Ghost Marines

2018 Dragon Award Finalist for Best Military Science Fiction or Fantasy Novel Human slavers attack. Despite trying to fight back, there is nothing the young Leefe can do to save his family and friends. But he doesn't have to. The Imperial Marines arrive in the nick of time, and they hate slavers. Three tri-years later, when the new emperor issues a proclamation to integrate the imperial military with non-human citizens, Leefe is among the first to volunteer. Integration to resurrect the empire as a force for good is challenged by centuries of prejudice against the "dung races." Leefe and the other Wyntonans only want to prove their worth and fight for the empire, but their greatest battles are closer to home. With threats to the empire from both within and without, this grand experiment has the potential to save it....or tear it apart.

The Corps has been integrated by imperial decree - but that doesn't mean everyone accepts the wyntonan Marines. Despite an impressive combat record as a grunt, Corporal Leif Hollow struggles to become an effective NCO and leader of Marines. When the trumpets of war sound, however, Marines forget about differences and come together to accomplish the mission. But when the odds are stacked against them and the empire's very existence is at stake, will that be enough?

Marine raider! Sergeant Leif a'Hope Hollow is the first of his people to earn the coveted title. He never knew how soon he and his fellow raiders would have to prove themselves on the field of battle. After the failed coup to oust the emperor, the Novacks do not fade quietly into the background. They continue a low-grade insurgency, but in doing so, they open the door to other players that bring the entire empire to the brink of destruction. Sergeant a'Hope Hollow must lead a ragtag group of fellow non-humans in an attempt to avert a catastrophe that can wipe out humans forever.