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List of BattleTech novels

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BattleMechs in combat on the cover of Storms of Fate by Loren L. Coleman. Art by Fred Gambino.

More than one hundred full-length BattleTech or MechWarrior science fiction novels have been published by FASA Corporation and later by ROC, and have been translated into at least fifteen languages. The novels take place in the fictional BattleTech universe of the 31st and 32nd centuries. They can be considered space opera.[1]

History

The first official BattleTech novel was William H. Keith's Decision at Thunder Rift (1986); the last from FASA was Loren L. Coleman's Endgame (2002) which resolved plot lines and character arcs from many previous works. Subsequent publications jump ahead chronologically to the 32nd-century MechWarrior: Dark Age setting, beginning with Michael A. Stackpole's Ghost War (2002) and ending with Kevin Killiany's To Ride the Chimera (2008). The 2008 closure of WizKids delayed the release of further novels. Steven Mohan Jr's. A Bonfire of Worlds (2010) was initially advertised with an electronic cover showing a Battletech: Dark Age logo, but the printed version released in 2019 reverted to the more traditional BattleTech nomenclature.[2]

In June 2007, Catalyst Game Labs received the rights to publish both Classic and Dark Age book lines and had scheduled new works to resume in the fall of 2009. However, the next novel, Embers of War, was not released until 2015, with 5 novels total published by February, 2019, and a semi-regular release schedule resuming that year.[3][4][5] Several novellas associated with Kickstarter have also been produced for both the Table Top game Battletech[6] and the turn-based strategy game, titled simply BattleTech, by Harebrained Schemes.[7][8]

BattleTech novels

The following novels occur during what was referred to the "Classic BattleTech" era, which includes the 31st century and preceding centuries. Also, additional eras have been added, broadening the term. The Classic reference was dropped after the ownership change and rebranding occurred.

Title Author Published ISBN Synopsis
Decision at Thunder Rift William H. Keith, Jr. September 1986,
September 1992
ISBN 0-931787-69-6,
ISBN 0-451-45184-8
Book one of The Saga of the Gray Death Legion. Grayson Death Carlyle is the young son of the commander of Carlyle's Commandos, a mercenary unit employed by the Lyran Commonwealth. When the Commandos are destroyed in a sneak attack on the planet Trell I, Grayson must help the people of Trell repel the invading forces while trying to live up to his father's legacy and the pay back the person who killed his father.
The Sword and the Dagger Ardath Mayhar April 1987 ISBN 0-931787-77-7 Ardan Sortek discovers a plot to replace Hanse Davion, First Prince of the Federated Suns, with a double under the control of Maximilian Liao, Chancellor of the rival Capellan Confederation.
Mercenary's Star William H. Keith, Jr. 1987,
November 1992
ISBN 1-55560-030-1,
ISBN 0-451-45194-5
Book two of The Saga of the Gray Death Legion. The fledgling Gray Death Legion, formed in the fighting on Trell I, takes on their first assignment: train the inhabitants of Verthandi to fight their Draconis Combine overlords.
The Price of Glory William H. Keith, Jr. 1987,
January 1993
ISBN 1-55560-038-7,
ISBN 0-451-45217-8
Book three of The Saga of the Gray Death Legion. Grayson, now leader of the Legion, accepts a contract to work for the Free Worlds League, but falls prey to a double cross and is unjustly accused of a terrible crime because he finds a cache and a Pre-Successions War Star League base. He has to figure out how to survive the double cross for himself and the men under his command.
Warrior: En Garde Michael A. Stackpole June 1988,
April 1998
ISBN 1-55560-046-8,
ISBN 0-451-45683-1
Book one of The Warrior Trilogy. Justin Xiang Allard is exiled from the Federated Suns and makes his way to Solaris VII where he pledges himself to the service of the Capellan Confederation. Melissa Steiner, heir to the throne of the Lyran Commonwealth, is kidnapped and Daniel Allard and the Kell Hounds mercenary unit mount a rescue.
Warrior: Riposte Michael A. Stackpole August 1988,
June 1998
ISBN 1-55560-068-9,
ISBN 0-451-45685-8
Book two of The Warrior Trilogy. Tensions surround the marriage of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner on Terra, culminating in the onset of the Fourth Succession War. Morgan Kell, co-founder of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit, is recalled from his self-imposed exile to lead the group into war.
Wolves on the Border Robert N. Charrette 1988,
May 1996
ISBN 1-55560-087-5,
ISBN 0-451-45388-3
Wolf's Dragoons, a high-profile mercenary unit in the employ of the Draconis Combine, becomes the target of a plot by a devious warlord to permanently secure their services. The unit's friend and Combine liaison Minobu Tetsuhara is caught between duty and friendship as war looms.
Warrior: Coupé Michael A. Stackpole April 1989,
November 1998
ISBN 1-55560-073-5,
ISBN 0-451-45702-1
Book three of The Warrior Trilogy. The Fourth Succession War continues and Justin Allard, now a high-ranking member of Capellan intelligence, tries to repel Davion invaders and deal with a possible spy. Morgan Kell and his Kell Hounds approach a showdown with Yorinaga Kurita.
Heir to the Dragon Robert N. Charrette August 1989,
September 1996
ISBN 1-55560-095-6,
ISBN 0-451-45527-4
During the tumult of the Fourth Succession War and the War of 3039, Theodore Kurita, ambitious son of the conservative Draconis Combine Coordinator, navigates treachery in the court and dangers on the battlefield.
Lethal Heritage Michael A. Stackpole 1989,
September 1995
ISBN 1-55560-091-3,
ISBN 0-451-45383-2
Book one of The Blood of Kerensky Trilogy. A new generation of characters makes its debut in this series. Victor Steiner-Davion, heir to the throne of the Federated Commonwealth, is fresh from the academy and posted to the back end of nowhere. Kai Allard-Liao, son of the great Justin Xiang Allard and Candace Liao, fears he can never live up to the tremendous legacy of his parents. Shin Yodama is a yakuza soldier in the army of the Draconis Combine, assigned to safeguard the grandson of Coordinator Takashi Kurita. Phelan Kell has followed in his father Morgan's footsteps and serves in the mercenary Kell Hounds. All four of these young men must face dangers both internal and external when a mysterious invader from beyond the Periphery threatens everything they know and love.
Blood Legacy Michael A. Stackpole December 1990,
November 1995
ISBN 1-55560-092-1,
ISBN 0-451-45384-0
Book two of The Blood of Kerensky Trilogy. The Clans have been stopped temporarily through the sacrifice of a young pilot. Jaime Wolf, commander of the mysterious and elite Wolf's Dragoons mercenary unit, takes the opportunity to reveal the origin of this new menace: they are the descendants of the Star League Defense Force, which left the Inner Sphere over two hundred years ago after the collapse of the League. The Dragoons, themselves former Clanners, intend to train the heirs of the Successor States to fight and defeat the Clans, if old prejudices and hatreds don't tear the Inner Sphere apart first. The first real test of this new-found sense of cooperation is the defense of Luthien, capital world of the Draconis Combine. But just what is the ultimate objective of the Clans?
Lost Destiny Michael A. Stackpole September 1991,
December 1995
ISBN 1-55560-094-8,
ISBN 0-451-45385-9
Book three of The Blood of Kerensky Trilogy. The man once known as Phelan Kell has risen through the ranks in Clan Wolf and now stands to win a coveted Bloodname, the highest honor the Clans can bestow. Kai Allard-Liao is missing and presumed dead in the wake of a Clan Jade Falcon attack. Victor Steiner-Davion must mount a rescue of a man who once would have been considered his mortal enemy: Hohiro Kurita. And behind it all, ComStar lurks, ready to betray their Clan allies for the chance to fulfill their destiny as the saviors of humanity.
Way of the Clans Robert Thurston August 1991 ISBN 0-451-45101-5 Book one of The Jade Phoenix Trilogy. Cadet Aidan of Clan Jade Falcon dreams of one day being a Warrior and contributing his genetic material to his Clan's breeding program. But first he has to make it out of the sibko, not an easy task when he has to compete against his fellow cadets and endure the scorn of Falconer Joanna.
Bloodname Robert Thurston October 1991 ISBN 0-451-45117-1 Book two of The Jade Phoenix Trilogy. Aidan is a Warrior, though his path to this role was not one he ever would have imagined. Masquerading as a freeborn named Jorge, he has to hide his true self for fear of his Clan's reaction. When an opportunity to prove his value comes, Aidan leaps to take advantage of the glory he wins and claim his rightful place among the trueborn Warriors of Clan Jade Falcon.
Falcon Guard Robert Thurston December 1991 ISBN 0-451-45129-5 Book three of The Jade Phoenix Trilogy. Star Colonel Aidan Pryde has achieved many of the dreams he once had for himself. But the path he took to reach his goals has made him a pariah within the ranks of Clan Jade Falcon, begrudgingly accepted because of the need for as many Warriors as possible to feed the progress of the Clans' invasion of the Inner Sphere. When ComStar challenges the Clans to one final decisive battle on the planet Tukayyid, Aidan gets one last shot at redemption.
Wolf Pack Robert N. Charrette April 1992 ISBN 0-451-45224-0 Wolf's Dragoons have seen and done it all. With their true identity and purpose revealed during the Clan invasion, they have begun to rebuild both their reputation and their forces. However, an overly-ambitious former Clanner and the insecure scion of Jaime Wolf's own family threaten to undo everything the Dragoons have achieved in their half-century as mercenaries. Jaime Wolf and his Dragoons must decide once and for all if they belong to the Clans or the Inner Sphere... or perhaps are something different from either.
Natural Selection Michael A. Stackpole July 1992 ISBN 0-451-45219-4 Raiders equipped with Clan weaponry are hitting worlds along the Clan Occupation Zone/Federated Commonwealth border. Archon-Prince Designate Victor Steiner-Davion and Khan Phelan Ward of Clan Wolf agree to jointly defeat the raiders despite their differences. Melissa Steiner is assassinated by a bomb blast, adding to the tension of the raids.
Ideal War Christopher Kubasik March 1993 ISBN 0-451-45309-3 Paul Masters is a MechWarrior of House Marik, closely associated with Captain-General Thomas Marik. When Thomas gives him a copy of Le Morte d'Arthur, he becomes part of the newly formed Knights of the Inner Sphere. He is then dispatched to Gibson, where he falls into a political trap between the noble ruler, the rebellious locals, and the Word of Blake, all fighting a Vietnam-like counter insurgency, complete with body counts. The mounting fighting brings in Captain-General Marik, leading him to invade and settle the argument. The rebels bring in nuclear weapons at the climax and Masters is installed as the noble ruler.
Main Event James D. Long May 1993 ISBN 0-451-45245-3 The Black Thorns, a newly minted Mercenary Company, accepts a garrison contract on the backwater world of Borghese after brutal fighting on the world of Galatea. What seems like a normal tour of duty is punctuated by political infighting and a Clan invasion. Will their charismatic leader lead them to victory against the Clans, or will he lose his command again?
Blood of Heroes Andrew Keith July 1993 ISBN 0-451-45259-3 Melissa Steiner's assassination ignited the fires of civil war, and now secessionist factions clamor for rebellion against the Federated Commonwealth, The rebels' plans hinge on gaining control of the Skye March, and thus controlling the crucial Terran Corridor. Throughout the March, civil and military leaders plot to take up arms against Prince Victor Steiner-Davion. The final piece of the plan requires the secessionist forces to gain access to the planet Glengarry and the mercenary group that calls it home: the Gray Death Legion.
Far Country Peter Rice October 1993 ISBN 0-451-45337-9 A DEST (Draconis Elite Strike Team) group, accompanied by a small mercenary group, make a misjump from Kurita space and land on a planet inhabited by 500-year-old colonists and a mysterious alien lifeform. Amidst their battles to survive and return to the inner sphere, they form a bond with highly intelligent birds who see them as the fulfillment of their own prophecy.
Assumption of Risk Michael A. Stackpole 1993 ISBN 0-451-45283-6 Kai Allard-Liao has returned to the world that made his father famous, the gaming planet of Solaris VII. But being the Gaming World's Champion is the least of his worries as conflicts abound, from the arrival of a former lover to the assassination plot of a political leader.
D.R.T. James D. Long May 1994 ISBN 0-451-45364-6 The Black Thorns, fresh from their victory at Borghese (but lacking funds) take a high-profile contract on the world of Wolcott, a Draconis Combine world deep within the holdings of Clan Nova Cat and Clan Smoke Jaguar. Prompted by their fiscal desperation, they take on a risky contract that will lead them deep into the Clans. Can they make it out alive, or will they be swallowed by a superior Clan force?
Close Quarters Victor Milán September 1994 ISBN 0-451-45378-6 First of the Camacho's Caballeros novels. Hired to provide protection for Chandrasekhar Kurita's business holdings on Hachiman, Camacho's Cablleros and Cassie Suthorn begin to feel out a plot to take down the high-ranking noble. When an alliance between his foes threatens Chandrasekhar's interests, Cassie and the Caballeros face a tough battle between their friends in the Ninth Ghost Regiment and Ninyu Kerai Indrahar, the spymaster manipulating the whole conflict.
Bred for War Michael A. Stackpole January 1995 ISBN 0-451-45379-4 Covers the origins and the fighting of the Refusal War fought between Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon in 3057. Also covers that forming of the Lyran Alliance and the brief war between the Capellan Confederation, Free Worlds League, and the Federated Commonwealth.
I Am Jade Falcon Robert Thurston May 1995 ISBN 0-451-45380-8 Star Commander Joanna and Khan Natasha Kerensky face off on the planet Twycross during the Refusal War between the Jade Falcons and the Wolves. For Natasha Kerensky, it is an opportunity to bog down the Falcons while elements of the Wolves flee to the Inner Sphere. For Joanna, it may be her last opportunity to die in battle before being transferred back to the clan homeworlds.
Highlander Gambit Blaine Lee Pardoe June 1995 ISBN 0-451-45381-6 During the Fourth Succession War, the famed Northwind Highlanders were granted their homeworld by the Federated Suns in return for breaking ties with their employer, the Capellan Confederation. Now thirty years later, an elite Death Commando and descendant of a Highlander is ordered by his ruler to sacrifice everything he is and everything he has to destroy the bonds between the Federated Commonwealth and the Highlanders, even if it means the Highlanders' destruction.
Tactics of Duty William H. Keith, Jr. August 1995 ISBN 0-451-45490-1 Alexander Carlyle, the son of Lori Kalmar and Grayson Death Carlyle, and Davis McCall, a veteran legionnaire and native Caledonian, unexpectedly find themselves key players in a popular revolt on Caledonia against a cruel and despised Davion-backed governor. When the Gray Death Legion is called upon to put down this very rebellion, they all find themselves pawns in a deadly game of manipulation and betrayal.
Star Lord Donald G. Phillips February 1996 ISBN 0-451-45386-7 An heir to the Usurper Stefan Amaris appears deep in the periphery, and it is up to a crack team of Free Worlds League troops to infiltrate his operation and assassinate the would-be Star Lord.
Malicious Intent Michael A. Stackpole March 1996 ISBN 0-451-45531-2 Set right after the refusal war between Clan Jade Falcon and Clan Wolf, this novel focuses on Clan Jade Falcon's attack on Coventry, which has the unintended side effect of uniting disparate elements of the Inner Sphere. Vlad of Clan Wolf attempts to rebuild his clan with political intrigue. Time Period covered - December 3057 to June 3058

James Swallow reviewed Malicious Intent for Arcane magazine, rating it a 7 out of 10 overall.[9] Swallow comments that "It seems Stackpole had a list of all the important political happenings in 3058 and has shoe-horned them all into this book. What you get is a ringside seat at the return from the dead of the Wolf Clan, the Jade Falcon Clan's invasion toward Tharkad, ComStar's loss of Terra, the start of a grand House-wide alliance, and some interesting hints about future events, including a Clan/House pact cemented by lust and mutual interest. Epic."[9]

Hearts of Chaos Victor Milán June 1996 ISBN 0-451-45523-1 Camacho's Caballeros are sent to the planet Towne, where hints of a plot against the Combine continue to surface. Once there, they find the planet split between support for the local Davionists, and the desire for stability among the Draconis Combine. Behind the Combine troops, however, lie the Kokoryu-Kai, a mysterious organization that wants to overthrow the Coordinator of the Combine.
Operation Excalibur William H. Keith, Jr. August 1996 ISBN 0-451-45534-7 The Gray Death Legion detaches themselves from the planet Glengarry, and takes service with their erstwhile enemy, the rebellious governor of Hesperus. Under the guise of turncoats, they play a dangerous game of brinkmanship that culminates in a battle among the 'Mech factory itself. Can they bring Hesperus back into the Lyran Alliance, or will they destroy the factory they swore to protect?
Black Dragon Victor Milán November 1996 ISBN 0-451-45528-2 On the Coordinator's Birthday, Camacho's Caballeros are invited to Luthien to be honored for their work on the planet Towne. However, while they wait for their honors, Cassie Suthorn begins to unravel a plot to kill the coordinator. With Ninyu Kerai Indrahar's help, she finds the Kuroyu-kai plotting a nefarious scheme to kill the Coordinator with his own bodyguards. If they interfere, the Caballeros could be branded murderers, but if they don't, the future of the Combine could be in jeopardy.
Impetus of War Blaine Lee Pardoe December 1996 ISBN 0-451-45529-0 The Draconis Combine hires out the famous Northwind Highlanders for a daring mission into clan space. 'Cat' Stirling and Loren Jaffrey take the Stirling Fusiliers to the planet of Wayside V deep behind clan lines for a strike on the Smoke Jaguar's supply lines.
Double-Blind Loren L. Coleman April 1997 ISBN 0-451-45597-5 Using fast and furious hit-and-run tactics, Marcus GioAvanti and mercenaries have earned a tough reputation throughout the Inner Sphere. But the Inner Sphere isn't where their newest job is taking them—because their latest employer resides in that remote and mysterious region of space known as the Periphery. Marcus and his Angels will have to face the real force behind the hostilities—the religious cult known as Word of Blake.
Binding Force Loren L. Coleman July 1997 ISBN 0-451-45604-1 February 3058 - The year of the Horse. The Capellan Confederation is trying to "pacify" the Chaos March - starting with the Sarna Supremacy. House Hiritsu is assigned to take Sarna, but the House Master is assassinated at the time they arrive into the system. Aris Sung - a young mechwarrior - fights his way through the campaign, trying to find the killer of the House Master, survive the war - and prove that the will of the House Master is the will of the House.
Exodus Road Blaine Lee Pardoe August 1997 ISBN 0-451-45612-2 Book one of The Twilight of the Clans series. The Smoke Jaguars are one of the most powerful Clans, yet are the most savage and demanding on their people. When one mechwarrior Trent feels that his clan has betrayed him, a captured ComStar agent convinces him to travel the Exodus road not once, but twice, and returns with a prize worthy of the Inner Sphere: Huntress, the Capitol of Clan Smoke Jaguar!.
Grave Covenant Michael A. Stackpole September 1997 ISBN 0-451-45613-0 Book two of The Twilight of the Clans series. The states of the Inner Sphere have reformed the Star League, and begin the campaign to destroy Clan Smoke Jaguar, while the Clans plan to continue the invasion. Within the clans, however, warden and crusader tensions may doom a resumption before it starts. Can Lincoln Osis lead the Smoke Jaguars to victory, or will they be annihilated, tooth and claw?
The Hunters Thomas S. Gressman December 1997 ISBN 0-451-45624-6 Book three of The Twilight of the Clans series. Task Force Serpent has the Eridani Light Horse, MacLeod's Regiment of the Northwind Highlanders, 1st Kathil Ulhans, 11th Lyran Guards, ComGuards, Kingston's Rangers, 1st Knights of the Inner Sphere, and two Special Forces teams. Not to mention its WarShips, and Space Craft. All commanded by Marshal of the Armies Morgan Hasek-Davion. Its mission is to reduce Huntress, homeworld of Clan Smoke Jaguar, to an agrarian planet. But how can these once-rival forces combine, and are their enemies lurking amongst them?
Freebirth Robert Thurston February 1998 ISBN 0-451-45665-3 Book four of The Twilight of the Clans series. Mechwarrior Diana is sponsored for an attempt to earn the Pryde bloodname, and Star Captain Joanna is assigned as her trainer, leaving them both bound for Ironhold. Meanwhile, Horse, now also a Star Captain, is dispatched to the Clan Jade Falcon outpost of Falcon's Eyrie on the Smoke Jaguar homeworld of Huntress, on a special mission for Khan Martha Pryde. When there, he finds secret research by the scientist caste, and must fight to restore their clan's honor. Little do they know that soon after they leave, a far greater force will arrive on Huntress...
Sword and Fire Thomas S. Gressman August 1998 ISBN 0-451-45676-9 Book five of The Twilight of the Clans series. Huntress, capitol of the Smoke Jaguars. After the death of Marshall Morgan Hasek-Davion, Ariana Winston, the General in charge of the Eridani Light Horse, is chosen to lead Task Force Serpent. As they wind their way among the stars, they finally reach their goal and begin the pacification. However, a new wave of Jaguars is on its way from the Inner Sphere, pushed out by Victor Steiner-Davion's Operation Bulldog. Can they survive this new influx of clan troops, or has their task been doomed all along?
Shadows of War Thomas S. Gressman September 1998 ISBN 0-451-45707-2 Book six of The Twilight of the Clans series. Morgan Hasek-Davion is dead. Arianna Winston is leading a desperate defensive on Huntress while enraged Clan Smoke Jaguar troops flood the field. As the Serpent forces lose more and more men, death seems certain. But in the knick of time, Operation Bulldog arrives and eradicates the last of the Smoking Jaguars. But in the wake of their victory, Victor Steiner-Davion reveals the true goal of their fight: Strana Mechty, the homeworlds of the Clans, itself!
Prince of Havoc Michael A. Stackpole December 1998 ISBN 0-451-45706-4 Book seven of The Twilight of the Clans series. Victor Steiner-Davion leads his battered, but victorious forces to Strana Mechty, and begins the bidding process for the Clan invasion itself. The Inner Sphere mechwarriors fight for honor, for hope, and for their lives, and in the end emerge victorious. But Clan Wolf Khan Vlad Ward lets off a parting shot as the coalition forces leave his homeworld: the Inner Sphere may not be as stable as when they left.
Falcon Rising Robert Thurston March 1999 ISBN 0-451-45738-2 Book eight of The Twilight of the Clans series. After the Great Refusal, Khan Marthe Pryde of Clan Jade Falcon decides to sharpen the Clan's talons in the Inner Sphere, and allows Freeborn Mechwarrior Diana, daughter of Aidan Pryde, to compete for a bloodname.
Threads of Ambition Loren L. Coleman May 1999 ISBN 0-451-45745-5 Book one of The Capellan Solution. Isis Marik, fiancé of Sun-Tzu Liao, is attacked in Capellan Space by a rogue St. Ives Compact unit. This gives Sun-Tzu the excuse he has been waiting for to go to war with the Compact. Despite their small numbers, the Compact forces put up the fight of their lives to maintain their freedom.
The Killing Fields Loren L. Coleman August 1999 ISBN 0-451-45753-6 Book two of The Capellan Solution. Sun-Tzu Liao's "Xin Sheng" movement has picked up momentum with the occupation of many St. Ives Compact worlds, but as the fighting continues into a bloodier conflict both sides are left to wonder what they are fighting for.
Ghost of Winter Stephen Kenson October 1999 ISBN 0-451-45760-9 A MechWarrior series novel - Set on a snowy backwater planet where raiders have discovered that a cache of Clan second line mechs remains hidden. The nearly non-existent militia must not only find it first, but then figure out of a way to get the raiders off their planet.
Roar of Honor Blaine Lee Pardoe October 1999 ISBN 0-451-45761-7 A MechWarrior series novel about a conflict between Clan Ghost Bear and Clan Wolf.
By Blood Betrayed Blaine Lee Pardoe,
Mel Odom
November 1999 ISBN 0-451-45766-8 A MechWarrior series book focusing around a backwater planet in the Rim Collection and a young MechWarrior's quest to find his brother's betrayer.
Dagger Point Thomas S. Gressman April 2000 ISBN 0-451-45783-8 SLDF's Eridani Light Horse has been dispatched to St. Ives Compact on a peacekeeping mission only to find a world where its people have turned completely hostile towards them.
Illusions of Victory Loren L. Coleman May 2000 ISBN 0-451-45790-0 A novel of the FedCom Civil War centering around a Solaris VII fighter. Time Period covered - 10 August 3062 to 31 August 3062 (Prelude is September 3059)
Measure of a Hero Blaine Lee Pardoe July 2000 ISBN 0-451-45794-3 First Archer Christifori novel, concerns the FedCom Civil War. Time Period covered - October 3062 to February 3063 (Prologue is April 3060)
Path of Glory Randall N. Bills December 2000 ISBN 0-451-45807-9 A novel about an alliance between Clan Nova Cat and the Draconis Combine at the beginning of the FedCom Civil War.
Flashpoint Loren L. Coleman April 2001 ISBN 0-451-45824-9 A novel of the FedCom Civil War. Time Period covered - 8 October 3062 to 10 December 3062 (Prelude is March 3060)
Test of Vengeance Bryan Nystul June 2001 ISBN 0-451-45836-2 A book centering around Clan Ghost Bear and an elemental's attempt to rise in rank within the clan.
Patriots and Tyrants Loren L. Coleman September 2001 ISBN 0-451-45845-1 The Federated Commonwealth & Lyran Alliance begin to collide into beginnings of what will become the FedCom Civil War. Victor Steiner-Davion can no longer ignore the troubles in his former realm.
Call of Duty Blaine Lee Pardoe October 2001 ISBN 0-451-45856-7 Second Archer Christifori novel. A novel of the FedCom Civil War. Where Archer and his Avengers must confront legendary mercenary unit, Snord's Irregulars, and convince them to join Victor's army on eve of their contract expiring.
Initiation to War Robert N. Charrette November 2001 ISBN 0-451-45851-6 A MechWarrior series novel - Epsilon Eridani is being raided by pirates. The federated government is helpless to aide. Now, the local counties governments call for volunteers to man Battalion of Battlemechs to fend off the enemy. However, who really is the enemy?
The Dying Time Thomas S. Gressman January 2002 ISBN 0-451-45866-4 A MechWarrior series novel - Grayson Death Carlyle was the young son of the commander of Carlyle's Commandos, a mercenary unit employed by the Lyran Commonwealth. Now he goes on his death bed, after years of radiation and unimaginable wounds from the Mech cockpit. His wife takes up the reins as the Death Legion embark on their greatest challenge since their birth. The Gray Death Legion return to Hesperus but this time to protect the facility during the raveges of the FedCom Civil War, once Sky Separatist launch a major assault, their survival, even as Katharine’s most beloved merc unit comes into question.
Imminent Crisis Randall N. Bills March 2002 ISBN 0-451-45872-9 A MechWarrior series novel - A novel of the FedCom Civil War set around the Capellan March capital and its internal struggles. Duke Haesk directs his 8th Syrtis Fusiliers & its allied forces attempt to fight off regiments of Katrina Steiner-Davion's FedCom loyalist army from taking over Syrtis.
Storms of Fate Loren L. Coleman April 2002 ISBN 0-451-45876-1 First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion, continues his campaign to win the FedCom Civil War and fight Katrina (Katherine) Steiner-Davion's loyalist troops.
Operation Audacity Blaine Lee Pardoe June 2002 ISBN 0-451-45885-0 Third Archer Christifori novel. During the FedCom Civil War, Clan Jade Falcon attacks and seizes planets in the Lyran Alliance. Prince Victor Steiner-Davion sends Major General Archer Christifori to check the Clan advance by taking Clan worlds behind those recently captured. Time Period covered - 23 May 3064 to 27 February 3065
Endgame Loren L. Coleman August 2002 ISBN 0-451-45893-1 Prince Victor Steiner-Davion and his allies attempt to crush the Loyalists under Victor's sister, Katrina and bring an end to the FedCom Civil War.
The Legend of the Jade Phoenix Trilogy Robert Thurston October 2003 ISBN 0-451-45951-2 An omnibus reprint of Way of the Clans, Bloodname and Falcon Guard.
Embers of War Jason Schmetzer 2015 ISBN 978-1-942487-23-4 First new Battletech novel in 13 years. The book centers around the mercenary company known as the Stealthy Tigers in game year 3067. The novel focus on world of Hall which the Stealthy Tigers were contracted to end civil war accruing on the planet. The mercenary company finds itself now waiting for their contract to end when they faced with crisis challenges their very fibers that makes it who they are: Professional Mercenaries.[3]
Betrayal of Ideals Blaine Lee Pardoe September 4, 2016 ISBN 978-1-942487-5-79 Set during the early 2800s, the story centers around the descendants of the Star League Self-Defense Force, the Clans. One had committed crimes so terrible that its very name is shunned and only referred Not-Named Clan. Known as Clan Wolverine, the story centers to the truth of what cause them to become forcefully erased from the Clan's histories and only as chief betrayer of Clan Society.[4]
The Nellus Academy Incident Jennifer Brozek 2018 ISBN 978-1-942487-7-15 Originally released as a web serial via the BattleCorps website, this work follows cadets at the Nellus Academy on the world of Nestor in the Free Worlds League, and is set in 3067.
A Splinter of Hope, The Anvil Philip A. Lee, Blaine Lee Pardoe 2018 ISBN 978-1-941582-56-5 Two new novellas released in one book, A Splinter of Hope covers fighting between the Capellan Confederation and the Federated suns in 3147 and 3148, with most of the action taking place on New Syrtis and focusing on Julian Davion. The Anvil covers Jade Falcon Khan Malvina Hazen's attacks on the Lyran Commonwealth in 3148, with details on how the Mongol Doctrine has spread throughout the Falcon touman.
Forever Faithful Blaine Lee Pardoe February 20, 2019 ISBN 978-1-941582-77-0 In the year 3060, the reborn Star League has destroyed Clan Smoke Jaguar, conquered their home world Huntress, and scattered the few remaining Jaguar warriors to the winds. Now the League seeks to end the Clan invasion for good by using former Smoke Jaguars against their own people.Meanwhile, two bitter enemies seek to salvage a future for the last Jaguars in existence: Trent, who betrayed his wayward Clan to help them regain their honor, and Paul Moon, a disgraced warrior torn between his pledged loyalty to the Star League and a duty to the Smoke Jaguar civilization he was born to protect.But power-hungry predators lurk in Clan space, waiting for the right time to strike the vulnerable Star League forces. And to the victor will go the spoils: the priceless artifacts of a destroyed Clan and the sacred genetics of the final generation of Smoke Jaguar warriors.Trent and Paul Moon must fight tooth and nail against would-be conquerors to save the soul of the surviving Jaguar people before they are consigned to the annals of history. But will their divergent plans tear the survivors apart, or lead them toward freedom?[5]

MechWarrior: Dark Age novels

The following novels occur during the era of MechWarrior: Dark Age in the early to mid 32nd century.

Title Author Published ISBN Synopsis
Ghost War Michael A. Stackpole December 2002 ISBN 0-451-45905-9 Sam Donnelly investigates a terrorist organization on the planets Helen and Basalt. Time Period covered - 12 November 3132 to 2 March 3133
A Call to Arms Loren L. Coleman February 2003 ISBN 0-451-45912-1 Customs officer Raul Ortega must deal with a Steel Wolf attack on the planet Achernar, one of the few worlds with a working HPG station.
The Ruins of Power Robert Vardeman April 2003 ISBN 0-451-45928-8 War comes to Mirach, and the pacifistic governor wants none of it. His son Austin must take up the sword instead.
A Silence in the Heavens Martin Delrio June 2003 ISBN 0-451-45932-6 Book One of The Proving Grounds Trilogy. The Steel Wolves, led by Anastasia Kerensky, assault Northwind. They are opposed by Tara Campbell and her Highlanders, as well as Paladin Ezekiel Crow.
Truth and Shadows Martin Delrio August 2003 ISBN 0-451-45938-5 Book Two of The Proving Grounds Trilogy. While Tara Campbell and Ezekiel Crow grow closer, Anastasia Kerensky makes another attempt on Northwind. Meanwhile, a dark secret threatens to unravel the alliance against the Steel Wolves.
Service for the Dead Martin Delrio November 2003 ISBN 0-451-45943-1 Book Three of The Proving Grounds Trilogy. Anastasia Kerensky leads her Steel Wolves to Terra, the capital of the Republic of the Sphere. Tara Campbell not only must stop the Wolf leader, but also confront a traitor closer to home.
By Temptations and By War Loren L. Coleman December 2003 ISBN 0-451-45947-4 The planet Liao holds special significance to the Capellan Confederation and its ruling House Liao. Chancellor Daoshen Liao sends an agent to regain the planet from the Republic and resurrect a long-dead Warrior House. The mystery of the Betrayer of Liao is resolved.
Fortress of Lies J. Steven York February 2004 ISBN 0-451-45963-6 Duke Aaron Sandoval uses his nephew Erik to make alliances and oppose the Capellan advance into the Republic.
Patriot's Stand Mike Moscoe April 2004 ISBN 0-451-45970-9 When an unscrupulous businessman hires Hansen's Roughriders to help him conquer the planet Alkalurops, the determined natives must put their fate in the hands of a rag-tag group of mercenaries.
Flight of the Falcon Victor Milán June 2004 ISBN 0-451-45983-0 Clan Jade Falcon enters the fray as the Hazen sibkin, Malvina and Alex, lead an incursion into the Republic. Their target: Skye.
Blood of the Isle Loren L. Coleman August 2004 ISBN 0-451-45988-1 An unlikely alliance has arisen between the loyal Highlanders, the secessionist Stormhammers and the predatory Steel Wolves to protect the planet Skye against Clan Jade Falcon.
Hunters of the Deep Randall N. Bills October 2004 ISBN 0-451-46005-7 Clan Sea Fox roams the spacelanes like interstellar Gypsies, buying and selling at every world and living almost entirely on their enormous ArcShips and CargoShips. In the midst of his regular duties, ovKhan Petr Kalasa of Delta Aimag uncovers intrigue among his fellow merchants.
The Scorpion Jar Jason M. Hardy December 2004 ISBN 0-451-46020-0 The death of a legendary hero triggers further crisis in the Republic of the Sphere. With all of his fellow Paladins gathered on Terra to elect a new Exarch, Jonah Levin investigates the mystery behind this tragic murder and uncovers a conspiracy that could bring the Republic to the brink of destruction.
Target of Opportunity Blaine Lee Pardoe February 2005 ISBN 0-451-46016-2 ComStar once ruled the realm of interstellar communications throughout the Inner Sphere. Then came the Jihad, launched by a fanatical splinter group. The organization rebuilt, but the crash of the Hyperpulse Generator net nearly three years ago may just be the fatal blow for ComStar. One young Adept thinks he may have the answer to restoring communications, but will he be allowed to test his theory or will he become the pawn of warring factions?
Sword of Sedition Loren L. Coleman April 2005 ISBN 0-451-46022-7 Book One of the Republic in Flames duology. Strife continues to build in the Republic government and the new Exarch struggles to repair the damage. With dignitaries from across human space arriving to honor a fallen hero, Terra becomes a pressure cooker that may just explode and bring devastation to everyone.
Daughter of the Dragon Ilsa J. Bick June 2005 ISBN 0-451-46034-0 Katana Tormark was once a powerful figure in the Republic until the crash of the HPG system brought out her true allegiance. Now she conquers in the name of the Draconis Combine. But does Coordinator Vincent Kurita support or despise her?
Heretic's Faith Randall N. Bills August 2005 ISBN 0-451-46040-5 Clan Nova Cat is known for following their mystical visions, even when the path appears strange to outsiders. Led by the visions of the Mystic Caste, the Nova Cats take up an offer of alliance extended to them by Katana Tormark, now Warlord of Dieron. Will they take the opportunity to reconnect with their sundered brethren in the Republic? Or destroy them?
Fortress Republic Loren L. Coleman October 2005 ISBN 0-451-46053-7 Book Two of the Republic in Flames duology. With more and more threats appearing on his doorstep, Exarch Jonah Levin has a tough decision to make. Will his attempts to save the Republic doom it instead? Meanwhile, Julian Davion, stripped of his position as Prince's Champion, leads a multinational force against the Senatorial rebellion and Caleb Davion assumes control of the Federated Suns.
Blood Avatar Ilsa J. Bick December 2005 ISBN 0-451-46074-X The first body that turns up in Farway, a secluded town on the planet Denebola, is from out of town. When the Denebola Bureau of Investigation and the legate’s office from half the planet away decide to help identify the murder victim, Sheriff Hank Ketchum knows he’s in over his head. Enter the infamous Detective Jack Ramsey. With the help of the talented and beautiful local medical examiner, Amanda Slade, Ramsey digs into the case and discovers evidence that puts Farway at the heart of a conspiracy.
Trial by Chaos J. Steven York June 2006 ISBN 0-451-46072-3 (3136 A.D.) - The Rasalhague Dominion has disbatched its Omega Galaxy to planet Vega in former Prefecture I, trying to bring stability back to the region of former Republic of the Sphere. However, the planet's civilian population is in chaos. With threats of invasion from Draconis Combine and on planet terrorist, Ghost Bear warriors face forces from outworld and within their very clan may make them fail this trial.
Principles of Desolation Jason M. Hardy August 2006 ISBN 0-451-46081-2 Raised among royalty in the Magistracy of Canopus, where the superiority of women is a cultural axiom, Danai Liao-Centrella possesses all the confidence necessary for her to ascend through the Confederacy ranks, despite having to contend with the constant machinations of her maniacal brother, Daoshen. But when her latest mission ends in defeat and personal disgrace, Danai will face the greatest challenge of her life. Chancellor Daoshen rewards her failure by giving her a battalion of her own and a brand-new battlefield. And Danai is about to learn that in service to the state, even family comes second to safeguarding the Capellan Confederation.
Wolf Hunters Kevin Killiany November 2006 ISBN 0-451-46095-2 Anastasia Kerensky has declared the Steel Wolf Clan to be mercenaries, re-christening them Wolf Hunters. The combination of autonomy and wealth will make them more than a match for any MechWarrior battalion suicidal enough to challenge them. But the real challenge comes from within the Clan. Star Colonel Varnoff believes Kerensky has betrayed them all-and with a loyal faction of Steel Wolves at his side vows to destroy all the Wolf Hunters.
Surrender Your Dreams Blaine Lee Pardoe December 2006 ISBN 0-451-46120-7 (3135-3136, & Beyond) - A Group of Knights, Ghost Knights & Paladin Redmond team up with Stone's hidden allies to ensure the future of the Republic of the Sphere.
Dragon Rising Ilsa J. Bick February 2007 ISBN 978-0-451-46141-4 Sequel to Daughter of the Dragon.
Masters of War Michael Stackpole April 2007 ISBN 978-0-451-46137-7 Former Republic of the Sphere falls prey to a new incursion. Clan Wolf has awaken to the desires to conqueror Terra. The Wolf Hunters and other forces have been called to former Prefecture 9 unite to fight them off the invasion. (October 3136 to May 3137)
A Rending of Falcons Victor Milán June 2007 ISBN 978-0-451-46159-9 Galaxy Commander Malvina Hazen, one of CJF's expeditary commanders has returned to Occupational Zone to confront her Khan for leadership of the Clan. The war changes the direction of the Falcons forever. This is the Sequel to both Flight of the Falcon & "Blood of the Isle". (Sept. 3135 to April 3136) Clan Jade Falcon Civil War
Pandora's Gambit Randall N. Bills August 2007 ISBN 978-0451461650 Captain-General Jessica Marik's Oriente Protectorate begins its gambit of re-uniting the House Marik. However, the others elements of the old League are in motion with their own plans.
Fire at Will Blaine Pardoe October 2007 ISBN 978-0451461780 Archon Melissa Steiner has order invasion of FWL to prevent its reunification. Trillian Steiner(-Davion) attempts to guide this campaign, pushing her loyalty and skills to the test for her Great House.
The Last Charge Jason M. Hardy December 2007 ISBN 0-451-46183-5 | ISBN 978-0-451-46183-4 Anson Marik is at his wits end. The Lyrans are pressing on his borders, his chief tactician has resigned, and his abilities as a leader are failing him. Now his enemies are on the move, taking the Marik-Steward Commonwealth planet by planet. If Marik cannot gather his strength to stop the invasion, his people will be doomed. Steiner Invasion of FWL Space (3136-3138)
To Ride the Chimera Kevin Killiany February 2008 ISBN 0-451-46194-0 | ISBN 978-0-451-46194-0 Thaddeus Marik has become the figurehead for a new community of worlds attempting to resurrect the Free Worlds League. After defeating a Lyran invasion on the planet of Savannah and negotiating a successful alliance with the Protectorate Coalition, Marik must now ally himself with Jessica Halas-Hughes Marik if the new league is to have a chance.

Having Marik and his forces at her side gives Jessica much-needed credibility and greater influence on Oriente. But old hatreds die hard, erupting in a war against enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy the founding of a new league...

A Bonfire of Worlds Steven Mohan Jr. 31 December 2009 ISBN 1934857246 | ISBN 978-1934857243 The failure of interstellar communications threatens civilization across the breadth of the Inner Sphere. ComStar kidnaps engineering genius Tucker Harwell who unravels the Blackout’s greatest mystery. Khan Malvina Hazen of the Jade Falcons hunts for the next enemy to crush beneath her brutal Mongol Doctrine, and the warrior Alaric Wolf makes his move into the halls of power. Secrets hidden for decades will finally be revealed, while an empire goes up in flames.

Note: This book was released for print in 2019.

German-language novels

Title Author Published ISBN Synopsis
Phoenix Peter Heid 2001 ISBN 3-453-18790-3 As they prepare an ambush on Clan forces, mercenaries recount a story from two decades earlier where their unit was betrayed by their employer, and almost destroyed.
Wahnsinn und Methode
(Madness and Method)
Michael Diel 2004 ISBN 3-89064-592-5 A Star League unit deployed on an exercise on a periphery planet is caught up in a local intrigue that frames them as war criminals.
Clangründer: Abkehr
(Clan Founder: Renunciation)
Randall N. Bills July 2004 ISBN 3-89064-596-8 Book one of The Clangründer Trilogy narrating General Kerensky's exodus and the formation of the Clan culture. An English-language edition of this novel has been released on Battlecorps.
Über dem Gesetz
(Above the Law)
Michael Diel January 2005 ISBN 3-89064-517-8 A James Bond-style agent thriller where a Star League agent is sent on a snipe hunt for a quartet of supposed murderers (whom he all ends up killing), only to later realize he was given false information about the case, and eventually find out what really happened.
Clangründer: Traum
(Clan Founder: Dream)
Randall N. Bills February 2006 ISBN 3-89064-597-6 Book two of The Clangründer Trilogy. The Exodus Civil War prompts a second exodus from the original exodus, and following his father's death Nicholas Kerensky ruthlessly manipulates his followers to establish the Clans as an artificial ideal culture in his sociopathic vision, and installs himself as their semi-religious leader. The novel ends with him announcing the re-conquest of the Pentagon Worlds by the newly formed Clans, declaring himself their ilKhan.
Die Albatros-Akte
(The Albatross File)
Reinhold H. Mai November 2005 ISBN 3-89064-526-7 Declared a fictional story within the BattleTech universe where four Lyran operatives attempt to bring down a rogue Archonet who has obtained secret technology that renders BattleMechs incapacitated.
Früchte voll Bitterkeit
(Fruits (full) of Bitterness)
Hermann Ritter, Erik Schreiber 2006 ISBN 3-89064-458-9 In the Free Worlds League a scheme by a sect leader sets a clockwork of crimes in motion with the ultimate goal of capturing a scion of the ruling House Marik, and then setting himself up as his rescuer to gain more influence.
Katze unter Bären
(Cat among Bears)
Arous Brocken 2006 ISBN 3-89064-490-2 Part 1 of the Bear Cycle. George, a Clan Nova Cat warrior, is captured by Clan Ghost Bear where he becomes a rising star through a combination of luck and skill.
In Ungnade
(In Disgrace)
Chris Hartford 2006 ISBN 3-89064-475-9 Titled Fall from Grace in English and set in the Free Worlds League during the early Star League era (2571–2616), chronicling the rise and fall of Rhean Marik. An English-language edition of this novel has been released on BattleCorps.
Clangründer: Bande
(Clan Founder: Bonds)
Randall N. Bills (announced, but never published) ISBN 3-89064-598-4 Book three of The Clangründer Trilogy.
En Passant
(In Passing)
Michael Diel 2006/2007 ISBN 3-89064-479-1 Book one of the unfinished Schattenkrieg (Shadow war) series. Only a small handful of people know that recently deceased Federated Suns First Prince Alexander Davion was in fact murdered. Without the knowledge of her superiors, a high-ranking intelligence officer begins a covert war against the Draconis Combine that spirals out of control and devolves into a space battle between WarShips at the novel's cliffhanger climax. Though announced, a sequel was not published.
Clanwächter
(Clan Guard)
Arous Brocken 2007 ISBN 978-3-89064-491-2 Part 2 of the Bear Cycle. George is at odds with the Clans' intelligence service who seem to work against the Clans' interests. He is set up to be killed in battle, and is captured by enemy mercenaries.
Mission Kiamba
(Mission Kiamba)
Arous Brocken 2007 ISBN 978-3-89064-493-6 Part 3 of the Bear Cycle. Stranded on Clan Smoke Jaguar-occupied Kiamba, the mercenaries who captured George incite an uprising on the world (by pretending they were hired by House Kurita to help the inhabitants against the Smoke Jaguar occupation), to cover their attempts to escape the planet.
Duo Infernale
(Duo Infernale)
Carolina Möbis 2007 ISBN 978-3-89064-498-1 A small mercenary unit is wiped out in a sneak attack. The two survivors learn that they unwittingly guarded a nuclear weapons cache, and embark on an undercover mission to hunt down the perpetrators before the stolen nukes can be used for terrorist attacks.
Karma
(Karma)
Bernard Craw 2007 ISBN 978-3-89064-454-7 At the dawn of the 4th Succession War, the 3rd Defenders of Andurien raid the Capellan vacuum world of Niomede. Precursor to the Andurien Wars series.
Royal Flush
(Royal Flush)
Carolina Möbis 2008 ISBN 978-3-89064-620-6 Policical chaos invites a Draconis Combine attack on the breakaway planet McGehee, in an attempt to conquer the now unaligned world before it can join another realm.
Wiege der Basilisken
(Cradle of the Basilisks)
Reinhold H. Mai 2011 ISBN 978-3-86889-153-9 Revisiting the protagonists from Die Albatross-Akte for another story declared fictional within the BattleTech universe, Lyran agents try to sabotage a secret Fed Suns project breeding genetically optimized super soldiers (the eponymous Basilisks) in 2838/2839.
Präludium
(Prelude)
Bernard Craw 2012 ISBN 978-3-86889-164-5 Part 1 of the Andurien Wars series. Episodes depicting the lead-up to the secession of the Duchy of Andurien from the Free Worlds League, and the immediate aftermath.
Zorn
(Wrath)
Bernard Craw 2012 ISBN 978-3-86889-165-2 Part 2 of the Andurien Wars series. The ill-fated Andurien attack against Grand Base.
Gier
(Greed)
Bernard Craw 2014 ISBN 978-3-95752-022-7 Part 3 of the Andurien Wars series. The intertwined stories of Emma Centrella of the Magistracy of Canopus and Richard Humphreys of Andurien during their respective realms' joint war against the Capellan Confederation.

References

  1. ^ Clute, John; Nicholls, Peter, eds. (1995) [1993]. "Game-Worlds". The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. technical editor, John Grant; contributing editor, Brian Stableford (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Griffin. p. 471. ISBN 0-312-09618-6. The BattleTech novels by Robert Thurston are more straightforwardly sf, specifically space opera.
  2. ^ "ICv2 : Inside Pop Culture". Archived from the original on 2011-06-11. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  3. ^ a b BattleTech: Embers of War. Catalyst Game Labs. March 2016.
  4. ^ a b Amazon.com Profile for Betrayal of Ideals
  5. ^ a b Amazon.com Profile for Forever Faithful
  6. ^ "BattleTech: Clan Invasion by Catalyst Games — Kickstarter".
  7. ^ "Battletech".
  8. ^ "BATTLETECH | Paradox Interactive". www.paradoxplaza.com. Retrieved 2019-09-20.
  9. ^ a b Swallow, James (May 1996). "The Great Library". Arcane (6). Future Publishing: 82.

See also