In Death Ground

Plot summary

The novel is set in a distant future where humanity has expanded through space via warp points, forming a Terran Federation of Core Worlds, Corporate Worlds, and Fringe Worlds. After three interstellar wars with various species, humanity enjoys seventy years of peace. A survey squadron traveling through an uncharted warp point encounters a hive-like species called the Bugs, which ambushes them with heavy losses. The Bugs invade Terran and Orion space, and satellites reveal they regard other sentient life as food, preferring to consume prey alive and raising ranches of conquered species. In response, Terrans, Orions, Gorm, and Ophiuchi form a Grand Alliance. The novel includes detailed space and ground battle sequences, tactical discussions, an arms race, and interpersonal relations among different species. The universe is based on the Starfire wargame series, which David Weber helped develop.