Del Rey, 2000, ISBN 0-345-43591-5, $6.99, 346 pages

Ah, another excellent book in the series sends the COnfederation Marines once more into the breach to fill it with enemy dead. The lucky dogs of third platoon are off to a supposedly plague-infested world to find missing scientists. And that's when it all starts to go bad.

You see, there's no plague, just an indigenous species which happens to turn out precious gems. If you think of the way a pearl is made, you get the rough idea. However, unknown to third platoon, but discovered quickly, the scientists weren't done in by the natives, but by a cartel of criminals out to corner the market on these gems.

And that's the set up for the slam-bang action as Charlie Bass' platoon tries to apprehend the criminals while keeping out of the way of the natives--a Prime Directive style issue. In addition, a special agent accompanies the platoon, setting up another round of suspicions and turmoil.

From first to last, Technokill thrills just like the other books in the series.

More in the First to Fight series

StarFist Book I: First to Fight
StarFist Book II: School of Fire
StarFist Book III: Steel Gauntlet
StarFist Book IV: Blood Contact
StarFist Book V: Technokill