Heir to the Dragon (1989)

Wow! This is everything I love in a Battletech novel! Charrette's second Battletech novel is loads better than Wolves on the Border. It's got interesting characters, political subterfuge and, of course, a good amount of mech battles as well. Where Wolves on the Border left me feeling like the Draconis Combine is ruled by a bunch of dimwits, Heir to the Dragon gave me a real insight into why the Draconis Combine is the powerhouse that it is. I particularly enjoyed learning about the various powers in the Combine (Order of 5 Pillars, nekogami, etc) and it's cool to see how they work with and against each other - all for the glory of the Dragon. If I had reservations about Charrette as a Battletech author, they're gone now.

Like other Battletech novels, it helps if you've read the earlier books first, but it isn't necessary. I think this would be a great read on it's own - a solid introduction to the Battletech universe. ( )