As I wrote in an early comment a few days ago, I was really surprised by this book, or rather by te BattleTech lore, while reading this book (because HBS' computer game BATTLETECH doesn't cover that part really).

On one hand there is the detailed desription about BattleMechs, their combat and tactics. On the other hand this book doesn't get lost in it. Instead this is just the frame for a fascinating story of honour, friendship, political intrigues and betrayal.

The plot spreads over 5 years. We encounter how characters grow with their challenges. We see how intigues are spun, and change the political situation. We see how that infuences a friendship between two rather different men. The story manages to cover the big picture as well as what that means for certain individuals.

I have no idea whether this book is considered a good first step into the universe of BattleTech, but I think of it as such. Highly recommendable!