Humanity is reaching out to the stars. Something out there is reaching back… Vinland is a colony of corpses. The Mars outpost was our first tentative step out of the cradle. More than a half century after man first walked on the moon we were finally exploring our own solar system. And we found monsters. An alien species, determined to seize Earth and its resources, is also on Mars and they don’t like to share. We’re outclassed, outgunned and almost out of time. We have one saving grace. The enemy suffer from the universal bane of all sentient life – politics. They were allowed only a minimal invasion force (some assembly required) and they’re building up on the red planet. We get one shot at stopping them. We have no choice but to send the enemy home defeated. Or lose our own home forever… From the training grounds of Earth to the battlefields of Mars, Black Ships is the first book in A.G. Claymore’s Black Ships, a military, sci-fi, 1st contact space opera. If you like Herbert and Heinlein, you’ll love Black Ships! Immerse yourself in this epic series today!

In the decade following Earth's narrow victory over the Dactari invasion attempt, Humans have reverse engineered much of their enemy's technology. From captured data, they learn that the Dactari Republic is merely the successor to a much larger empire; one that died out long before Humans mastered the secrets of iron. Many worlds of the old empire have been left untouched by the republic, and a race begins as the factions of Earth struggle for trade dominance with the independent planets. The crew members of the Völund have each left Earth for their own reasons. They quickly find themselves embroiled in intrigue, conflict and outright war as their path, paved with good intentions, leads them straight to a hell of their own making. They must follow their path to the very end to learn the ultimate fate of mankind. (Approx. 90,000 words)

A Black Ships Novella Detective Sergeant Ben Mark's life is falling apart. It's been a long, painful process for years but the pace has just accelerated dramatically. A suicide turns into the case from Hell as Ben realizes that Dr. Mortensen was the victim of foul play. And he may not be the last. Ben's own life is in danger as he struggles desperately to uncover what Gaia Biodesign is doing on their orbital lab, and why they are willing to kill to keep it quiet. As he races to uncover the truth, he learns that the entire species may be the next victim. Just as humanity is finally reaching for the stars, a terrible mistake may knock us back into the Stone Age. If anyone is left alive... (approx 18,000 words)

An Orbital Decay Novella Even the simplest of plans can go horribly wrong. Ben and his small group were only hours away from their destination. Just three more hours and he could have handed the four researchers over to government personnel, but an unfortunate military operation leaves them stranded in South Carolina. Three more hours and the burden of responsibility would have been lifted from his shoulders. The dead are dangerous enough, but the living are proving to be an even greater threat. As banks and distribution networks collapse, ordinary citizens resort to desperate measures and Ben's group make a tempting target. As they fight their way forward, they are faced with a hard decision. Do they stop where they are and try to build a new life out of the chaos or do they push on? Our species is ultimately doomed, but a new one will take its place, if it can survive the fall of its predecessor. (approx 24,000 words)

The Orphan Alliance Third in the 'Black Ships' Series An unlikely alliance of Humans and Midgaard has seized a foothold in the Dactari Republic only to be cut off from all support. For three years, our fleet has heard nothing from Earth except for an automated message warning of a highly virulent infection. Now, a lone ship has appeared bearing fear, pestilence and hope and its presence forces a decision on fleet command. We can destroy the ship and all the potential it represents, choosing instead to play out the hand already dealt to us, almost certainly leading to a steady decline in personnel. Our only other option is to embrace the deadly gift carried by the Pandora and become something new. With Earth at its most vulnerable, a decision must be made. And the fight must go on. 94,000 words)