Scorpio: Frontlines: Evolution, Book 1

Another engaging read by the author of the Palladium Wars series - a military based storyline. This is not what I consider a long-read book. It is slightly less than 300 pages, but the storyline is fast paced with relatable characters and huge planet stealing aliens.The plot is engaging, such that I just could not put the book down, getting lost in the fascinating world that realistically blends the characters lives into a compelling narrative of survival.I found it easy to relate to Alex and Ash (yes, the dog), vividly imagining life in this dystopian universe 100 years from now in the Scorpio worlds, 46 light years away.I’m a bookworm and chewing my way through this engaging page-turner and overall exciting read remains an enjoyable experience. Such an excellent balance between fantasy and pure sci-fi. Deserves a 5-star rating for author’s skill as he weaves an amazing relatable experience.How do you survive on another planet, fighting giant aliens in a harsh and increasingly hostile environment?Well, that’s the story of course.Well worth the read!

This review does NOT contain spoilers.This book starts out strong, with a very interesting premise. Unfortunately, this premise was discarded about a third or half way through, and what replaced it was incredibly boring. I gather that it’s a setup for a new series, but this was a terrible, clunky way to go about it.The main characters are engaging, the female protagonist is excellent (more on this in a second), the action is fast-paced and easy to imagine, the setting is well-described (also easy to visualize), and the pacing (first 1/3-1/2) is good.The interaction of the characters and setting helped develop both. Obstacles appeared and were overcome in a believable (consistent to world) way, at a pace that made for a good read. (Again, first section.)A subjective aside on pacing: There’s something to be said for a story that occasionally lets the reader rest, without so many lulls the pacing suffers.Regarding the female protagonist…I thought she was nicely balanced. Writers often struggle making a female character who is not a damsel, yet isn’t a ‘hardcore’ warrior-type. There’s a place for eachb, of course, but it’s also great to see an ‘average’ female character who is also strong and has agency in her own way.Also an issue for me is the ever-present use of passive voice. It’s appallingly bad. I found myself mentally correcting sentences over and over as I read. Not sure if he has a proofreader or editor (I didn’t check), but if so, they’re doing him a disservice by not pointing this out.Some of the overall weak points I’ve noticed are side characters that are *very* one-dimensional, character reactions I can’t always buy into, and dull interstitial scenes.General thoughts…I’ve read several of Marko Kilos’ books over the years, and have found them to be overall entertaining. His plots are fun, the pacing tends to move well, the action scenes are done well, the sci-fi elements work for me, and his main characters are generally interesting and relatable.I also know I can read without being subjected to gendered tropes, or those related to gratuitous sexual or physical violence. (Simply, if a reader wants a ‘safe’ book, his are a good bet.)

This is my first novel by Marko Kloos, but definitely won't be my last! Raised in the Army, and am an avid Science fiction buff, this series sings out to me. Writing style is pretty great, not too much filler, except in some of the descriptions. Great characters, very believable.

The basic premise and the cast of characters are fascinating, but the plot line was weak, with little in the way of character development for the heroine. The affection of Logan and Alexis was never fleshed out, and the one-night stand at the end only hints at what should have been a bigger part of the story telling. Descriptions of the expedition and return are drawn-out, as are those of life in the colony. At the end there is a deus ex machine ending. With some tightening and focus, this would make a good introduction to the next book in the series, either as part of it or as a stand-alone novella. There is a great story waiting to be told.

This isn't my usual pick. I typically don't choose sci-fi or space novels. This was an Amazon first reads pick that pleasantly surprised me. The plot wasn't as exciting as I expected based on the events it depicted, but it builds a solid backstory for Alex. The plot line is creative and well visualized and the imagery was thorough.The personal connection to the characters wasn't immediate, but by the end I found myself interested in their lives. I was invested without realizing it had happened.Overall, it was a good read. Nothing to make my top 3 list, but a solid book that built a great starting point for the series. I've already got book 2 on my to-read list and am going back to read others by Mark.I'm looking forward to the next book.

Loved the plot. The characters sparkled. The scenes were memorable. The tension was gripping and the whole book was just a fun read.

Another great story from Kloos. When is the next book coming out. I can't wait. I do love your work

I read through some of the one and two star reviews. Mostly there were comments about the story dying out about two thirds of the way through. That is not true. What the author has done, very well, is to delve into what would happen to a teenager who only really knows life on a colony, and how she has c to try and adapt to a return to an earth she doesn’t and never did know. The story is well paced and I am looking forward to the second volume.excellent writing.

Muito pouca história, pouco ou nenhum desenvolvimento de personagens. Dei tres estrelas apenas por poder sentir novamente o gostinho série original.

I really liked the central character. The pace of the story was excellent and kept me thoroughly gripped from start to finish. I'm looking forward to the next book.

Tolle Erweiterung zum bestehenden Universum. Fesselnde Handlung. Für mich absolut lohnenswert. Das einzig negative ist jetzt das Warten auf die Fortsetzung. Vielen Dank Marko Kloos.

Per quanto sembri facile scrivere uno spin-off di una serie, sovente l'autore rischia di ripetere situazioni già vedute, o di limitarsi a descrivere quanto accaduto nella serie principale dal punto di vista di un differente protagonista. Kloos, al contrario, pur utilizzando un "fondale" comune alla serie principale "Frontline", riesce a creare situazioni nuove. Vediamo come le evolverà nei seguiti.