the initial pickup and training of Rick and his men is definitely the best of the trio, giving the most character development and providing a surprisingly detailed and exotic plot. The stories do fade a bit with the third book being the weakest of the trio, but overall, it was an interesting series of books and a good long read.

I have the original editions of all three of the original novels included here. My first is an original paaperback with lots of illustrations. The second is a trade paaperback and the third is a hardback first edition. The original volume 1is a highly illustrated copy while the second book is also illustrated but less so. The third volume is not illustrated and all illustrations are dropped from the new 3 volume edition. It does appear to have all the text of the original stories. A interesting SF series and the last of the stories is due in July 2020, finished by one of Jerry Pournelle's sons, only 41 years after the original first story was published..

I was planning on getting the Audible version of the three novels next month. and thought I might try to revisit the series first. The "omnibus" version (used) was about $6, and it will make an interesting re-read on the subway. As others have said, would be interested in a potential wrap up to the series, but looks like a conclusion may never be published. Perhaps someone else may finish the series someday, but if not - better three books than none at all.

Excellent (3) novels by Pournelle, now sadly to (probably) have no more in the series except the 4th one now in print or on the way. It has all the best of Pournelle's writing. Quick-paced, well-drawn characters, reasonable plot lines, and the historical and military parts (where I am familiar) are very accurate. Highly recommended.

Really enjoyed this story. We have CIA mercenaries about to be wiped out by Cubans in Angola saved by aliens to go take over an alien world on behalf of the same aliens provided a lot of possibilities and outcomes. Intrigue, Romans, clans, politics, fighting, advancing the technology and its roadblocks were all there. Now the only real downside is this series is unfinished. Please Mr. Pournelle finish the last book. About the only thing I didn't like in the books was the Merc captain Lord Rick's wife taking part in battles as a leader of cavalry troop and actually fighting. Pretty unrealistic.

Janissaries, the first book in this trilogy, was a wonderful read. The next two in this compendium were not up to that level but are still worth reading. HOWEVER, finish the series Jerry! He has been writing the final volume (Mamelukes) according to his blog for the last twenty years and he is certainly not getting any younger. Please, please either finish it or let somebody else (such as Roland Green) take your draft and complete what should be the crowning achievement of his literary career (he has had several other careers)

As a 13 year old kid in 1980 I read Janissaries after my local librarian recommended it. It literally changed my view on everything, and by that summer I was writing my own alternative history (a term I would later learn) novel. Forty years later I've never published any fiction, but upon hearing that Mamelukes was finally coming out having been finished by Jerry's son I decided it was time to re-read this series. Still love it after all these years. I may be stuck inside but in my head I'm going back to Tran. https://www.amazon.com/Mamelukes-Janissaries-Book-Jerry-Pournelle-ebook/dp/B086T5Y5FP

Exceptionally well written story line. From one of the best writers in the Sci Fi game. If your looking for a good read with plenty of action along with a well thought out plot line & characters This one is definitely a must read! Grab a copy& enjoy the ride.

Forgot how much I enjoyed Jerry Pournelle's writing. Great military/Sci fi stories. Just read the fourth book in the series (finished posthumously) and found myself wanting more. Good stuff.

Three books in one VFM. They don’t write them like this anymore. Read any of Jerry’s books you wont be disappointed

This is one of the best military sci fi or i deed any sci fi novels and ranks with the all time bests. Although the last part never got published each book is complete works at multiple levels not just military stuff.

That is Ioved it the first time around ! I rarely get sucked in to reprint compilations , but that is all this is ; the previous books in one volume , nothing new at all. It was so cleverly marketed that I thought it was a new novel , money wasted , I'm now totally avoiding that publisher !