The Palladium Wars · #2
Ballistic
The Palladium Wars continues with the next book of the epic science fiction series that George R. R. Martin calls “engrossing”...
There is a personal price to pay for having aligned with the wrong side in a reckless war. For Aden Jansen it’s the need to adopt a new identity while keeping his past hidden. Now he’s integrated himself aboard the Zephyr, a merchant ship smuggling critical goods through dangerous space. But danger is imminent on planet Gretia, as well. Under occupation, torn between postwar reformers and loyalists, it’s a polestar for civil unrest.
Meanwhile an occupation forces officer is pulled right back into the fray when the battle alarm is raised, an ambitious heiress is entangled in a subversive political conspiracy, and an Allied captain is about to meet the enemy head-on.
As Aden discovers, the insurgents on Gretia — and in space — are connected, organized, and ready to break into full-scale rebellion. History is threatening to repeat itself. It’s time that Aden rediscovers who he is, whom he can trust, and what he must fight for now.
The series
In the shadow of a galaxy scarred by war, the Palladium Wars unfolds—a gripping saga of survival, political intrigue, and the complexities of rebuilding after devastation. This series takes readers deep into a six-planet system still reeling from the aftermath of a brutal conflict, where the scars of past battles are just as dangerous as the looming threats of new wars. Marko Kloos masterfully crafts a universe where nothing is as simple as it seems, and every decision has far-reaching consequences.
Read full series description
At the heart of the Palladium Wars are complex characters—soldiers, politicians, and civilians—all struggling to navigate the murky waters of a fractured society. The war may be over, but the wounds are still fresh, and the characters must face not only external enemies but the internal struggles of a galaxy in flux. Amidst the rubble of the old order, new alliances form, old grudges resurface, and the fight for power becomes more about control over the future than the past.
Kloos’ world-building is both intricate and immersive, painting a picture of a universe where technology, political machinations, and personal ambitions collide. From the towering spires of space stations to the gritty underbelly of war-torn planets, every corner of this world feels lived-in and real. But it’s the human stories that truly shine—the quiet moments of reflection between battles, the betrayals that turn friends into foes, and the sacrifices made for a greater cause.
The series explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the fine line between heroism and self-interest, making every plot twist not just a thrilling moment but a reflection on the true cost of war. It’s a universe where survival is never guaranteed, and every character must choose between doing what’s right and doing what’s necessary.
With its sharp dialogue, high stakes, and a deep exploration of both the personal and the political, the Palladium Wars pulls readers into a web of tension and intrigue that will leave them questioning who, if anyone, can truly be trusted.
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