Hard Duty cover art

Hard Duty

Merkiaari Wars, 1

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Hard Duty

By: Mark E. Cooper
Narrated by: Mikael Naramore
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About this listen

Humanity's last encounter with aliens saw 16.2 billion people killed in a war with the Merkiaari that had spanned decades.

Two hundred years later, the Alliance is cautiously exploring beyond its borders again, but the survey corp is considered a mere gesture by some. General Burgton of the 501st Infantry Regiment believes a lack of expansion is leading the Alliance into stagnation. So when one small ship discovers a new alien race, it should be an easy decision to make contact, but what if the aliens are like the Merkiaari?

Captain Jeff Colgan of the survey ship ASN Canada is at the tip of the spear. His ship made the discovery, his crew's lives are on the line, and his decisions will decide the outcome. Will the Alliance make new friends or will he be responsible for another 16 billion deaths? When the aliens discover his ship and begin hunting him through their system, his mission changes from one of study to one of survival.

©2012 Mark E. Cooper (P)2014 Mark E. Cooper
First Contact Science Fiction Space Opera Space Fiction Transportation
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What listeners say about Hard Duty

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love the Storey

These series of books have all been a good read, but always thought there would be a final one as still left open

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

diffent

this book i dont rember getting and when i heard it i wasnt somethinh id normaly get found it ok took bit get used to with sifi stuff

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping and exciting!

Would you listen to Hard Duty again? Why?

Definitely. Mark E Cooper has written a book that is both believable for humanity's future but also has that sparkle of science fiction that we all crave for. As the story progressed I found myself drawn in and felt almost like a part of the crew hoping that the mission would be successful and Mikael Naramore does such a wonderful job bringing life to the characters that I'm now champing at the bit to see how the story continues in the second book.

What other book might you compare Hard Duty to, and why?

Most of my previous science fiction reading has been limited to more battle focused series and this has been a wonderful change of pace for me that I don't honestly think I can compare it to my previous experience.

Which character – as performed by Mikael Naramore – was your favourite?

James grew to be my favourite as the story progressed but Captain Colgan was a firm favourite from start to finish as well. Where James developed into himself and found purpose as his story progressed Jeff Colgan exuded calm confidence and reliability mixed with a compassionate side and a need to get the job done.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without wanting to post a spoiler(so no names) but the death of a father is always hard especially when he is tring to stay calm for the sake of a young child.

Any additional comments?

A superlative story well written and delivered I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to escape into the stars and meet new races :)

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Exciting story, with interesting characters.

Where does Hard Duty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top. Its never boring, the story moves along at a great pace. The battles are exciting, the baddies are suitably evil and the story universe is excellent. All the characters make reasonable decisions. I've read several stories recently where somebody does something completely out of character, where its a plot device just to put themselves in danger. For a pleasant change, I never found myself saying "nobody is that stupid" while listening.
Very much like a good Star Trek story arc. With plenty of battles and no holodeck.

Who was your favorite character and why?

James. I thought he was going to be annoying at first, but he turned out to be rather cool.

What about Mikael Naramore’s performance did you like?

He made the story very exciting at the right moments, I found myself holding my breath while waiting to find out what happened next. Also, the computer and faulty translator voices were done well, it added to the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes indeed!

Any additional comments?

Great listen, looking forward to the next one.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Weak storyline with wooden characters

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

Youngsters starting out on SciFi?

What will your next listen be?

Something more mature and accomplished.

Would you be willing to try another one of Mikael Naramore’s performances?

Perhaps.....

You didn’t love this book--but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No.

Any additional comments?

Disjointed even from part of a saga.
More Hard Work than Hard Duty...

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1 person found this helpful