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Bill McCormick
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The Brittle Riders Paperback – September 18, 2016

by Bill McCormick (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 18 ratings
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In a far future, Earth had already been visited by an alien race called the Sominids, who came here for the express purpose of drinking and having sex with everyone they could. When one of their infamous parties resulted in the moon being cut in half, and killing everyone who happened to live there, they quietly left. Their encounter with the Sominids had taught the human race many things, primarily that faster than light travel did not exist. Denied the stars, the human race began to dwindle in numbers and terminate all of their space programs. A thousand years after that, a scientist named Edward Q. Rohta circumvented anti-AI laws, laws which had been on the books for millennia, by creating organic creatures to provide manual labor. Instead of dying after ten years, as promised in the company brochure, they would develop flu-like symptoms and go into hiding. Eventually, fed up with the mistreatment they suffered at the hands of humans they rose up and killed every man, woman, and child on the planet. This is the story of what happens next. The Brittle Riders; Apocalypses are funny that way.
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  1. Print length
    394 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 18, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.89 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1945987049
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1945987045
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Azoth Khem Publishing (September 18, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 394 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1945987049
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1945987045
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.28 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.89 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 18 ratings

About the author

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Bill McCormick

Bill McCormick

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Bill "McSciFi" McCormick is an award-winning and critically acclaimed science fiction author, publisher, and raconteur celebrated for his vivid storytelling and unique blend of sci-fi, humor, and social commentary. Known affectionately by fans as "McSciFi," Bill has carved a niche in speculative fiction with works that challenge conventional narratives while exploring complex characters and futuristic worlds.

His bibliography includes standout titles such as The Brittle Riders trilogy, a post-apocalyptic saga hailed for its originality and depth, and Goptri of the Mists, which captures his trademark mix of wit and world-building. Beyond his novels, Bill contributes to comics and graphic novels, such as Legends Parallel, Bob: Sins of the Son, and Alokia the Kaiju Hunter, bringing his creative voice to dynamic visual storytelling.

A tireless advocate for indie publishing and creative collaboration, Bill frequently appears at conventions, panels, and events, sharing insights and connecting with fans. When he's not crafting new tales, he's an active force in the literary and entertainment communities, blending his passion for sci-fi with a commitment to fostering emerging talent.

With a knack for weaving humor and humanity into high-concept stories, Bill "McSciFi" McCormick continues to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting mark on the science fiction landscape.

Bill is a big fan of music, silver tequila, and this purple-haired goddess who married him despite being old enough to know better.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
18 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • AMH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Apocalypses are funny that way.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Brittle Riders by Bill McCormick was an unexpected pleasure to read. While I love science fiction and fantasy, it took me a while to immerse myself in this new and creative world. This debut novel commences with a preamble establishing the atmosphere that caused the apocalyptic demise of humankind. We’re introduced to Edward Q. Rohta, who is a brilliantly arrogant geneticist (and avowed hedonist). Since the “Plato Wars,” the creation of artificial intelligence was forbidden. Howbeit, Rohta circumvented that law by developing organic hybrids designed to assist humans. The transgenic beings he created were categorized as pseudo-humans and granted no rights. Rohta continued his research, creating more mutated and intermixed species called gen-o-pods, selling them as international slave labor and sex slaves. After fifty prosperous years, a succubus visited Rohta, stating that her contemporaries had studied humanity and deemed humans unscrupulous and indecent creatures that were a blight on their world. War soon followed.

    Once the humans were defeated, the gen-o-pods constructed new communities and rid themselves of anything that was reminiscent of their human creators. However, like in all societies, not everyone desired a world of peace. Instead, they launched a war of their own, enslaving other brands (species) they deemed inferior. Xhaknar and Yontar (super soldiers), devastated the new world, and decimated numerous brands.
    So, what happens when a succubus, a wolfen, a badgebeth, a rangka, and a braarb walk into the haven bar for a meeting over a few flagons of skank? No, seriously, that’s what happens. What comes next is an intriguing tale regarding those fringe dwellers of the wasteland, and an unfathomable plan by “the dead one,” Geldish.

    The Brittle Riders is a well-crafted and intricate tale about these unlikely ‘heroes’ on a quest to free Arreti (formally earth) from its new, tyrannical leader. Author McCormick interweaves the backgrounds and the histories of their brands into an engaging, multi-layered plot. It isn’t merely a good vs evil story. Both concepts are interspersed with gradations of each, creating a compelling tale that you won’t want to stop reading.
    As an added benefit, there’s a meticulous accounting of all brand names and descriptions, as well as the new measurements of time, days, years, etc. I referred to it a few times, but after I was well into the story, I didn’t need it. However, it’s always a pleasure when an author includes such details for the readers’ benefit.

    The Brittle Riders is full of multidimensional characters, great battles, and the complexities of seeking new allies amongst sectarian brands to benefit the whole of Arreti, whilst rectifying wrongs of the past. In some places, the prose appeared a tad stilted, but once the story unfolded, it flowed quite well. There’s also some adult content, but not overly so. It’s used to demonstrate the turpitude and maleficence of integral characters. Definitely a “Zanubi” of a story, well worth 4.5 stars.

    “La’Kyee Shhak.” You’ll understand once you’ve read it.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Shane
    4.0 out of 5 stars Put GMOs in your Nutra-bullet with the Elfstones of Shannara!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The world-building was top notch! Take everything a health-nut fears about GMO food and throw it in your Nutra-bullet with the Elfstones of Shannara! Out of this world. That’s a good thing. Actually, it is on this world, but in a future where us products of natural causes (evolution or magic immortal bearded white guy in robes five thousand years ago, whatever you prefer) are long gone and only genetically enhanced “brands” remain. People whose genes are scientifically enhance with animal traits.

    This is a big world, too! Full of weirdos of many types, all of whom I grew to love, but admittedly was a lot to take in. This is a preference thing. I’ve come to love little stories in big places, while this is just big. Epic even! The fate of the world hangs in the balance, because some d-bag named Ex Hackner was genetically engineered to be a psychic Hitler on steroids! What’s a badger-person to do but rebel? Right?! By the middle (and admittedly, I’d skipped the “brands” glossary) I’d learned what everyone was and fell into the story. Then it got great!

    I’d been long interested in McCormick’s series because we are in a Facebook writer group and his posts are hilarious enough to make me curious about his long form. Then he submitted an article about worldbuilding to my home, the Science Fantasy Hub, and it worked! I bought his book and bumped it in front of all the freebies I try out. I’m glad I did!

    Why are you still reading this? Do the right thing. Buy this book and then comment about how much you also enjoyed it. Word of mouth makes good books legendary, after all!
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  • San
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm hooked!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I'm really loving this series, and can't wait to read more. I couldn't help but get invested in the carefully crafted characters, and their backstories while following their journeys. Good stuff.
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  • Glenn S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Getting ready!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Just got it - if I read on my iphone it is 5,385 pages - that is a lot of value for 3 bucks!
    I have known the author literally all my life, I can't wait to dig in!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Keyla D.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Earth is not the same as we know it, in this adventure in a post-apocaliptic future.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2019
    Being the first novel of a trilogy, The Brittle Riders left me with a sense of unfinished business. Like ‘Tell me more, FFS!’
    The story is self conclusive though. Still, it sets up curiosity to know more.
    From page one, the reader is introduced to a post-apocalyptic fantasy Earth where mankind is extinct. Something called the Gen-O-Pod War happened and now all other species originated from experiments with animals, wander the earth and rule.
    It reminded me of the ending of RUR (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Capek, as a continuation of it. While the Gen-O-Pod War resulting in different brands made me think about The Uplift Series by David Brin.

    Bill McCormick did a good job with worldbuilding, the background, the brands, the places, everything is described with vivid details to drag the reader into this strange world of sentient genetically-modified animals.
    That’s said, the flow of the story is somewhat slow throughout the book.
    It’s a complicated story with a useful glossary at the beginning of the book, explaining all the brands. I’m a big fan of this kind of stories, but I’m not sure it’s enough for reading the sequels due to the slow flow.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Tessa
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed it a lot
    Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed it a lot! Great world building and an incredible setting. It was a little slow in places, but the detail was so great that it was forgiven.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Dawn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great start into a new series.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I have to be honest here, this book was a little of a surprise. The cover almost seems the wrong way around. Intentional or not it's weird but catching.

    The beginning of the book wasn't for me, it's a set of explations of the world and story and in my mind really should be at the back of the book. While there were some fantastic creatures and mixtures explained it was too much. And towards the end I skipped it.

    What I did find interesting after that fact was how quick the story unfolded. Bill has a great way with throwing his characters in at the deep end and right away you start to feel for them. I thought if he'd just put chapter 1, right at the beginning well I might well have given him 5 stars.

    What I enjoyed the most I think were the character interactions, some strange names for me to get my head around, but once you were used to them, it settled and I was able to get through the novel pretty quick. An extremely well written story with an intense ending. I sort of wish it were told maybe from some different perspectives, almost felt sumarised, maybe due to the scale of it, I'm not sure. I can see why there are some more books in the series and I look forward to seeing where they go, thank you for the entertaining read.
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  • Claire Buss
    3.0 out of 5 stars Highly detailed world building
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Recap:
    The tyrannical wizard Xhaknar rules over Arreti using brute force and fear tactics. He has a tendency to wipe out those races - or brands - that don't agree with him. But a fellow wizard, or Rangka, called Geldish, brings together an unlikely group of brands known as The Brittle Riders and together they begin planning how to defeat Xhaknar.

    Review:
    My biggest gripe is having the highly detailed appendix right at the beginning of the book. When world-building, appendices are important so that those readers who want to know the intricate ins and outs of each race etc can refer to them. I'm afraid I fall into the category of reader who doesn't usually bother with them. I prefer to get a feel for the different and unique characters through the book prose. I do have to commend the author on having built such a hugely detailed world with so many different brands although I admit I did struggle to keep them all apart while reading.

    At times the prose felt stilted which made it heavy going to read but the fact that the main characters were interesting and there was just enough uncertainty as to whether the daring plan would work out or not meant that I had to read to the end to find out.
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