The Stars Threw Down Their Spears

"We came in peace. They started the war." The year is 2445. Humanity has left Earth behind and spread throughout the galaxy, planting its flag on dozens of worlds. It has met with both triumph and disaster in its explorations, but in four centuries of colonization and exploration, it has found no signs of intelligent life. Until now. A mysterious alien race has emerged from the unexplored reaches of space, attacking without warning or mercy, launching lightning raids on deep-space convoys and frontier outposts. For years, these attacks have been little more than a nuisance, but now they have taken a more sinister turn. The aliens have begun an all-out drive into human space, overrunning systems and seizing planets, with one apparent goal: total conquest. The task of opposing these invaders falls to the men and women of the United Systems Marine Corps. Tough, smart, well-equipped, and highly trained, these Marines are the finest warriors humanity has to offer. But they have never faced an enemy like this, an enemy who is every bit their equal, and for whom defeat is not an option. If they are to win this war, it will take every last ounce of their strength, courage, and determination . . .