Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
BattleTech Review: "Measure of a Hero" by Blaine Lee Pardoe
How do you present the grey morality of a civil war, but maintain a squeaky clean hero? Not an easy task for sure! However, not impossible either. If you want to see one attempt to solve this conundrum you should turn to...
”Measure of a Hero” by Blaine Lee Pardoe
Colonel Felix Blucher's orders from the Archon were simple enough: quash the Davion Loyalist uprising on Thorin. But Blucher never planned on facing the fearless Archer Christifori, local militia leader and decorated MechWarrior in the Clan Wars.
As tension rise between Blucher's Lyran Alliance and the Davion Loyalist population, Archer is torn between obedience to the Archon or allegiance to his people. But when Blucher's forces go too far, Archer takes up the Loyalist cause and becomes commander of the rebel army. The final confrontation looms and the rebels face long odds—but it takes more than 'Mech's to win Thorin's freedom. It takes a hero....
The book starts with an introduction, that made me physical cringe, for real!
We get told by Victor Steiner-Davion himself, how awesome Archer Christifori is (Medal of Honor, wins vs 6 Clanners),
The death flag is hoist for his sister Andrea Christifori
Christifori returns to his home planet Thorin to command the local militia
Soon he meets the garrison forces of the 15th Arcturan Guards
BLP is trying to square the circle: He wants to maintain his usual formula with a bland but good hero; yet he has to show the fractured and uneasy nature of a civil war.
He uses Tricks:
It is technically a inner lyran affair.
Felix Blucher, the enemy commander is a very positive Character in unfortunate circumstances
The true villain is Luther Fisk, a ruthless and conniving young noble
The reason for Archer to take up arms is the killing of his sister by Fisk (and his pardon by the Archon).
The opportunity for Archer to take up arms is the declaration of war by Victor Steiner-Davion
But does it work?
There are strange details (Last Article of his sister, calling the Arcturan Guards “Lyrans”, use of FedSun ranks)
Archer Christifori is such a great soldier that he never suffers a defeat
Even the most outlandish gamble succeeds
In a twist of fate, the superior morality of this Perdonian hero somewhat saves the story
A gimmer protagonist would have turn this into violence porn
So the actions of the Rebels get an almost cartony quality
The second half is essential a series of set pieces and battles
Not a grand story or epic tale. Useful for dumb fun.
Praise Blake!
Fair Use and Copyright Disclaimer:
The video contains copyrighted material and intellectual property from the Battletech universe and Mechwarrior. It is used under fair use for educational and informational purposes. Fair use is a legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission. The video's transformative nature provides commentary, analysis, and historical information. It aims to enhance understanding without infringing on copyright holders' rights. Full credit is given to the creators and authors involved. The video is non-commercial, and no ownership claims are made. If you believe your material has been used improperly, please contact us. The information presented is based on available knowledge and research, but may not be entirely accurate or current.
BattleTech Review: "Measure of a Hero" by Blaine Lee Pardoe
How do you present the grey morality of a civil war, but maintain a squeaky clean hero? Not an easy task for sure! However, not impossible either. If you want to see one attempt to solve this conundrum you should turn to...
”Measure of a Hero” by Blaine Lee Pardoe
Colonel Felix Blucher's orders from the Archon were simple enough: quash the Davion Loyalist uprising on Thorin. But Blucher never planned on facing the fearless Archer Christifori, local militia leader and decorated MechWarrior in the Clan Wars.
As tension rise between Blucher's Lyran Alliance and the Davion Loyalist population, Archer is torn between obedience to the Archon or allegiance to his people. But when Blucher's forces go too far, Archer takes up the Loyalist cause and becomes commander of the rebel army. The final confrontation looms and the rebels face long odds—but it takes more than 'Mech's to win Thorin's freedom. It takes a hero....
The book starts with an introduction, that made me physical cringe, for real!
We get told by Victor Steiner-Davion himself, how awesome Archer Christifori is (Medal of Honor, wins vs 6 Clanners),
The death flag is hoist for his sister Andrea Christifori
Christifori returns to his home planet Thorin to command the local militia
Soon he meets the garrison forces of the 15th Arcturan Guards
BLP is trying to square the circle: He wants to maintain his usual formula with a bland but good hero; yet he has to show the fractured and uneasy nature of a civil war.
He uses Tricks:
It is technically a inner lyran affair.
Felix Blucher, the enemy commander is a very positive Character in unfortunate circumstances
The true villain is Luther Fisk, a ruthless and conniving young noble
The reason for Archer to take up arms is the killing of his sister by Fisk (and his pardon by the Archon).
The opportunity for Archer to take up arms is the declaration of war by Victor Steiner-Davion
But does it work?
There are strange details (Last Article of his sister, calling the Arcturan Guards “Lyrans”, use of FedSun ranks)
Archer Christifori is such a great soldier that he never suffers a defeat
Even the most outlandish gamble succeeds
In a twist of fate, the superior morality of this Perdonian hero somewhat saves the story
A gimmer protagonist would have turn this into violence porn
So the actions of the Rebels get an almost cartony quality
The second half is essential a series of set pieces and battles
Not a grand story or epic tale. Useful for dumb fun.
Praise Blake!
Fair Use and Copyright Disclaimer:
The video contains copyrighted material and intellectual property from the Battletech universe and Mechwarrior. It is used under fair use for educational and informational purposes. Fair use is a legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission. The video's transformative nature provides commentary, analysis, and historical information. It aims to enhance understanding without infringing on copyright holders' rights. Full credit is given to the creators and authors involved. The video is non-commercial, and no ownership claims are made. If you believe your material has been used improperly, please contact us. The information presented is based on available knowledge and research, but may not be entirely accurate or current.
