I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A decade into a ruthless war, an unrelenting enemy’s latest plans are discovered in author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron”, the third book in the Crafting Humanity series.

The Synopsis

After a decade at war the BlankZone has begun its final move to eradicate the Federation.

The Federation has fallen. James and his team have fought against the BlankZone’s assault for the last decade traveling across the country to the independent city states operating the last remnants of Federation society. For years, the war has existed as a stalemate. James and the remaining Federation soldiers have organized under NOLA, a new decentralized force based in its namesake city of New Orleans. Meanwhile, the BlankZone has used its Sentinels and inhuman soldiers to raze every city it can, leaving piles of ash in its wake.

With the war against the BlankZone in an unending cycle James and the team have split up on separate missions. As they are returning from a routine operation, James stumbles upon supplies being transported, heading towards the Federation’s desolate north. Along with his team, James makes his way towards the Federation’s destroyed northeastern cities to discover why the BlankZone is focusing their efforts in such a barren location. Join the journey to uncover the next step in the BlankZone’s plan to destroy the Federation. The world has changed drastically and James must find answers before it’s too late.

The Review

Exhilarating and thrilling, the author does an incredible job of upping the ante in this narrative while also making this more character-driven. The intense action and the detailed way the author brings to life what life is like on the front lines of a war-torn world was vivid and richly developed, and the shocking revelations that come from unexpected sources about what the BZ is doing not only to the Exils but their plans for the surviving remnants of the Federation as a whole drives the characters forward at an unpralleled pace, giving readers an intense connection to these characters.

In many ways, this novel was one of the most intimate of the entire series to date. James especially deserves a special shoutout as the protagonist, showcasing the legend that has grown over the years due to his and his team’s exploits and showing both physically and emotionally how the war has left its scars on him and his allies. The return of a hated foe leaves an even bigger scar that will shock readers, and the infusion of a potential love interest for James with a particular character will create more heart and connection that readers will be able to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and action-packed, author Brendan O’Meara’s “Hammered in Iron” is a must-read and entertaining dystopian action thriller. The mystery of the BZ and what they’re building, the tension that mounts as the world develops, and the rich character development will stay with readers as they eagerly await the next entry in the Crafting Humanity series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

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