An exploration into why and how Thermopylae is one of the most blood-soaked patches of ground in history – and what its past can tell us about our future. Since the dawn of the Classical Era up to World War II, thousands have lost their lives fighting over the pass at Thermopylae. Historians Cole and Livingston provide an exciting account of each of the 27 battles and holding actions that took place. The epic events of 480 BC when 300 Spartans attempted to hold the pass has been immortalised in poetry, art, literature and film. But no history has ever detailed the other events from the very first battle through to the battles fought by Romans, Byzantines, Huns and Ottomans during the early and late medieval periods and finally the two desperate struggles against German occupying forces during World War II. The Killing Ground details the background and history of each conflict, the personalities and decision making of the commanders, the arms and tactics of the troops, and how each battle played out. Cole and Livingston have surveyed the ground to provide a boots-on understanding of each battle. Their command of multiple ancient and medieval languages means they have provided their own translations of much of the source material, ensuring new insights into each battle. This uncompromising scholarship is woven together into a compelling and unforgettable history that grips the reader from start to finish.

Covering Sparta's full classical history, The Bronze Lie examines the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy. The last stand at Thermopylae made the Spartans legends in their own time, famous for their toughness, stoicism and martial prowess - but was this reputation earned? The Spartan hoplite enjoys unquestioned currency as history's greatest fighting man. Spartans were known for their refusal to surrender in the face of impossible odds, even when it meant certain death. But was this simply the success of a propaganda machine? Covering Sparta's full classical history from the foundation of the city-state through to its final overthrow by Rome in the 1st century BC, The Bronze Lie examines the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy and paints a very different picture of Spartan warfare - one punctuated by frequent and heavy losses. Author Myke Cole looks at the major battles, with a special focus on previously under-publicized Spartan reverses that have been left largely unexamined. He reveals why Spartan society became dedicated to militarism, and examines the men who lived under its brutal rule. The result is a refreshingly honest and accurate account of Spartan warfare.

Myke Cole, author of the beloved military fantasy Shadow Ops series, debuts a new epic fantasy trilogy with The Armored Saint, a tale of religious tyrants, arcane war-machines, and underground resistance that will enthrall epic fantasy readers of all ages. After witnessing a horrendous slaughter, young Heloise opposes the Order, and risks bringing their wrath down on herself, her family, and her village. She must confront the true risk that wizards pose to the world, and weigh the safety of her people against justice.

Having served as a Search-and-Rescuewoman for thirty years, Captain Jane Oliver is ready for a peaceful retirement. But when tragedy strikes, Oliver's plans are shattered, and she finds herself thrust into a role she's not prepared for. Suddenly at the helm of the Coast Guard's elite SAR-1 lunar unit, Oliver is the only one who can prevent an all-out war on the surface of the moon, a conflict that will surely consume the earth as well... File Under: Science Fiction [ Coast to Space Coast | USA v China | Semper Paratus | One Small Step... ]

From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle. Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx - Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC) - he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.

For the dead, war never ends... Javelin Rain is the fast-paced, adrenaline filled sequel to Gemini Cell, set in the same magical and militaristic world of Myke Cole's acclaimed Shadow Ops series. The perfect read for fans of John Gwynne and Brandon Sanderson. 'Character-rich and action driven - a Molotov cocktail of human weaknesses and superhuman abilities' - Robin Hobb Javelin: the loss of a national security asset with strategic impact Rain: a crisis of existential proportions Javelin Rain incidents must be resolved immediately, by any means necessary, no matter the cost... Being a US Navy SEAL was Jim Schweitzer's life until the day he was killed. Now, his escape from the government that brought him back from the dead has been coded 'Javelin Rain'. Schweitzer and his family are on the run from his unit and, while he may be immortal, his wife and son are not. It's up to Jim to keep his family safe and free from the clutches of his former masters, whose plans could spell disaster not only for him, but for the entire nation... What readers are saying about Javelin Rain: 'Javelin Rain is phenomenal and brilliant. For the first time, Myke Cole has me in tears. I eagerly await the next one' 'Tough, gritty, fast-paced fantasy. Hard to put down once you start reading' 'The plot has several unexpected twists and you find yourself rooting for the good guy to somehow figure out a way to prevail'

The Great Reawakening did not come quietly. Across the country and in every nation, people began "coming up Latent," developing terrifying powers--summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting everything they touch ablaze. Those who Manifest must choose: become a sheepdog who protects the flock or a wolf who devours it...
In the wake of a bloody battle at Forward Operating Base Frontier and a scandalous presidential impeachment, Lieutenant Colonel Jan Thorsson, call sign "Harlequin," becomes a national hero and a pariah to the military that is the only family he's ever known.
In the fight for Latent equality, Oscar Britton is positioned to lead a rebellion in exile, but a powerful rival beats him to the punch: Scylla, a walking weapon who will stop at nothing to end the human-sanctioned apartheid against her kind.
When Scylla's inhuman forces invade New York City, the Supernatural Operations Corps are the only soldiers equipped to prevent a massacre. In order to redeem himself with the military, Harlequin will be forced to face off with this havoc-wreaking woman from his past, warped by her power into something evil...

Army Officer. Fugitive. Sorcerer. In every nation, people are waking up with magical talents that are sending the world to war. Bringing order to a world gone mad won't be easy for Oscar Britton in Myke Cole's mile-a-minute Control Point, winner of the 2013 Compton Crook Award. The Shadow Ops series is the perfect read for fans of Peter V. Brett and Patrick Rothfuss. 'Black Hawk Down meets the X-Men... Military fantasy like you've never seen it before' - Peter V. Brett, author of The Desert Spear All over the world people are 'coming up latent' - developing new and terrifying abilities. Untrained and pan icked, they are summoning storms, raising the dead, and setting every thing they touch ablaze. US Army Lieutenant Oscar Britton has always done his duty, even when it means working alongside the feared Supernatural Operations Corps, hunting down and taking out those with newfound magical talents. But when he manifests a rare, startling power of his own and finds himself a marked man, all bets are off. On the run from his former colleagues, Britton is driven into an underground shadow world, where he is about to learn that magic has changed all the rules he's ever known ... and that his life isn't the only thing he's fighting for. What readers are saying about Control Point: 'A gripping thrill-ride from the first page to the last. A great story with brilliant characters including our hero Oscar Britton' 'As a lover of action and the fantasy genre, this was a perfect read and one that promises much to come' 'Myke Cole lets loose with a vivid imagination overlaying genuine military experience that forms the foundation of the tale. Excellent, fast-paced fun'

The thrilling conclusion to Myke Cole's Sacred Throne trilogy Heloise and her allies are marching on the Imperial Capital. The villagers, the Kipti, and the Red Lords are united only in their loyalty to Heloise, though dissenting voices are many and they are loud. The unstable alliance faces internal conflicts and external strife, yet they're united in their common goal. But when the first of the devils start pouring through a rent in the veil between worlds, Heloise must strike a bargain with an unlikely ally, or doom her people to death and her world to ruin. Praise for the Sacred Throne Trilogy "A heart-wrenching, blood-racing, all-around page-turner. Spare, vivid and surprisingly sensual, with a small, fierce heroine who will stick in your mind and live in your soul."--Diana Gabaldon "Ruthless and heart-wrenching." --Robin Hobb The Sacred Throne Trilogy The Armored Saint The Queen of Crows The Killing Light