Gods of War

The Last Marines, Book 1

By: William S. Frisbee Jr.

Narrated by: John Pirhalla

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The mission was supposed to be his last.

After more than 20 years in special operations, USMC Gunnery Sergeant Wolf Mathison wasn’t looking forward to retirement when—implanted with an experimental artificial intelligence—he deployed on his last mission with a platoon of Marine Raiders being sent to the Jovian moon Europa.

The USS Jefferson was destroyed en route, though, and only Mathison and three other marines survived. Trapped in stasis, they were hurled into the outer reaches of the solar system, where they wouldn’t be found for hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the United States is destroyed and a fascist regime rises to power, expanding into the galaxy to plant its boot heel on the necks of humanity. But SOG, the Social Organizational Governance, is not unopposed, and researchers at a top-secret research outpost are working on a solution that will let SOG reign supreme. Unfortunately for the marines, they’re awakened from stasis at the same time the researchers awaken a threat that endangers the entire human race.

The odds are against them, but that’s nothing new for the Marine Raiders.

Semper fidelis and semper invictus!

©2022 William S. Frisbee (P)2023 William S. Frisbee

an interesting beginning

an interesting beginning to a new to me series that has elements of science fiction fantasy space opera and offers some good perspectives on the past and on humankind and the future. I'm looking forward to book two and I thought that the performance of the narrator was really well done!

Steady beginning

I almost stopped listening to this 15 minutes in. It hit every cliche possible for Marines that I've ever heard of BUT just because something is cliched doesn't mean it's false or even bad. The premise of the story shows great promise and the cast isn't too large to overtask the authors skill. I'm willing to pick up the 2nd half of book 1 to see what happens next and I have no problem saying that I don't that very often anymore.

Best Military Science Fiction I have read lately

I binged it, a true pleasure reading such a well done book.
The story is well paced and very believable in it's set up of why and when infantry are deployed and for what goals, considering the settings space tech levels vs infantry in power suits.

Also the main story moving plot device is one I have rarely come across before but it has a lot of range so I am hopeful it will be a great series and the rules in place mean we will see more infantry.

The new world breakdown

I really enjoyed how the book let all the truth be told about what could be the further. Definitely recommend

Builds up and then keeps going

At first the 2 arcs seem disconnected by time and location and it's a little hard to link them but then the stories parallel, in time at least, and 2 great storylines come together as things heat up and you discover you love the characters, there dynamics and faithful retelling of personnel in the military AND winding in SciFi....
Loved the book and couldn't stop listening and have the next one already and know I can't wait to press play on Vol 2 - lazy days ahead!
The main characters POV is engaging and feels real and you learn throughout the book bit by bit about them and who they are as well as small parts of the main 'space opera' story BUUUUT not too much too quickly with every question answered another pops up - makes U want more.
A great topical premise on how the galaxy is how it is, although at times the clear political side just came across a little clumsy - but I feel he don't beat you over the head too much aa you learn the dystopian future post AI, collectivism and FTL is believable to how the galaxy 'got here' and emergence of an ancient threat you just want to learn more about, but you only have pieces is really enjoyable.
Recommended and off to listen to the next one

Raiders of the future

Gods of war by William S frisbee is not the usual trope. He has created a story that keeps you wanting more. The author does not spoon-feed you information until you need it. The banter between the characters is real and not forced. The Narrator, John Pirhalla is the perfect voice to bring this story alive. The narrator is able to feel you are a witness to the story.


Sergeant Mathison and his Marine Raiders don’t pretend to be superheroes. Just men dedicated to the job before them. Then we meet Scotti and a whole different unit. These two leaders must work together.

I will be getting the next book, as soon as it comes out. I want to know where this story goes!

I couldn’t stop listening.

I love the way Bill has woven two cultures into a unified story. My only recommendation is not to start this book on a school night. I couldn’t stop listening.

Said!!!

I'm on chapter 18 but if the "he said" or "she said" after every flipping time someone speaks doesn't stop... Then there is constant use of the word "zen"! It's starting to get on my nerves! It's too bad because the narrator is great and the premise of the story is interesting.

Very Good MSF with an Expanse-like storyline

I love how Frisbee throws you into the deep end and knows his readers/listeners are smart enough to keep up. The Finnish military jargon and ranks were hard to grasp at first but as the novel moved along those words became second nature. Lot's of characters and accents in this book. Stellar job by the narrator to handle all of that. He nailed the voices. The dialogue is well written and perfectly acted. Pirhalla's narration definitely pulls you into the story.
Just when you think you have a normal MSF the plot starts to slowly shift through hints and happenings, and opens up little by little in a very Expansian way. (Don't want to give anything away.) Can't wait for book 2.

Fun

Fun story. Clearly written by a Marine. Enjoyed the book even though the author either doesn’t understand the difference between socialism and communism, or purposefully conflates the two.