Ladles and Gellimen, I stand here before you to sit down beside you to
talk about something you may care little about;
The topic of discussion for the time being is a series co-authored
by David Weber and John Ringo, this being the 'March to . . . . .'
books.
The first of which is March Upcountry, followed by March to the Sea, and March to the Stars, with more (hopefully) to follow. It begins with Roger Ramius Sergei Chiang MacClintock, third in line to the Throne of Man (or the Galactic Empire, or whatever you wish to call it) being sent on a journey by his mother the Empress. Mostly to get him out of her hair it would seem, as he is a spoiled, self-centered brat.
The bad news is that his transport is sabotaged and he winds up stranded on a "primative" planet, in an area controled by the rebellious Saints. (Who are anything but . . .) Add to that the planet, Marduk, has daily rains, carnivorous plants, strange and deadly life forms, and the natives have really bad atitudes.
The good news is that his bodygaurd is Bravo Company of the Bronze Battalion of The Empress' own Regiment. If anyone can get him off the planet alive it will be the Bronze Barbarians, (if they don't kill him first).
March Upcountry takes them from the landing on the far side of the continent to the middle, dealing with killer-pillars, damnbeasts, and unfriendly natives, while trying to keep the Prince alive and getting him to "grow up".
March to the Sea tells of (a somewhat more mature) Roger and the Marines travel from the midlands, to the seaport from which they hope to get to the only spaceport on the planet. They have learned how to deal with the lifeforms, now they must learn to deal with the native politics.
March to the Stars tells of the totally different political intrigues on the far continent, while planning an assault on the enemy held spaceport, hoping to capture a starship to transport them back to "civilization".
The writing style of these two authors combine wonderfully in this series. Twists and turns abound, with well written action scenes. If you enjoy military Science Fiction these are great books.