Battletech: Trial of Birthright

What happens after the fall of #Terra and the #RepublicoftheSphere? Where are things to begin for the #InnerSphere #Clans, and their new #StarLeague?

Trial of Birthright is a new novel by Michael Ciaravella for #Battletech, and explores exactly these questions. From the First Lord Alaric Ward, to his servants, to those that rebel against him, within the pages of this novel, much is revealed as to foundations of the future of what is coming next.

There is a lot to enjoy, and I hope all of you, enjoy my review of it.

#Mechwarrior #Battletech #ClanWolf

Within this video, you will find:

And the Star covered backgrounds in the story are art-pieces created by Starkitech designs, who I have obtained permission from to use within my videos.

Join this channel in order to support this content:

Join us on the free Discord as well!:

Note: I am not associated with the Battletech / Mechwarrior IP, and create this under fair-use. Ownership of the Battletech IP resides with several companies at this time. I support all official releases.

[terrinils]

Sounds like Mr. Ciaravella did a good job. Not that I ever doubted him. Put Alaric in the background, focus on the new Star League, the people building it, the people opposing it. This is probably the best way to manage all the baggage and contentions in the fanbase.

Now, if only the creation would become bigger than the creator itself.

"We must remember the legacy built by our esteemed Star League founders. Noritomo Helmer, Anastasia Kerensky, and Darren." Clan warrior in 3250

" What about Alaric Ward?" - Clan sibkin.

"What about him?"

[Sanchuniathon]

I just finished reading the book and I am quite happy with where the storyline is progressing. I think everyone's concern over the focus on Alaric and the Wolves' endless successes was definitely wearing thin. However, they addressed the key question about the new Star League: what comes next? There was tons of talk of politics, logistics, operations, etc. and optimizing for outcomes with limited resources. If you ask me, that sounds like good old fashioned proper Battletech to me. Nice pivot, I think the 3152+ ilClan Era finally has some real legs to stand on.

[invictusanimi]

"I don't think they know about 2nd Star League Pip" -Meriadoc "Merry" Kerensky

[olecranon]

"I am not yet here in my reading!" (runs away!).."I'll be back in a few months!"

Currently working on Prince of Havoc Twilight of the clans VII, I completed my entire printed books collection of Battletech in 2023. Now I can read all the books in the right order 😁

[ghostx]

Well you sold me on this book. As a player who has W-I-E as my main faction I like the new era, but I’ve felt a little on the fence about quite a few things. Your callout specifically to W-I-E and RoS players really piqued my interest, I typically stick to the source books as I’ve found the novels to be more miss than hit.

[Aster]

I'm about halfway through, loving it so far, especially that Elementals like to paint battlemech minis!

[jasonames]

i just finished this book today. Mike C., you are awesome. I love Alaric ward now, he reminds me of how he was in the early dark age and this is truly his evolved form. Such a huge relief and appreciation for all of these characters i did not/lost enjoyment for in the dark age. they have new life thanks to this piece of fiction. Forward the star league!

[ChrisMerwin]

Outstanding review @BigRed40TECH ! I agree 99.99% with everything you commented on about the book - both its strong and its weak points. As someone who is also not a big Wolf, Alaric, or Republic fan, this book caught me by surprise. I became invested: I wanted to see how the Star League would deal with its challenges. Mike Ciaravella did a fantastic job of really thinking through the implications of these challenges and the founding of the new League. The characters of Darren, Anastasia, and especially Noritomo are all really well fleshed out and they are actually interesting. Finally...

In praise of Ciaravella's strong story beats and well-crafted scene setting. I have now read the scene that introduces Star Colonel Raus about a dozen times. Reading the presentation of that character catches my breath every time. That first scene is incredibly captivating and powerful, and stands as one of the best extremely short introductions of a Nova Cat in the literature. Thank you Mr. Ciaravella, truly, for how you presented my Clan. This book makes me invested in the ilClan era in a much bigger way than IKEO.

Another great piece, Big Red! Thanks!

[Jorjgasm]

I just read the book and thought it was extraordinary. I love the politics and state building aspects. The portrayal of the characters was also very good and the book worked on multiple levels. So much was happening in the background that you could imagine sidebooks exploring those issues.

[lordc]

a great review, I skipped listening until you got to your interview questions with the author. I look forward to reading this book one day.

[FixBot_GER]

Thank you for that review 👍, I only watched till the spoiler section, then decided that I need the book now, bought the e-book and began reading.

[jparbiter]

5:26 my favorite line from Anastasia Kerensky in this book comes when Darren is informed that he was sponsored for the Kerensky blood name
“I do this for the same reason I do anything else either it is necessary, or because it entertains me”

[PhantomFiend]

I liked this novel.

It managed to make the aftermath on Terra more plausible and interesting. SLDF were trying to bring the best aspects of Clan and Inner Sphere cultures while trying to win the hearts and minds of civilians.

I do question why there were contradictions (little amount) used among clanners though. Also, I was hoping we would get some hints of what the Homeworld Clans were doing or if WoB is still a force to be reckoned with.

Anyways, it was a very good book. Might I suggest a modded game called:

Mechcommander:Darkest Hours mod with the LoStech mod.

It’s completely free, and playing it would be a treat to your audience.

[marsar]

after playing in the setting for a bit and familiarizing myself with the lore, i am strongly tempted to start reading the novels. what are some of yall's favorites, and also ofc, good starting points for stories? as i said, ive been playing around already and immersing myself in lore, so chronology isnt top priority

[jasonfarley]

Yeah, as a Wolf-in-Exile fan I really did enjoy the way their spirit is being brought into the New Star League
I will be building a New Star League force to succeed the Wolf-in-Exile Beta Galaxy force I play up to the ilClan trial

[Brofisticus]

Matt? Alaric? If there was ever a Ward I didn't want to war crime, I haven't heard of them. The book sounds good though, so I've added it to my list, in spite of my own prejudices against the Ultra-Wolves.

[alphaone]

New title for Alaric ward “Banisher of all shirts”

[Darren_Xero]

It's surprisingly readable as long as Alaric is put at the side characters corner. Micheal made a good call, since he's well aware how despicable Alaric is as a character.

I'm also surprised there are some ex-Republic & former Wolf-in-Exile characters involved in the story. I guess ToB is a fitting story to bring closure to Wolf-in-Exile & the Republic of the Sphere

[strategoslevel]

Spoiler Warning - I loved the general story beats but there are a few issues:
-Chance Vickers: obviously it’s tough to pick up someone else’s character (BLP) but Chance seems very changed - maybe because of her pillow fight with Devlin but that rift between her, Alaric and Anastasia is never really paid off
Tucker Harwell: No mention at all (although he is mentioned in IKEO). He is going to be in Void Hunters but it’s a big omission.
Missed scenes - Did the attack on the Fortress Wall facility happen or the attack on the fleet, both are laid out as events but neither gets mentioned
Teleporting story line… Why did Lana and Darren end up in Lakewoods South American villa just before its attacked…

Seems it could do with some smoothing out - but it’s also an issue if the Multi Authour story telling.

I just hope we have a Capellan Book coming.

PS Wolf’s Dragoons were robbed by Alarics plot armour! Boom

[Nikotheos]

Early in the video, as you were introducing Alaric, you were pronouncing his title “Conquerer…” and there was just enough pause after the hard C that I had a heartbeat were I thought you were about to make a cuckhold joke. Best part of the review, 13/10.

😂

Also, thanks for the review. Sounds like a good one!