Buckle up and blast off into the exhilarating universe of Expeditionary Force, where interstellar chaos, witty banter, and daring missions collide in a whirlwind of military sci-fi and space opera! Crafted by Craig Alanson, this New York Times best-selling series follows Joe Bishop, a quick-thinking U.S. Army Specialist, and his snarky AI sidekick, Skippy, as they navigate a galaxy teeming with alien conflicts and high-stakes adventures. With its blend of heart-pounding action, clever humor, and intricate world-building, Expeditionary Force has hooked fans craving a fun, immersive ride through the cosmos.
Unlike the grim, overly serious tropes of traditional military sci-fi, Alanson’s series injects a playful energy, inspired by films like Battle: Los Angeles. From its debut novel to its sprawling sequels, Expeditionary Force delivers a universe where humans are the underdogs, outsmarting vastly superior alien foes with grit, ingenuity, and a beer-can-shaped AI with a god complex. Ready to explore this galactic saga? Let’s dive in!
How Expeditionary Force Began
Craig Alanson, a former IT professional turned full-time author, launched Expeditionary Force in 2016 with Columbus Day, a response to the cliché of human soldiers improbably defeating advanced alien invaders. Alanson wanted a story that was smarter, funnier, and grounded in the absurdity of humanity’s place in a vast, hostile galaxy. His background in aerospace and defense contracts lent authenticity to the series’ military jargon and strategic maneuvers, while his love for humor shaped the dynamic between Joe and Skippy. Self-published on Amazon, the series’ success, amplified by R.C. Bray’s award-nominated audiobook narration, catapulted Alanson to sci-fi stardom.
The Heart of Expeditionary Force
The series kicks off with Columbus Day, where Joe Bishop witnesses an alien invasion by the hamster-like Ruhar, only for the lizard-like Kristang to ‘save’ Earth—revealing a galactic war where humans are mere pawns. Joe teams up with Skippy, an ancient Elder AI, to commandeer the starship Flying Dutchman and protect Earth. SpecOps sees Joe leading a risky mission with elite troops to secure humanity’s future, while Paradise explores the fate of stranded UN forces on an alien planet. The latest, Task Force Hammer (2024), ramps up the stakes with galaxy-spanning battles and Skippy’s evolving role.
Expeditionary Force shines through its themes of resilience, ingenuity, and the underdog spirit. Alanson weaves complex intergalactic politics, tactical warfare, and moral dilemmas into a vibrant setting of warring alien species and ancient technologies. The series’ comedic edge—especially Joe and Skippy’s bickering—balances intense action with laugh-out-loud moments, making it a standout in space opera. Fans praise its character development, particularly Joe’s growth from a small-town soldier to a galactic strategist, and Skippy’s blend of arrogance and vulnerability.
Why Expeditionary Force Resonates
Expeditionary Force has carved a niche in military sci-fi by blending high-octane action with humor and heart, resonating with readers and listeners worldwide. Its audiobooks, narrated by R.C. Bray, have topped Audible charts, with titles like Breakaway and Fallout hitting New York Times bestseller lists. The series’ optioning for a TV series by MilMar Pictures in 2019 signals its cultural impact, promising to bring Joe and Skippy’s adventures to new audiences. Its loyal fanbase, hooked on Alanson’s rapid release schedule and engaging storytelling, eagerly awaits each installment, proving the series’ lasting appeal.
- First Book: Columbus Day (2016)
- Latest Book: Task Force Hammer (2024)
- Total Books: 17 main series, plus novellas and spin-offs
- Awards: Columbus Day audiobook nominated for Audiobook of the Year 2018
Grab Columbus Day and join Joe and Skippy in the wild, witty, and action-packed world of Expeditionary Force—your next sci-fi obsession awaits!