Armor by John Steakley

[Muscletang]

I don't know if anybody has read this as it doesn't seem to be most well known book but it is by far my favorite. It has action with lots of sci-fi stuff mixed in which I love. The thing that sets it apart though is it has enough psychological aspects thrown into it that really make you feel for the characters. The good thing though is there's plenty of action though as well.

Here is a synopsis about it if you want to know.

Armor is the story of humanity's war against an alien race whose foot soldiers are roughly man-sized insects. It is also the story of a research colony on the fringes of human territory who are threatened by pirates. The two sub-plots intersect at the end, with each providing answers and insight into events in the other.

The title seems to refer to the nuclear-powered exoskeletons worn by the soldiers. However it has been said that the 'Armor' referred to in the title really doesn't refer the physical Armor that the protagonist uses to stay alive. Instead, it's more about the metaphor of the emotional armor people have. What makes it a well-written book is simply that it weaves seamlessly between the two interpretations. It's a book about finding strength from within, because the alternative isn't an option.

Here is some information if you want to know about it.

Armor

It says it's a bit like Starship Troopers and I can see it as I have read both. I really enjoy this one more though. Starship Troopers seemed to be nothing more than a political statement with a plot tied in here and there. Armor is more of a story I think.

Anyway, I strongly suggest you pick this up if you like action, adventure, human psychology, and even a little drama. I've heard he's writing a second one now and I hope it comes out soon.

Also about John Steakley, he wrote Vampire$ which was later made into the movie John Carpenter's Vampires.

[Toksin]

I've heard of this, quite keen to give it a go.

[Muscletang]

Originally Posted by Toksin

I've heard of this, quite keen to give it a go.

You should.

I will warn you though it is a bit long if that makes any difference. I'm not sure but I think it's close to 450 pages. As I said I love the book but I will admit that some parts of it do drag. On the other hand though there will be parts that are just page turners.