First published 2008
Marcus Fenix stands with his fellow Gears as the Coalition of Ordered Governments prepares for another assault from the Locust Horde. The alien invaders have driven humanity to its final stronghold on the planet Sera. Marcus carries the weight of his past: once a decorated war hero, now branded a traitor. Beside him fights his closest friend Dominic Santiago, bound to Marcus through years of combat and shared loss. Their bond was forged at Aspho Fields, where they fought alongside Dom's older brother Carlos in the battle that ended the Pendulum Wars. Now an old comrade returns, threatening to expose the agonizing secret Marcus has kept buried about what really happened to Carlos. As the Gears mount their desperate last stand against extinction, Marcus and Dom must face the harrowing truth about the choices they made at Aspho Fields. The Locust Horde may be humanity's greatest enemy, but the secrets between brothers in arms could destroy them from within.
Genres: science-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, secrets
Setting: Aspho Fields, Sera
Period: Pendulum Wars
400 pages · Paperback · Random House Worlds
Content warnings: graphic-violence, war