North American Commonwealth | Frontlines

[@TemplinInstitute]

Check out our interview with Marko Kloos, author of frontlines right over here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGixoap6nNWnba8

[@mingchoi8369]

This was a genuine surprise. I mean, it's not every week you see an Audio Log entry on a military sci-fi novel series I have never heard until now. You should do more entries on the Frontlines Saga. I hope this is turned into a television series someday, like the Expanse or the upcoming Foundation Saga.

[@ReverendMeat51]

Take a look at the books. They're incredibly readable without being dumb, a series like Expanse could be really awesome. If you have netflix check out the love, death and robots episode "Lucky 13" which was adapted from the short story from this universe

[@davidamoritz]

So I just saw your post and was wondering what you thought of the foundations adaptation?

[@EldeNice]

@@davidamoritz It was not that good. The adaptation differs so much from the books that it's an entirely different story by the end of the season. The only change I actually liked was the genetic dynasty. It made more sense to keep us invested in familiar faces instead of changing the rulers every other episode. Other than that everything else was unecessary and took away from the main plot resulting in a weird mix of family drama and high sci-fi.

[@davidamoritz]

@@EldeNice Oh trust me besides the names of a few characters and planets and repeating the empire will fall there was nothing from the original books broke my heart I have waited over 38 years to see it on a screen and well. Ugh dummies messed it up

[@TurboNerdNews]

Been in the USN for 10 years and this series is the most relatable realistic military sci fi I have ever had the pleasure of reading. (Neural networks is the logical progression of my rate.)

[@cavtastic5691]

Huge fan as an armor officer. They need more tanks though. A lot more.

[@ReverendMeat51]

I love how realistic Grayson's career track is. He doesn't start off as a super badass hero who jumps through the ranks, he's just a dude who does his job and eventually gets conned into being a butterbar

[@piotrd.4850]

Seems like Starcarrier series, just not going down the drain at the end.

[@ianmather7602]

@@cavtastic5691 found the armor officer

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

@@ianmather7602 Yes, he definitely didn't say so outright. Well done!

[@TyrsMissingArm]

Prior USAF here! Having Minot as your capital is just gross.

[@Marylandbrony]

The nearest "large" city to the geographic center of the country would be either Minneapolis or Winnipeg.

[@peanutmoose9591]

Ya it makes no sense

[@spartanalex9006]

@@Marylandbrony St. Louis could work too.

[@judaegekikamen4223]

@@spartanalex9006 it would be similar but alternate universe to Defiance universe of based on St. Louis

[@fredlandry6170]

Not much to do there I would think. Very flat and very cold and windy.

[@justinm20]

I love Sci-fi that takes into account the greediness and competitive nature of humanity. Always makes for better stories in my opinion.

[@dreamcatcherben8214]

i hate the invevitable nature of the settings

[@DarkKnight52365]

hence why i consider star wars to be more realistic then star trek

[@OverlordZephyros]

Theres a new type of human that exist today that can be called Homo Novus, They will be the next kind of human ( I met some of them) and they, while physically not much different than us, they are extremely intelligent and emphatic. They will inherit the Earth when we will be long extinct. So its safe to say a star trek future is inevitable with them at charge

[@derektorres3092]

I find that in this day and age the idyllic society of the previous sci-fi works needs to return. For the last few decades, it's all been nothing but pessimistic stories about the end of Earth, Dystopian settings, etc. The main issue is that most of these stories either mean idyllic or pessimistic when in reality humanity is much more dynamic and complex. There are very few stories where the future is just normal, not 40k, not Stat Trek, not Cyberpunk, but normal. Like how these technologies would evolve and different states grow and evolve. A lot of people associate realism with pessimism when it comes to Sci-fi, but our real future is rather boring since we won't notice it coming. Because humanity isn't destined to unify or divide its evolution has always been ever-changing. I think sci-fi needs a period where the stories are about how life isn't gonna be a drastic Utopia or Dystopia split but a more mundane and realistic view of the world.

[@justinm20]

@@derektorres3092 Like The Expanse?

[@BigPapiLaz]

Hell yes! The best military sci-fi series I've ever read. Glad to see the Templin Institute giving Kloos the attention he deserves.

[@FraggertheBoss]

As someone who values Marko Kloos, and reveres him for his work, and has used his work as an inspiration for my own SciFi novels that hope to be published one day, the fact that you guys chose to do a video about the N.A.C makes me happy beyond belief. I love the world-building that Kloos has in the Frontlines series, the character development, and the visual picture that he can paint with words. I can't believe I only found this video today. And I am fanboying so hard right now!

[@somerandomdude7785]

Fun Fact: Lucky 13 from Love, Death & Robots is actually a part from the Frontlines novel.

[@andrewdiaz3529]

One of my favorite ones!

[@TurboNerdNews]

That's what turned me on to the series, I have never heard weapon conditions in fiction ( Right before they land, the squad leader says "Condition one rifles!" meaning to load a round into the chamber.)

[@WillockFlame]

is that the one where the chic has an aircraft which has brought her good luck during battles?

[@Foxx607]

Really that cool as Hell.

[@quirkyadventures1722]

The lucky 13 short was probably what got me into reading the series. One of my friends had been bugging me to read it for months but after watching that short film I can safely say I'm a massive fan now

[@guywithstufftosay]

To see his work adapted on Netflix was unreal. Like it all feels so natural Lucky 13 from love, death and Robots on Netflix

[@judaegekikamen4223]

Are all these movies on Netflix?

[@arandomguest0089]

@@judaegekikamen4223 an anthology of short films

[@mattkent4397]

Oh shit that was his story! Fuck I loved that story!

[@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269]

Netflix better not screw it up

[@WillockFlame]

is that the one where the chic has an aircraft which has brought her good luck during battles?

[@Dontiva]

Imagine being an alien empire and have to make a trade deal NOT with another empire but a single continent. North America has no chill.

[@falloutgod1073]

Murica

[@oompalumpus699]

💥🦅

[@ascalon22]

Can't wait for new book, would recommend the book series to anyone.

[@Aoz0901]

Congrats on 5th

[@Enryakuji12]

So would I. What if, from the beginning, the existing or new books were instead told by a Chinese person, African, Brazillian, or "Euro?"

[@judaegekikamen4223]

@@Enryakuji12 different points of view- I like it!

[@ascalon22]

@@Enryakuji12 that would be amazing, only person I care about is Dimitri. Any other character can die but not him.

[@Enryakuji12]

​@@ascalon22 I do agree with you that Dimitri is wonderful and I even understand and speak some Russian and Chinese as well as their respective cultures -- I also want to know more about the SRA's "Sino" part as well as the role of the Japanese in this world. But still, personally I'm horrified by what you've said about not caring about other people/characters such as Grayson and Fallon and others. But I conclude is clear Major Unworth was an (attempted) rapist -- though I am male, many people could not begin to imagine how much I loathe and utterly despite all filthy rapist vermin. Part of me would not even hesitate to execute a rapist with every last trace of the rapist's family, or level an entire city with a nuclear device rather than allow one possible rapist to live.

[@jestemzpolski8558]

As a fan of the frontline series I can say: a surprise to be sure but a welcome one

[@critical7401]

Honestly, those cities sound like the predecessor of hive cities in warhammer 40k. Like, repurposed waste as food, massive habitationblocks, rations made of waste/literal shit. That is some 40k shit. For the Empreror!

[@DocWolph]

Sounds like the Mega Cities built in the middle of the Cursed Earth.

[@Mjolnir117]

I’m glad I’m not the only one to make the same comparison to the hives.

[@weldonwin]

@@DocWolph The Clusters certainly sound a lot like the Hab Blocks

[@hedonistic_goblin7390]

I've always said that!

[@pendragon0905]

The Dark Age of Technology is upon us!

[@alexmorrow1569]

Omg I never imagined you guys would do marko kloos! He's one of my favorite!!

[@ReverendMeat51]

Awesome I love this series, the author's own military experience really comes through giving it more authenticity than most in the genre

[@noahboggs7626]

Been a huge fan of this series since I came across on of the books in my public library and then discovered audible I love this series and marko kloos as a writer and I've always loved this channel and I never thought I'd see the day you guys covered this book series so close to my heart

[@Heisen2420]

Personal Fan Suggestions. 1) The Tau Empire, Warhammer 40K 2) The Sith Empire, Star Wars Legends 3) Skynet, Terminator 4) The Terran Republic, Planetside 5) The High Elf Kingdoms of Ulthuan, Warhammer Fantasy 6) The Aeon Illuminate, Supreme Commander 7) The Kingdom of Erebor, The Hobbit 8) The Empire of the Rising Sun, Command and Conquer Red Alert 9) The Empire of Man/Sigmar, Warhammer Fantasy 10) The Umbrella Corporation, Resident Evil High Command. 1) The War of the Ring, Lord of the Rings 2) The Clone Wars, Star Wars 3) The Domination War, Star Trek 4) The Horus Hersey, Warhammer 40K 5) The Nilfgaard invasion, The Witcher Atlas. 1) The White City of Minas Tirith, the Lord of the Rings 2) Moraband/Korriban (The Sith Homeworld), Star Wars Legends 3) The Town of Megaton, Fallout 4) The City of Lost Heaven, Mafia 5) The Hive City of Necromunda, Warhammer 40K Bestiary. 1) Godzilla, Godzilla 1954 Version 2) The Xenomorph, Alien 3) The Indominus Rex, Jurassic World 4) Deathclaws, Fallout 5) Kong, King Kong Dossier 1) Darth Vader, Star Wars 2) Arthas the Lich King, Warcraft 3) Victor Fries/Mr. Freeze, Batman Animated Series 4) The Doom Slayer, DOOM 5) John Connor, Terminator

[@sickdog3861]

The illuminate fasho. I wish they made a third game, they were goofy but in a super charming way.

[@JordonVirtue]

Capital city... Minot? Lmao. No longer just a place for young Saskatchewan and Alberta residents to buy cheap liquor.

[@SirAroace]

Like in the real world, "overpopulation" is a symptom of wealth inequality and not a real problem in and of it self.

[@zulthyr1852]

well said

[@TheSybermedic]

I am listening to the complete audio book series again getting ready for "Orders of Battle". The Frontline series is with out question one of the greatest Mil-SciFi series created. I would love for you to do a talk on the SRA and the Lankies.

[@argosime]

I did not expect this book series to get an episode, dope

[@markrunner2975]

Thanks for introducing me to Frontlines, I’ll be sure to check it out! If you’re interested, I’d love to see you guys do a video on the Tron universe as well.

[@sibire8284]

I am so fucking happy that you guys covered this series. It deserves SO MUCH more publicity.

[@Ace2021]

Sino-Russian Alliance next please! I have all of Marko’s books, huge fan!

[@bp9696]

Wow, longer episodes on such a frequent basis. I love it :)

[@SidharthSen]

Damn! The moment I saw this.. I was like wait .. Marko Kloos? Lankies! THANK YOU TEMPLIN!

[@thatdubsteppanda36]

just getting into reading this great series and i was NOT expecting a video on them, glad to see this cool universe getting some recognition

[@casbot71]

A interesting concept not usually portrayed in SciFi, what if Alien civilisations have different relations with different Earth power blocks. And to make it even more complicated, what if that Alien civilisations has its own political divisions and one group unites with a particular Human faction, so it's internal adversaries decide that _the rival of my rival's ally is a ally of convenience._ And if it's a unified hostile species to Humanity, that still doesn't mean that Humanity will unite to fight. It may well be strategically useful (if perhaps shortsighted) to let a rival get beat up on and have to do the heavy lifting. In this example, should the NAC have just started a interstellar conflict, the other powers may let them take the casualties and damage. And if it's a intelligent foe that can be communicated with, even make a offer of no conflict. "We aren't with the ones who invaded your territory, and as long as you respect our territory [*here and here] we will respect yours and not assist those that violated your boarders" p.s. Here's a map of the NAC's complete territory…

[@jeffreycavanaugh1693]

Harry Turtledove explores this in his World War series that had aliens invading during WWII.

[@corydrichmond]

So glad this series is being done I love Frontlines.

[@comradeshadles4967]

Got the first 2 books a month or so ago and was very into it This was a great surprise Easy to recommend to anyone looking for a bit of military sci fi

[@crisandm1016]

This is a really good book series. The tech and worldbuilding are seriously good.

[@TheTheDarkWolf86]

I am just happy to see so many others who love this book series as much as I do!

[@pacowacko5539]

Could you do a series on the Civilizations from CIV Beyond Earth??? It would be nice one to do!!

[@Snowy123]

This is the first time I ever bought anything as a KZbin sponsored recommendation. I already have an audible account so I'm sorry it isn't helping you get those ad conversation ratios but hey imma get the book.

[@anderson92]

This is a fantastic series! Love to see it here!

[@reclusiarchgrimaldus1269]

I got into this book series just before the coof happened, I was on book two when we had to go virtual for school

[@dcdowd]

The Frontlines series is excellent. I’m happy to find this entry exists. Look forward to listening to what’s said about the Sino-Russian Alliance. Need to see if there are entries on the Federation and League from Joel Shepherd’s Kresnov books.

[@PracticeNine]

Thank you for introducing me to that Universe! The first night I started listening to the series I dreamed of my own basic training. Couldn't stop listening since! Please, more lore videos about this fantastic universe!

[@fallenoak4560]

Thanks for giving me an interesting book series to read. It’s like the Greater Terran Union again.

[@kirk7528]

One of the best Military Sci-Fi series out there. As a Soldier it very much captures the reality of military life but in a rich and believable futuristic setting.

[@slimnerek]

Bought all the books on a whim over this summer. When I tell you it was one of the best mil sci fi books I’ve ever read hands down. Best $80 I’ve spent in a while

[@erazor64]

I'll take a look at this. But the best interstellar war/politics thriller series I encountered is the Honorverse. It has real accent on well though out military technology and it's influence on changes in tactics and strategy.

[@retributionsthunder5040]

a welcome surprise would love to see more military sci-fi covered like galaxy's edge and the ember war series yet another great video.

[@steeltywars1]

Galaxy's Edge would be awesome but it'll take so long to cover. Savage Wars, Legion, House of Reason, Black Fleet, Dark and Nether Ops, and the Cybrex. We'd be here for weeks talking about it before going into detail.

[@luciusdomitiusaurelianus8826]

Galaxy's Edge is such an overlooked gem. I would love for it to get more attention.

[@silvershades6689]

OMFG, MY FAVOURITE SCI FI SERIES EVER ON THE INSTITUTE?! DAY MADE! Fanboying aside, I hope you could maybe cover something from Kloos's other Sci Fi series, Palladium Wars.

[@Marqan]

Frontlines is amazing! All the books were so interesting, and different from the previous ones. I personally enjoyed it more than the Expanse books. Frontlines is more of a classic sci-fi I think, while still feeling fresh.

[@lucky_lynx7867]

Could you do more videos on the Frontline series

[@PaladinGuy]

Well, this video got this book series on my wishlist.

[@sandrika22]

I have questions to those who read both. "Old man's war" or "Frontlines"? I don't think I can read both of them as they seem so similar.

[@ReverendMeat51]

They are quite different, while both are military sci-fi Scalzi's is more fantastical where Kloos' is more grounded, and the latter's military details are better, and Kloos is better at writing combat and action.

[@sandrika22]

@@ReverendMeat51 One more question my good sir. Who's characters are better written?

[@ReverendMeat51]

@@sandrika22 That's a hard question. Scalzi is good at writing characters, no doubt. My own military experience biases me to Kloos though, I relate to his characters more

[@sandrika22]

@@ReverendMeat51 Thank you very much. Frontlines it is.

[@soul1d]

Different setting, different tech levels, different tech development, different messages relayed in different societies.

[@bamaboy5746]

Can you do a video(s) covering the different nation-states of America after the power goes out in "Revolution"?

[@TommygunNG]

When you said guns were banned in those PRCs, you killed the buzz.

[@SamuelGracefell]

Thanks for introducing me to this amazing series! I rated every book with 5 stars.

[@BlazingWolfNova]

New book is also out and was an enjoyable addition to the series. The new Palladium Wars series by Kloos is also great and involves significantly more political intrigue as well as a multiple perspective narrative.

[@AdhocHoopla]

Oh man, my favourite sci-fi series on the templin institute! Ahhhhhhhhhh yes!

[@EliteDebate]

Do an Episode on the Eastern Roman Empire, aka Byzantium. Id love to see segments on the Varangian Guard and the politics of the in between EU and Asia tradehub.

[@yakota18]

My favorite book series of all time!

[@raxzal_]

idk why I thought this was about frontlines: fuel of war

[@AV--G]

Damn I remember reading this series years ago on my Kindle Paperwhite, thanks for jogging my memory! I was wondering its name

[@darnellsimpson4413]

I love the different spotlights.

[@xTechnoWOW]

Love this book series!

[@starhalv2427]

I love those videos. Could you do Triumvirate, Burgundy, or Russian Warlords from TNO: Last Days of Europe?

[@mikoajciemiega8018]

frontlines is my second favorite book series, it's amazing

[@chaosfire321]

Oh man, this book seems so interesting! Definitely on my wishlist.

[@jwisking]

Thanks for introducing me to these books.

[@KillerOrca]

Man these guys are going nuts with the new stuff Interestingly, the NAC seems like the United Republics of North America from Halo

[@Vityaz1917]

Or the North American Empire from Destiny.

[@chaosfire321]

Tbf, a lot of future sci-fi combine nation-states to ease the book keeping/worldbuilding. Not a lotta folks want to deal with double digit major countries or more. The US, Canada and Mexico are commonly smushed together (also the United North American States in Mass Effect, the United Canadian and American States in Shadowrun, the...United States in Fallout, etc.) Other common rivals include a United Africa, United Europe, Middle Eastern Union, Asian Union, etc

[@Vityaz1917]

@@chaosfire321 I think it’s still an interesting concept of nations uniting in the future. Not the most accurate but still very interesting

[@Foxx607]

I think ytou mean the UNSC United Nation Space Command which is Under the UEG United Earth Government.

[@KillerOrca]

@@Foxx607 URNA is part of the UEG, alongside other nation states like United Korea and the European Union. The UNSC is the UEGs military branch, completely separate

[@chronorebel_greatgryffon1312]

Can analize faction of the Infinite universe , I'd love to see an investigation on PanOceania

[@fumarc4501]

Hey, my friend recommended this book to me. Intriguing.

[@AlphariusXXth]

I LOVE THIS SERIES

[@puffyharpseal]

Love this series and channel, please do more!

[@fingellbottomthe3rd134]

This is a great vid thank you for making this and all of your other vids.

[@TheBoomerpirate]

Have you ever considered doing a video on the Old Mans War series?

[@mattk3926]

I love this book series it's so awesome

[@Fanboy675]

So I started reading these after watching this video, then watching the Netflix clip. I'm already on book 4, this is some awesome stuff!

[@fredlandry6170]

Interesting series I think I will check it out.

[@tokra2222]

PRC's seem a lot like buildings from the Dredd universe. :)

[@Starwarsgeek-98]

Wait a ducking moment!!!!! Frontlines is coming to netflix!!!!!?????

[@Alexander-tu3iv]

As much as I love the concept of nation states going to the stars and competing with eachother, I am kind of disappointed in the conflict appearing to be essentially a rehash of the cold war but with slightly beefier versions of the US and USSR. I mean from some basic research it seems the author was in the west german millitary in 1989 so it's understandable the cold war probably had a lot of influence on him. I just feel like it's a bit of a wasted opportunity for getting some unorthodox conflicts going. I really like the wealth inequality angle though.

[@ReverendMeat51]

Giant aliens showing up and stomping everything is pretty unorthodox from a cold-war perspective.

[@hailexiao2770]

It's kinda tiring how geopolitically the early Cold War (US vs USSR + China) gets rehashed all the time, but the 1970s-80s Cold War (US + China vs USSR) gets scant attention.

[@DABViktor]

Thank you the English subtitle.

[@rgm-96xjesta31]

Do a video on Halo's Office of Naval Intelligence or the Insurrections next!

[@GhostRydr1172]

I know nothing of this series, but I could see Halo's UNSC "evolving" from something like the NAC.

[@AdairCorbin]

This was a great video about a great world and convinced me I want to read the series. But I have to nitpick, you saying systematic when you meant systemic, was really bothering me.

[@magicaljagical647]

Does the NAC control Central America and the Caribbean? Since Central America and the Caribbean are considered within North America(continent).

[@libertariandragon9142]

Can you do a video on the North American Confederacy from the series of the same name? Basically this is a series wherein the whiskey rebellion was a success. Partially because of the point of divergence being the addition of a single word in the Declaration of Independence.

[@betabaum3817]

I can say i am a huge fan of that series and if read truh it in german and english

[@JamilLynch]

Will you do the Sino-Russian Alliance from the same IP next?

[@ZearthGJL]

Territorial Army? I only remember Homeland Defence.

[@samuelefesoa7317]

Project Wingman is out, and I think you guys can make a video about one of its countries.

[@westtell4]

i watched This Video and immediately bought his first book

[@mattkent4397]

It seriously sounds like starship troopers, but with realism.

[@quirkyadventures1722]

Funnily enough the reviews on the back cover of the first book actually states that if I remember rightly

[@ZearthGJL]

Last time I was this early, the LHO had taken Mars.

[@cmdraftbrn]

we sure this aint 2020 in a nutshell?

[@bencox3641]

No, if it was then there will be more people complaining about nothing online.

[@firefly9838]

Not yet😏 just wait 30-40 years tho

[@lEGOBOT2565]

I LOVE THIS SERIES OF BOOKS I HAVE THEM ALL

[@thomasgrogan7296]

Hey try doing a no straight roads investigation, that video game 🎮 deserves some more recognition for their originality and electricity made by music is totally cool.

[@cbergeron4137]

Great Channel

[@Glenndogamer35]

Eyyy I love this series

[@epicsardines6440]

When did u do this? I have been into the series since 2018!!!

[@Awsomepotato567]

Please do videos on the setting of Infinity!

[@melikwalker296]

This sounds more like the Judge Dredd universe

[@Marylandbrony]

"I am the Law'

[@mogwaiman6048]

There is no way an expansionist power would have combat inexperienced expeditionary assets.

[@peanutmoose9591]

Did this guy really say that Minot North Dakota is the super national capital of the North American Commonwealth?

[@sirbobybob]

Yeah I’m an avid fan of these books, don’t remember minot

[@kidz4p509]

There's only one word to describe one's life as a galactic soldier: Impactful. And I say that because soldiers would often have experiences that would change their lives forever. The military's terms of enlistment are pretty simple: Win a lottery ticket to enter a colony ship settling off-world, or join the service. The lines of departure however are the most difficult to comprehend as it takes soldiers to the battlefield. And I'm sorry to say that they'll be hit from all angles of attack. Fortunately, the chain of command is doing all it could do to help their soldiers, who are having no choice, but to walk through the fields of fire. While they are successful in some cases, there are points of impact that would lead to negative results, leading to new orders of battle. This is how impactful a galactic soldier's life would be, when fighting on the frontlines.

[@quirkyadventures1722]

LMFAO that was amazing!

[@kidz4p509]

@QuirkyAdventures Thnx. Took me forever to figure out how to write this.