Step into the thrilling world of the Lost Regiment series, where Civil War soldiers find themselves battling alien hordes on a distant planet! Written by historian William R. Forstchen, this eight-book science fiction saga blends military strategy, societal reconstruction, and heart-pounding adventure. It’s a tale of survival, adaptation, and the clash of cultures that keeps readers hooked from the first page.
Imagine Union soldiers, fresh from the Battle of Gettysburg, whisked through a mysterious portal to an alien world. That’s the captivating premise of Lost Regiment, a series that fuses historical fiction with bold sci-fi twists. Led by Colonel Andrew Keane, the 35th Maine Regiment faces monstrous Tugars, Merki, and Bantag—cannibalistic alien nomads who treat humans as cattle. Ready to explore this epic journey? Let’s dive in!
How Lost Regiment Began
William R. Forstchen, a professor with a Ph.D. in military history from Purdue University, crafted the Lost Regiment series starting in 1990 with Rally Cry. His deep knowledge of the Civil War and fascination with technology’s role in warfare inspired this unique blend of alternate history and science fiction. Forstchen imagined what would happen if battle-hardened Union soldiers brought 19th-century tactics and ideals to a medieval-like alien world, creating a gripping narrative that spans eight novels.
The Heart of Lost Regiment
The series kicks off with Rally Cry, where Colonel Andrew Keane and his regiment land near a medieval Russian society called Rus, only to discover the horrifying Tugars—nine-foot-tall aliens who demand human tributes for food. Using their rifles and cannons, the soldiers spark a rebellion, introducing railroads and muskets to fight back. The Union Forever follows, as the humans forge alliances with neighboring Romans, facing the Merki, another alien horde aided by traitorous Union sailors.
Terrible Swift Sword escalates the stakes when a human betrayer gives the aliens airship technology, forcing Keane’s forces to rely on brute force. The series culminates in Men of War, where the final battle against the Bantag horde decides humanity’s fate. Themes of survival, ethical dilemmas, and cultural clashes shine throughout, as the regiment grapples with introducing democracy and industrialization to a feudal world. Forstchen’s vivid battle scenes and character-driven storytelling make each book a page-turner, set against a richly imagined planet with two moons and diverse human civilizations.
Why Lost Regiment Resonates
Lost Regiment stands out for its bold mix of military history and speculative fiction, appealing to fans of both genres. Its exploration of leadership, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of technological advancement resonates with readers who love deep, thought-provoking narratives. The series has a dedicated cult following, with fans praising its authentic Civil War details and Forstchen’s ability to make an alien world feel real. Though it never became a movie despite early interest, its influence endures in alternate history and military sci-fi circles.
- Publication Years: 1990–1999 (main series), 2000 (Down to the Sea)
- Number of Books: Eight main novels, plus one sequel
- Genres: Science fiction, alternate history, military fiction
Grab Rally Cry and dive into the Lost Regiment’s thrilling world of courage, strategy, and survival!