Disappointing Low Point in Larson's Career

As a longtime fan of B.V. Larson’s earlier works, I approached Techborn with hopeful anticipation. Unfortunately, this book was a profound disappointment. The story is repetitive and derivative, feeling like a poor remix of the weakest elements from Red Company and Undying Mercenaries.

The protagonist is portrayed as frustratingly dim-witted, which makes it hard to connect with or root for him. The female characters are reduced to shallow stereotypes, either the loyal, submissive housewife or the whip-wielding dominatrix, making the story feel outdated and tone-deaf. It’s disheartening to see such one-dimensional depictions from an author who once wrote with creativity.

Each time you think the narrative has hit rock bottom, it finds a way to sink further. I found myself constantly questioning whether this was truly written by B.V. Larson. The sharp decline in quality that began with Red Company seems to be continuing, and similar feedback is now surfacing about the latest installments of Undying Mercenaries as well.

One bright spot remains: Mark Boyett’s narration. He continues to perform at a consistently high level, bringing professionalism and energy to even the most lackluster material. Frankly, I can only imagine he must feel a little dirty after finishing a book like this.

At this point, Larson's work has become nearly unlistenable for me. It’s a tough thing to say about an author I once admired so much. Still, I hold out hope that he can find his way back to form. For now, though, Techborn is, regrettably, not worth the time.

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