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Lance Corporal Hondo McKeever is a peacetime Marine. Humanity is involved in a limited war with the alien Klethos, where gladitorial combat decides the fate of worlds, but that doesn’t affect the common Marine or sailor. His career has been training hard but never seeing actual combat.
All of that changes when a new enemy invades the galaxy, one that threatens both humanity and Klethos.
Mankind hasn’t fought an all-out war in centuries, but they’re about to. McKeever is assigned to a special task force with the mission to find out what makes this new enemy tick, and, if possible, stop them in their tracks before humanity is eliminated like so much insignificant vermin.
All of that changes when a new enemy invades the galaxy, one that threatens both humanity and Klethos.
Mankind hasn’t fought an all-out war in centuries, but they’re about to. McKeever is assigned to a special task force with the mission to find out what makes this new enemy tick, and, if possible, stop them in their tracks before humanity is eliminated like so much insignificant vermin.
- GenresScience Fiction
236 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2017
307 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan P. Brazee
149 books190 followersI am a retired Marine colonel and now a full-time writer living in Colorado Springs with my wife, Kiwi, and infant twin daughters, Danika Dawn and Darika Marie.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
I published my first work back in 1978, a so-so short story titled "Secession." Since then, I have been published in newspapers, magazines, and in book format in fiction, political science, business, military, sports, race relations, and personal relations fields. I returned to writing fiction in 2009, and I currently have over 85 titles published, 52 being novels. My novelette, "Weaponized Math," was a finalist for the 2017 Nebula Award, and my novella, "Fire Ant," was a 2018 Nebula finalist. My novel "Integration" was a 2018 Dragon Award finalist, and my novel "Sentenced to War" was a 2021 finalist. I am a USA Today Bestelling writer.
My undergraduate degree was earned at the U. S. Naval Academy (Class of 1979), and I have attended graduate school at U. S. International University and the University of California, San Diego, earning a masters and doctorate. I am a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the US. Naval Academy Alumni Association, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
I have rather eclectic tastes. I have won awards in photography, cooking, wrting, and several sports, earning national championships in rugby and equestrian events. When I'm not writing, I'm reading, cooking, going to the gym, or traveling. I attend quite a few cons over the course of a year, and love meeting other people who love books.
I write because I love it. I only hope that others might read my work and get a bit of enjoyment or useful information out of my efforts.
As an author, I don't think it is fair for me to rate any other author's books here on Goodreads if that rating is less than five stars. I have certainly read many books that do not deserve five (or four, three, or even two). However, I will not rate any of those here while I am a Goodreads author. Consequently, I will only be listing books that I really like and feel deserve five stars.
If you would like to join my email list and find out about new books or promotions, please sign up at http://eepurl.com/bnFSHH. My website is http://jonathanbrazee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 30, 2017
I wonder if authors ever run out of bad guys? I mean, there is a whole galaxy of badass aliens out there somewhere, but do they have to be stinking grubs? Yeah, that’s what they are in this book. Big, fat, and very dangerous worms that look like grub worms. I don’t know, but this sounds kind of stupid to me. Still, Federation Space Marines gotta’ fight something, so it might as well be grubs!
No on knows where the Grubs came from. In fact, humans didn’t even know they existed until the Kelthos came to them and actually asked for help! Seems like even the Kelthos were have trouble beating these Grubs and nothing ever stands in the way of the Kelthos, well except humans. Having the Kelthos come and admit that there was an enemy they couldn’t defeat on their own was pretty frightening to the humans. We had been holding off the Kelthos for a hundred years using the Gladiatorial Combats as a substitute for all out war. The winner of such one-on-one fights, got the prize, be it a planet or territory that was in dispute. Now things have changed. The Kelthso need help and we’re going to find out why.
Now, the main character in this story isn’t a Space Marine just out of basic. No, he’s Lance Corporal Hondo McKeever, United Federation Marine Corps. He’s also one of the cerebral ones in that in the opening scene, he’s found reading a book, a novel no less! Astonishing! A Marine that can actually read and reading something that isn’t a field manual. (Sorry Marines. I just couldn’t pass that up!) And who names their kid, “Hondo”? We’ll learn that he’s an alien or at least he’s from a planet not Earth. I don’t know if that makes him an alien or not even though he is human. But, “Hondo”? Sounds like a name that some science fiction writer would use in a book about tough guys!
Anyway, the United Federation decides to go look at these “Grubs” that are kicking the Kelthos rear-ends. A bunch of scientist are sent along with Lance Corporal McKeever’s unit and they are just to look. But, it doesn’t quite work out that way. Before you know it, the Federation Space Marines are in the thick of an all out battle with the Grubs. Unfortunately nothing in their current equipment rack can do much of anything to the Grubs. These Grubs are huge, towering several stories taller than a Marine even in his PICS. So, what once was just an observation mission, turns into a run for you life for the civilian scientist and Hondo is one of the Marines responsible for getting a scientist back to a shuttle and then to safety. Running from a battle is not something a Marine ever does, but he’s got orders so he does what he’s told.
And that becomes the story of this book. These scientist have to come up with something that will effect the Grubs. Most of the existing weapons in the Marine arsenal don’t have much effect. Oh, they can drop some bombs on them, but the Grubs are very good at shooting down aircraft and even space ships. And it takes a lot of Kelthso and/or Marines to kill one single Grub. Most of the time, they will be facing hundreds if not thousands of Grubs. Also, the Grubs don’t communicate to the Kelthos or Humans as to what they want when attacking a planet.
It’s going to be a long war and a very strange one in that they are now allies with the Kelthso. Not all human civilizations like the idea of a Klethso alliance. They believe that the Kelthso would be better off dead so humans wouldn’t have to worry about them, yet the Federation realize that if the Kelthso are defeated, then the human race will be the next target of the Grubs. This is pretty exciting reading if you can get over the fact that we’re fighting grubs and some guy named “Hondo” is the main character.
Book Two, “The Price of Honor”, is already out and I’m well into reading it. I recommend you do to.
No on knows where the Grubs came from. In fact, humans didn’t even know they existed until the Kelthos came to them and actually asked for help! Seems like even the Kelthos were have trouble beating these Grubs and nothing ever stands in the way of the Kelthos, well except humans. Having the Kelthos come and admit that there was an enemy they couldn’t defeat on their own was pretty frightening to the humans. We had been holding off the Kelthos for a hundred years using the Gladiatorial Combats as a substitute for all out war. The winner of such one-on-one fights, got the prize, be it a planet or territory that was in dispute. Now things have changed. The Kelthso need help and we’re going to find out why.
Now, the main character in this story isn’t a Space Marine just out of basic. No, he’s Lance Corporal Hondo McKeever, United Federation Marine Corps. He’s also one of the cerebral ones in that in the opening scene, he’s found reading a book, a novel no less! Astonishing! A Marine that can actually read and reading something that isn’t a field manual. (Sorry Marines. I just couldn’t pass that up!) And who names their kid, “Hondo”? We’ll learn that he’s an alien or at least he’s from a planet not Earth. I don’t know if that makes him an alien or not even though he is human. But, “Hondo”? Sounds like a name that some science fiction writer would use in a book about tough guys!
Anyway, the United Federation decides to go look at these “Grubs” that are kicking the Kelthos rear-ends. A bunch of scientist are sent along with Lance Corporal McKeever’s unit and they are just to look. But, it doesn’t quite work out that way. Before you know it, the Federation Space Marines are in the thick of an all out battle with the Grubs. Unfortunately nothing in their current equipment rack can do much of anything to the Grubs. These Grubs are huge, towering several stories taller than a Marine even in his PICS. So, what once was just an observation mission, turns into a run for you life for the civilian scientist and Hondo is one of the Marines responsible for getting a scientist back to a shuttle and then to safety. Running from a battle is not something a Marine ever does, but he’s got orders so he does what he’s told.
And that becomes the story of this book. These scientist have to come up with something that will effect the Grubs. Most of the existing weapons in the Marine arsenal don’t have much effect. Oh, they can drop some bombs on them, but the Grubs are very good at shooting down aircraft and even space ships. And it takes a lot of Kelthso and/or Marines to kill one single Grub. Most of the time, they will be facing hundreds if not thousands of Grubs. Also, the Grubs don’t communicate to the Kelthos or Humans as to what they want when attacking a planet.
It’s going to be a long war and a very strange one in that they are now allies with the Kelthso. Not all human civilizations like the idea of a Klethso alliance. They believe that the Kelthso would be better off dead so humans wouldn’t have to worry about them, yet the Federation realize that if the Kelthso are defeated, then the human race will be the next target of the Grubs. This is pretty exciting reading if you can get over the fact that we’re fighting grubs and some guy named “Hondo” is the main character.
Book Two, “The Price of Honor”, is already out and I’m well into reading it. I recommend you do to.
October 1, 2021
Fast moving and action packed. If you’re a fan of John Ringo then give this one a try.
February 20, 2018
Staggers Between Low Brow Pulp and “SJW” Hobbyist Writing
“Alliance (The United Federation Marine Corps’ Grub Wars Book 1),” authored by Col. Jonathan Brazee, USMC (Ret), staggers back and forth, between low brow pulp SciFi and “SJW” hobbyist agenda writing.
The story of a far future marine, “Hondo,” his squad, and their combat actions are O.K. When the author repeatedly peels off to a lame secondary storyline and character, “Skylar,” a young, female genius xenobiologist, it gives this reader the sense of an insincere advocacy of “SJW” or “Wokeness.” The author has strong female characters within the primary storyline of the UF Marines, yet digresses to the impotent attempts of being “P.C.” via the other storyline.
“Alliance...,” has a neutral rating, as parts of the story do entertain, while the remainder is banal drivel. The book was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
“Alliance (The United Federation Marine Corps’ Grub Wars Book 1),” authored by Col. Jonathan Brazee, USMC (Ret), staggers back and forth, between low brow pulp SciFi and “SJW” hobbyist agenda writing.
The story of a far future marine, “Hondo,” his squad, and their combat actions are O.K. When the author repeatedly peels off to a lame secondary storyline and character, “Skylar,” a young, female genius xenobiologist, it gives this reader the sense of an insincere advocacy of “SJW” or “Wokeness.” The author has strong female characters within the primary storyline of the UF Marines, yet digresses to the impotent attempts of being “P.C.” via the other storyline.
“Alliance...,” has a neutral rating, as parts of the story do entertain, while the remainder is banal drivel. The book was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
July 21, 2018
Johnathan Brazee is a “retired” Devil Dog which is an oxymoron. A Devil Dog is an Eternal Mindset. This is a continuation of his Future Marines Vision of the Ryck Lysander series. In that series we “meet” two sentient races and “learn” to survive in a universe where we are not alone.
Alliance is a new series where the multiplicity Of sentients comes to the fore. Does the enemy of my enemy really my friend? Or is my enemy suddenly wanting peace and brotherhood with the crazy human societies because there is something worse than humans to deal with.
Johnathan Brazee is a brilliant storyteller and shaper of the “What could be...”. His worldshaping is seen through the military mindset. His constructs of different human tangent societies is quite extensive. The fact that humanity never gets their act together and takes our social, ethnic, and political foibles into space and the future is mind blowing. And I fear prophetic.
All four series I have read of his has been crisp, sharp, and thought provoking to the max. Personally I see humanity too screwed up to survive long enough to “bug out” of old Terra for newer world to lay waist to and mess up. But Jonathan is a uniquely talented wordsmith who is making my Final Years better than I had feared.
Alliance is a new series where the multiplicity Of sentients comes to the fore. Does the enemy of my enemy really my friend? Or is my enemy suddenly wanting peace and brotherhood with the crazy human societies because there is something worse than humans to deal with.
Johnathan Brazee is a brilliant storyteller and shaper of the “What could be...”. His worldshaping is seen through the military mindset. His constructs of different human tangent societies is quite extensive. The fact that humanity never gets their act together and takes our social, ethnic, and political foibles into space and the future is mind blowing. And I fear prophetic.
All four series I have read of his has been crisp, sharp, and thought provoking to the max. Personally I see humanity too screwed up to survive long enough to “bug out” of old Terra for newer world to lay waist to and mess up. But Jonathan is a uniquely talented wordsmith who is making my Final Years better than I had feared.
April 13, 2018
Could be interesting
The small unit point of view is fun but the overview is thin. The concept of gladiators determining ownership of star systems in single combat is strange. If a system changes hands more than once as the writer suggests states what happens to the population. Are the residents relocated by the loser or are they killed or do they coexist with the winner's colonists.
I thought at first that all of humanity must be represented in these contests against the Kletho but it seems that different parts of human space are at odds with each other and aren't unified at all.
The background is thin and confusing. The politics of human space and the tech matrix are not as clear as could be. I'm going to try the next volume and hope the writer adds more of a backstory to all the character groups.
The small unit point of view is fun but the overview is thin. The concept of gladiators determining ownership of star systems in single combat is strange. If a system changes hands more than once as the writer suggests states what happens to the population. Are the residents relocated by the loser or are they killed or do they coexist with the winner's colonists.
I thought at first that all of humanity must be represented in these contests against the Kletho but it seems that different parts of human space are at odds with each other and aren't unified at all.
The background is thin and confusing. The politics of human space and the tech matrix are not as clear as could be. I'm going to try the next volume and hope the writer adds more of a backstory to all the character groups.
March 27, 2018
Another solid read, from someone who understands the world of the military
I enjoyed the book,but i have to say the editing of the last three of Brazee's books has impeded my enjoyment of the last 2 of the Lysander twins books and this one. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors seem to be cropping up, creating jarring counterpoint to the reading. I don't remember them in his earlier books, and they are errors most grammar checkers would catch, especially since many are hominids
I enjoyed the book,but i have to say the editing of the last three of Brazee's books has impeded my enjoyment of the last 2 of the Lysander twins books and this one. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors seem to be cropping up, creating jarring counterpoint to the reading. I don't remember them in his earlier books, and they are errors most grammar checkers would catch, especially since many are hominids
January 28, 2022
Good descriptions of war from the lower enlisted Marine viewpoint.
This book was enjoyable because it showed how the Marine units really cared for each other; each death was a sad ending for a brave Marine. The characters were very likable; but I have to admit that the female Marines in the units surprised me. I think this is the first space war book that I have read in which women were included in combat, and were treated the same as the men. I am looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
This book was enjoyable because it showed how the Marine units really cared for each other; each death was a sad ending for a brave Marine. The characters were very likable; but I have to admit that the female Marines in the units surprised me. I think this is the first space war book that I have read in which women were included in combat, and were treated the same as the men. I am looking forward to reading the next book of the series.
December 29, 2021
This thrilling military experience took place in space with alien enemies with unknown and deadly capabilities. The camaraderie between the soldiers, discipline of military life, and adrenaline rush of engaging the enemy filled the pages. As with any war, there was more than a few losses and disappointment at the end of each weary day. Very Good Read Especially if you like war stories!!!!!
August 12, 2023
Classic Space Marines
This one is a page turner from start to finish, you get drawn in to the action from the start and Hondo plus BK and the rest of the Marines are very much alive on the page The Gerubs are (well for me) something new as far as aliens go 😁 and I would love to know more about them. Read and enjoy
This one is a page turner from start to finish, you get drawn in to the action from the start and Hondo plus BK and the rest of the Marines are very much alive on the page The Gerubs are (well for me) something new as far as aliens go 😁 and I would love to know more about them. Read and enjoy
March 24, 2019
Another excellent series from Brazee
This series of books has been a constant source of pleasure. It is populated with great believable characters in believable stories. I heartily endorse it.
This series of books has been a constant source of pleasure. It is populated with great believable characters in believable stories. I heartily endorse it.
August 2, 2020
Good Book!
Do not allow my review to stop you from reading this book. I liked the overall book but it did not draw me in like his other books did. There was plenty of action but to me the book felt unfleshed overall.
Do not allow my review to stop you from reading this book. I liked the overall book but it did not draw me in like his other books did. There was plenty of action but to me the book felt unfleshed overall.
June 15, 2021
Ripping Good Yarn
Col Brazee tells a ripping good story. As one who has been there and done that, he knows his subject well. Better still, Brazee knows how to tell his story well. This is a story about Marines as told by a Marine. It doesn't get any better than that.
Col Brazee tells a ripping good story. As one who has been there and done that, he knows his subject well. Better still, Brazee knows how to tell his story well. This is a story about Marines as told by a Marine. It doesn't get any better than that.
September 8, 2021
Great story
Another great storyline from J Brazee totally looking forward to book 2 of the Grub Wars. Talk about being lucky how Hondo and BK seem to get away not getting killed lol. As we say in Yorkshire more jam than Hartleys
Another great storyline from J Brazee totally looking forward to book 2 of the Grub Wars. Talk about being lucky how Hondo and BK seem to get away not getting killed lol. As we say in Yorkshire more jam than Hartleys
September 25, 2021
It certainly follows the traditional US Marine type doctrine, if it wasn't for the alien involvement it could easily be a conflict on Earth as we know it.
Plenty of action and learning curves for those fighting against the 'Grubs'.
A good read, I look forward to further adventures.
Plenty of action and learning curves for those fighting against the 'Grubs'.
A good read, I look forward to further adventures.
October 29, 2025
Tremendous Action
The action is fast and dangerous, just like the military. I like that part of the support civilian role is an essential part of the story. Also just like the military.
The action is fast and dangerous, just like the military. I like that part of the support civilian role is an essential part of the story. Also just like the military.
December 31, 2017
looking forward to the next book. Good space opera.
January 7, 2018
Good reading material, great characters and good variation.
February 24, 2018
Price members of the team pay
Got the change from peace time to the realization of war time. Grunt know this while most civilians Will never understand.
Got the change from peace time to the realization of war time. Grunt know this while most civilians Will never understand.
March 5, 2019
Wow
War with a new enemy, the Grubs. The marines and their allies are in for the battle of their life.
War with a new enemy, the Grubs. The marines and their allies are in for the battle of their life.
April 19, 2019
Alliance
An excellent story, full of action, powerful alien enemies, and interesting allies. Great job, Colonel Jonathan Brazee. Well done indeed.
An excellent story, full of action, powerful alien enemies, and interesting allies. Great job, Colonel Jonathan Brazee. Well done indeed.
September 23, 2019
Good story!
Action,people,tactics. Got to be difficult to fight the grubs, good info on getting them before they hit the ground. Story is readable!
Action,people,tactics. Got to be difficult to fight the grubs, good info on getting them before they hit the ground. Story is readable!
October 11, 2021
Interesting
Good read. Took a bit to get into the story. Would have liked a little more character development. Not a fan of how the plot initially jumped around. You may like this.
Good read. Took a bit to get into the story. Would have liked a little more character development. Not a fan of how the plot initially jumped around. You may like this.
February 16, 2022
Interesting aliens a d striving to understand then
November 23, 2022
Great read. This is a well constructed story. I would recommend this to anyone.
July 5, 2023
A hard read
The storyline is good but with all the military jargon it makes it a difficult read. The story focuses on Hondo BK and Skylar with war against the grubs.
The storyline is good but with all the military jargon it makes it a difficult read. The story focuses on Hondo BK and Skylar with war against the grubs.
Read
December 5, 2017This book takes place later than other books in this universe. It is not necessary to read the others first. It *does* show us more about the alien species that the earlier series had us fighting/dueling with. I had wondered how that uncomfortable situation would continue. Well, it appears that it continues with an interesting new alien species that both humans and its erstwhile enemy need to fight.
This is a new book in this new series taking place in this universe.
This is a new book in this new series taking place in this universe.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews