Surplus Marines

by Jaxon Reed

Bo Duckworth is a former master sergeant with the Republican Marines. Forced out of the service for destroying a recalcitrant X103 battle bot during a critical mission, he is out of a job, out of luck and out of ideas on how to make it as a civilian. Like other lost souls, he drifts toward the frontiers of known space looking to find a new life.

Tom Savage is expanding Phaethon Solar, offering the company’s technology to asteroid miners, new planet explorers and others probing the fringes of the galaxy. But on these extremes of humanity’s farthest reaches, his people receive the most inhumane treatment. Here there is no civilization, no law, and no order. Tom decides to procure his own private military to safeguard his company’s technology and personnel.

What Tom needs and what Duck can provide are . . . Surplus Marines!


Veteran science fiction and fantasy author, two time Kindle Scout winner Jaxon Reed presents an all new Space Marines saga set in the Milky Way Universe! Fistfights, gun battles and futuristic combat pepper this fast-moving sci-fi action series. Download it today!

Genres: Space Opera, Science Fiction

200 pages, ebook

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

Jaxon Reed is a speculative fiction author and two-time winner of Amazon's Kindle Scout program.

Jaxon is an Aggie, living in Texas on a ranch with his wife and boys, several cats, and one pound dog.

Sign up for new release alerts, sales and freebies at https://jaxonreed.substack.com

Reviews

[Matt Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up shortly after the end of System Alignment, we are reintroduced to Bo Duckworth as he deals with the fallout of doing the right thing. Arriving at Athos station where he expects to work as a miner, he encounters two Phaethon Corp employees and joins in their adventure.

Mr. Reed is off to another great start with this new series, full of running firefights, chutes and ladders style hollowed out asteroids, and the sly humor present in the previous Milky Way books. There are some fantasy elements here too, with the outer space version of Imps, Ogres, and Trolls making an appearance. Some well placed appearances by Tom Savage help tie everything together.

This is a really fun read and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embark on a thrilling new adventure with Jaxon Reed's Phaethon Corp. series, starting with the captivating Surplus Marines. This opening installment grabs your attention from the get-go, immersing you in a world of action-packed suspense.

Prepare to be hooked as the story unfolds, with heart-pounding battles and the reappearance of a familiar face – the ever-reliable Tom Salvage. As the narrative progresses, you'll be introduced to a new character, Bo Duckworth, who is seeking a fresh start and a job opportunity that Tom has to offer.

Get ready to witness the expansion of Tom's company, Phaethon Solar, as he enlists the help of capable individuals to ensure its safety.
This sci-fi tale is sure to keep you eagerly turning the pages, eager to uncover what lies ahead for Bo, Tom, and the Phaethon Corp.

If you're a fan of captivating science fiction stories, Surplus Marines is a must-read. Dive into this engaging new series and discover the thrilling adventures that await.

[Clayton Falter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good borrowed McGuffins

Connected to main series by a Charlie's Angels approach. Tom pops up as hologram to give mission changes. Main villains are defined by physical characteristics like Sherlock Holmes red-headed league.

[Jay Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun new series

This is an offshoot of the star farmer series. A simple but fun series. I’ve enjoyed both of these series and look forward to reading the next book.

[Phil X. Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done!

I have read some of Jaxon Reed's work and I love it. This is yet another sci-fi military adventure. Looks like it'll be great!

[Eric Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I'm enjoying this series, good enough writing, lots of adventure, tons of shooting and there's some romance, with guns on its way.

[Stuart Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story outdid

Every one before. Plenty of action and nowhere did the story lag. The action was constant and believable. I am reading the prior novel and it is good but, this story is better. Congrats Mr. Reed. Knocked it out of the park

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[William Newbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, short, fun, action

I won’t say this is an amazing book but it’s a good and has some fun characters and intrigue. I don’t know where the overall story is going yet but I enjoyed it. Good action. See where it goes.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Surplus Marines”, first in the 'Phaeton Corp' series, is a readable but by-the-numbers Buddy Space Opera.
Former Republican Marine Master Sgt. Bo Duckworth is looking for work.
He's no sooner landed on the Athos Waystation (a hollowed out asteroid bit bits added on) than all merry hell breaks loose – something that continues pretty much all the way through.
One almighty firefight he's got a new job and is tasked with finding other former Marines to retrieve a prototype power source.
Lots of death, some dark humour, and not a lot more.
I like Space Opera but this example is no more than a bare bones plot which sticks to a well worn template.
3 Stars.

[Jim Monkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Small Force Action Introducing the Newest Crew in the Phaethon Corp Saga

Fun read. Lots of fire team size action. Well written first story in this series introducing the new crew. I was glad to see the story of Bo and Elle continued here adding interesting tension. Expanding the story to the newer frontier solar systems allows a renewed wild west feel to the story. (Love it.) The pacing, as usual, is exceptional. Enough action to be exciting; enough less intense sections to properly develop characters and reveal plot developments.

[Norman Hirschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex marines are always worth their weight as Bo Duckworth finds out. He finds some other ex marines on a platform and get a good job offer. However, things start to get scary when two company merc start fighting each other and Do and his friends find themselves in the middle. They need to get out if they expect to fullful their new contract. An action filled book worthy of those who enjoy reading military matters.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Savage is now ready to head to the stars with his tech but there is trouble in the space frontier so he ends up hiring Bo to to set up guards made up of marines. But of course things are a bit screwy for poor Bo and a great read for me. Lots of action, danger, one liners and great characters to enjoy. Loved seeing more of the frontier and the drama on space stations in the middle of nowhere as Bo gets caught up in it all.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

From "Farmer in the Sky" to "Peace Warrior" - I am impressed by the breadth of this author's works. His writing style and his ideas remind me a lot of Heinlein's works. I am looking forward to seeing just what Bo and Elle do in Tom's service!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly Conflicts

Lots of death, collateral and otherwise, and a multi layered plot keep the action level high in this series beginning installment. If you’re into battles and conflict this might be a good option for you.

[Dan Donovan · Rating 2 out of 5]

All gimmick, little story.

A whole lot of flash and bang with some sort of story developing around typical stereotypes minus actual character development.