Paying the Piper

Hammer's Slammers Series

By: David Drake

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

Colonel Alois Hammer: to the galaxy, a legendary commander of mercenaries. To his troops, a leader who can be trusted to always back them to the hilt - and meet a payroll. When the situation on a planet has gone beyond desperate, it's time to call for Hammer's Slammers.

©2002 David Drake (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The weaponry, the action scenes, and the depiction of the Warrior Walking Alone are as vivid and compelling as Drake's readers expect them to be, and his realization of characters and political intrigue continue to mature." ( Booklist)

one of drakes best.

great story . great performance. good main character. interesting side characters. I enjoyed it.

hammers slammers rules

One of the Slammers' Best Adventures

Not many Slammers stories take you from the start of a contract all the way to the end, but it's a ride worth taking. Drake is a master of taking history and molding it into a far future conflict, giving the campaign and the politics surrounding it a solid base that grounds his high tech mercenaries' exploits.

always good

David drake is a wonderful writer, his books are packed with action an details!

Mercenary machinations

Paying the Piper is another installment in David Drake's Hammer's Slammers series. The Slammers are a futuristic mercenary unit. This time out, the Slammers are on a planet that supplies a key anti-aging drug for the rest of humanity. The Slammers seem hopelessly outnumbered. The tale follows a lowly lieutenant who seems particularly unlucky while also having a commanding officer who is difficult to work with. Ambushes, corruption, and planetary political peregrinations ensue with the lieutenant always putting himself in harm's way, but always just squeaking by.

Drake includes his standard tank battles with super high tech weaponry. At the same time, there's a good sampling of support units in addition to the usual combat fare. Politics play a big role with Hammer himself appearing more than usual.

The narration is excellent with good character distinction and smooth pacing.

The best hard sci fi

Loved the story and the narration. A classic hard sci fi that is a must listen fire any sci fi fan