Fateful Lightning

Colonel Andrew Keane and his army of Civil War veterans, along with recruits from Rus and Roum, have lost the battle against the Merki and Tugar hordes. To avoid captivity and slaughter, Rus towns including the beloved capital Suzdal must be abandoned, people fleeing by train or by foot to the northern wilderness.


Following on the events in TERRIBLE SWIFT SWORD (Lost Regiment #3), the exodus begins, with a new fortress built and preparations for yet further fighting against the savage hordes.  Keane has learned from his mistakes, and new battle plans are made to repel the enemy.  Their chances of survival are improved thanks to the genius Chuck Fergusen, who comes up with some unexpected and life-saving inventions.


The Lost Regiment, with its sympathetic, colorful characters surviving and overcoming seemingly impossible odds, remains one of the most loved and respected American series.


“Exciting and moves like a bullet with good characters and battle scenes. . . . An excellent read.”

- Analog


"With Bill Forstchen, you'll get some of the best adventure writing in years!"

- Science Fiction Chronicle


"One of the most intriguing writers today in the field of historical and military science fiction."

- Harry Turtledove, author of THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH and HOW FEW REMAIN


on the LOST REGIMENT series:

"A parallel world novel of majestic sweep and gripping intensity."

- L. Sprague de Camp, author of LEST DARKNESS FALL and THE ANCIENT ENGINEERS


"Bill Forstchen is highly respected in the military history community because he is the only one working in the field who understands the operational aspects of war, as well as the tactical and the policy/Strategic levels." 

- Dr. Dennis Showalter, Past President of the Society for Military History, author of TANNENBERG: CLASH OF EMPIRES


William R. Forstchen is the author of nearly forty books, has a Ph.D. in history from Purdue University and is a Faculty Fellow at Montreat College. He has a broad spectrum of works including science fiction and fantasy, historical fiction, alternate history, several scholarly works, numerous short stories and articles and a near-future thriller ONE SECOND AFTER, its forthcoming sequel ONE YEAR AFTER, and PILLAR TO THE SKY.