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Desperate to escape a life of poverty on his desolate home planet, Ryck Lysander enlists in the United Federation Marine Corps, hoping to make a better future for himself. However, Ryck soon discovers that the Corps is more than a means of escaping his former life as he is pushed beyond the very limits of his strength and willpower.
From bootcamp brawls to skirmishes with galactic pirates, Ryck's new life presents him with unimaginable adventures and forces him to prove his mettle as he forges his new identity and fights to earn his place as one of the Brotherhood of Marines.
From bootcamp brawls to skirmishes with galactic pirates, Ryck's new life presents him with unimaginable adventures and forces him to prove his mettle as he forges his new identity and fights to earn his place as one of the Brotherhood of Marines.
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First published July 8, 2014
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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 - 30 of 128 reviews
February 24, 2016
I am hesitant about leaving a review because frankly I doubt I was the target audience. Although ex-military myself and a fan of military science fiction, those things worked as much against enjoyment of this book as for it. Regardless, the glowing reviews here suggest I should pipe up and play the devil's advocate, if only so folks can make a balanced judgement when spending their hard-earned eBook dollars.
It is the distant future. Ryck Lysander, the most stupidly named hero in Federation space, joins the Marine Corps after his farm fails and he's close to bankruptcy. Undertaking the four chapters of basic training which it seems obligatory for every military scifi author to write, he finally gets posted out and has kick-ass adventures through space (- with the best of these including EVA assaulting a pirate-controlled passenger starship).
Things this book does well; there are actually a few interesting elements which most authors don't touch on. Ryck gets played by a hooker in this universe's equivalent of Tijuana for example. He also goes through boredom and depression when he gets his arm blown off (lucky medical science means eight months and it will have grown back). Overall, however, this is a pretty bog-standard and reasonably written story about a Marine in space a la Jay Allen.
Things it does badly; women. And men. Shit, this book was written in 2014? It is an embarrassment. God, the author must be someone you'd scrape off your boot . Not even the named characters escape the author's ability to ruin things. The aforementioned hooker and Ryck's sister have no real use to them in the plot; the sister is an especially pointless insert. In response to the family financial problems, sister (can't remember her name) becomes a stripper and then marries a John 22 years older than her for his money. This happens in the first few pages. In that scene the main character/author takes the opportunity to explain how blokes are genetically incapable of preventing themselves from sexually assaulting ladies, which plumbed bold new depths of stupidity. The sister, by the way, vanishes until about three chapters in, when Ryck casually decides to not visit her even though he hasn't seen her in a year, so her "husband won't feel crowded". There are no female Marines, which is strange, because when I came into contact with the USM Corps there were definitely female Marines (good ones).
Apparently the future is pretty shit.
The other thing which it does badly is that it captures being a young grunt too well. Young grunts do and say stupid obnoxious shit that everyone over the age of twenty-five wishes they wouldn't, Let's be honest to ourselves - most of them haven't figured out how to be men yet and in the meantime they swing their dicks around in the hope that helps. I found myself rolling my eyes often.
This story is also narrativeless. Down in the trenches, moving from action to action without any overarching thread which would cause us to care. Mumble mumble something something character driven, but really bullshit, because Ryck is a bland cardboard pastefigure, and this book needs a narrative with some meat on its bones to compensate.
The power armour in this book honestly seems worse than just charging into battle naked.
All things considered, this book is shit. Why wouldn't you read Jay Allen? That's a fucking rad universe, and Allen writes so the protagonist actually gets to wear the awesome power armour, and to blow planets up with nukes. Allen's marines are real without being like mould. The combat scenes are better with Allen, and there is an actual narrative (at least for the first three books anyway). Brazee's "Recruit" is just kind of... average. Except worse.
Choose Jay Allen. Or Starship Troopers, if you're feeling like some bracing problematic authoritarianism to start your day ( - in all seriousness, that's a really great book and pretty much started the whole genre). Hell, honestly you could choose Warhammer 40k; the Space Marines wreck faces. All would give more bang for your buck than this, even if you got it free.
Not recommended.
It is the distant future. Ryck Lysander, the most stupidly named hero in Federation space, joins the Marine Corps after his farm fails and he's close to bankruptcy. Undertaking the four chapters of basic training which it seems obligatory for every military scifi author to write, he finally gets posted out and has kick-ass adventures through space (- with the best of these including EVA assaulting a pirate-controlled passenger starship).
Things this book does well; there are actually a few interesting elements which most authors don't touch on. Ryck gets played by a hooker in this universe's equivalent of Tijuana for example. He also goes through boredom and depression when he gets his arm blown off (lucky medical science means eight months and it will have grown back). Overall, however, this is a pretty bog-standard and reasonably written story about a Marine in space a la Jay Allen.
Things it does badly; women. And men. Shit, this book was written in 2014? It is an embarrassment. God, the author must be someone you'd scrape off your boot . Not even the named characters escape the author's ability to ruin things. The aforementioned hooker and Ryck's sister have no real use to them in the plot; the sister is an especially pointless insert. In response to the family financial problems, sister (can't remember her name) becomes a stripper and then marries a John 22 years older than her for his money. This happens in the first few pages. In that scene the main character/author takes the opportunity to explain how blokes are genetically incapable of preventing themselves from sexually assaulting ladies, which plumbed bold new depths of stupidity. The sister, by the way, vanishes until about three chapters in, when Ryck casually decides to not visit her even though he hasn't seen her in a year, so her "husband won't feel crowded". There are no female Marines, which is strange, because when I came into contact with the USM Corps there were definitely female Marines (good ones).
Apparently the future is pretty shit.
The other thing which it does badly is that it captures being a young grunt too well. Young grunts do and say stupid obnoxious shit that everyone over the age of twenty-five wishes they wouldn't, Let's be honest to ourselves - most of them haven't figured out how to be men yet and in the meantime they swing their dicks around in the hope that helps. I found myself rolling my eyes often.
This story is also narrativeless. Down in the trenches, moving from action to action without any overarching thread which would cause us to care. Mumble mumble something something character driven, but really bullshit, because Ryck is a bland cardboard pastefigure, and this book needs a narrative with some meat on its bones to compensate.
The power armour in this book honestly seems worse than just charging into battle naked.
All things considered, this book is shit. Why wouldn't you read Jay Allen? That's a fucking rad universe, and Allen writes so the protagonist actually gets to wear the awesome power armour, and to blow planets up with nukes. Allen's marines are real without being like mould. The combat scenes are better with Allen, and there is an actual narrative (at least for the first three books anyway). Brazee's "Recruit" is just kind of... average. Except worse.
Choose Jay Allen. Or Starship Troopers, if you're feeling like some bracing problematic authoritarianism to start your day ( - in all seriousness, that's a really great book and pretty much started the whole genre). Hell, honestly you could choose Warhammer 40k; the Space Marines wreck faces. All would give more bang for your buck than this, even if you got it free.
Not recommended.
October 28, 2023
A GREAT START TO HOPEFULLY AN EVEN GREATER SERIES
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot in this book. "Federation Marine: Recruit" was well written. The action was good, but there really needed to be more throughout the book, and with less technical description given (which made it really hard to hold my interest at times). Like I said, I really enjoyed the characters and the plot and can't wait for the next book in this series this book "Federation Marine 2: Sergeant", when it becomes available.
Don't forget to read the short story "Earning Stripes" at the end of this book. It's well worth reading and paints a pretty good description of TDI King Tong.
It was really nice to see an author use footnotes as well as a glossary.
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot in this book. "Federation Marine: Recruit" was well written. The action was good, but there really needed to be more throughout the book, and with less technical description given (which made it really hard to hold my interest at times). Like I said, I really enjoyed the characters and the plot and can't wait for the next book in this series this book "Federation Marine 2: Sergeant", when it becomes available.
Don't forget to read the short story "Earning Stripes" at the end of this book. It's well worth reading and paints a pretty good description of TDI King Tong.
It was really nice to see an author use footnotes as well as a glossary.
July 12, 2024
Great story
I am glad I read this book, I have the seven other books in this set. What a fine military action packed set of books. You will love them.
I am glad I read this book, I have the seven other books in this set. What a fine military action packed set of books. You will love them.
August 5, 2014
Marines in space
Marines in space
This book has a lot to take in. As it follows one marine from initial enlistment, combat and being wounded and going thru regeneration. While set in the future it could be a present day marine. The characters are colorful, the action hot and heavy. Any present day military man can identify with the main character as he competes basic training. The DI's and their chewing out a recruit with the unique style all drill instructors in any arm of the military have.
While short this is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it.
Marines in space
This book has a lot to take in. As it follows one marine from initial enlistment, combat and being wounded and going thru regeneration. While set in the future it could be a present day marine. The characters are colorful, the action hot and heavy. Any present day military man can identify with the main character as he competes basic training. The DI's and their chewing out a recruit with the unique style all drill instructors in any arm of the military have.
While short this is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it.
December 31, 2014
Semper Fi
Everything changes, even the Corp. But what doesn't change is the pride of being a Marine.
While I felt the book was short, the author was able to convey those feelings of what it was like serving. The author must of been a mustang, an enlisted before being commissioned. Yes, I understand it is science fiction, I love the genre. this book was recommended and the PICS (which looked to me like a mech) and Marine Corps title sold me on it.
I felt it was a fun story and look forward to the next one.
Everything changes, even the Corp. But what doesn't change is the pride of being a Marine.
While I felt the book was short, the author was able to convey those feelings of what it was like serving. The author must of been a mustang, an enlisted before being commissioned. Yes, I understand it is science fiction, I love the genre. this book was recommended and the PICS (which looked to me like a mech) and Marine Corps title sold me on it.
I felt it was a fun story and look forward to the next one.
Read
August 7, 2014This is the first in a SF series that has interstellar Marines which are based closely upon US Marines of today (The author is a retired U.S. Marine Colonel). We see how those Marines work for a recruit - in a society where the planets are ruled not very nicely by corporations. It will be interesting to see the coming conflict be played out in sequels as they arrive.
August 23, 2021
The first book sees former farmer Ryck Lysander from boot camp through the end of his first hitch as a Federation Marine.
Several instances of TMI where I ended up skimming, but overall the story was mostly good. If I hadn't bought all 8 books at once I would have had a decision on whether to continue the series or not.
Several instances of TMI where I ended up skimming, but overall the story was mostly good. If I hadn't bought all 8 books at once I would have had a decision on whether to continue the series or not.
May 17, 2015
A solid start!
A thorough look at the life of a space marine. Pretty basic story but a fun read regardless. I plan to read the next book in the series.
A thorough look at the life of a space marine. Pretty basic story but a fun read regardless. I plan to read the next book in the series.
October 23, 2023
Just okay
Not enough action, too much thinking. I don’t know, I just had trouble getting very invested in the story. It was okay, not bad, just not very intriguing.
Not enough action, too much thinking. I don’t know, I just had trouble getting very invested in the story. It was okay, not bad, just not very intriguing.
April 19, 2020
This review includes some mild spoilers, none which are actually story relevant.
I read the complete series of books and finishing it got tedious. As a non-military person from good old Europe, I am not much into the pathos US military, but that is alright. I still enjoyed the ride most of the time, but I had some issues along the way which, in my opinion, spoil the fun a bit.
Throughout the complete series the marine operations are jeopardized by failures on the side of the Intelligence or outright traitors inside the the military who give advanced warning to enemies. This has been an issue for basically all major battles in the series, and trash talking the Intelligence Agencies that be, has been a constant trend in the books.
While I think that lack of intelligence is a good enough plot, it makes no sense to use the same speel over and over again, without being further addressed. Not once in the books has there been a follow up to these problems, no debrief or after action report that mentioned it and to the reader it seems like nothing is being done about and the protagonist never mentions it again after the battle. This is an especially glaring plot whole when the possibility of traitors and informants in the military is mentioned and then never pops up again. From the story it was obvious there we informants, since the "incognito" marines were picked up by police on a foreign planet, but it was not resolved in any way.
It feels like there was some information in the books that was screaming "I AM PLOT RELEVANT" and to my civilian understanding would require to be addressed, but never were.
So yeah, fun ride, but not all in all, not really good writing or story telling ;)
I read the complete series of books and finishing it got tedious. As a non-military person from good old Europe, I am not much into the pathos US military, but that is alright. I still enjoyed the ride most of the time, but I had some issues along the way which, in my opinion, spoil the fun a bit.
Throughout the complete series the marine operations are jeopardized by failures on the side of the Intelligence or outright traitors inside the the military who give advanced warning to enemies. This has been an issue for basically all major battles in the series, and trash talking the Intelligence Agencies that be, has been a constant trend in the books.
While I think that lack of intelligence is a good enough plot, it makes no sense to use the same speel over and over again, without being further addressed. Not once in the books has there been a follow up to these problems, no debrief or after action report that mentioned it and to the reader it seems like nothing is being done about and the protagonist never mentions it again after the battle. This is an especially glaring plot whole when the possibility of traitors and informants in the military is mentioned and then never pops up again. From the story it was obvious there we informants, since the "incognito" marines were picked up by police on a foreign planet, but it was not resolved in any way.
It feels like there was some information in the books that was screaming "I AM PLOT RELEVANT" and to my civilian understanding would require to be addressed, but never were.
So yeah, fun ride, but not all in all, not really good writing or story telling ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2021
Brazee keeps it real
My first Jonathan P. Brazee novel. Now hooked for life.
I have read some pure awful military science fiction. Best I can tell, the authors’ “knowledge” of military experience comes from reading books by other authors who know little about military experience, and who got their own understanding of the military from authors who know little about military experience, who got…. And some of them depend on movies they saw with actors portraying soldiers: Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc., (and I know that dates me).
I loved Recruit. Yes, it was a tale of a young man signing up, doing his time in boot camp (DIs whose jobs are to break every recruit and then build them back into warriors – albeit totally unprepared for what they are to face), first experience in combat and a growing understanding of who/what he needs to be in order to be true to his brothers-in-arms even if it means sacrificing his own life in order to preserve theirs… But Brazee keeps it “real”. No super heroes. Mistakes are made and lessons learned. Comrades suffer horrific physical and mental damage, and some of them die. But the main character learns, and matures and it just feels authentic.
Ryck Lysander is a character I want to follow, as Brazee is an author I intend to follow.
And Recruit was the first novel I began after just finishing my first Rick Partlow novel – First to Fight (Earth at War series) and I respect Partlow the same way I respect and appreciate Jonathan Brazee.
I have listed all of the series – by both authors - (and the titles of the books that make them up), and prices, and it is going to get a bit expensive, but at least I know who to look to for satisfying reads
My first Jonathan P. Brazee novel. Now hooked for life.
I have read some pure awful military science fiction. Best I can tell, the authors’ “knowledge” of military experience comes from reading books by other authors who know little about military experience, and who got their own understanding of the military from authors who know little about military experience, who got…. And some of them depend on movies they saw with actors portraying soldiers: Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, etc., (and I know that dates me).
I loved Recruit. Yes, it was a tale of a young man signing up, doing his time in boot camp (DIs whose jobs are to break every recruit and then build them back into warriors – albeit totally unprepared for what they are to face), first experience in combat and a growing understanding of who/what he needs to be in order to be true to his brothers-in-arms even if it means sacrificing his own life in order to preserve theirs… But Brazee keeps it “real”. No super heroes. Mistakes are made and lessons learned. Comrades suffer horrific physical and mental damage, and some of them die. But the main character learns, and matures and it just feels authentic.
Ryck Lysander is a character I want to follow, as Brazee is an author I intend to follow.
And Recruit was the first novel I began after just finishing my first Rick Partlow novel – First to Fight (Earth at War series) and I respect Partlow the same way I respect and appreciate Jonathan Brazee.
I have listed all of the series – by both authors - (and the titles of the books that make them up), and prices, and it is going to get a bit expensive, but at least I know who to look to for satisfying reads
December 5, 2018
The Author knows his stuff...
It's pretty clear, in reading the book, that the former Marine knows what he is talking about. The clarifications added via the footnotes were extremely helpful and appreciated. Ryck was a well thought-out character. His decisions and the paths he chose in making them was well drawn. I wished I had more of a clearer concept of the time period it was placed ... 256 Federation years was nice but not helpful in giving me a range of reference but it did nothing to take away from the story. Unfortunately, the ending was too predictable because, based on Ryck's thoughts while a 'gen hen', it was pretty clear that he felt the Corps was his home. It was really no surprise when he re-enlisted. It read a little bit like Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers', minus the bugs, because of the camraderie and the fact that Joshua was from his home. That was just a feeling I got because really, it was nothing like that. The Federation was not as domineering as it was in Troopers. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to people who enjoy military sci-fi. I do intend to read some of the rest of the series.
It's pretty clear, in reading the book, that the former Marine knows what he is talking about. The clarifications added via the footnotes were extremely helpful and appreciated. Ryck was a well thought-out character. His decisions and the paths he chose in making them was well drawn. I wished I had more of a clearer concept of the time period it was placed ... 256 Federation years was nice but not helpful in giving me a range of reference but it did nothing to take away from the story. Unfortunately, the ending was too predictable because, based on Ryck's thoughts while a 'gen hen', it was pretty clear that he felt the Corps was his home. It was really no surprise when he re-enlisted. It read a little bit like Heinlein's 'Starship Troopers', minus the bugs, because of the camraderie and the fact that Joshua was from his home. That was just a feeling I got because really, it was nothing like that. The Federation was not as domineering as it was in Troopers. Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to people who enjoy military sci-fi. I do intend to read some of the rest of the series.
December 16, 2018
In the novel The United Federation Marine Corps, Book 1: Recruit by author Colonel Jonathan Brazee, USMC (Ret), this reviewer found a fun and entertaining read. He very much enjoyed this story, which revolves around a new recruit of a future Marine organization.
Fresh from a poverty-stricken home on a still newly settled planet, Ryck Lysander joins the marines in an effort to better himself and his life. The reader follows young Lysander through his initiation and training to become one of the few, the proud, the Marines.
The reader is exposed to not only a wonderful depiction of a futuristic, military supporting society, but one of many worlds all colonized by an expanding humanity. The story world is told with a forthrightness and captivating toughness that brings the richness of life, liberty, and duty, to its own form of happiness.
Beware the foul language typical of the soldiering society—the in-the-gutter mindset of soldiers. Otherwise, this is an outstanding read!
Fresh from a poverty-stricken home on a still newly settled planet, Ryck Lysander joins the marines in an effort to better himself and his life. The reader follows young Lysander through his initiation and training to become one of the few, the proud, the Marines.
The reader is exposed to not only a wonderful depiction of a futuristic, military supporting society, but one of many worlds all colonized by an expanding humanity. The story world is told with a forthrightness and captivating toughness that brings the richness of life, liberty, and duty, to its own form of happiness.
Beware the foul language typical of the soldiering society—the in-the-gutter mindset of soldiers. Otherwise, this is an outstanding read!
November 20, 2020
Good work!
I enjoyed this coming of age story. True, it reminded me of Starship Troopers, especially during the training sequences, but only then. The rest showed a real understanding of what it takes to be a grunt, and the details created a convincing Corps.
The Marine Corps development was excellent. The use of footnotes helped, but I knew or could figure out most of them. It was a good idea, whether it was from the author or his editor.
Some characters were too shallow, but Ryck did show development, just not as much as I expected. This kid had a lot to learn about the world and himself. The details of what the world threw at him felt real, but his reactions did not show how he internalized the drama and grew from it.
I hope that in Sargent, we get to see his core being. Excellent work, Sir (my dad worked for a living 😊).
I enjoyed this coming of age story. True, it reminded me of Starship Troopers, especially during the training sequences, but only then. The rest showed a real understanding of what it takes to be a grunt, and the details created a convincing Corps.
The Marine Corps development was excellent. The use of footnotes helped, but I knew or could figure out most of them. It was a good idea, whether it was from the author or his editor.
Some characters were too shallow, but Ryck did show development, just not as much as I expected. This kid had a lot to learn about the world and himself. The details of what the world threw at him felt real, but his reactions did not show how he internalized the drama and grew from it.
I hope that in Sargent, we get to see his core being. Excellent work, Sir (my dad worked for a living 😊).
June 1, 2025
“Federation Marine: Recruit” is military Science Fiction, but it would work equally well as a modern-day tale of army life.
While many of the recent titles I've read have been Space Opera, where galactic politics and intrigue mix with vast battles and individual heroism, this book, written by a retired Marine Colonel, is a boots on the ground account of a single Marine recruit, Ryck Lysander.
It is at its best when Ryck actually qualifies as a Marine, rather a lot of pages are given to going over the training process in great detail.
It has a blunt writing style, is not given to hyperbole, and generally avoids explaining the technology used (concentrating more on what it does).
After a strong start it bogs down for several chapters and I seriously thought about abandoning it, but the final third was rock solid.
One annoying point was the way 'copacetic' kept cropping up.
3 Stars.
While many of the recent titles I've read have been Space Opera, where galactic politics and intrigue mix with vast battles and individual heroism, this book, written by a retired Marine Colonel, is a boots on the ground account of a single Marine recruit, Ryck Lysander.
It is at its best when Ryck actually qualifies as a Marine, rather a lot of pages are given to going over the training process in great detail.
It has a blunt writing style, is not given to hyperbole, and generally avoids explaining the technology used (concentrating more on what it does).
After a strong start it bogs down for several chapters and I seriously thought about abandoning it, but the final third was rock solid.
One annoying point was the way 'copacetic' kept cropping up.
3 Stars.
October 8, 2017
The author's books get better. His books are garden variety pop corn space operas. You can tell author is ex-military with sayings and actions but everything is rated G for most part( if you're going to tell military stories tell them truthfully with curse words and real sex.) When he gets to politics you will root for the other side not the protagonists side. Women are second class citizens in protagonists government. Author intoduces characters, but doesn't flesh them out and then kills them off. All in all good little stories going from small units tactics to larger scale (with Ryck's promotions) tactics. Uses lots of Marine history in form of Ryck teaching life and military lessons. I'm at the Colonel book, but it's starting to bore me.
March 30, 2018
First and foremost, thank you for your service
From one veteran to another. I didn't have the honor of serving with the USMC, but I worked hard and gave it all I to and no regrets. This is an excellent story with lots of military terminology and footnotes to explain the deeper stuff. This is not just about kickin ' butt and chewin' gum(though there is plenty of that!). As Ryck enters military service and begins his physical and mental challenges we become privy to not only what he DOES but what he THINKS without getting all maudlin and whiny. Yes it hurts to lose our brothers and sisters in combat but we all have to find a way to deal with it in our own way and move on. Thank you Sir for an excellent portrayal of frontline grunts with dignity. OURAH DEVIL DOGS!!!
From one veteran to another. I didn't have the honor of serving with the USMC, but I worked hard and gave it all I to and no regrets. This is an excellent story with lots of military terminology and footnotes to explain the deeper stuff. This is not just about kickin ' butt and chewin' gum(though there is plenty of that!). As Ryck enters military service and begins his physical and mental challenges we become privy to not only what he DOES but what he THINKS without getting all maudlin and whiny. Yes it hurts to lose our brothers and sisters in combat but we all have to find a way to deal with it in our own way and move on. Thank you Sir for an excellent portrayal of frontline grunts with dignity. OURAH DEVIL DOGS!!!
March 27, 2021
Pretty Good
It would have been better if we didn't need to endure the entire, excruciating rehash of Marine Corp basic training & the subsequent specialty training. I suppose that the author believes that the reader needs to know what it takes to become a marine. Personally, I've done my time (in another Branch) & I didn't need that that level of detail. I will say that the battles were depicted realistically & without a Rambo flair. Overall, this book was fairly enjoyable. However, I won't be buying into the never ending saga that follows the protagonist's military career. If you're into war fiction & space opera, this series is probably right up your alley. This book stands alone, another big plus.
It would have been better if we didn't need to endure the entire, excruciating rehash of Marine Corp basic training & the subsequent specialty training. I suppose that the author believes that the reader needs to know what it takes to become a marine. Personally, I've done my time (in another Branch) & I didn't need that that level of detail. I will say that the battles were depicted realistically & without a Rambo flair. Overall, this book was fairly enjoyable. However, I won't be buying into the never ending saga that follows the protagonist's military career. If you're into war fiction & space opera, this series is probably right up your alley. This book stands alone, another big plus.
January 10, 2021
Good but predicatable
Let me say right from the off that this is a good book. Enjoyable, fast, quite well written and obviously by someone who knows their stuff. Having said that it just didn't grab me. Possibly to much of me reading military SF is highlighting the great from the good however this did lack interest. The training was the standard set up and reasonably eenjoyable but the description of the marines organisational set ups was a bit too detailed and the action too short. Don't be put off if you want to try it, and it is only short, but not really interesting enough for me.
Let me say right from the off that this is a good book. Enjoyable, fast, quite well written and obviously by someone who knows their stuff. Having said that it just didn't grab me. Possibly to much of me reading military SF is highlighting the great from the good however this did lack interest. The training was the standard set up and reasonably eenjoyable but the description of the marines organisational set ups was a bit too detailed and the action too short. Don't be put off if you want to try it, and it is only short, but not really interesting enough for me.
September 15, 2021
Enjoyed This Book
When I first started reading, I felt inclined to put this novel aside and find something else to read. The first part made the primary character rather ambiguous. Then I hit chapter 1 and the story was great. Pages flew by rapidly and finished all too soon. My suggestion is to introduce the main character right from the start. Give the reader a character to captivate the reader at the outset. A reason to care about him. When chapter 1 removed that ambiguity, it gave me someone to latch onto and things got exciting. I'm glad I didn't give up on the book, despite temptation to do so..
When I first started reading, I felt inclined to put this novel aside and find something else to read. The first part made the primary character rather ambiguous. Then I hit chapter 1 and the story was great. Pages flew by rapidly and finished all too soon. My suggestion is to introduce the main character right from the start. Give the reader a character to captivate the reader at the outset. A reason to care about him. When chapter 1 removed that ambiguity, it gave me someone to latch onto and things got exciting. I'm glad I didn't give up on the book, despite temptation to do so..
November 16, 2020
The tools may change but, the Marines don't.
Well written coming of age tale, a boy becomes a Marine. Loved the combining of various historical Marine Corps into one while retaining their significance. The technology is impressive but, nobody can close with and destroy the enemy as well as a Marine infantry unit. The characters are well developed, I "knew" someone like these guys. Kudos, Colonel, on a job well done. I plan on spending my liberty money on the rest of your stories. Semper Fi!
Well written coming of age tale, a boy becomes a Marine. Loved the combining of various historical Marine Corps into one while retaining their significance. The technology is impressive but, nobody can close with and destroy the enemy as well as a Marine infantry unit. The characters are well developed, I "knew" someone like these guys. Kudos, Colonel, on a job well done. I plan on spending my liberty money on the rest of your stories. Semper Fi!
December 21, 2020
A fun read. Well written.
While this is a good well written story the author naturally takes some poetic license.. I was Navy so much of this is outside my personal experience but there are some things that cross all services. The recruit NCOs who took it upon themselves to discipline a fellow recruit brought back memories of RTC USNTC Great Lakes in the early sixties. Instead of the shower it was a blanket party. These who did it, did us all a favor, and no one asked about the bruises on our wise ass either.
While this is a good well written story the author naturally takes some poetic license.. I was Navy so much of this is outside my personal experience but there are some things that cross all services. The recruit NCOs who took it upon themselves to discipline a fellow recruit brought back memories of RTC USNTC Great Lakes in the early sixties. Instead of the shower it was a blanket party. These who did it, did us all a favor, and no one asked about the bruises on our wise ass either.
March 29, 2021
Follows a similar plotline as Heinlein's Starship Troopers but without the political or philosophical discussions inherent therein. I thought this was a missed opportunity as it would've been interesting if Brazee had given his interpretation on politics based on his military experiences just as Heinlein did. Instead we just got a typical war story for boys without anything to think too deeply about.
Oh, and was the author paid every time he included the word 'copacetic'? Every character seemed to say it at least once.
I enjoyed it - 3 stars
Oh, and was the author paid every time he included the word 'copacetic'? Every character seemed to say it at least once.
I enjoyed it - 3 stars
February 6, 2023
finished quickly
This is a quick story to read, a standard book one for a series, where a boy more or less has to join up, & finds he is very well suited for the military life, & is given an award for his first campaign, I have read better & way worse for the first novel in a series, I enjoyed it enough to write this & to get the next book, if you like this type of story I recommend trying it, it is not groundbreaking but is a decent short read, & I am looking forward to read the next book.
Try it.
This is a quick story to read, a standard book one for a series, where a boy more or less has to join up, & finds he is very well suited for the military life, & is given an award for his first campaign, I have read better & way worse for the first novel in a series, I enjoyed it enough to write this & to get the next book, if you like this type of story I recommend trying it, it is not groundbreaking but is a decent short read, & I am looking forward to read the next book.
Try it.
April 8, 2021
There were many "new" words I needed to learn so I could not give the book too high a rating. I enjoyed it more as I went along. I am sure that I will enjoy the books more as I go along. I would expect other Veterans would enjoy and especially those who like WEB Griffin
Stories. Following the life of Ryck and his friends and relatives was interesting and added to the story. I am looking forward to see what he does as a Sargent and more.
Stories. Following the life of Ryck and his friends and relatives was interesting and added to the story. I am looking forward to see what he does as a Sargent and more.
June 2, 2021
I have read a lot of military sci-fi and I enjoy it, as I did this book. However, none of this was new to me or really peaked my interest. I found myself at sometimes jumping ahead and had to stop myself. From Starship Troopers to Hammer's Slammers to the plethora of other books about joining the military, going through basic and on to life as a boot, it was all repetitive. If you haven't read those, I think you will enjoy this.
January 20, 2022
I think I got this either free or at a great discount from Amazon. I won't be paying for any of the rest of the books in the series. I'm at chapter 20 and so far there have been exactly 2 women in the book ... and both of them are hookers. Apparently the author believes that once humanity moves into space, the Marines and Navy will revert to being male-only. It's a pity, because the writing isn't that bad.
June 25, 2019
A great military sci-fi action novel and the start of a series
A great start to a new (to me) series and universe. Great characters and thrilling action.
A more realistic view of a powered armour suit, where they are not indestructible. But still worth having on the field of battle.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
A great start to a new (to me) series and universe. Great characters and thrilling action.
A more realistic view of a powered armour suit, where they are not indestructible. But still worth having on the field of battle.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
September 27, 2019
Spoiller Alert - The Entire 7 Book Series Gets 5 Stars
As the review title above hints, I have just now finished reading the seven book UFMC Ryck Lysander series. It is so compelling that I have neglected my obligation to the author to offer a review of the book(s) until now in thanks for such a great book/series.
As the review title above hints, I have just now finished reading the seven book UFMC Ryck Lysander series. It is so compelling that I have neglected my obligation to the author to offer a review of the book(s) until now in thanks for such a great book/series.
May 23, 2020
rangers lead the way
excellant writing. brings back good and bad memories. would not have it any other way. i served with force recon and royal marines. i am the first non comission officer in the u.s. army to graduate from the all arms commando course/royal marines. i totally understand your pride in the marine corp. thank you for your service. dave
excellant writing. brings back good and bad memories. would not have it any other way. i served with force recon and royal marines. i am the first non comission officer in the u.s. army to graduate from the all arms commando course/royal marines. i totally understand your pride in the marine corp. thank you for your service. dave
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