Step into the pulse-pounding universe of Frontlines, where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, battling towering alien invaders in a gritty, action-packed military sci-fi saga! Written by Marko Kloos, this series follows Andrew Grayson, a young soldier escaping Earth’s overcrowded slums to fight for survival in a galaxy fraught with danger. With its blend of heart-pounding combat, relatable characters, and a stark vision of a dystopian future, Frontlines is a must-read for fans of Starship Troopers or The Forever War.
From its self-published origins to its status as a beloved series, Frontlines captivates with its authentic military lens and exploration of humanity’s resilience. Let’s dive into how this thrilling saga began, its core stories, and why it continues to resonate with readers.
How Frontlines Began
Marko Kloos, a former German soldier turned author, drew on his military experience to craft Frontlines, infusing it with a raw, authentic perspective on warfare. Initially self-published in 2013 with Terms of Enlistment, the series gained traction for its straightforward yet gripping take on military sci-fi, leading to a deal with 47North. Kloos’s vision of a 22nd-century Earth—overpopulated, divided, and facing an existential alien threat—struck a chord, blending real-world military culture with speculative fiction’s boundless imagination.
The Heart of Frontlines
The series kicks off with Terms of Enlistment (2013), where Andrew Grayson enlists in the North American Commonwealth’s military to escape Boston’s welfare tenements. His journey from grunt to seasoned officer unfolds against a backdrop of interstellar conflict with the Lankies—20-meter-tall, near-invincible aliens terraforming human colonies. Lines of Departure (2014) escalates the stakes as Grayson navigates a two-front war against both Lankies and human rivals, grappling with loyalty and survival. Angles of Attack (2015) sees humanity’s desperate alliance with former enemies to reclaim the solar system, while Points of Impact (2018) introduces advanced tech and deeper introspection on war’s toll.
Frontlines shines through its themes of duty, camaraderie, and the moral complexities of war. Kloos’s prose is lean and immersive, balancing adrenaline-fueled battles with quiet moments of human connection, like Grayson’s evolving romance with pilot Halley. The series’ dystopian setting—a decaying Earth contrasted with humanity’s cosmic ambitions—grounds its high-stakes action in a relatable struggle for hope and survival.
Why Frontlines Resonates
Frontlines has carved a niche in military sci-fi for its authentic portrayal of soldier life, earning praise from fans and authors like George R. R. Martin. Its focus on ordinary people facing extraordinary odds resonates with readers who crave character-driven stories. By exploring themes like unity against a common foe and the personal cost of conflict, the series bridges genre thrills with universal truths, ensuring its lasting appeal.
The series’ influence extends beyond books, with short stories like Lucky Thirteen adapted for Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots, introducing new fans to Kloos’s universe. Whether you’re a sci-fi veteran or a newcomer, Frontlines offers a gripping ride that’s hard to put down.
- First Book Published: Terms of Enlistment (2013)
- Total Books: 8 novels, plus short stories
- Notable Nomination: Lines of Departure, Hugo Award for Best Novel (2015)
Ready to join Andrew Grayson on the front lines? Grab Terms of Enlistment and blast off into a thrilling military sci-fi adventure!