Lucky Thirteen: Frontlines, Book 2.1

A very good short action and military type story. You will enjoy it. I hope that there will be more coming like this.

Of course, hardly anyone writes short stories anymore. This one is excellent and it brings back Hallie, one of the main characters in the Frontlines series. I recommend it and I think you’ll enjoy it.

A beautiful story about an in inanimate object (Wasp Drop Ship “Lucky 13”) that saves it’s pilot, crew and wounded soldiers.You should read this short story!

I read Marko's book and gave it 4 stars. That was, honestly, rounding up a hair from something more like a 3.8 or 3.9. The book was among the best indie stuff I've ever bought off of Amazon, and it was as good as your typical Baen book (which I read and enjoy!), but it wasn't magical. The first section, set in a prole slum on Earth was really evocative and well done, but when Act 2 began and the protagonist went into the military I found myself thinking "eh - I've read this story before. Several times."I did say in my review for Terms of Enlistment that I was looking forward to seeing what Marko delivered next.I was thrilled with this story.Just before reading it I read some other indie fare and the contrast couldn't be more clear. The other story I read was a first or second draft, and was written by someone who has not (yet) developed an ear for dialogue, description, or anything else. Tons of "as you know, Bob" descriptions, purple prose, and more.Stepping into Marko's short story was a breath of fresh air. The first sentence hooked me (and that's REALLY rare with indy stuff). Marko has developed a lot as an author. The dialogue was lean and tight, the pacing was perfect - there was not a single flaw.Now "not a single flaw" is good for 4-stars, but to hit 5 stars, a story has to do more than merely avoid mistakes: it has to actively do things right. It has to create magic. This story had lots of little touches that really developed a mood, made me care about the characters, made me feel that the characters are real. The fact that the ship "Lucky 13" was named after a serial number and not a tale number, the fact that the pilot wouldn't trade her even for a better one - lots of little things all worked together perfectly.Finally, the pacing of the story was dead on. Just enough back story, steadily rising action and risk, and then the pay off at the end was exactly the right note.A lot of what's written in the military SF genre is in the 2 to 3 star range. 4 isn't uncommon. 5 is pretty rare.Joe Bob says "check it out".

Already enjoyed the other books in the universe established by Marko Kloos. Had to read this amazing short story after watching the Netflix adaptation.

Nothing like you first plane, tank, jeep or ship. The thing that's part of you during those difficult time, far away from home. It maybe just a hunk of metal or an noise engine room but it kept you safe and warm during trying times.

Perfect read for a short flight. Captivating military SciFi story. Author clearly understands how the Marine Corps aviation wing works, and the captures the fighting spirit of Marine Aviators.

Even though this is a single event is Lt Haley's career, it gives a nice little backstory to her character that is hinted at in Terms of Enlistment.

After buying other books by the same author i was disappointed with the size of the book, you should have stated this in the introduction,although I must say that the story was quite good, apart from that I'm very happy all the other books I've bought from you in the past

Just settled in for a good read and it ended......12 pages.Annoying it was looking promising.

I loved the two main novels, Terms of Enlistment and Lines of Departure, so wanted more of the world. But Lucky Thirteen doesn't live up to the big brothers.Marko Kloos has a bit of a matter of fact style, like a report of events instead of living experience, which almost killed Terms of Enlistment for me, it took me 3 chapters to start to enjoy it. He (and the reader) seems to need some time to warm into the story and Lucky Thirteen is just too short for that. So the result is something like a character/special unit description from an RPG/battle game rulebook. It's not bad, I would love to see this as fluff in a rulebook but I expect more from a short story.

Filmed on Netflix as part of love death and robots the short story does not disappoint, I am hoping there are some more stories for the character.

Kloos really should wait and publish these as a book of short stories, however, this one is still good. There’s an awful lot of mindless violence, and you have to wonder what regime these people are keeping at bay that would be worse than the situation that the populous and soldiers have to endure, but hey, it’s readable and currently I’m itching for his new book.